Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from
it. (Prov 22:6) It is perhaps fair to say that when we as believers speak
of training our children we think of this mainly in the areas of their “basic education”
(math, science, writing, etc), citizenship, (good behavior, kindness, etc,) and
the Scripture which supports that. But how much time and effort do we invest in
teaching them the right attitude towards money and the other resources they have?
Parents may question why it is necessary to teach stewardship to children. But please
consider the following: The average child today under the age of 13 has $230 a year in completely disposable income. This is more money than over 500 million heads
of households throughout the world have to spend on food, clothing and shelter for
their families. Teenagers spent approximately $148 billion in 1998. Their attitudes
towards money and things are being shaped by the brightest minds using the most
sophisticated techniques and technologies ever known. The message is simple: we
never have enough and the things that we do have are not the right things to have.
(This is the premise of all advertising.) By the age of 20 the average American
has seen over a million commercial messages. Advertising accounts for two-thirds
of the space in newspapers and 40 percent of our mail. The onslaught of consumer
culture shapes children’s views of themselves and their world and leads to frustration
and dissatisfaction with life. It is easy to blame the media but the number one
influence in children’s attitude toward things is the attitude within the home.
In 1997 more Americans declared bankruptcy than graduated from college. In 90 percent
of divorce cases arguments about money play a prominent role. More Americans visit
shopping malls than go to church each week. On an average Americans spend six hours
a week shopping and only 40 minutes a week playing with their children. Less than
one-third of all Americans pay off their credit card balances each month, meaning
they are living in continuous debt. Since 1957 our per capita consumption has doubled
while the number of people who describe themselves as very happy has steadily declined.
What then shall we do? Parents must consciously and intentionally teach their children
the correct attitude towards money and possessions. Children will either develop
an entitlement attitude - "The world owes me," "I don't have enough." Or a stewardship
attitude - "I have been blessed," "I am happy to share." Here is a good place to
start:
- God has promised to meet our needs. (Matt 6:19-34)
- Believers are stewards (caretakers), not owners of what God has
entrusted to us. (1Chr 29:14)
- Be it great or small, we are to be thankful for what God brings to us.
(1Tim 6:6-8) Parents demonstrate this by modeling regular and planned giving
to the Lord. Our children learn that God does not need our money but that He allows
us the privilege and blessing of participating in His great work. Stewardship is
not a service project or momentary “good deed,” but a way of life. It is the way
to joy, peace and contentment. Please continue to give to the Building Fund.