Discipline is a word that brings up many thoughts — some of those not so positive. However, in truth, discipline is the act of regularly placing emphasis in one’s life on some behavior or choice that brings short term and long term benefits. Disciplined folks give regular attention to things in life that help them grow.
Teaching kids about spiritual disciplines reminds them that certain behaviors are very helpful when practiced consistently. One of those disciplines would definitely be learning about and practicing stewardship. A great place to start is simply helping them understand what the word means. Just having a simple conversation reminding kids that we are each to faithfully use gifts from God: talents, time and money, to honor Him and doing so helps us truly show that we are grateful for his gifts and do not take them for granted.
Let’s take a look at each one of these gifts from God:
Talents
God gives each of us talents and abilities that we can use to bring honor to our Creator. Using one’s talents for God helps show that we are grateful for those gifts/talents and do not want to take them for granted.
Time
We all have the same amount of time, but, followers of Jesus should challenge themselves to make sure they are giving of their time to learn about our Saviour, to serve others in Christ’s name, and and just spending personal time with our God (in His Word and through prayer).
Money
All good things come from God. That includes money. The Bible challenges us to give back to God 10% of what we earn. In addition to tithing, kids can learn to give offerings to help further the work of God in helping all peoples learn about Jesus.
Sounds important, doesn’t it? However, let’s think of some fun ways to help kids accomplish these:
1. Challenge children to write about or draw pictures of things they really do well.
Focus on things like talents, abilities, and so on. Ask them to think of ways they can use these skills to honor God.
2. Help kids draw a calendar.
Go through a week on the calendar and help kids think of things they can use their time for during the week to show their love for God.
3. Talk about what it means to tithe.
Use the illustration of 10 dimes and a dollar bill. Show them that one of the dimes represents a “title.” Challenge them to “tithe” on their allowance, even when it isn’t easy! Help them know that God will honor their faithfulness.
Read other posts in this series:
- Bible Reading: Teaching Kids Spiritual Disciplines
- New Series Introduction: Teaching Kids Spiritual Disciplines
Read other posts in the Spiritual Disciplines series.
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Jerry Vogel serves as a Childhood Ministry Specialist in Lifeway Church Resources. He is married to Janie and has four children and twelve grand kids. Jerry is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church and teaches preschoolers there. He is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.
