Little Now, More Later

[Jesus said] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Matthew 6:19-20

Props: small matchbox car and large, remote control car

One of the hardest lessons to learn about using money is the importance of saving it.  Raise your hand if you get an allowance.  (Allow for response).  How many of you get money sometimes for a holiday, for your birthday or when you lose a tooth?  (Allow for response).  You have a choice of whether to spend or save the money you are given. 

Let’s say you are really into cars and trucks.  You lose a tooth and you wake up to find $1 under your pillow.  Now you have a choice of what to do with the money.  You can spend it immediately and buy a car like this (hold up the matchbox car) or you can save it.  Spending the money immediately definitely has its rewards.  You get to enjoy the little car right now.  If you save the money, you’ll have to wait.  Let’s say you decide to wait.  You wait until Easter, when your grandparents send you a card with $2 in it.  You still wait.  School gets out and you get $5 for having a great report card all year.  Then for your birthday you get $10 from different family and friends.  Finally, after 6 months of saving, you decide to spend your money.  You go to the store and find a car like this.  (Hold up the large, remote control car). 

Was it worth the wait and the savings?  You bet! 

Saving money isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding.  God wants us to be wise with the things He gives us.  Sometimes it’s okay to spend money right away, but other times you will need to wait and save your money for something bigger.