In a late-night scramble, the House managed to pass a temporary funding plan that keeps Uncle Sam’s lights on and provides disaster aid, while thankfully leaving out President-elect Donald Trump’s call for a debt limit increase. I can’t help but feel a mix of relief and skepticism. This feels like one of those duct-tape solutions—you know it’s holding for now, but sooner or later, the cracks will show.

Let’s start with the good news: disaster aid is included. This is a win for families recovering from hurricanes, floods, and other calamities that can strike at any moment. Helping our neighbors in need isn’t just a fiscal priority; it’s a biblical one. James 2:15-16 reminds us, “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” When disaster strikes, we’re called to act.

But here’s the rub: temporary funding plans are no substitute for responsible governance. Congress needs to address the root issues of our fiscal crisis, not just slap on another short-term solution and call it a day. As Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” Yet, here we are with a national debt so astronomical, it’s hard to imagine how we’ll ever dig out.

Leaving out the debt limit increase was the right move. Let’s not pretend like America can just keep borrowing forever. It’s like maxing out a credit card and then applying for another one—eventually, the house of cards collapses. But kicking this particular can down the road doesn’t solve anything either.

And then there’s the political drama. President-elect Trump’s demand for a debt limit increase was as predictable as it was frustrating. Both parties have proven time and again that fiscal conservatism is something they only talk about when it’s convenient. Republicans had no problem running up the debt during Trump’s first term, and Democrats seem to view taxpayer dollars as an endless piggy bank for their pet projects. Truth is, fiscal responsibility is as rare in Washington as a unicorn at a rodeo.

So, where do we go from here?

First, Congress needs to get serious about spending reform. Cutting wasteful programs, trimming bureaucracy, and prioritizing funds for core needs—defense, infrastructure, and emergency relief—shouldn’t be controversial. Second, our leaders need to stop treating the debt ceiling like a political football. If you want to spend more, show us a plan to pay for it. Finally, the American people need to demand accountability. For too long, politicians have been rewarded for short-term thinking because we let them get away with it.

In the end, this temporary funding bill is like giving a leaky boat another layer of duct tape. It might hold for now, but if we don’t start fixing the structural problems, it won’t be long before we’re underwater.

Let’s pray that our leaders find wisdom and courage in the coming months—and maybe even read a few Proverbs while they’re at it.