I spoke at a Christian college's chapel in the fall and challenged the students to consider missions.  The students there were like many - they understood the problems of poverty and injustice that exist around the world and they want to go help. They dream great dreams - some dream about starting orphanages in Africa, others dream about helping young Thai women get out of the sex trade. And when I challenged them, a good number responded.

But afterwards one of the leaders explained why the response wasn't greater - it's the problem of debt.  The average student debt level there might be about $30,000 when they graduate.  So as they begin to take steps to put their dreams in motion, they run smack dab into the brick wall of debt.

One of the biggest problems that missionary candidates encounter is the huge debt load they are carrying. School loans, credit card debt, and loans against cars or homes all feel like a backpack full of rocks on the shoulders of missionary candidates. You can't blame them for wanting to take the pack off before going to the field.

Consumers piled up more than $2.2 trillion in purchases and cash advances on major credit cards in 2007. It's become a habit for them to spend more than they have. The overall credit card debt grew by 315 percent from 1989 to 2006, and fewer people are paying them on time.

OK, if you're a young person wrestling with the issue of financing your college education, this is going to be a tough issue.  If you don't have benefactors or scholarships, student debt of some kind may be inevitable.  At the same time, where are the voices in our Christian world saying that young people don't have to default to large debt loads?  Where are the voices encouraging young people whose hearts are focused on building the kingdom of God around the world to be counter-culture?

Debt can keep us from realizing our dreams.  Consider that it may be better to not strap yourself to large student loans in the first place. And consider staying away from credit cards until you've got a steady job and have learned to budget.