"Command those who are rich in this present world not be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." -- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
I was reading today about stewardship. It was a chapter about praying for and teaching children how to be good stewards of their time and money. Lewis has a bank account with $50 in it, but so far he has not asked to withdraw any of it! But we know the day is coming, and so it is beneficial to think about it now. This passage in 1 Timothy is a great reminder that God deserves our hope and trust, and not wealth. Still, it was convicting because the way we live often does not reflect this trust in the Lord. It seems like we forget and begin living like wealth is our treasure and goal. But thank God that He is our true treasure. Nothing could be colder than money, and so elusive! God, on the other hand is loving, generous and kind. He deserves our attention and gratitude for all that he has given us.
This whole thing got me thinking about how we will teach Lewis about sharing and tithing, and good stewardship in general. Do you have any suggestions on how to do this well? It doesn't matter how old you are, or how many children you have. Your advice is welcome!
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We got a bank for the kids from Crown Financial. (I wouldn't recomend the current back they have for sale as it is very cheaply made and not worth the money, but you can find similar banks other places) The bank has three compartments. One is for saving, one for tithing and one for spending.
Every week starting at two the boys get allowance. Per instructions from trusted financial guru's (ie. Larry Burkett and Dave Ramsey) they are paid $.50 per year of life per week (ie. Sam receives $3.00 and he is six years old). Each week they must tithe 10%, save 40% and may spend 50%. We do the same thing with money they receive for holidays.
I read an article in the Southeast Church paper that it should be 10-10-80, but I think it is ridiculous to have them only save 10%. I think that sets a bad presedent (sp?) for later.
Everyone, including Gabe, loves pay day. They love putting money in their banks. And oh boy do they love spending money too. We have a policy that they may only buy things when they have enough money, nothing bought on "credit". They must take their money to the store and hand it over to the cashier. I feel this way they actually see their money going away.
About once every couple of months I take their "bank" money out and deposit it into their own bank accounts which we have instructed them may only be touched when they want to buy a car. They are thrilled to think they may be able to purchase their own car one day.
As for what they do to earn their "allowance". The big boys have chores, all though I'm bad about actually enforcing them doing them because they are huge helpers everyday regardless of if they get everything checked off the chore list. If there are weeks they do "fiddle fart" and don't get stuff done they are "docked" some of their pay. Any money they lose comes out of their spending money. Eventually we will be more strict about their chores and we will also offer odd jobs around the house for more "pay".
I know a lot of people feel like well if my kid lives here they should help out and I shouldn't have to pay them, which is true, BUT if you don't teach them now about money and work ethic how will they every learn....
okay just my two cents....(pun intended)
Heather
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