“Being rich” appears to have become the replacement for what used to be called the American Dream. Unfortunately, too many people define “being rich” as having more stuff than their neighbors. They are focusing on material things and often overlook what is truly important. An article at Yahoo! Finance looks at questions that children sometime ask regarding the families financial situation and in particular how you should respond if your child asks, “are we rich?”
Being Truly Rich
The Bible has a lot to say about finances and possessions. Depending on who you ask, the Bible has between 800 and 2000+ verses dealing with this subject. One passage that I like is I Timothy 6:6-8.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(1 Timothy 6:6-8 King James Version) [emphasis mine]
According to the Bible, living a life of godliness where we are content with the things that we have received of God is the definition of great gain or “being rich”.
How to answer your children
The article does give some interesting ideas on how you can help your young children understand the relationship of money or activities relative to your financial situation. However, even more important than the verbal answers we might use to help our children on the road to financial understanding, are the things we do.
We often hear (or say), that actions speak louder than words. So when we are trying to help our children understand what being rich really is, make sure your own actions back up what you are saying. Does it really matter that you kids have a PS3 and an XBox 360, but you have to work 60-70 hours a week to be able to buy these types of items? Does it matter that your teenager has a brand new car, if you miss their after school activities?
New things don’t always say “I love you”, but taking time to focus on your children’s needs does. Sacrificing things that you want to do, to attend a school concert, a sporting event or attending church as a family, is a great way to let your actions remind your kids just how rich they really are.
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