Parenting by the Book
STUDY 42
Text: Proverbs 3:9-10
14 April 2002
Dear Parents,
TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT MONEY MATTERS
When is the best time to teach children about money matters? What do we teach them about money? Let us consider the wisdom found in this text.
Honour the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.Proverbs 3:9-10
WATCH CHILDREN DEAL WITH THEIR “POSSESSIONS”
Some children are able to share more easily than others. Other children can be downright selfish. Watch children at play and soon the personality or even the character of the child would be revealed. It is always good to take note of how the children deal with their possessions. Should there be a need, they can and should be corrected.
TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO HONOUR GOD
Possessions are part and parcel of life. Some do not have any regard for the Lord’s part in helping them to become successful and wealthy. The challenge is to teach children that the material things of life are an evidence of the Lord’s hand of blessing. It is only right that they learn how to honour Him with their possessions. In other words, we must teach our children how to give their possessions to the Lord.
A DEEP BIBLICAL TRUTH TO BE REMEMBERED
Moses gave specific instruction concerning the matter of wealth. Of note is the following statement.
And you shall remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,
that He may establish His covenant…Deuteronomy 8:18
If the Lord had not given the grace and the power to succeed, would there be wealth at all? If therefore wealth comes from God, is it not logical to trust Him?
TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO TRUST THE LORD’S PROVISION
Children find it hard to understand why they must share what they possess. They fear that when they share they would have less.
It is important to teach children how to trust the Lord’s provision. They must learn what it means to honour the Lord, and also how to trust Him. These are not easy lessons to learn. They would learn better if as parents we teach by example – ours!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie