Until Debt Do Us Part
CBN.com Like practically all weddings, Scott and Amy Lee’s special day was a joyous celebration. And of course the groom left something behind. But in Scott’s case it wasn’t the ring, it was debt.
“In my life, as finances became more and more difficult, rather than dealing with God, I just charged it,” remembers Scott.
Scott Lee’s finances were out of control. After he and his first wife parted ways years ago, he found himself $26,000 in credit card debt.
Scott explains, “I lived a lifestyle beyond my means. And God’s way of getting my attention was through finances. And my way of ignoring God was using credit card.
Scott, now single, went to a financial advisor who taught him about discipline, and God’s principle of stewardship.
“As soon as I began to take a stewardship mentality, my income began to stabilize and as that income stabilized my attitude was any extra money goes toward debt,” says Scott. “God knew if I needed a car, God needed to provide a car because if he gave me money for a car that was going to debt.”
Scott went on a strict, cash only budget system, and trusted God for every need. After five and a half years, he paid off his debt.
In 2003, Scott re-married. His wife Amy kept her credit cards at first, but eventually realized she needed to “buy in” to Scott’s system.
Amy says, “I remember the phase of thinking ‘you know what? I need to play at 100%.’ I need to start really living out this frugality the way that Scott lives it out and need to submit to his leadership and get rid of my little charges to the side and it was amazing to see how it really does work.”
Each paycheck, after paying bills, they would set aside cash for all of their needs, including their usual 10% for giving.
Scott thought that was generous until he and Amy attended a generous giving conference. Scott sensed God speaking to him.
“Generous? You paid off the debt two years ago,” recounts Scott. “You’re not giving any more. You’re still giving at the same level. And I thought to myself if I’m not being generous then why am I living so frugally. And I realized the answer was I was living frugally because I’m afraid. I’m just afraid of my ability to provide and of the future … of the unknown.
Then God had more to say.
Scott continues, “I heard clearly, ‘Scott you’re relying on Amy’s income to set up your nest egg. I want you to give more aggressively from what you’re relying on. This has become your idol. This has become the thing you’re relying on that’s not me. So I want you to give it away.”
To Scott’s surprise, Amy heard the same thing -- God calling them to be radical givers. That day they increased their giving to more than 20% of their income. Immediately, they saw results.
“My fear of the future began to decline,” says Scott. “I began to experience freedom, I began to experience trust at a level I hadn’t known.”
The Lee’s have learned that no matter how radically God tells them to give, that he is faithful, and will provide their every need.
“You know trusting the Lord and watching Him provide for our needs and bless us just beyond providing, that’s fulfilling and that’s where I understand the God that I serve is, loves me and wants good things for me,” says Amy.
Giving has changed Scott’s and Amy’s lives in ways they never imagined.
“Through this giving God has changed our value system and our priorities to be much more of eternal nature,” shares Scott. “And the peace and joy and contentment that that brings has changed us forever. We are richer because of this giving experience, not poorer. Much, much richer.”
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