The headline screamed “The curse of the affordability delusion.” The recent article then stated the obvious, that though car prices have been moving higher, you won’t see that reflected in the down payments or in the monthly loan payments. Why? Car loans are being extended to as long as eight years these days. The longer the loan, the easier it is to afford a car – on a monthly basis. Then columnist, Rob Carrick concluded, “Where we get into trouble is by believing the cost of debt is measured only by our monthly payments. That’s delusional.” This thoughtful article reminded me that it is not wise to sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate, and also of Jesus’ rhetorical question when He asked, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” While it is true that for some, taking out a long term loan is the only way to acquire a new car, as a general rule of life, the wise think not only of the present, but live with eternity’s values in view.

Pastor Alex Rockwell