Teenagers are being bombarded with lies about money. The world is consistently pouring into them its money principles, so much so that they become like the air we breathe, accepted without minimal questioning. Little do they know that what’s shaping their money mind is often toxic.

If you are a teenager, I am going to share with you some money lies that are regularly being put before you. If you are a parent of a teenager, let these money lies become points of conversation. The world certainly won’t tell them the truth. It is up to you. 

Money lie #1: The Bible doesn’t speak to money.

Money cannot be compartmentalized. How you think about and manage money will affect most areas of your life. Money is also a reflection of your heart. So, it’s unsurprising that God spends over 2,000 verses about money, possessions, and stewardship. God tells us how to think about and use money in a way that brings us contentment and Him glory.

Money lie #2: Money will make me happy.

When you see images and videos of people who appear to have a lot of money, they always seem happy. Because of this, you can start to believe that more money guarantees greater happiness. This is not true. Money magnifies whatever you already are. If you are unhappy with little, you will find yourself unhappier with much. Lasting happiness and genuine contentment are not found in a large bank account. The people in the picture may be smiling, but inside, they may be hurting, longing for something else. 

Money lie #3: What media portrays as wealth is real monetary wealth.

Driving a nice car, traveling to exotic places, and living in a large house do not mean a person is wealthy. People can have those things and be up to their eyeballs in debt. And, eventually, it will all come crashing down on them. Your net worth measures real monetary wealth, what you own (assets) minus what you owe (liabilities). Most people who are genuinely wealthy are usually pretty frugal. They became wealthy because they didn’t play the façade game.

Money lie #4: My money decisions don’t matter right now.

The decisions you make and the habits you make now can have a significant impact on your financial future. Right now, you can make a big difference in your future retirement by placing $2,000 each year into a Roth IRA. Right now, you can significantly limit your future student loan debt by choosing a cost-effective school and determining whether to pay for your education with cash. Right now, you can start using the biblical pattern for money management, Give-Save-Live. These days are significant. Don’t underestimate the importance of your teenage years. Your money decisions during these years can either put you way ahead, or they can put you way behind.

Money lie #5: Everything will eventually work itself out.

For some reason, many teenagers think their financial life will magically take care of itself. It won’t. Poor spending habits will catch up with you. Debt will catch up with you. A lack of savings will catch up with you. Talk to adults, and they will tell you. You will be responsible for the result of your money decisions.

Money lie #6: I don’t need to know much about money.

Financial literacy has plummeted in the United States. You need to be the exception. A lack of financial knowledge will lead you to make poor money decisions. The more you know, the better you can manage your finances. Learn about money for your wallet, but, more importantly, learn about money so that you can use it to glorify God and advance His Kingdom.

Money lie #7: The little money I can give will not make a difference.

I get it. You don’t have a big salary right now, so you think the money you can give to God’s mission is so numerically small that it is not worth giving. Don’t fall into that way of thinking. Remember that God took a few fish and loaves of bread and fed 5,000. Remember, Jesus pointed to a widow who gave only two coins and said she gave more than anyone else. Our God is a God of multiplication. He can take whatever you can give and do amazing things with it. Our God also cares more about sacrifice than amount. In God’s economy, the amount sacrificed always supersedes the amount given. So, give, even if it is numerically little.

Money lies are everywhere. Don’t fall for them. They can lead you down a path of spiritual and financial ruin. Learn about and follow God’s design for money. Seek his truth about money, and you will find that for which you are truly looking.