What are the most important lessons you can teach your kids about money? How can you incorporate Biblical principles into your child's understanding of money? What does the Bible say about money? These are some great questions to consider when you decide it is time for your child to learn good money sense! Let's explore!
The two most important lessons your child needs to learn about money are where it comes from and how to spend it properly.
The Bible says in Matthew 6:31-33 "Don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts if unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously; and he will give you everything you need."
It is important that you instill in your child the ability to trust God for his/ her needs. It may be very hard to learn to do this at an older age when faced with the responsibility of a family and being a "grown-up" if this is not part of the initial phase of introducing money to your child. Start by explaining to your child that YOU rely on God to supply the needs of the family and you thank God for the means he has blessed you with to earn money in the world to take care of the family.
Another great scripture to help you teach your child about money is also found in Matthew. 25:29 says, "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."
It is wise to help your child develop an understanding of the best ways for money to be spent according to the Bible. What does God want us to do with the money that he entrusts us with?
Read in your Bible Deuteronomy 15:10 and Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 to get some basic instruction on money spending. We learn in these Scriptures that God wants us to use our money to bless others and He will bless us in return. We also learn that God wants us to trust Him and invest our money where he leads for a return in blessings.
To start teaching your child about money you may want to set an allowance for him/her to receive each week and talk with them about God's will for our money. Encouraging your child to pick a ministry at church or a local charity to support is a great way to instill Biblical principles of money into their thinking. Pray with your child and choose to donate money to something he/she is interested in! If your child loves pets then help out your local Animal Shelter. If your child loves the park then help out your local State Park! You could also encourage saving (but not for self gain) to help buy presents for others at Christmas or on birthdays! Encourage your child to pray and seek where God would like him/her to invest their money!
Comments