Is It Ok To Tell People To Shut Up If They Are Being Jerks?

Answer: When someone does something annoying or wrong, we don’t have to like it.

But we shouldn’t do something bad to them in return. God wants us to be loving and kind to others.

So the rule is to be respectful, not bossy or rude. If the person will listen to your opinion, say something, but say it kindly.

Sometimes it’s good to tell friends that they’re not being nice or that they are being mean.

You don’t have to like someone else’s cruelty, but you don’t have to respond just like they do, either.

God knows that it’s best for us when we do things his way. Responding to cruelty with kindness makes friends of people.

But when we respond to cruelty with cruelty, we just feed the conflict and make more conflict.

So the best way to make someone stop annoying you is to be nice to the person, not mean.

Key verse: A gentle answer tums away anger. But harsh words cause fights. (Proverbs 15: 1)

Related verses: Proverbs 4:24; 12:16; Romans 12:17; 15:2; James 2:8; 1 Peter 2: 17

Related question: Is it wrong to call other people names?

Note to parents: Don’t let kids say cruel and unkind things to each other or to you.

It’s simply a matter of respecting others not to say shut up or other disrespectful words to people.

Instead, show them how to discuss the concerns they have with each other without attacking. Help them solve problems instead of fighting over them.

Why Do People Say Things That Aren’t True About The Stuff They Sell On Commercials?

Answer: Companies make commercials to try to get people to buy their products.

Some companies don’t care what they say, even if it’s not true. They just want to get people to buy their stuff.

All commercials try to make the product look good. So they may not lie, but they may give an impression that isn’t true.

For example, a TV ad may show a group of kids having great fun playing a game.

We really don’t know whether the game is fun-the kids on TV are actors who were paid to look as if they were having fun.

We are led to believe that it would make us happy to play the game.

When you see or hear an advertisement, look and listen carefully.

Also, don’t get into the habit of wanting everything that looks good on TV.

You probably don’t need it, and it may not be as good as it looks anyway.

Key verse: Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies.

They give wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas.

The things they teach are not built on what Christ has said. (Colossians 2:8)

Related verses: Luke 12: 15; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 1 John 2:15-17

Note to parents: Some kids don’t know that commercials can create false impressions, because they don’t have the benefit of experience that you have.

You can turn commercials into an educational experience by pointing out how they may be misleading the audience.

Perhaps you have a story of how an ad had this effect on you.

Why Shouldn’t We Take Drugs?

Answer: Prescription drugs (medicine) are OK to take. In fact, doctors give those to us to help make us well when we’re sick.

We must carefully obey the doctor’s instructions about when to take them and how much to take so the drugs can help us.

Taking drugs in the wrong way can be very bad for us. That’s why there are laws about them.

Drugs that can hurt us are against the law. Some people use these drugs because it makes them feel good for a little while.

But often they get hooked, and the drugs take over their lives. They affect people’s brains so that they can’t think right, and they can even kill people.

We shouldn’t let anything we put into our bodies control us, whether it’s food, drink, drugs, alcohol, or any other chemical.

Only God should be in control of our lives. And God wants us to take care of our bodies-bad drugs destroy our bodies. Stay far away from all illegal drugs.

Key verse: Don’t drink too much wine. Many evils lie along that path. Be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and be controlled by him. (Ephesians 5:18)

Related verse: 1 Corinthians 6: 19

Related questions: Why is it wrong to drink? Why is it wrong to smoke?

Is it wrong to smoke even one cigarette? Why do people take drugs? Why do we have drugs?

Is It All Right To Throw Rocks At Someone Who Threw Rocks At You?

Answer: It is not right to do something bad to someone just became that person did something bad to us.

The Bible calls that “returning evil for evil,” and Jesus says it is wrong.

The Bible also tells us that we shouldn’t try to get back at people who hurt us.

We do not have the right to punish people for the things they do wrong.

Instead we should talk about the situation with God and leave it with him.

It’s all right to protect ourselves, but it’s not OK to get even.

This may seem unfair. But actually, only God knows how to judge fairly – we don’t.

By refusing to return evil for evil, we let God take care of making things right. And God is perfect in all his judgments.

Just because someone else is sinning doesn’t give us the excuse to sin.

We should always try to obey God and do what is right. God’s way is always best.

Getting back at others usually doesn’t solve the problem; it just makes things worse.

Key verses: The law of Moses says, “A man might gouge out another man’s eye.

If this happens, he must pay with his own eye. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the one who did it.”

But I say don’t stand against violence! If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other one, too. (Matthew 5:38-39)

Related verses: Proverbs 20:22; Luke 6:27-36; Acts 7:60; Romans 12:17-21

Related questions: Is it wrong to yell at my parents when they tell me no? Is it wrong to be angry at my brother after he broke something of mine?

Should you be mean to someone who was really mean to your sister?

Is It All Right To Say Bad Things If There Is No One There To Hear You?

Answer: If something is wrong, then it is wrong even if no one else ever finds out about it.

So swearing, lying, and saying bad things about others are wrong, even if our parents, friends, neighbors, and everyone else can’t hear.

God knows what’s going on; he sees and hears everything. That’s why a true test of your character comes whenever you think no one else is watching or listening.

If you really believe that swearing is wrong, you won’t do it, period. You won’t look for opportunities to do it when no one is around to catch you.

Work hard at speaking and thinking what is good and right, even when no one else is around, because that’s what really matters.

Even what you think counts; God knows our every thought.

And if anyone ever does find out what you said in private, they will know that you can be trusted. Live every moment as a service to God.

Key verse: Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to. That will give them a blessing. (Ephesians 4:29)

Related verses: Proverbs 5:21; 20:11; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Philippians 4:8

Related question: Is it wrong to swear under your breath?

Note to parents: Kids often think that if a deed doesn’t hurt anybody, it’s OK.

But wrong actions always hurt someone in some way in the long run.

The damage may be indirect or take time to become obvious, such as when chronic lying destroys trust in a family.

But in the end, everything we do has an effect on others.

Can I Do Whatever I Want When I’m Older?

Answer: Some kids think that when they grow up they will be able to do anything they want. And it

may appear that some adults live that way. But that’s not true. All our lives we will have rules and laws to obey.

When God gave the Ten Commandments, he gave them to all people, of all ages, for all time.

No one outgrows the need to follow God’s ways. We should always obey God.

That’s one of the reasons God tells us to obey our parents.

Doing what they say helps us learn to obey those in authority over us later in life. It also helps us want to do what’s right.

Key verse: Don’t let anyone think little of you because you are young. Be their example.

Let them follow the way you teach and live. Be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your clean thoughts. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Related verses: John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:1-4

Related question: Why do grown-ups yell at each other?

Note to parents: The question behind the question here may be about double standards.

If parents do something they forbid kids to do, it will appear to the children that adults can do whatever they want. Don’t use your age to justify wrong behavior.

Is It Wrong To Copy Computer Games?

Answer: If a computer game is copyrighted, yes. What does copyright mean? It means that the person (or company) who created it is the only one with the right to copy it.

People who write books, songs, magazine articles, and computer software often copyright their work so that other people can’t sell or misuse it.

The law says that anyone who does take or sell someone else’s copyrighted work is guilty of stealing.

With stealing, usually we think of taking an object (money, a toy, a pencil, a hat, a ball, etc.) that belongs to someone else.

But you can also steal information. When someone writes a song, the song belongs to that person.

When someone writes a book, the book belongs to that person. Other people can have copies of the song or book if they buy them.

Or someone could borrow another person’s copy of the song or book.

But it would be wrong just to take them-which is what happens when you make your own copies.

Remember, even if everybody does something wrong, it is still wrong because it still goes against God’s nature.

Key verse: If anyone is stealing he must stop it. Let him begin by using his hands for honest work. Then he can give to others in need. (Ephesians 4:28)

Related verses: Exodus 20:15; Romans 13:1-5; 1 Peter 2:13-14

Related question: Is it right to record tapes?

Note To Parents: Don’t accept bootlegged copies of software or music for your kids, and don’t make illegal copies for your own use.

If you’re unsure of what you can do with a particular program, check the license agreement that came with it.

Is It Wrong To Keep Money That You Find On The Stre Et?

Answer: An honest person makes an honest effort to return things to their rightful owners, even when no one knows about it.

With a wallet, the person could look for a name inside and contact the owner. With a large amount of money, the person could put up a sign or tell the police about it.

Where the money is found is also important. Money found on a classroom floor was probably lost by someone in the class.

Money found in a store was probably lost by someone who had just been in the store.

In those cases, the person who found the money should tell the teacher or tell the store cashier.

That would be the honest thing to do. The important thing is to do for the person who lost the money exactly what you would want them to do for you.

Sometimes it will be impossible to find the owner of the money.

For example, you would probably never find the rightful owner of money found on the street or a dollar blowing across a field.

But don’t make excuses for keeping what doesn’t belong to you try to find the owner if you can.

Key verses: Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest command. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Related verses: Deuteronomy 22:1-3; Luke 6:31-36

Note to parents: Kids have their own saying for this scenario: “Finders keepers, losers weepers.” Tell your kids that God’s greatest commandment gives us a different standard-one that respects people and looks out for their best interests.

Is It Stealing If A Poor Person Takes Food?

Answer: Yes. No matter what a person steals or why, it is still stealing. The Bible says a lot about poor people.

God’s people, the nation of Israel, were supposed to help the poor. And hungry people were allowed to gather leftover grain from the fields (called gleaning).

But the poor were never told that they were allowed to steal food.

There are many poor and hungry people in the world.

We should do whatever we can to help them (sending food, donating money to relief organizations) so they won’t be tempted to steal food.

Key verses: O God, I beg two favors from you before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie.

Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs! For if I grow rich, I may become content without God.

And if I am too poor, I may steal. That way I might insult God’s holy name. (Proverbs 30:7-9)

Related verses: Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 19:10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:19- 21,25-34; Acts 2:42-45; James 2:14-16

Note to parents: When your child asks a question like this, it’s a great opportunity for you as a family to begin to support a relief agency or sponsor a child or family.

It is also a good opportunity to pray together that God will meet your own family’s daily needs and thank him for doing so.

Is It All Right To Pray To God For Money?

Answer: Yes, it is fine and good to pray to God about money and to ask him for money.

The Bible tells Christians to “pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6), that “whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God” (James 1:17), and that “the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2).

God wants you to know this, and there is no better person to ask than God whenever you need anything, including money. You should ask God for the money you need.

Just think carefully about what you want the money for. God promises to provide what we need.

But Jesus warned against greed and love for money. God won’t give you money to get something just because you want it badly.

Key verse: This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Related verses: Matthew 6:11; 7:7; 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5; James 2:15-16; 4:1-3

Related question: How does God supply money?

Note to parents: Whenever you pray for money as a family, thank God for the jobs, gifts, and other sources of income he has already provided.

Remember to show your thankfulness even when you need more.

How Do I Trust God For Money?

Answer: First, pray. Tell God what you need, what you would like, and how you feel.

But also tell him that you trust him to take care of you and to do what is best for you.

Then put your mind at ease and do not worry. God promises to provide for his people.

He also tells us to be content with what we have. You can be sure that God is doing what is best for you.

Key verse: [Jesus said,] “Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.” (John 14:1)

Related verses: Psalm 125:1; 138:7-8; Proverbs 3:5

Related questions: What should you do if you can’t find a job? Trusting God for money-does it mean to let him bring in work, or trust that he’ll lead you to work?

Note to parents: You can demonstrate trust with this simple exercise: Give your child five dollars.

Tell him or her that you will need that money to buy groceries later.

Emphasize that you are trusting him or her to keep the money safe and give it to you when you need it.

This is the same way we should trust God, believing that he will provide for us when we need something and not worrying about our future.

Why Doesn’t God Just Give Us Money When We Need It?

Answer: God does give us money when we need it. God always meets our needs.

But sometimes we don’t see God’s provision for what it is.

God usually provides for us through jobs, people, and other ordinary means.

Even though we don’t think of these as “miracles,” they still come from God.

God wants you to plan, to work, to be responsible, and to use well what he’s already given to you.

When you need something, God may want you to use something that you already have instead.

Or he may want you to make something yourself instead of buying a new one.

Or he may ask you to get along without whatever you think you need.

There is a difference between need and want. People often want a lot of things they don’t really need.

Your basic needs are a little bit of food, a few clothes, and someplace to sleep. Most of us have much, much more than we truly need.

You also should realize that God lets people experience the results of their own choices-including their choices about spending money.

He doesn’t rescue his people from every mistake they make.

If you make lots of bad choices with your money, you will suffer lots of bad consequences.

Key verses: “My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Related verses: Psalm 138:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Hebrews 13:5

Related questions: Why do we work? How much money will God supply for us?

Is It Ok To Keep A Toy That Belongs To Someone Else If They Don’t Ask For It Back?

Answer: No. Stealing is taking something that doesn’t belong to you. One type of stealing happens when a person borrows something from someone else but doesn’t give it back.

We know that stealing is wrong, all kinds of stealing, because God has told us not to steal. And if God has said it’s wrong, then doing it will end up hurting us and others.

Stealing is wrong and ends up hurting us even if no one finds out about it. Remember, God knows.

If a friend gives you something to keep, then that gift is yours. It would not be stealing to keep it – you don’t have to give it back.

But if someone loans you something or gives you something to use for a while, then you need to give it back when the time is up or when you are finished – even if the person doesn’t ask for it or has forgotten about it.

The same is true if you find something that belongs to someone else. You should give it to the person – that would be the honest thing to do.

God gives us the command not to steal. He does this to help us and to protect us from the penalties of stealing and the reputation of being a thief.

Besides, isn’t that the way you would want to be treated? Wouldn’t you want your toy or book or ball returned, even if you had forgotten about it?

Key verse: Treat others as you want them to treat you. (Luke 6:31)

Related verses: Exodus 20: 15; Ephesians 4:28

Related questions: What if someone lends you something and you both forget about it? Is it stealing if you don’t remember?

Would It Be Wrong If Your Friends Told You Something Was For Free, So You Took It, And Then You Found Out Later It Wasn’t Really Free?

Answer: Wrongdoing is always wrong, even if we don’t know it when we do it! Have you ever gone someplace you weren’t supposed to go, said something you weren’t supposed to say, or taken something you weren’t supposed to take – without knowing you weren’t supposed to? Everyone has at one time or another.

Sometimes we don’t find out until later that what we did was wrong. But when we find out, then what should we do? That’s what really matters.

We might have to ask for forgiveness or take something back. We certainly shouldn’t do it again, now that we know better.

For example, if friends said that something was free so you took it and then later you found out it wasn’t free, you should take it back or pay for it.

That would be the honest thing to do. Keeping it would be wrong.

Sometimes we just need to use common sense. For example, things in a store are hardly ever free.

So if someone says they are, we should make sure by asking someone who works at the store.

We shouldn’t go along with everything our friends say. But we should go along with everything God says.

Key verse: You believe whatever anyone tells you. You believe even if he is preaching another Jesus than the one we preach.

You welcome a different spirit than the Holy Spirit you received. If he shows you a different way to be saved, you swallow it all. (2 Corinthians 11:4)

Related verses: Luke 16:10; 1 Peter 1:13-16

Related question: What about when another kid tells you it’s OK to do something, but you find out from an adult later on that it was wrong?

If It’s Wrong To Steal, Whydothey Call It “Stealing Bases” In Baseball?

Answer: It’s not really stealing; that’s just the word they use to describe that kind of play. “Stealing bases” is part of the game of baseball.

Baseball has other words that can be confusing, too: Batters are “walked” by the pitcher, some batters “sacrifice,” the game is played on a “diamond,” and the fourth base is called “home plate.”

Every game has its own special words and rules. To play any game the right way, it is important to know the rules and to understand what the special words mean.

So “stealing” in baseball isn’t the same as stealing in life. If someone really did steal second base, that person would pick the base up off the field and take it home. And that would be wrong!

Key verse: Young man, it’s good to be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to.

Take in all you can. But know that you must account to God for all you do. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)

Note to parents: Be aware that kids sometimes don’t understand the different meanings that a term can have.

Encourage them to use words carefully because what we say has great power.

Why Are Some People Rich?

Answer: People become rich for many different reasons. Some people are rich because they were born into rich families.

Others become rich by working hard, saving, and investing wisely. A few get their money as gifts or by winning contests.

Some people get their money illegally- they cheat others and commit crimes.

But some people who seem rich have lots of nice things but no money. They’re so far in debt that they may never get out.

They’re not really rich; they just look that way. Remember that “rich” and “poor” are just labels.

Many people who live in poor countries would say that everyone in the United States is rich.

They would say you are rich. Why? Because compared to them, you are. You have a lot more than they have.

You are truly rich only when you are content with what you have.

If you have enough for your needs and enough to give some away, you can be content.

Be glad just to love and serve God. Then you will be the richest person in town.

Key verse: [David prayed,] “Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything.

Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength.” (1 Chronicle 29:12)

Related verses: Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 10:4, 22; 22:2; Ecclesiastes 5:19-20; 7:14; Ezekiel 28:5; Hosea 2:8

Related questions: Why is everyone not equal? How do people get rich or poor?

Why can’t everybody be the same? How do rich people make so much money?

Do Billionaires Still Need To Trust God For Money They Need?

Answer: Everybody needs to trust God for money, even billionaires. The Bible tells about a man named Job who lost all his wealth in one day.

At the time, Job was one of the richest men alive.

No one has any money except what God lets them have.

Billionaires get all their money from God, just as you do.

God could take the money away in a second, just as he could give you a billion dollars in a second.

Key verses: This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man gloat in his wisdom, or the mighty man in his might, or the rich man in his riches.

Let them boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who is just and righteous, whose love is unfailing, and that I delight in these things.

I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Related verses: Job 1:1-2:10; 42:12-17; Psalm 10; Proverbs 28:13; Ecclesiastes 5:10-12; Habakkuk 2:9; Matthew 6:19; 19:23-24

Related question: If you are not a Christian, will God still supply money for you?

Note to parents: If you talk or joke about wanting to be rich, your kids will get the impression that rich people are truly happier than the rest of us.

But the reality is that rich people have more to worry about- much more (see Ecclesiastes 5:12).

Remind your kids that every person should trust God for his or her needs, even billionaires.

The key to happiness is loving God, not having more money.

Why Doesn’t God Take Rich People’s Money And Give It To The Poor People?

Answer: God wants more than to just end poverty. He wants us to love each other as much as he loves us.

Just imagine how awful it would be if everyone had plenty of money and no kindness.

Money alone will not make anybody happy. But if everyone would obey God and love one another, we would be better people and happier.

That is why God has chosen to use his people to help others instead of just making everyone rich.

He wants us to leam to be kind, generous, and wise. He wants people to love and help each other.

Key verse: Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Related verses: Ecclesiastes 5:8, 13; 6:1-2; Amos 4:1- 2; Luke 12:33-34; Acts 20:33-35; 2 Corinthians 9:11-15

Related questions: Why don’t rich people give some money to the poor? Is God sometimes angry about our greed?

How come God lets the poor be poor? Why does God let some people be rich and others poor?

Note to parents: It is important for children to understand that we are God’s hands and feet in this world.

How Do Poor People Get Poor?

Answer: Most people become poor by being born into poor families. In fact, many people in the world are born in a poor country where almost everyone is poor. It’s not their fault that they are poor.

There are many other reasons for poverty too. Some people are born with a physical or mental handicap or they are injured in an accident or in war, and they find it very hard to get a good job.

Some are poor because they have been cheated by other people. And some people become poor because they made bad choices.

No matter what makes someone poor, we must try to help. God is kind to us even though we make bad choices and mistakes.

So we should be kind to others, even if we think it’s their own fault that they are poor.

Key verse: A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away. (Proverbs 13:23)

Related verses: Proverbs 22:2; 26:13-15; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 34:20-22; Amos 8:4-7; James 2:1-5

Related questions: If poor people can read and do things, why can’t they get a job? Why should we put money into the church for poor people when it’s their fault they’re poor? Why don’t poor people get a job?

Note to parents: Never tell a child that poor people are always to blame for their own poverty, or that people always become poor because of wrongdoing. People become poor for many reasons, and misfortune and injustice are responsible for a lot of poverty (see Amos 8:4-7). Our duty as Christians is to help those who hurt.

Why Doesn’t The Government Just Print More Money In Factories And Give It To The Poor?

Answer: Some governments have tried to print more money and give it to the poor. It did not work because very soon the money was worth very little.

Money is not just printed paper. It gets its value from something else. In our country, money gets its value from all the goods and services that people make.

Each dollar means that someone somewhere did one dollar’s worth of work.

The more work we (the whole country) do, the more money we have. The less work we do, the less money we have.

The best way to help poor people get more money is to help them get jobs.

That way they get paid while they also create more valuable goods and services.

Key verse: Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty. (Proverbs 28:19)

Related verses: Proverbs 1:10-19; 20:21; 28:15, 22

Related question: Why can’t we just get money without working?

Why Didn’t God Give Us Money Right Away When My Dad Lost His Job?

Answer: We don’t always know why God does what he does. But we know that he loves us and has a plan for us, even for the hard times.

Sometimes God is working out something that we don’t know about yet. Maybe it’s even better than what we wanted or had before.

God can use times like this to teach us to trust him more. As we trust him more, he can trust us with more.

Losing a job can be very painful and difficult. The person without a job wonders what he or she will do and where the money will come from.

If your dad has lost his job, pitch in with any money you can. Say encouraging words to him. Donate your allowance.

Do odd jobs for neighbors to earn more money if you can. Ask God to provide what you need, and trust him to do so.

Key verse: [God says,] “Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” (Psalm 50:15)

Related verses: Psalm 138:7-8; Philippians 4:6-7, 19

Related question: Why doesn’t God sometimes give money when you need it?

Note to parents: This question is difficult to answer when a family member has lost a job and needy dependents don’t know what the future holds.

But it is very important to avoid blaming God or anyone else. Pull together, help each other, and readjust your expectations of needs and wants.

Take the experience as an opportunity to show your children what it means to live by faith.

Why Does God Sometimes Wait Until The Last Minute To Supply Our Needs?

Answer: It may seem as though God waits until the last minute to supply your needs, but remember that God has a timetable that you can’t see.

He has a plan for you. Nothing can stop that plan, not even a shortage of money.

God may wait because he wants you to trust him more. God always remembers you and hears your prayers. And he never runs out of anything.

Sometimes people wait till the last minute to pray. Instead, we should be praying to God all the time about our needs. We can trust him to take care of us.

Key verses: [Moses said,] “For forty years I led you through the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out.

You had no bread or wine or other strong drink, but he gave you food so you would know that he is the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 29:5-6)

Related verses: Psalm 138:7-8

Related question: How do you trust God when things are going rough?

Note to parents: This question can arise when a child hears about God providing for someone in the nick of time, such as right before a rent check is due.

Remind your family that God provides for us day after day. Moses pointed out to the Israelites that God had prevented their sandals and clothes from wearing out for forty years (Deuteronomy 29:5).

Just like the Israelites, we sometimes forget that God is providing for us all the time. Thank God for all he has given so far.

If God Owns Everything, Why Doesn’t He Keep It All In Heaven?

Answer: God owns everything because he is the Lord of all. But he created all good things for us to use and enjoy.

He didn’t create things just so he could keep them all or even because he needed them.

He mainly wants us to use them and to use them wisely so we will be happy.

Remember that God is spirit. He doesn’t need money, toys, food, or other things.

What would he do with all our stuff? He would rather give it to us so we can learn to be responsible and use it in his service.

Key verses: [God says,] “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.

Every bird of the mountains and all the animals of the field belong to me.” (Psalm 50:10-11)

Related verses: Job 41:11; Acts 17:28; 1 Timothy 6:17

Related questions: If God owns everything, why do we have to make money? Why are the things you buy God’s?

Note to parents: Always tie ownership of things to stewardship of those things.

Having a pet means feeding and taking care of it. Having a toy means using it properly and putting it away when you’re done.

Reward your children whenever they show good stewardship by being more willing to grant their next request. And be sure to say why you’re so willing.

If God Owns Everything, Why Do People Sell Stuff Like It Is Their Own And Charge However Much They Want For It?

Answer: God owns everything because he created everything and is in charge of everything.

But God trusts people with things and money. He makes people managers of the things they have.

God has given you your toys, for example. Those toys are yours to take care of.

As part of that responsibility, you may decide one day that you are too old for them and want to sell them or give them away.

If your parents say it’s OK, you can sell those things and use the money for other things. Just remember to set fair prices.

Key verse: [David prayed,] “Who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you?

Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you have already given us!” (1 Chronicle 29:14)

Related verses: Leviticus 25:17, 23; Nehemiah 5:1- 7; Job 41:11; Psalm 8:6; Proverbs 11:26; Acts 4:36-37

Related questions: If God owns everything, then why do we have to pay for things? What is stewardship?

Note to parents: Helping your children clean up and sell old things and then allowing them to use that money to buy something they want can teach them a lot about the benefit of taking care of the things they manage.

Why Did Jesus Talk About Money When He Didn’t Have Very Much?

Answer: We don’t know how much money Jesus had. We know that he didn’t own a home and that he had few possessions.

But we also know that he had everything he needed.

The Bible doesn’t say that Jesus or the disciples lived in poverty.

Luke 8:3 tells us that the wives of some wealthy men gave money to support Jesus and his disciples.

Judas was in charge of the money bag.

Jesus talked about money because he wanted to teach us how to use it right.

He knew that we would love money and be tempted to be greedy.

And he knew that the love of money leads to all kinds of evil.

How we feel about money and how we use it matters a great deal.

Key verses: Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. (Luke 8:2-3)

Related verses: Luke 9:58; 22:35-36

Related questions: Why did Jesus talk so much about money? Why would Jesus talk about money?

Note to parents: Be careful not to idealize poverty or imply that being like Jesus means going hungry.

If you sense that your child is afraid of being poor “like Jesus,” reassure him or her that Jesus was not poverty-stricken.

He had everything he needed. God met all his needs, and God will meet ours, too.

Did Jesus Ever Have Problems With Money?

Answer: If you mean “Did Jesus have trouble paying his bills?” the answer is no. God provided all Jesus needed.

Jesus never lived in poverty. People gave money to him and to the disciples so they could spend most of their time telling people about God’s good news Jesus had enough money for all his bills.

If you mean “Did Jesus ever spend money foolishly?” again the answer is no. Judas once accused Jesus of misusing money, but the truth was that Judas had been stealing from Jesus (John 12:1-6).

Key verses: Jesus said, Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin.

Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us.” (Matthew 17:26-27)

Related verse: Luke 8:3

Related questions: Did Jesus rely on money? Did Jesus spend his money wisely or foolishly? Did Jesus like money?

Note to parents: A question like this naturally follows a child’s struggle to understand exactly how Jesus was human.

Make a distinction between needing money, which Jesus did-and mishandling money, which Jesus didn’t.

Taxes are a good example. Jesus had to pay them just like everyone else.

He did not try to avoid his duty to pay taxes or squander his money and become unable to pay them.

Why Should You Pay Property Taxes If You Already Own Your House?

Answer: One kind of tax that local governments charge is property tax. Property taxes are paid by people who own property.

Every person who owns land or buildings pays a certain amount of tax every year.

The amount they pay depends on the value of their land or building.

The owners of some buildings, such as churches, schools, post offices, and so forth, do not have to pay taxes. They are “tax-exempt.”

The government uses property taxes to pay for things that landowners and building owners need.

These include water lines, sewer service, roads, streetlights, and things like that.

Even if your house is paid for, you still need these services every year.

That’s why you have to pay property taxes each year.

It’s just another way for the government to collect money from its citizens to help pay for important public services.

Key verse: [Jesus] said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” (Matthew 22:21)

Related verses: Genesis 47:23-26; Matthew 17:27; 22:17-22; Romans 13:6-7

Related question: Why can’t the government pay its own bills?

Note to parents: It is easy for people to forget that they are part of a community that depends on the cooperation of all its members.

The services provided by property taxes benefit everyone.

Why Do People Waste Their Money On Dumb Things?

Answer: People get bored quickly with something new that they just bought because they thought it would be better than it is.

They may have believed the commercials that said the product would be exciting, but it really wasn’t.

When they finally got the product, it wasn’t what they thought it would be.

For example, they may have seen a game that looked like fun for the whole family to play. But what looked good on TV really wasn’t very good at all.

Some people expect a product to do more than it can. A girl might think that a special dress will make her popular.

Or a boy might think that a certain brand of basketball shoes will make him a better player. Then they discover the truth.

Many people “impulse buy.” They go into a store not planning to buy anything, but then they see something they want and change their mind.

They didn’t plan to buy it, but it looked good in the store. Then later they wonder why they ever bought this thing that they don’t need.

Key verse: Then [Jesus] said, “Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.” (Luke 12:15)

Related verses: Matthew 6:24; Philippians 4:12; Hebrews 11:25; 13:5; 1 John 2:16

Related question: Why are people never happy with what they have?

Why Do People Waste Their Money On Dumb Things?

Answer: Some purchases really are dumb, but people make them because at the time they think they need whatever they buy.

They may waste their money because they believe the advertisements.

Maybe they want to have what their friends have. Or maybe they just don’t value their money and don’t mind throwing it away.

But be careful about calling someone’s decision dumb. Sometimes what may seem dumb to you is really smart.

Remember, you don’t know the other person’s situation in life or his or her needs. So don’t judge others for what they buy.

They may think that you waste your money on some of the things you buy. It’s easy to criticize someone else’s spending.

Key verse: Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

Related verses: Luke 6:41-42; James 5:19-20

Related question: Why do people spend so much money on things if they will just lose it all when they die?

Note to parents: Try not to criticize how others spend their money. It is an unhealthy habit that cultivates the wrong type of attitude about other people. And if you do it, so will your kids.