At the beginning of 2009, America’s credit card debt reached over 972 billion dollars, and the average American family had over $10,000 in credit card debt. In our current economic situation, almost everyone can relate to the pressure of debt.
These circumstances in our country create a perfect opportunity for us to use the physical to relate to the spiritual. Carrying a credit card in your wallet or purse will give you a simple, yet powerful object lesson for the gospel.
Your credit card has your name on it. The bank issued that card and gave you the ability to use it however you want. If you want to swipe that card at a gas station, they won’t stop you. If you want to swipe that card to purchase an over-priced coat, they won’t try to talk you out of it. Why? Because they’re keeping track of every transaction, and one day, they’re going to require that the debt be paid.
You have been given life. God created you and gave you the ability to use your life however you want. If you want to “swipe” lust, He won’t stop you. If you want to “swipe” anger, He won’t try to talk you out of it. Why? Because He’s keeping track, and one day, you’re going to have to pay that debt of sin.
I won’t be responsible for your sin, just as you’re not responsible for my credit card debt. One day, you will stand before God and give account for your life. You won’t be able to pretend that the debt doesn’t exist, because God will have a record of all your words, thoughts, and actions. On that day, your possessions and popularity won’t matter. The only thing that will matter is how your debt will be paid.
I can tell you on the authority of God’s Word that there are only two ways to pay that debt:
1. Eternal death in a place called Hell – The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a) Because of our sin, we deserve to spend eternity separated from God, but because of His great love for us, He has provided a second way to pay that debt…
2. Sacrificial Death of Jesus Christ on the Cross - Jesus Christ died to pay the price for your sin, and if we accept Him as our personal Saviour, He will pay that debt for us! Listen to the rest of the verse we looked at earlier, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Jesus is the only one who can pay that debt for you, and He offers salvation to you as a gift.
There are obviously a lot of different applications for this illustration, and I encourage you to look at how many times financial terms are used in the Bible to illustrate salvation and sin. As always, there are holes in the picture, because no earthly story can perfectly illustrate a divine truth, but I hope you can use this illustration to spark the thinking of the lost, and perhaps, it will give you a chance to share Jesus Christ in everyday coversation – at the bank, after a Walmart purchase, or with a friend who brings up the poor economy.
There are opportunities all around us to share the gospel. Don’t miss a single one!
Great analogy. Keep up the good work!!
Good illustration! I will use this for sure!