Before You Talk About Money With Your Kids, Say This

“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 78:4, NIV)

When I started seminary, the first required course was “Prolegomena,” which loosely translates from Greek to mean, “Here’s what you say before saying anything.” This makes me laugh now. Truth is, I needed that lesson!

Before parents say anything to their children about money, there’s a basic principle we need to share: God provides.  From Scripture’s perspective, this is an essential truth that comes before anything else we teach.

Without understanding God’s provision, there’s a short hop to believing money is the key to unlocking the door to…well, everything.

Countless voices tell our children money makes the world go round. Parents must speak louder and say otherwise. 

According to the psalmist, when parents “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord” they learn “to put their trust in God…and keep his commands.” (Psalm 78:4&7, NIV)

So, before you talk about money with your kids, recount the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord with them. Point out the joys of everyday provisions: food that comes from the ground, shelter from the cold and bodies that can run, jump and play.

Pointing to God’s faithful provision teaches children to look for it ahead of everything else, including money.

Our children learn, whether in abundance or scarcity, nothing can separate them from God’s love through Jesus Christ.