Text: Proverbs 6:1-5; 20:16
Memory Verse: “Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger and hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress” (Proverbs 20:16).
Many institutions require a guarantor before providing employment and services (Luke 10:35). Life is about helping one another. There is no one who can succeed in life without the help of others. Man was created as a social animal for the purpose of making life more beautiful for one another. Unfortunately, sad stories abound of Christians who stood as guarantors and had their fingers burnt. The present generation takes undue advantage of the unwary. “Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil is plundered” (Isaiah 59:15 CEV).
Yet, we must not allow the wickedness of the godless hinder us from performing the good works we are called to do. God requires us to be wise in dealing with people. You must know that being a guarantor is a serious matter (Philemon 17-19) for the following reasons:
1. Your name and integrity are at stake. You do not have a bigger asset than your name.
2. Never stand as a surety for someone you do not know, someone you do not trust, a liar, a spendthrift, the unruly, a lazy person who will not work, a fraudster, and anyone who you are not sure will fulfil his end of the bargain.
3. Never stand surety for something you cannot pay or lose. You are a surety because you are going to make good the loss of the lender, if the debtor defaults.
4. Work hard to ensure that the person guaranteed keeps to the term of the agreement. Do not rest until the debt is paid.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, give me the grace to make wise decisions in all my dealings.
2. Lord, help me to be trustworthy and reliable.