At first glance, the word stewardship may bring mixed emotions of financial obligation, but the TRUE definition simply means to manage the Time, Talent, and Treasure of others. As Godly parents and leaders not only are we asked to be good stewards of what God has given us but according to Psalm 127:3 we are given the daunting task of stewarding the lives of our children and in foresight, teach them how to be good stewards as well. That’s why during these times of economic uncertainty, this edition of the UpLoad is dedicated to exploring how living a life of stewardship leads to a life of PROVISION, PROTECTION, and PURPOSE according to Malachi 3…Loving Stewardship!

     From a young age, children can learn not only how to steward their TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE well but also how to do so generously. As you discuss decisions about giving, saving, and spending, children will learn to be caretakers of God’s blessings and in return reap the THREE PROMISES found in God’s Word:                                                                         

• PROVISION (Malachi 3:10): Parents setting the example in their giving helps children to develop a sense of generosity themselves. Feelings about money are contagious, so also model appropriate attitudes about paying bills, shopping, and delayed gratification.

•  PROTECTION (Malachi 3:11): It’s the little details in stewardship that allow God to protect you. Give children a weekly allowance that can be divided easily. Then make or use a three-compartment container to help kids divide their money into the categories of giving, saving, and spending.  

• PURPOSE (Malachi 3:12): You are known for what you do! Discuss tangible needs in your community, church, and the world. Together, come up with ways your family can chip in to offer assistance. Then help children see the results of how giving their TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE impacts others.

     As always, we pray you find this UpLoad encouraging and insightful, and if there is anything we can do to make your life easier and more impactful in your connection to your families, please, drop us a line. 

Serving The Master,

EliSauseda  

My Facebook: Pastor Eli's Facebook

My Email: Elijah@ffcvictoria.org

Office: 361-573-2484 X29

*STORY* Finding one of her students making faces at others on the playground, Ms. Smith stopped to gently reprove the child. Smiling sweetly, the Sunday school teacher said, "Bobby, when I was a child, I was told that if I made ugly faces, it would freeze and I would stay like that." Bobby looked up into her face, grimaced a bit, and replied, "Well, Ms. Smith, you can't say you weren't warned.

It’s true, kids don’t always say the right things or make the right decisions, but what amazes me is that God doesn’t tell us to FORCE them to do so either. The key is to TEACH them to CHOOSE right from wrong, “and when they are older, they WILL REMAIN upon it.”

So what does that mean to you? It means that your mandate from God is to use a Mr. Miagi (Karate Kid) approach and not a Rex-Kwan-Do (Napoleon Dynamite) approach as your method of training. The two equations look something like this:

     :-( TEACH METHOD + KID = WISE CHILD WHO LEARNS TO MAKE GOOD CHOICES! 

     :-) FORCE METHOD + KID = SHELTERED CHILD WHO REBELS WHEN HE IS OLDER!

So having a generation of GOOD CHOOSERS is a difficult formula? NO!  It’s as simple as A-B-C!

• AFFIRMATION – Remind Your Kids Of What God Sees In Them!

As kids build their own self-image, juggling the variety of mixed signals they receive from outside sources, be sure to be THE SOURCE reminding them that they are Psalm 139:14, “fearfully and wonderfully made”.

• BOUNDARIES – Kids Love Structure…It Makes Them Feel Safe!

Gambling with boundaries in a child’s life is like gambling with the safety of that child. Kids understand that there is no “gray area” when it comes to right and wrong, so remember to use Romans 12:1 as your moral compass in teaching young people how to live “holy and pleasing to God”.

• CONSISTENCY – Do What I Say…Not What I Do?

This is the biggest cop-out it child training! In reality, your kids may listen to what you say, but they are COPYING everything you do! Plainly, what you say may SPEAK into the heart of a child, but what you do, SHOUTS!

Here’s the bottom line…kids will do what you say if YOU DO what you say! So if we craft a new motto for training up GOOD CHOOSERS, it would look something like this…Do what I say, and “model your life” after what I do.

• OBSERVE…your children as they interact with people, activities, and objects. Keep track of what excites them. Talk to your children about their thoughts and feelings after a new experience.
• DIVE…into the Bible to learn about spiritual gifts. Check out passages such as Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. Share special Bible verses with your children and let them know that God has a plan for their lives.
• PROVIDE…varied opportunities for children to grow passionate about God and service. Encourage children to take an active role in children’s ministry programs. Try serving together as a family in a range of roles.