Family Giving: "Can't you do just a little bit more?"

Can't you do just a little bit more?

As Christian families, we need God's perspective on finances, and a vision for how our resources can help to expand His kingdom - especially in tough times.

In our family's living room, a small handcrafted treasure chest displays simple coins from around the world. Most of the pieces are dull and worn, while some are new and shiny. Our children often enjoy fingering the various francs from France, pulas from Botswana, and euros from Europe, to mention just a few. My favorite is an intricate gold-and-silver-colored piece from Italy, although, as with most of these coins, I have no idea of its worth. Some of the coins are no longer in circulation; some of the countries they're from no longer exist. All are simply extra pocket change left over from years of past mission trips, each saved as little souvenirs and little reminders that money is only a temporary "little thing." Each coin is (or was) valuable only because some government somewhere determined it would have value.

But money is also a "big thing" - and we can't underestimate the importance of training our children to have a godly perspective toward money and financial stewardship. Our money represents our life; our time, our talents, our education and experiences, and our priorities. In fact, if we really want to find out what is important to us, we can simply look back through our checkbooks and credit card statements over the past few months. Our true priorities are right there in black and white (or red!); and the numbers don't lie.

It's really very simple. If we have a heart for the Lord and for the lost, we will give our resources to glorify Him and to help spread His Gospel message; and if our children are raised with this perspective, it will affect their bottom-line attitude toward the purpose of money. Both parents and children need to acknowledge regularly that everything we have ultimately belongs to God: our life is God's, our home (or bedroom) is God's, our car (or bicycle, or special toy) is God's, our money is God's. We're all simply stewards of God's "stuff."

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, J. G. Morrison urged Nazarenes to increase missionary support, as he earnestly pleaded, "Can't you do just a little bit more?"

When times are tough, our families need to "sow in famine" (like Isaac in Genesis 26:12) and "lay up treasures in heaven" (like Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:20). Physical needs worldwide are greater than ever; orphan children desperately need help; sacrificing missionaries need continual support and prayers; and billions of people need to hear the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

During today's economic downturn, let's do more for the needs of world missions. Let's be faithful stewards of the many resources God has given us, and let's encourage our children to participate. As mission-minded families, let's do just a little bit more.

This article by Ann Dunagan, is an excerpt from her newest book, The Mission-Minded Family - Releasing Your Family to God's Destiny (Authentic Media, 2008). Ann is an international minister alongside her husband, Jon Dunagan, and a homeschooling mother of seven.