Why Stewardship Matters

We are called to manage God’s resources in a way that glorifies God. It’s not our money, it’s God’s. Therefore, we are all stewards of the wealth that God has entrusted to us.

“The LORD answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
— Luke 12:42-44 NIV

 GETTING STARTED

  • Explain to your child that we are called to be good stewards and why it is important. Have a conversation about why and how to carefully and responsibly divide your paycheck.

Remember, you are trying to cultivate the heart, not be dogmatic.  Make it fun and enjoyable. Ask open-ended questions about what they might be thinking about. 

  • Guide your child in setting up the initial percentages for each category. Have those numbers hold firm for one year. As the child gets older, let them choose their own percentage allocations.

  • Suggestions for initial percentage allocation: God 10%, Others 15%, Savings 30%, Spending 35%, Extra 10%

  • “Settle up” at least once a month, but not more than twice a month without fail.

  • Have your child read the category heading and the verse associated with it. Once done, do the math and place money in the appropriate slot:

    • God - Take you money to church at the first opportunity

    • Others - Consider choosing a family giving outlet the first year that everyone contributes to and then let it grow/change organically.

    • Savings - Open a savings account at the bank. It’s important to set that habit of regular depositing.

    • Spending - Do not make spending taboo. Let them enjoy the fruits of their labor as they wish plus suffer the waste of money based on their choices

    • Extra – A rainy day fund that can supplement the other four categories as the need arises.