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Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

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Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2003

Grace Church of Burlington October 26, 2003 "What are your kids learning about money?"      Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the humanitarian and theologian, once observed, "There are only three ways to teach a child: the first is by example, the second is by example, the third is by example." While our children learn many things from our example, one of our most powerful areas of influence is in the area of money. Observing a parent’s usage and philosophy of money during their formative years has more influence over that same adult child’s view of money than anything else, including, too often, Biblical teaching. Because of the insidious power of money, our parents’ example too often guides our life more than our Heavenly Father’s eternal truth about money. To prove my point, let me ask a question: Is your giving in line with the Bible teaches or are you simply miming what your parents did? It never ceases to amaze me that though folk grew up in unregenerate homes, even after they came to know the Savior, their giving patterns were more like that of their parents, than of their Heavenly Father. So, what do we need to teach our children about money?  a) We need to teach them that God owns it all. This is absolute beginning point. Haggai 2:8 records God’s words, "The silver is mine and the gold is mine." Psalm 24:1 states, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." We came into this world with nothing and will leave it with nothing. Whatever we have to use in the interim is "loaned" to us by God, whether it is a little or a lot. We are simply managing God’s resources for a very brief period of time and are stewards of His property. Someone has defined stewardship as, "the use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of God-given goals." A good example of this difference between an owner and a steward is the distinction between the depositor in a bank and the banker. While the depositor has the "right" to do with his money what he wants, the banker has the stewardship responsibility of handling these resources wisely because they belong to the depositor, not to the banker. We need to teach our children that we are stewards of God’s property.  b) We need to teach them self-discipline. The message of a Hell-bound world is "indulge yourself, you owe it to yourself." A lost world preaches that it is what you have that makes you valuable. But the Bible teaches us to exercise restraint and that it is who we are that makes us valuable because we are made in the image of God. This powerful and liberating Kingdom truth is neglected by most believers. If you teach your children this, (primarily by modeling it yourself), you will do them a phenomenal favor so teach them to live simply and to be content with what they have. This will help protect them from the contemporary cultural evils of materialism and consumerism, both of which have insatiable appetites. It’s imperative that we teach our children to do without and to be satisfied with what they already possess.  We are not doing them a favor by continually buying them the most expensive toys or clothes or even takingthem on expensive vacations. Too many parents do this out of guilt or peer pressure and are not looking out for the child’s best interests and future.  c) We need to teach our children the fulfillment of work. Our world detests work and worships leisure, yet our children need to be taught that work is fulfilling, even “fun.” Assign them some nonpaying jobs, such as cleaning their rooms, doing the dishes, and picking up their toys. All children need some basic responsibilities for which they don't get paid. Then, if there are no other opportunities for them to make money, provide some paying jobs for your child (mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage, washing the car, etc.). But pay them only on jobs that are completed. You don't get 90% of the money for 90% of the job. Also, pay for quality work. Instill in children the need to do the best they can. Then, pay fairly, within your budget, but do not overpay because you can afford it. This will teach them to have reasonable expectations. d) We need to teach our children the joy of giving and worship. Teach them sharing principles from God's Word. Avoid giving your child a quarter for the offering plate. The child didn't earn the money. It didn't cost them anything, and it means nothing to most of them. It's best for children to give only if it costs them something. They need to be taught to give regularly as God has proportionately blessed them. That begins with your first dollar earned. They need to be taught that we give in gratitude because God has so generously given to us.  e) We need to teach our children to plan for the future. They need to learn to save for what they want. They also need to learn how to budget and that Dad and Mom will not bail them out if they overspend, (though a loan with some interest would certainly teach them the "pain" of credit card debt). But if you teach your children to be wise financial planners, they will thank you for it when they become adults and have an established the behavior of saving, avoiding debt, and postponing gratification through the purchase of things.  f) We need to teach our children that every financial decision is a spiritual decision. In other words, there is nothing more spiritual about tithing than paying for a vacation. How we handle our finances reveals the priorities in our lives. Our checkbooks reveal our level of commitment to God’s will and accomplishing His purposes here on earth. The truth is that every other area and spiritual discipline can be faked if you really want to. Our checkbooks, though, are one of the most accurate indicators of the condition of our heart. God intended for us to have money serve us and then use it to serve Him. Too many of us serve money. Are you teaching your children a Biblical view of money?