Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (CEB)

As we reflect on the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth during this post-Christmas season, I find myself contemplating the limited knowledge we possess about Jesus during his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood. While we have cherished details of his miraculous birth, the scriptural narrative becomes quiet until he is twelve, lingering in the temple courts, immersed in the teachings within “his Father’s House” (Luke 2). Luke further notes that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man,” leaving us with a pause in the scriptural account of his life until he reaches the age of 30.

How did Jesus learn all that he knew (wisdom) and then later shared during his three-year ministry? No doubt his parents had much to do with Jesus’ knowledge and the same is true for parents today. Kids spend way more time with their parents than they do in school or church. As parents we need to be sure that what our children see and hear from us is what we want them to know and use in their lives, just as Mary and Joseph must have done for their oldest child.

Since finance is one of the topics Jesus repeatedly taught in his ministry, it stands to reason that how we handle money is important for people of faith, especially so for North American Christians who struggle with cultural idols like materialism and individualism. In the article, 5 Ways To Teach Children Financial Literacy, the author explains, “It’s never too early to teach children the value of a dollar. In fact, even the youngest of kids can sort change and begin to understand that coins and dollars have a value assigned to them. As they get older, their knowledge of finances and savings will organically mature, but there are things you as parents and caregivers can do to ensure they are set up for financial success in the future.”

Here are the five topics discussed in the article: 

1. Teach wants vs. needs
2. Create ways to earn money
3. Set savings goals
4. Provide a place or account to save
5. Show them how money grows over time

These strategies will greatly improve your child’s knowledge of and relationship with money. None of these seem difficult to implement, but they do require discipline and consistency. Isn’t this what we want for our kids anyway? Sure, it is.

Just as Jesus didn’t remain a babe in a manger, so our children and grandchildren are growing and learning. Much of what they will know will come from you and me. Set the goal for 2024 to help those entrusted to your care to be good stewards (or managers) of their money so that later they will honor Christ with their lives and their finances.

This article was submitted by Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF, you can contact Lynn at [email protected].