“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
God understands the importance of passing down Biblical principles to the next generation—principles that lead to a life of faithfulness and success. One of the best ways to instill these values in our children is by acknowledging that everything we have comes from God. As parents, teachers, and leaders, we play a crucial role in guiding children to become faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them.
Throughout my travels across the Division territory, I have encountered inspiring stories of children learning the principles of tithes and offerings at an early age. Here are three such stories that highlight the significance of teaching stewardship to our children.
A Lesson in Tithing – Texas
In Texas, a local church’s stewardship leader taught the Adventurers Club the Stewardship Honor. The children eagerly participated and absorbed the lessons. On a particular day, the leader was teaching the “Builders” group (third-grade children) about stewardship—dedicating time to Jesus, attending church faithfully, and returning 10% to God as tithe. The leader explained that the tithe does not belong to us but to God.
A few weeks later, little Ana learned that she would be receiving birthday money. Without hesitation, she asked her father, “How much is 10%? I want to give my 10% to God.” Her father was surprised and later asked the Adventurers leader if she had been teaching the children about tithing. When she confirmed, he responded, “Whatever you are teaching, they are truly learning.”
Faithful with Little, Faithful with Much – California
In California, a Pathfinder-age boy was taught by his mother to always return his tithe, no matter how small the amount. Initially resistant, he eventually embraced the practice.
When his grandfather passed away, the boy received a significant inheritance, which was placed in a dedicated account. Without any prompting from his mother, he approached her and said, “I want to return tithe on my inheritance money.” Honoring his decision, his mother ensured his tithe was given. This act of faithfulness demonstrated that the lessons instilled in childhood took root and bore fruit in his life.
The Seeds of Stewardship – Arizona
During a meeting with stewardship leaders in Arizona, I asked one of them how he learned about stewardship. Without hesitation, he shared his story.
He had been raised in the church but left when he turned 18. Years later, after getting married and having his first child, he realized the importance of raising his children in a godly environment and returned to church. He and his wife became actively involved in the church community. He told me, “It was natural for me to return my tithes and offerings because I had heard about stewardship all my life growing up.”
Training the Next Generation
Many people associate Proverbs 22:6 with spiritual training, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” However, the following verse reminds us of another essential aspect of training, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” This passage underscores the need for financial training, including the stewardship of money. Teaching children to manage resources wisely prepares them for a lifetime of faithful giving and responsible living.
A Call to Be Intentional
2 Timothy 3:14-16 says, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
As stewards of God’s resources, we must be intentional about teaching our children the principles of stewardship. By modeling faithfulness in our own lives and providing opportunities for them to practice giving, we plant seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Let’s commit to raising a new generation of faithful stewards!
By Rudy Salazar
Check out these links for children’s resources!
Books: AdventSource
Children’s Stories for Stewardship Sabbath: Stewardship Sabbath » NAD Stewardship
Movies: The Mysterious Note » NAD Stewardship ; Smoky Mountain Rescue