Thomas Jefferson writing to James Madison in 1789...
"Then I say, the earth belongs to each of these generations during its course, fully and in its own right. The second generation receives it clear of the debts and encumbrances of the first, the third of the second, and so on. For if the first could charge it with a debt, then the earth would belong to the dead and not to the living generation. Then, no generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence." (from an article by Glen Beck, "The Problem with America's Debt")
The truth of that statement is not limited to the American government, it is real in any organization. In a debt burdened organization, original purpose and mission are displaced by strategies of debt management and whatever it takes to generate revenue.
Look at the state of Alabama which is now in a turmoil over gambling expansion. It is against the law, but individuals and communities argue for its expansion in order to develop revenue. Churches with debt burden are shaped by the need get and keep giving members rather than the biblical mission.
Jefferson was right. Who owns you?
More later.
