Cutting the Card

Several years ago, probably when I got my first job out of college, I acquired a credit card. Through the years I've used infrequently, and haven't carried debt on it. I can think of maybe one or two times when I haven't paid off the balance in one month, but in two--and I am very thankful that I never fell prey to the temptation to accumulate credit card debt. I'm proud to be considered a "deadbeat" by the credit card industry. (In their terms, a deadbeat is someone who actually pays their balance on time, thus denying them the benefit of making a profit on interest.)

I can't remember the last time I used my credit card. When making purchases I either use cash, checks or my check card. My credit card is just taking up space in my wallet.

I'm contemplating closing the account and cutting the little piece of plastic up. After all, it's been ages since I've even taken it from the sleeve in my wallet, let alone actually used it. So what am I waiting for?

There's a part of me that sees this credit card as a security blanket. Never mind that I have a savings account and, if some dire emergency arose, I could dip into my mutual fund account. Nowadays, pretty much every merchant that accepts credit cards also accepts check cards. So there goes the excuse of needing a credit card just in case...

Of course, it boils down to trust. Where am I placing my security, truly? Is it in a company eager to let me run up huge bills and charge exorbitant interest? Or is it in God, my true Provider?

I'm not saying that it's sinful to have a credit card. But I do think that God is teaching me a lot right now about depending on Him to supply all my needs, including financial. Perhaps it's time I cut up my shiny little security blanket and put my trust fully in Him to provide. I need to believe that when the Bible says that "My God shall supply all your needs", it's really true.

I'm curious, have any of you made "the cut"? Has that deepened your trust in God to meet your needs, even in times of emergency?