Jesus taught many things about money. In His teachings, He shared the heavenly Father's plan for provision and prosperity; but He also had some very stern warnings.

The four warnings He gave are also important for us today. Listen, and avoid many problems. Ignore them, and face the consequences.

1. Don't Put All Your Hope In Money
   Matthew 6:19 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."
   
   This doesn't mean we don't save money, but rather that we don't put all our hope in money here. We should be wise and give generously to His kingdom. That way, we will have riches in heaven as well.
   
   
2. You Can't Serve God And Money At The Same Time
   "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Matt. 6:24).
   
   You must choose whom or what your focus will be on—God, or money. You can't be devoted to both.
   
   
3. Don't Worry About Money
   "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..." (Matt. 6:25). Worry robs us of joy, faith, and time. It never produces good fruit. Trust God to provide for you.
   
   
4. Don't Be Deceived By Money
   Matthew 13:22 tells us not to let the deceitfulness of wealth choke out our love for God and His Word: "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."

Take heed to these warnings, and you will do well.

Source: Every Teenager's Little Black Book on Cash
by Blaine Bartel.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers