Dave Ramsey is notrious for advising his callers to tell their debtors that they’re on the bottom of the list after various household expenses, and that they (the lender), need to wait, or they’d better settle, or they need to…(and on and on he goes). Dayton of Crown Financial, likewise, teaches people to demand things. For instance, on 11/5/07, Dayton tells a caller to go to the furniture store, and demand a discount or they’ll go elsewhere.

Christians today lack so much discernment, and have become so worldly, that on first glance, this sounds right. Fight for the best. Fight for your rights. Be a go-getter and not a doormat. What does the Bible say about this?

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Phillipians 4:5

Moderation means, gentle spirit. A demanding Christian does not let their gentle spirit be known to all men. Notice, it doesn’t say, except to your lenders, sellers, or those you do business with. Why? This is part of your testimony.

All lenders and sellers need salvation from our Lord Jesus Christ, and you should be preaching the Gospel to them. This verse guards us from ruining the opportunity to share the Good News by a bad testimony. You can still be frugal and wise without being demanding.