Debt Valley


Idolatry-Discerning: Money Plan



Proverbs 22:7



Okay, so why do kids need to learn about debt? Well, they sure have enough things that they want or need. There are ipods, cell phones, video games, skateboards, and the list goes on. And sometimes they are tempted to get an advance on their allowance, or ask their brother or sister for a loan, so that they can get the things they want when they want them. And, oh, what brother or sister can resist using their loan to get a "slave" for a day or week or however long it takes to get the loan paid off.

One of the important life skills that children need to develop is called "delayed gratification." Delayed gratification is the ability to wait for something that one wants. People who have this ability can set a goal and then work toward the achievement of that goal. Whether it is saving up for a video game, or waiting til Christmas for the bike that looks so cool in the store window, learning to wait, to save, to keep from being distracted from their ultimate goal, will serve our children well as they enter their teens and beyond.

The Bible has a lot to say about money and how to use it. It also warns that you cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). When we borrow, we want to ask ourselves, will this loan cause me to serve the lender at the expense of my service to God and his Kingdom?


How well did you listen to the story?

Q. What was the deal that Liz's dad offered him to encourage him to save his money?
A. He would match whatever he saved, putting an equal amount in his savings account.

Q. What does Liz decided to do in order to make, "save," more money?
A. He decides to buy X-Monsters stuff and resell it at a profit.

Q. Where does he get the X-Monsters stuff to sell?
A. From Skink's uncle.

Q. What does he do with the money he makes?
A. Buys a skateboard.

Q. Who offers him a loan?
A. Skink.




Why is what we do with our money important to God?


1) The Bible tells us that our heart is where our treasure is. If money is our treasure, then that is where our heart is (Matthew 6:21). But God wants our hearts (Matthew 22:37). 2) If we spend all that we have, or more than we have, then we have nothing to give to the causes of the Kingdom—mission work, the poor, the sick (Micah 6:8; 1 Timothy 6:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:9-13).


Do you have a plan for your money? One good plan is to set up three envelopes-one for savings, one for giving, and one for spending. Then you can have money for special projects (like saving for summer camp, or for college), money to give in the offerings at church, and for things you would like to buy.
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