HAVE YOU EVER…made a New Year’s resolution?

I have discussed how I am not big on resolutions, but my entire family has been working on some changes around our house.  We have made a few resolutions that are going to take team work and encouragement from each other.  We want to be better people MORE dedicated to God.

The main one that I am going to share with you is embarrassing.  I grew up in a family where I did not get an allowance, but yet did not want for much.  I have been working at least a part time job since I was in the 7^th grade.  I was taught the value of money.  My parents were honest with us about how they spent and saved their money.  They taught us about tithing.  We gave an offering every Sunday.  We also gave our Birthday offerings, Lottie Moon Christmas offerings, and Annie Armstrong offerings every year.  My husband and I began tithing as soon as we got married as well. 

My kids have not learned about tithing though.  We tried a dime jar, marble jar reverted to money, chore charts turned into money.  All were incentives just to give them money and get a few things done around the house.  We have been teaching them how to be responsible for themselves, but we have been lacking on the tithing part. 

We bought each child a cheap plastic container that I have labeled tithe, save, and spend.  We are going to be putting 10% in the tithing and 10% in the savings jars, every time they earn or are given money as a present.  The other 80% is theirs to do with as they please.  The savings jar will also be there’s to do with as they please, but they have to get permission from mom and dad before they spend it.  It cannot be spent on frivolous things. 

I know we still have our work cut out for us.  There is more for the entire family to learn.  We will no longer be keeping our first fruits for ourselves.  We will be obediently giving MORE to God this year.   I pray this is a lesson they learn and remember the rest of their lives.
 

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7

HAVE YOU EVER…given MORE?

Proverbs 3:9;  Luke 21:3-4