Break The Chains! Now!

Crushed

You can’t lead your family while you’re enslaved to debt, addiction, or comfort. Period.

You say you want to be a godly man, but you’re drowning in the very things you were supposed to kill. This isn’t a slap on the wrist. This is a gut-check. And I’m right there with you. I had to face it myself. Debt had become a chain around my neck, disguised as provision. It was just another addiction.

Matthew 6:24 (NIV), “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

It started with a good intention. I was helping my family through a tough spot. I don’t regret that. But what came next was the temptation to “fix it” using more debt. A better loan, lower interest, longer term. Looked wise on paper. Felt like the responsible thing to do. More margin. More investment. Less stress. But underneath all of that? Comfort. Escape. Control.

I gave myself time – 72 hours to think it over. I waited then another 72 hours. I played it out. And God opened my eyes. This wasn’t about money. It was about trust. Who was I really depending on? My plans? My numbers? My ability to secure a better deal?

Men, we, both you and I, have to stop sugarcoating our sin.

Debt may not be sin on paper, but the way I was using it absolutely was. I wasn’t stewarding my money. I was covering my fear. I wasn’t shepherding my family toward Jesus. I was protecting a lifestyle. A way of thinking. A sense of control. And it hit me: this debt was keeping me from walking freely with God. It kept pulling my eyes back to what I owed, what I had to manage, what I had to juggle. That’s not freedom. That’s slavery.

And let me say this clearly. Slavery to debt is still slavery.

You can’t lead your family while your head is down in shame. You can’t walk boldly into spiritual battles when your heart is chained to a credit card balance. And it’s not just about money. What else has a grip on you?

Food? Porn? Pride? Fear?

Let’s call it what it is: if it takes your focus off Jesus, it’s sin. Period.

When I looked at that 15-year loan offer, I saw a future of fake freedom. A padded schedule. An easier life. But no cross. No sacrifice. No courage. I would’ve sold my future for comfort today. And that’s exactly what the enemy wants. A man too numb, too distracted, too soft to fight for his home.

So I made a new plan.

A hard one.

I decided to tackle that mountain of debt with discipline. Turned 15 years into less than two. I downsized. Adjusted. Stopped buying things I didn’t need. Every payment became an act of war. Every sacrifice reminded me I wasn’t living for myself. And here’s what surprised me: the more I paid off, the closer I felt to Jesus.

Not because of the numbers.

Because of the surrender.

Men, listen to me: your debt is not just financial. Your chains may look different. But they have the same effect. They keep your eyes off the mission. They dull your fire. They keep your prayers weak and your leadership passive. And worst of all, they make you think this is normal.

It’s not.

The Bible doesn’t call us to “manage” our sin. It calls us to crucify it. We were meant to walk free. To walk strong. To lead our homes with courage and clarity. To be men who say, “I will not settle. I will not bow to comfort. I will lead. I will serve. I will fight.”

That means confronting your sin. That means taking every thought captive. That means saying no to the lie that says, “This is just how life is.”

No, brother. This is not life. Jesus is life. And He is calling you to more.

It’s not about having perfect finances or perfect plans. It’s about having a pure heart and a clear mission.

So what’s holding you back?

What are you pretending doesn’t need dealt with?

Don’t settle for half-leadership. Don’t numb your pain with another purchase, another snack, another website, another loan. Rise up. Get serious. Own your sin. And make a plan to kill it.

Your wife needs a leader, not a victim. Your kids need a warrior, not a worrier. Your home needs a shepherd, not a slave.

Stand up. Speak up. Lead with your life.

Jesus already broke your chains.

Now act like it.

Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value is Freedom through Discipline

Every choice to confront sin and fight for purity unlocks greater freedom to lead your family with power, purpose, and peace.

Reflect / Apply / Share

1. Reflect – What is one “chain” in your life that you’ve been calling normal but you know is holding you back from following Jesus fully?
2. Apply – What practical step can you take this week to confront and break that chain?
3. Share – Who is one man you can encourage or challenge this week to lead his family with courage and conviction?

Bible References (NIV)

• Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Personal Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be mastered by anything but You. Help me kill the sin that keeps me distracted, and give me the strength to lead my home with a pure heart and a focused mind.

My Personal Journey & Engagement Call

These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus.
If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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