"Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer, and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and your poverty will come in like a vagabond, and your need like an armed man." (verses 6-9, NASV)

We want our kids to be willing to invest their work in things that won't pay off immediately, because someday this same discipline will serve them well as they make hard choices about saving for a home or even retirement.

The final 45% is for the present. As Paul reminded Timothy in I Timothy 6:17, God gives us gifts to enjoy. It's perfectly okay to have some fun -- to enjoy the present. As parents, our goal is to present a balanced view of money. Sometimes too much talk and teaching about saving for the future can backfire. We've all seen articles in the news about misers who died after hoarding fortunes that could have been enjoyed and shared with others during life.

Some Christians, in an attempt to be good stewards, do the same thing. They squirrel away far more than they'll ever need thinking that this is somehow virtuous. To avoid this obsessive-compulsive abuse of money, we encourage our kids to blow some of their money in the "here and now."

Is this the perfect money management strategy for all families and all children? Probably not. But it has worked well for us. It might be a good fit for your family too.


Steve Diggs presents the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar at churches and other venues nationwide. Visit Steve on the Web at  www.stevediggs.com or call 615-834-3063. The author of several books, today Steve serves as a minister for the Antioch Church of Christ in Nashville. For 25 years he was President of the Franklin Group, Inc. Steve and Bonnie have four children whom they have home schooled. The family lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.

A complete financial compendium, 19 chapters
• What you can do today to get out of debt and kill the Debt Monster
• A,B,C's of handling your money God's way
• How to save, invest, and retire wisely
• How mutual funds work
• How to stop fighting over money
• What to teach your kids about money
• Learn how home & car buying, college financing and insurance work.
• How to develop a budget that works -- forever!
• Features simple charts, graphs, and easy-to-use forms.

Click here to learn more or to order