When I was seven years old, I was flipping through a children’s toy magazine and set my eyes upon a Razor scooter. It was a shiny silver with red cushion handles and a fancy foot brake. I told my parents how badly I wanted the scooter, expecting it to appear in the living room the next day. My parents, however, had different expectations. To them it was time for me to learn the value of earning and saving money. My parents had recently been to Dave Ramsey’s classes that were offered at our church and learned about how to give children commission instead of allowance. I started getting money for doing specific chores around the house and keeping my grades up. Month by month the money I earned began to increase. Finally, I had earned enough to purchase my $24.99 Razor scooter. My parents helped me complete the order and the wait began. I patiently waited for my new ride to be delivered. When the day finally arrived, I couldn’t contain my joy. Words could not describe the pride I felt as I held my first purchase in my hands. I had worked hard for every penny that went toward this new prize. As I showed off my scooter to my friends, I bragged about how hard I worked for it and actually paid for it myself. My friends were soon asking their parents if they could do some work for money.
Looking back, I am so thankful to my parents for teaching me that lesson. At seven years old, I understood what it meant to work hard for what you want. I understood the concept of saving versus spending. There are adults today who still do not understand the value of saving money. Fortunately for me, my parents’ teachings did not stop there. I continued to get commission all the way through high school. As I got older, and had more responsibilities, the commission amount grew. I was also required to break up what I earned. I tithed ten percent every month, and fifteen percent went into a savings account for my first car. Growing up, I watched my parents keep envelopes of money with them so they never overspent. My mom always had a copy of the current budget in her purse to refer to before making purchases. And my parents were discussing their current finances together and making long-term plans. I learned so much just from watching them. As I got older, they would include me in on some of the conversations to teach me certain things. The summer before my first semester of college, my dad had me watch Dave Ramey’s Super Saving and Cash Flow Planning (Budgeting that works). Most of the things he spoke about, I already knew because of my parents, but it prepared me for being on my own. When I entered college, I didn’t have to get a job, because my dad wanted me to focus on school. I was blessed enough to still earn a small commission from him as long as I kept my scholarships.
At this point, I was in charge of my own checking account and savings account. I had the choice of what I did with my money. I could have chosen to spend my money on typical college things, and there were times I was tempted to do so. However, I learned at a very young age that my money was not mine. It all belonged to my creator and it was my responsibility to be a good steward of that money. So, I continued to tithe. Now, when I do my budget every month, before I even think about bills or things I want to buy, I set God’s money aside. God is the creator of everything, and God owns everything. Everything that we have, we have received from God. We are simply the managers of what God has given us. God entrusts different things to us, not all are the same, but we all have the same responsibility. Take a moment to read Luke 19: 11-27 (ESV). A very rich man was going away, but before he left, he called a few servants together and gave them each a certain amount of money. When he got back, he called them together, excited to hear how they had spent their time earning him money. He was pleased with the first servant and second servant. Because they were trustworthy in the small job he gave them, he gave them leadership over more towns. When the third servant came before the king, he had the same amount that the king had given him before he left. He also had plenty of excuses to tag along with it. Being faithful with what we are given is one life lesson that never gets old. According to Jesus, being faithful isn’t only recommended…it’s rewarded. He is only going to give us what he can trust us with.
Now as a single 23 year old, I have a checking, savings, long-term savings, two retirement plans, and no debt. God has blessed me financially because I am a faithful steward. Now don’t get me wrong, I earn what a typical young teacher earns, which is not a lot, so I’m not a millionaire. But I’m content and taken care of (Philippians 4:10-11, ESV). I have something to fall back on if I lose my job. How blessed am I to have parents that were so grounded in God’s word that they taught me what they wish they had done when they were my age!
Now, if I do meet someone that I want to share my life with and have a family, I already have this foundation in place. There will be no question about how money will be handled in the marriage. It’s God’s money, and I choose to be a faithful steward.
Absolutely wonderful, wise, and uplifting! Love you!