“¹⁹ “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” —Matthew 6:19-21

“²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” —Matthew 6:24

Money is a heart issue.

Having money is not a bad thing. When money has you it becomes a bad thing.

“¹⁷ As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ¹⁸ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus asked. ‘Only God is truly good. ¹⁹ But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’ ²⁰  ‘Teacher,’ the man replied, ‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.’ ²¹ Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ ²² At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” —Mark 10:17-22

“⁹ But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” —1 Timothy 6:9-10

“¹⁴ Jesus replied, ‘Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?’ 15 Then he said, ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.’” —Luke 12:14

Take control of your money so your money does not take control of you.

Save wisely.

“²⁰ The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.” —Proverbs 21:20

Spend within a budget.

“¹⁸ Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. ¹⁹ And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.” —Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

Give generously.

“⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ ⁸ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” —2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!” —Ephesians 2:4-5