Stewardship is more than giving money to the church. Talk with your children
about your time and how you spend it. Sometimes you may want to do something
just for yourself, but you know that God would rather you spend your time doing
something for others. What are the ways your children spend their time? Perhaps
you can give them a job to do that serves others, like setting the table for dinner,
or making their bed. Sometimes even the smallest thing like being very quiet is a
way you can serve others. While they are about this task, remind them that by
giving of their time, they serve others and God. This is living generously.
Talk to your child about what talents God has given individuals, but first identify
the gifts God has given you. Has God given you the ability to cook wonderful
foods or tell great stories or hug kids? Sometimes we are developing our gifts,
and they are not identifiable yet. Help your child identify the gifts he/she has.
They may be as simple as having a wonderful smile or the ability to make
people laugh. Encourage your children to share their gifts with others. This is
living generously.
Before your child even understands what money is, parents need to be teaching
and modeling stewardship of funds. One way is to let your little child put coins or
bills into the offering plate as it goes by in worship or for Kids’ Corner Worship
(infants – 3 years) or Kids’ Worship (4 years – Kindergarten). They will see that
this is part of your habit of giving. If it is important to you, then it will be important
to them. As a child begins to understand the concept of money, parents need to
show them how to give, save, and spend. One idea that works well is to provide
your child with three clear glass jars so that they will be able to see the contents
of them. Label the jars "For God’s Work," "To Save," and "To Spend." Children
will have fun decorating the labels. Each week as your children are young, give
them 10 identical coins. The first coin goes in the "For God’s Work" jar (10% or
the tithe).
Tell your children that all we have is a gift from God, and we should return part
of it to do God’s work on earth. You may want to start a list of what God’s work
on earth includes. God asks for one tenth, but we could give more. The second
coin goes in the "To Save" jar. The remainder goes into the "To Spend" jar.
Make it a big deal to empty the "For God’s Work" jar on occasion and take those
coins to church. You can get children’s envelopes in the office if you wish. When
a child starts out putting one tenth aside for God’s work, then it’s easier to give
the tithe as he/she grows older and their wants are more expensive. Also
remember to show joy and happiness in giving, because God loves a cheerful
giver (II Corinthians 9:7). This is living generously.
