When we hear the word “Generous,” we often think about generous people we know. From the top down, however, Generosity is a Divine trait, and there is an opportunity to train, our children and grandchildren toward that trait.
God is love. Love Gives. God so loved that He gave. Jesus so loved that He gave. We are made in God’s image. We are designed and built to be generous.
Much of the world does not encourage generosity. Instead of an abundance God-centered mentality, culture often has a scarcity mentality based on fear and self-interest. Our beloved students swim in that culture for much of their lives.
However, grandparents and parents, alongside school leaders, can intentionally train up children to become the generous followers of Jesus they have been designed to be. What about these practical opportunities to Train Up a Child:
- Lead by example…confer privately to build “lesson plans.”
- Teach them God owns it all. Distinguish steward from the owner
- Look for ways to give spontaneously while with them
- Sponsor a child alongside them
- Invite them to give their opinion on giving decisions
- Give them cash to give away
- Comment on generosity and empathy when you see it
- Encourage acts of kindness
- Share your wisdom on what types of giving work….and do not
- Implement the “Neighbor Gift” at Christmas
- Facilitate conversations during meals
- Talk with friends about this list to expand it
For additional resources on building a generous, multi-generational family, contact Jay Bennett ([email protected]) or Tyler VanEps ([email protected]) at the National Christian Foundation Twin Cities.