Much has been written about the habits it takes to be a highly effective person, or a highly effective family or a highly effective teen. During the next seven weeks, we will will share a series intended to help us reflect on the habits of a highly effective steward.

Since stewardship is a part of discipleship, and discipleship is a journey for each of us, we hope that these habits will help up reflect on this area of our Christian life.

Habit 4: Be a Faithful Example

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut. 6: 6,7)

If we are to be good models for our children, we as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, must have God's Word reflected in our own lives. Secondly, we need to be alert to the countless
opportunities given us to teach our children a godly perspective on life, abilities, and possessions.

Modeling good stewardship is the best teaching tool. Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and uncles, who tithe, save, live on a budget, minimize debt and give of their abilities and time to help others
set an excellent example for their children.

Start early. When children are old enough to receive an allowance, talk about their responsibility to give the first part back to God. Talk openly about tithing, why we do it and the good things that happen because we give. By the time kids are in high school or even middle school it is almost too late to begin teaching. By that time, their money habits are mostly set. While there is still opportunity at
any age to teach them, we can better mold our children's behavior if we reach them before they start to practice.

Look for ways to involve children in giving activities. Invite them to participate in the discussion of where to give and why. Talk about how good it feels to give to others. Explain how giving is really receiving and allow them the opportunity to experience that joy.
Instilling a strong work ethic in our children is invaluable. Money doesn't just magically appear out of a bank machine, but is earned through work. Remember, a child cannot learn money management unless he or she has money to manage, and unless they have earned that money themselves. Otherwise he or she is giving and spending their parents' money and not theirs. (Dynamic Steward, July 2003)

 Working for something also teaches the value of delayed gratification. There is greater reward in something that is achieved versus free handouts. Our children will grow up with more respect for the value of money and what is required to earn it. Over indulgence by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles although well intended, destroys the need for initiative and motivation.

As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, we need to be patient and persistent. Let them fail. Mistakes are inevitable, but when you allow for failure you are entrusting  kids with responsibility.