Stewardship Lessons

Listen to these goals!

To Learn about work, possessions, and prosperity

I. Work is of God
     A. Work Is Not A Curse
     B. Man Must Work Hard To Provide Basic Needs

II. Our Possessions Are From God
     A. We Must Be Wise Stewards
     B. We Must Be Wise Caretakers
     C. Property Rights are to Be Protected
     D. We Give Tithes and Offerings of Our Possessions
     E. Possessions Do Not Bring Happiness

III. What is True Prosperity

IV. What Is An Inheritance
     A. We Receive an Inheritance from Our Parents
     B. We Have an Inheritance with Christ

To learn to use all I have for God's glory-to be generous.

Laura is doing ACE School of Tomorrow's fifth grade Social Studies.  The very first book, before she begins a chronological study of American History, Accelerated Christian Education has Laura learning about Stewardship.  This excites me.  Being a good steward is important to me and my family.  Those goals just blew me out of the water!  Work is not a curse and possessions don't bring happiness?  If we look around us at many in the world, we see the exact opposite.  It's so easy to fall into the "I'll be happy when I don't have to work so hard or when I get that one thing I REALLY want" trap.  To think that Laura gets to study this is wonderful.  I mean, this stuff isn't even covered very well in church! 

The first thing Laura did was a project (so much for ACE not being hands on at all).  This was a simple project that we spent roughly two days on.  In it, Laura made two circles and glued them together.  On one side it is labeled God's riches.  The other side is labeled The World's Riches.  On God's side Laura looked up Scripture verses and wrote out the promise listed.  For instance, 1 Peter 3:4 promises a meek and quiet spirit.  On The World's Riches side, Laura wrote out the answers to questions that the world might consider important... like gold, money, or cars. 

The following quote from the project directions is a valuable lesson, not only for my ten year old but for every Christian.  Just as both the sides of your coin-chart cannot be up at the same time, so a person cannot live for God and the world at the same time. (Matthew 6:24)

This is just the kick off of what will be a three week study for Laura in Stewardship and being generous.  In the process all of those goals I listed above will be covered.  I am excited.

Ace calls their study of History and other social sciences Social Studies.   Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the National Council for the Social Studies.  While many criticize a Christian Education, this kind of material is much needed in Society today.  I am very happy to have the opportunity for my child to learn about things, such as stewardship and generosity, from a Biblical point of view.  It can be spun however by secular or humanistic teachings, but these concepts are from God.