Such people easily fall prey to attractive advertisements for luxurious houses , expensive cars and expensive clothes . Even if you do not have money, you may be tempted to take out a loan. Even though they are deeply in debt, many people are obsessed with showing off their wealth .

Sooner or later the reality becomes clear. The book The Epidemic of Ego (English) says, “Buying expensive goods on credit to make yourself look rich and successful is like smoking marijuana to improve your mood. At first, it may not seem like a lot of money, and it may not seem like a big deal. But it is fleeting. It makes you miserable and depressed. ”

The Bible says that it is foolish to show off. ( 1 John 2:16 ) The truth is, if we indulge in the pursuit of many things, we may forget the most important things in life, and we cannot afford them. Consider three examples.

Brian, 17, lives in the United States* I think my father gave more importance to work and money. She says, “We don’t have enough. In fact, there is more than enough. But Dad never stays home. He has to go somewhere from time to time for work. But he has a responsibility to his family, doesn’t he? ”

Think about it: What will Brian’s father regret later? What effect does the emphasis on material things have on her relationship with her daughter? What else does his family need?

Bible Principles to Consider:

• “The love of money is the root of all sorts of injurious things. . . Are hurting themselves. ”- 1 Timothy 6:10 .

• “Better a poor horse than no horse at all.” – Proverbs 15:17 .

Conclusion: Money cannot buy family unity. Family unity is possible only by spending time with the family and giving them a lot of love and care . Colossians 3: 18-21 .

Seventeen-year-old Sarah says, “My mother always tells me to marry a rich man and learn a skill. Even if something happens while learning the skill in this way, you can get a good job to support yourself, he says. He seems to have nothing but money in his mind. ”

Think about it: What are some of the things to worry about when thinking about the future? But when can legitimate worries turn into excessive worries? How could Sarah’s mother help her daughter to maintain a balanced view of financial security?

Bible Principles to Consider:

• “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19 .

• “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.” – James 4:14 .

Conclusion: There is no guarantee that hoarding money is safe. After all, money can be stolen and it cannot cure disease and prevent death . ( Ecclesiastes 7:12 ) The Bible teaches that true security can be found only through knowledge of God and his purpose . John 17: 3 .

Twenty-four-year-old Tanya says, “My twin sister and I were taught by our parents to live a simple life. Growing up, we didn’t have much, but we were happy. ”

Think about it: Why can it be difficult to be satisfied with the basics? What kind of example are you setting for your family when it comes to money ?

Bible Principles to Consider:

• “We will be satisfied with food, clothing, and shelter.” – 1 Timothy 6: 8 .

• “Happy are the people who are in need of God’s direction.” – MATTHEW 5: 3 .

Conclusion: The most important thing in life is money and not what it can buy. Remember what the Bible says: “No matter how rich a man may be, he will not give life.” ( Luke 12:15 ) Indeed, finding the answers to such important questions can give us real satisfaction in life:

• Why are we here

• What is our future?

• How can I fulfill my desire to be close to God ?

The publisher of this magazine, Jehovah’s Witnesses, will be happy to answer these questions for you.