“The borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

Credit card debt can feel like a treadmill that never stops — you keep running, but the balance barely moves. Sound familiar?

Before you grab another financial self-help book or download yet another “debt calculator app,” let’s pause and look at debt the way a stewardwould.

Because stewardship isn’t about guilt — it’s about guidance. And when you approach credit card debt through a Kingdom lens, you discover that your financial strategy can be a form of worship.

1. Define Your Mission Before Your Method

In Uniform of the Steward, I wrote:

“Before you sharpen your tools, clarify your assignment. A steward acts with purpose, not impulse.”

Most people start their debt payoff journey by choosing a tactic — Snowball or Avalanche — without ever asking why they’re paying off debt in the first place.

Do you want peace? Flexibility? The ability to give more freely?
Knowing your mission changes how you approach the method.

When your “why” is clear, every payment becomes an act of obedience instead of obligation.

2. Rank Your Debts by Stewardship Priority

In Putting on the Uniform of the Steward, Thomas says:

“A soldier doesn’t swing wildly at the wind; he aims for the target.”

Your debt strategy needs the same precision. Rank your debts not only by amount or interest rate, but also by impact — which debts weigh most on your peace of mind, your monthly cash flow, or your ability to give?

Once ranked, attack one at a time with laser focus. Whether you choose the Debt Snowball (smallest to largest) or Debt Avalanche(highest interest first), remember this: progress is holy.

3. Build a Battle Plan You Can Stick To

Your plan should be challenging, not crushing.

• Set up automated payments to protect momentum.
• Create visual progress trackers to see wins pile up.
• Schedule monthly prayer and planning sessions (your “Financial Sabbath”).

This rhythm helps keep your heart aligned with God’s peace instead of panic.
As Thomas reminds us:

“The steward’s discipline isn’t punishment — it’s preparation.”

4. Reduce the Noise and Negotiate the Terms

Sometimes, strategy means simplifying your battlefield.

Call your creditors and ask for lower interest ratesor hardship plans. Use balance transfers strategically — not as escape routes, but as short-term reinforcements.

More importantly, stop adding new debt while you’re in repayment mode.
You can’t rebuild the walls of Jerusalem while the gates are still burning.

Nehemiah didn’t multitask — he focused on one mission, one wall, one section at a time. So should you.

5. Celebrate Every Step Toward Freedom

Debt payoff is rarely instant, but every faithful step is progress.

In Uniform of the Steward, I wrote:

“Freedom isn’t found in a zero balance. It’s found in a heart that’s learned to trust the Provider.”

When you make your final payment, you’ll realize the journey was never just about money — it was about mastery. God was shaping you into a faithful steward, capable of leading, giving, and living from abundance instead of anxiety.

So celebrate. Give thanks. Tell your story. Someone else needs the courage your obedience will inspire.

Your Steward’s Next Step

If you’re ready to take your strategy from theory to practice, dive deeper into Uniform of the Steward and Putting on the Uniform of the Steward — faith-based guides designed to align your financial habits with biblical principles.