Like the lobster who foolishly enters the lobster trap to go for the bait is the “want” person who lets their “want this, want that” appetite rule their behaviour. Both have lost their freedom and will end up being food for someone: the lobster on the plate of a hungry diner, and the “want” person on the balance sheet of hungry money lenders.
Who are these “want” people? They are the ones who let their cravings to have, desires to own, and longings to possess stuff—whatever it is that they don’t yet have—rule their lives. What makes it so easy to yield to these cravings is that little piece of plastic that I call the “gets-me-what-I-can’t-afford” card, also known as the credit card. It allows “want” people to indulge their wants, effectively trapping them in a pit of debt from which many never escape.
The lobster, of course, is ruled by its appetite and really doesn’t know any better. But the “want” people, the “I-must-have” people, do have a choice. They can and need to make up their mind to discipline their appetite, which will otherwise inevitably lead to financial imprisonment, unhappiness, and poverty. If you are one of these people, guard yourself by checking your “want” appetite so that you don’t fall into the hands of the usurer, who, at a 20 percent interest rate, keeps people on the debt and poverty hook contributing to the credit company’s balance sheet—many for the rest of their lives.
How does one avoid this “want” trap?
- Pray for God’s leading and protection in this matter.
- Think of the consequences every time you are tempted to use your credit card.
- If you need to, become a cash-only person.
Taking these three steps will have God’s blessing and lead to a carefree life, as well as financial independence. Don’t you be like the lobster!
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. —Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” —Luke 12:15 (NLT)
