Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A few weeks ago, we discussed the growing habit of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and why it is neither a healthy financial practice nor a biblical one.
BNPL encourages consumerism, impulsive spending, and living beyond one’s means. While it may appear convenient, it often creates an illusion that we can afford things today without feeling the immediate financial pain. Over time, this can lead many into unnecessary debt and financial hardship.
Yet, according to a Straits Times report dated 24 June 2026, the situation has become even more astonishing. In Thailand, BNPL is now being offered for something as inexpensive as a cup of bubble tea costing just 106 baht (about S$4).
To me, this shows how far consumer credit has expanded.
Let’s think about it.
Bubble tea is not a necessity. We need water to live, not bubble tea. There is nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional treat if we can afford it. But if we begin using credit to purchase a S$4 drink, what comes next?
Will we use BNPL for every meal?
For coffee?
For groceries?
For snacks?
For household essentials?
For electronics, furniture, holidays, and every other desire?
Each purchase may seem small and affordable on its own. But many small commitments eventually become one large monthly obligation. Before long, what once looked manageable can snowball into repayments that stretch beyond our budget.
The Bible repeatedly warns us about the dangers of debt and the importance of self-control.
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
— Proverbs 22:7
Debt limits our financial freedom. Every repayment reduces our ability to save, give generously, invest wisely, and respond to God’s calling.
The Bible also reminds us to exercise wisdom and contentment.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
— Hebrews 13:5
Much of consumer spending today is driven not by genuine need but by the desire for instant gratification. BNPL simply removes one more barrier that once caused us to pause before making a purchase.
Scripture also teaches us to count the cost before making commitments.
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
— Luke 14:28
Although Jesus was speaking about the cost of discipleship, the principle of thoughtful planning and counting the cost is equally valuable in managing our finances.
As faithful stewards, we should learn to spend only what God has entrusted to us today, rather than spending tomorrow’s income on today’s wants.
Now, does this mean borrowing is always wrong?
Not necessarily.
There are situations where borrowing can be reasonable and responsible.
For example, borrowing to purchase a home is understandable, as very few people can pay for one in cash. In Singapore, even borrowing for a car may be understandable because vehicle prices are exceptionally high compared with many other countries.
The issue is not borrowing itself.
The issue is borrowing to finance a lifestyle that we cannot afford.
Using debt to accumulate depreciating consumer goods or satisfy short-term desires often leads to long-term financial stress.
The Apostle Paul reminds us:
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
— Romans 13:8
Where possible, we should seek to reduce debt rather than accumulate more of it.
As we look around the world before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will increasingly see practices that normalize what Scripture warns against. What was once considered unwise gradually becomes accepted, celebrated, and eventually expected.
But as believers, our standard is not the culture around us.
God calls us to something different.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2
Our financial decisions should not be shaped by marketing campaigns, social media trends, or what everyone else is doing. They should be guided by biblical wisdom, contentment, stewardship, and self-control.
May we be people who honour God with our finances, live within our means, avoid unnecessary debt, and find our satisfaction not in what we can buy today, but in the faithful provision of our Heavenly Father.
Blessings to you and your family,
David Poh
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