More Is Caught Than Taught: Raising Financial Disciples

Kids are always watching—especially when it comes to money. Every purchase, every act of generosity, every sign of contentment is shaping how they see God’s provision. We’re teaching, whether we mean to or not.

Deuteronomy 6 reminds us that discipleship happens in the everyday moments—when we sit, walk, lie down, and rise. That’s where financial discipleship lives too. Not in a lesson, but in a life.

I’m grateful for my parents. They didn’t just talk about stewardship—they modeled it. They taught me to be frugal, to value a dollar, and to work hard. I saw it lived out. And I’m a beneficiary of that today.

That’s the opportunity we have with our kids. More is caught than taught, and when it comes to money, that’s especially true. What they see at home will shape them far more than anything they read.

So we teach them what Scripture teaches. “The earth is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1). We don’t own it—we manage it. From their first dollar, we show them that giving isn't an obligation; it’s acknowledging His Lordship.

We also guard their hearts. Proverbs 23:4 says, “Do not toil to acquire wealth.” Money is a god the world chases. We teach our children to pursue the Lord and steward His money well along the way.

If we do this right, they’ll learn life isn’t about accumulation. They’ll learn to ask, “How much is enough?”—and invest the rest by giving to their "eternal portfolio."

If we want faithful stewards tomorrow, it starts with faithful examples today.

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Steve Crawley, PhD

BMA Financial

Executive Director