If you are reading our blog, I know you are thinking this is off topic but really don't we as Christians (and Americans) have a responsibility to help our children and grandchildren have a better life?
We often think about the money, values, or possessions we’ll pass on to our children and grandchildren. But there’s one kind of inheritance we rarely talk about—the federal debt. And it’s a burden we’re growing by the day and passing along to future generations.
As of today, the United States carries a national debt of over $36 trillion, and that number is climbing steadily. Whether we want to admit it or not, our children and grandchildren will be the ones paying for the choices we’re making now.
The Debt by the Numbers
Let’s look at where things stand right now:
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Total U.S. national debt: Over $36.2 trillion
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Debt per U.S. citizen: Roughly $106,000 per person
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Interest on the debt (FY 2024): Nearly $892 billion
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Interest as % of federal spending: Between 13% and 16%
That means one out of every six dollars the federal government spends goes to interest payments—not programs, not infrastructure, not defense, not education. Just interest.
Where We're Headed: 20 Years Down the Road
If current trends continue:
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National debt per person could grow to $175,000 to $200,000 by 2045
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Annual interest payments could exceed $1.8 trillion
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Interest could make up 20% or more of the federal budget
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Nearly a quarter of all federal revenue may go toward interest payments
This is not a political issue. It’s a math problem. One that gets worse the longer we ignore it.
A Burden Future Generations Didn’t Choose
Our children and grandchildren didn’t vote for this debt. They didn’t approve the spending or the borrowing. But if we don’t change course, they’ll be stuck with:
We’ve been compounding our debt problem for decades—ignoring warning signs, underestimating interest growth. It’s past time to stop borrowing irresponsibly and accept that fiscal reckoning is overdue.
Smarter Fiscal Policy = Smoother Path Ahead
Pragmatic steps to lighten future burdens:
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Cap deficits—limit borrowing to manageable levels
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Reform entitlement programs (e.g. SS, Medicare) to ensure long‑term solvency
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Targeted revenue increases, especially on the wealthy
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Streamline discretionary spending, cut waste and inefficiency
Taken together, modest adjustments now could save trillions in future interest, slow the debt spiral, and prevent saddling future generations with crushing financial obligations.
A Call for Collective Sacrifice
We’re already late. What’s needed now is:
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Bipartisan resolve, not point‑scoring
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Every citizen playing a part—from policy makers, to taxpayers, to families
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A mindset shift: live within our means and invest responsibly
If we act wisely now, our kids and grandkids won't have to pay such a high price for our inertia.
In short, they’ll pay more and get less—unless we choose to do something now.