As parents, one of our responsibilities is to teach our children essential Biblical money lessons and principles for wisely handling finances. In today’s materialistic society, kids are bombarded with messages about wealth and consumption from a young age.
Teaching biblical money lessons to children is crucial because it provides them with a strong foundation for making wise financial decisions throughout their lives. These lessons impart not only practical money management skills but also values and principles rooted in faith.
The Bible offers invaluable wisdom on how to manage money wisely. In this article, we will look at some of the most important financial principles from the Bible that we should teach our children. Laying this Biblical foundation will bless children tremendously both now and in the future. It’s a valuable investment every Christian parent can make.
1. God Owns Everything
A foundational principle of Biblical financial stewardship is understanding that God owns everything. As our Creator, the earth and all it contains belongs to Him alone. This truth must undergird how we manage the resources He has entrusted to us.
As Christian parents, it should be one of our priorities to establish in our children the understanding that God owns everything. There are some vital concepts from the Bible that we need to teach our kids about God’s complete ownership:
‣ God Created Everything
Help children grasp that since God created the entire universe and all that is in it, He rightfully owns it all. All money and possessions originate from and belong to Him.
‣ We Are Stewards, Not Owners
Because God owns everything, human beings are simply managers or stewards of what God allows us to have during our lifetime. We should care for it responsibly as stewards.
‣ Use Resources Wisely
Since God owns all our money, we should use it to honour Him rather than wasting it on selfish pursuits. Wise stewardship pleases God. The way we manage money should bring glory to God, not ourselves. He rewards faithful stewardship that honours Him.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. – Psalm 24:1
Laying this Biblical foundation of God’s ownership helps children view money correctly. It orients them to God-honoring stewardship rather than self-serving personal accumulation. This vital perspective must undergird all Biblical money management principles we teach.
2. Discovering Contentment
In today’s consumer-driven world, one of the most important but uncommon financial lessons we can teach children is the value of contentment. It goes against the prevailing desire for constant accumulation, yet it’s a fundamental biblical principle.
Here are some practical ways we can instil a sense of contentment in our children when it comes to money and possessions:
‣ Needs vs. Wants
Guide children in recognizing the distinction between needs and wants. Explain that needs are essential for survival, such as – food, shelter, and clothing, while wants are things they wish for but can live without. Teach them the importance of addressing needs before wants.
‣ Contentment and Gratitude
Show children that they can find contentment and gratitude in what God has already given them. Caution them against constantly desiring the latest gadgets or toys, and remind them that real fulfilment isn’t found in possessions.
‣ Worth and Identity
Remind children their true value stems from being created in God’s image, not from material possessions. Warn them against tying their self-worth to clothing, toys, trends, or belongings. Encourage them to discover their genuine identity in Christ.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6
Cultivating a spirit of contentment will help protect kids from greed and dissatisfaction. It enables them to generously share what they have rather than hoard possessions. Help children flourish with an attitude of satisfaction rooted in Christ.
3. Saving
A crucial money management principle we want to pass on to our children is the value of saving. In a culture of spending and instant gratification, this goes against the tide. However, establishing wise saving habits according to Biblical wisdom will benefit kids greatly.
There are some practical ways we can encourage children to save:
‣ The Value of Saving
Help children grasp why saving money matters. Explain that when they set aside a part of their money, it grows over time, ready for future needs and dreams. For instance, think about saving up for that special toy you really want.
‣ Set Aside Income
When children receive money as gifts or allowance, have them set aside a percentage to save before spending. Praise small amounts to reinforce the habit. Share Bible stories about saving during plentiful years.
‣ Be Patient
Teach them that saving requires patience and delaying immediate rewards. It takes discipline to resist spending everything right away. Keep reminding them that their savings will grow over time.
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. – Proverbs 13:11
Cultivating sound-saving practices will bless children not only in the present but also in the long term. Small lessons today reap huge benefits down the road. Our consistent guidance can start them on the path of wise, Biblical financial stewardship.
4. Giving
One beautiful Biblical principle we can exemplify for our children is the joy of generosity. Giving to others reflects God’s nature and provides deep blessing. Teaching kids to be kind and share when they’re young can help them become caring and others-focused.
The Bible encourages generosity in many places. As we teach our children about money, we should emphasise the importance of giving:
‣ The Joy in Giving
Guide children to grasp that giving brings happiness. Discuss the joy that comes from sharing our blessings with others. Use examples like donating toys or helping others through service.
‣ Nurture a Habit of Giving
Motivate children to allocate a portion of any money they receive for giving. Teach them to make giving a regular practice, not just an occasional thought.
‣ Support Those in Need
Discuss all the ways we can give to help people in need – the poor, sick, widows, orphaned. Explain how our generous gifts can meet practical needs.
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Cultivating a heart of generosity in our kids will enrich their lives and spirits tremendously. It also reflects Christ’s love in tangible ways. Let us model compassionate giving ourselves as we train the next generation.
5. Budgeting
An essential skill for children to pick up is budgeting. Making and sticking to a spending plan is like building a strong financial foundation. Even though budgeting might sound a bit dull, teaching it to kids early on can set them up for success throughout their lives.
The Bible talks about the importance of planning and taking good care of the resources we have. When we’re teaching children about managing money, one of the first things to learn is how to create a budget. Here are the main things to remember:
‣ Creating a Budget
Help kids map out a simple income and spending plan for any money they receive, whether allowance, gifts, or earnings. Teach them how to split their funds into savings, spending, and giving categories.
‣ Plan Spending Wisely
Empower children to carefully consider their purchases before making them. Inspire them to conduct research and compare prices to make wise spending decisions. Teach them the value of patience and saving up for pricier items.
‣ Avoid Waste and Debt
Teach children the importance of avoiding impulsive spending and wasting money. Warn them about using credit to make purchases, which can result in debt. Stress the significance of staying within their budget.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5
Helping children develop budgeting discipline equips them with an invaluable and useful life skill. They will reap the rewards for years to come.
Recommended Articles: ‣ 17 Fun and Engaging Biblical Money Lessons for Children ‣ Christ-Centred Abundance: Transforming Every Area of Your Life ‣ Think Twice Before Falling Into These 5 Common Money Traps ‣ How to Live a Life of Purpose as a Christian: 7 Keys to Discovering Your God-Given Calling ‣ How to be a Good Steward of your Money
6. Diligent and Efficient Work
One important life lesson we can teach our children from Scripture is the value and reward of diligent work. Though challenging at times, working diligently is vital to both earthly provision and God’s blessing. Nurturing a work ethic in children from a young age will greatly benefit them in adulthood.
The Bible consistently emphasizes diligent work and warns against laziness. As we instruct children about money, we should highlight the importance of working hard:
‣ Develop Work Ethic
Explain to children how rewards and money typically require effort. Being diligent in school, chores, or other responsibilities offers numerous benefits. It inspires them to take pride in giving their best effort.
‣ Making Money
Educate children about the connection between work and earning money. Introduce age-appropriate opportunities for them to earn money through tasks like babysitting or doing yard work. Help them understand that earning wages is a result of their effort and labour.
‣ God Rewards Diligence
Reinforce to children that God rewards those who put in effort and work hard with the abilities and resources He has provided. When we labour diligently, it brings joy to the Lord.
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. – Proverbs 14:23
Cultivating a strong work ethic characterized by diligence, responsibility, and dedication will immensely benefit children. It also reflects the principles of God’s Word and His wisdom.
7. Debt
One of the most important financial lessons we can impart to our children from Scripture is to avoid the trap of debt. The Bible warns that borrowing money leads to slavery and hardship. Teaching kids early the value of living within their means can protect them from much future heartache.
As followers of Christ, we should take the Bible’s admonitions about debt seriously and pass these warnings on to our kids:
‣ Caution Against Debt
Help children understand the idea of debt and how it can quickly become overwhelming. Warn them about borrowing money for purchases and share real-life stories illustrating how debt can seriously harm financial well-being.
‣ Lifestyle Within Your Means
Teach children the importance of spending less than they earn. Show them the value of contentment with what they already have, instead of going into debt for more. Instil patience in them, emphasizing the benefits of saving up for the things they desire.
‣ Pursue God’s Wisdom
Instruct children to prioritize seeking God’s guidance over seeking fulfilment in material possessions. Stress that debt often arises from the desire for immediate gratification and acquiring too much too quickly.
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. – Proverbs 22:7
Training children early to avoid the pitfalls of debt can protect their finances and freedom in the future. Let us model balanced, prudent spending and teach the Biblical view of debt wisely.
8. Wise Choices
In life, children will have many important money decisions to make – how to spend, save, give, and budget funds. We want to equip them to make wise financial choices guided by Biblical values and God’s wisdom.
Learning to seek the Lord’s guidance regarding money from a young age is crucial.
The Bible guides us to seek the Lord in all our ways, including financial decisions. We can model this for kids and teach them to rely on God’s wisdom:
‣ Seek God’s Wisdom
Teach children to talk to God before making money decisions. Show them how to think and pray about whether their purchases match what the Bible teaches. Help them understand that when they trust in God, He can lead them in the right direction.
‣ Apply Biblical Values
Guide children to assess financial choices using Scriptural principles centred on generosity, saving, responsibility, and wise management. Encourage them to ask, “Does this show reverence to God?”
‣ Have Faith in God’s Provision
Teach children that God assures us of His provision for our necessities. If a financial decision brings worry and selfish desires – it might not be guided by the Spirit. Show them the importance of trusting in God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Training children in Biblical financial wisdom requires much guidance and grace. But the rewards will shine for years to come in their good decisions and stewardship.
9. Setting Goals
A crucial aspect of wise money management involves setting clear financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a special toy or planning for their first car in the future, teaching kids how to set and achieve goals is a valuable skill. We can inspire them to create goals that honour God and to put in the effort needed to reach them.
The Bible encourages us to make thoughtful plans and work diligently to accomplish our aims. Teaching children strategies for goal setting can prepare them for success:
‣ Set Specific Goals
Assist children in expressing clear financial objectives they wish to pursue. Aid them in breaking down these goals into smaller, achievable steps. Employ visual tools such as progress charts to make tracking their progress more engaging and understandable.
‣ Formulate Plans
Engage in conversations about practical approaches to achieve financial goals, such as allocating received money toward the goal and resisting impulsive spending. Commend their progress with small achievements along the way.
‣ Divine Assistance
Remind children that God is eager to assist us in achieving righteous goals that align with His purpose. Instruct them to depend on the Lord for inspiration and determination.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. – Proverbs 16:3
Watching their hard work pay off when they achieve financial goals will make children better at things and help build their character. They’ll also learn to have confidence that God helps those He calls.
10. Passing Down Values to the Next Generation
The Bible highlights how important it is to impart godly wisdom to shape the lives of future generations. While teaching kids about money, let’s remind them of this meaningful chance:
Teach children how the financial knowledge they acquire can be shared to help others. Explain that harmful financial habits can also be passed on through generations. Emphasize the significance of seeking wisdom.
‣ Bless Future Generations
Assist children in grasping that making smart money choices today can help them support their own future kids and grandkids. Explain that bad habits can have negative effects on future generations.
‣ Become Wise Teachers
Motivate kids to begin considering right away how they can pass on their financial knowledge to younger siblings, relatives, or friends. Acknowledge their capacity to assist others in learning.
He commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. – Psalm 78:5-6
Preparing children to be caretakers of a lasting family legacy brings significant purpose. The influence of the financial principles we impart can resonate throughout eternity.
Conclusion: Passing Down Blessing for Generations
As Christian parents, teaching our children Biblical financial principles is a privilege and responsibility. The guidance we provide today will reap benefits for years to come in their lives. By instilling godly values of diligence, thriftiness and generosity in our children, we are preparing them for a tremendously blessed future.
Throughout Scripture, we find examples of how a parent’s teaching impacts descendants like Abraham instructing Isaac in God’s ways.
The financial wisdom we impart to our children today will not only benefit them. It will also bless future generations, including their own children. The financial lessons we model set patterns for generations to come. Let us determine to pass down the treasure of Biblical financial wisdom.
Our instruction has eternal influence. May our children adopt principles of diligent work, prudent saving, avoiding debt, tithing, and wise stewardship. As we guide them in God’s ways with money, we secure their futures and leave an eternal legacy.
