Keep Your Balance

Imagine trying to ride a bicycle while attempting to carry a number of items, such as a school bag, a ball, and maybe some bags of groceries. The more items you try to carry, the harder it is for you to keep your balance! The same would be true if you were to take on a job that is more than you can handle. Use up too much of your time, energy, and alertness on after-school work, and your health and school grades may suffer. More important, a strenuous work schedule may make it difficult for you to follow the Christian routine of meetings, Bible study, and participation in the Christian ministry. “I have missed meetings because I was tired after a day of school and work,” admits a youth named Michèle.

Don’t let your view of money become unbalanced in that way! Jesus said that real happiness comes to those who are “conscious of their spiritual need.” (Matthew 5:3) He also stated: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) A Christian youth named Maureen has taken that counsel to heart. “I do not want to get entangled in purely materialistic goals,” she says. “I just know that my spirituality will be the price I pay if I get caught up in simply making money.”

True, in some parts of the world, youths have no choice but to work long hours to help their families survive. If, however, you’re not in that situation, why become unbalanced in this regard? According to most experts, working more than 20 hours a week while attending school is excessive and counterproductive. Some suggest devoting no more than eight to ten hours a week to work. Wise King Solomon stated: “Better is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the wind.”​—Ecclesiastes 4:6.

Remember, “the deceptive power of riches” can choke your interest in spiritual things. (Mark 4:19) So if you do take an after-school job to earn some money, organize your schedule to give spiritual activities priority. Pray to Jehovah God about the matter. He can strengthen you to stand up to the pressures of the situation and can help you to maintain your spiritual balance.

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Respect Money​—Don’t Love It

In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool. But the same knife in the hands of someone inexperienced or inattentive can cause serious harm. Money is like a sharp knife. If you handle it skillfully, it’s a useful tool. But if you’re not careful, you can get hurt! For example, the apostle Paul warned against developing a love of money. In their pursuit of wealth, some sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they ‘stab themselves all over with many pains.’ (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) The lesson? Learn to use money skillfully. Respect it, but don’t love it!