Teaching Stewardship

Teaching Stewardship

I was at a book sale at the library last year and I picked up a little book about teaching children about banking and finances.  I also have and cherish Dave Ramsey’s little book entitled “priceless” which someone gave to me while I was in college.  (I wish I had studied it then!!!) We decided to start giving the children a small amount of money every Saturday.  Aaliyah and Cassidy both have two jars.  They colored pictures to put on the jars and then we taped the picture to the jar.  One has the word “Save” and the other reads, “Give”.  I divide the money up into change if necessary and they put %10 in the special pocket of their purse for church on Sunday as their tithe.  They put another %10 percent in their giving jar, %10 in their saving jar and the rest they can put in their purse to spend.  Cassidy does not yet understand or care anything about this process at present; but Aaliyah is learning well. 

When we leave the house she makes sure she has her purse just in case we go to the store.  (I stopped reminding her after about two weeks. If she forgets her purse she does not get to buy anything).

I remember the first time she had to give her tithe.   We used to give her money to put in the missions jar at church every week.  If for some reason we would forget or be too busy (me at the piano and dad at the pulpit) someone always gave them change to put in the missions jar. 

The first week she had money from her allowance plus Grandma sent her money because she lost two teeth.  Offering time came and she hesitated to go forward and give; then she began to cry.  Not the silent tears; but the big huge crocodile tears.  She said, “Will Jesus give me my money back?”.  We told her that God always gives us back more than we give to Him.  She gave it; but was a little hesitant.  Two days later she went with her dad to invite people to church and a man off the street walked up to her and gave her $10!  Talk about God giving back to you!  She has never had a problem giving to Jesus since. She has since asked me if it was ok if she gave Jesus dollars  instead of just change. Last week she put a couple of dollars in her purse to give to Jesus above her tithe. 

I also remember the first unwise purchase she made.  We were at the store and there was one of those “toy drop” machines outside.  She was determined to play it so that she could win one of the toys.  It looked so easy.  I warned her that playing the game might be a foolish way instead of a wise way to spend her money (I used those words exactly.  I believe it is important to use Bible words with our children).  She just had to play…so I let her.  It took $1, then $2, then $3 – she is her mother’s daughter, therefore she knew she could win if she just kept trying (LOL). By dollar number three she was crying and her father said enough was enough. 

Here we are about two months later.  She has passed many “toy drop machines” and has NEVER asked to play again.  I try to remind her about her experience as we watch other foolish children spend their parent’s money in those machines.  By the way…We have yet to see one win.

I am so proud of the little ones God has given us!

Until next time,