Generational Generosity - Never The Same

When it comes to talking about money with your kids, you may be hesitant. Discussing finances can be one of the more difficult conversations; in fact, 69% of parents say they are reluctant to talk about money with their children.* However, as we look to lead our students in their relationship with Christ, how they view money matters.

Money and the Bible

Money is one of the most discussed topics in the Bible. Over 2,000 verses concern finances and 15% of Jesus’ preaching involved money!** Clearly, God cares about what we do with the money He gives us.

A theme seen throughout the entirety of the Bible is generosity. In Genesis 14, we see Abraham give a tenth of all that he owned to Melchizedek. The Israelites were instructed to follow this model by giving their tithe (a tenth) to the Temple of God. Later, Jesus admonished a woman who gave two small coins, which was all she had to live on (Mark 12:41-44). Paul taught that “[we] will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Modeling Generosity for Your Kids

In addition to teaching your kids biblical values of generosity and good financial stewardship, we should model how it is done well. One of the most distinct memories I have from church growing up is excitingly putting my parent’s tithing check in the bucket as it passed down the aisle. I never knew the amount, but every month, my mom and dad invited me to give with them. Seeing that example was an important lesson that helped me be generous when making my own money.

Since giving is done mostly online nowadays, it’s important to let your kids know how your family stewards finances. You don’t need to go into all the minute budget details, but letting your kids see generosity can be very beneficial. Consider asking your children to start tithing whenever they receive any money. Early reinforcement of this spiritual discipline will help them live out generosity for the rest of their life.

All Resources Come from God

Another way to help your children steward their finances well is to teach them a heavenly perspective on money. James 1:17 says that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and 2 Corinthians 9:10 says that God supplies seed to the sower. God has given us all things, including our finances! Since He has blessed us with those gifts, we should honor Him in how we spend them.