Smart Money Smart Kids - Raising Money-Smart KidsSýnishorn

Day 03: Who's the Boss?

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23 NKJV)

During my junior year in high school, I decided to work at a store in our local mall. I had done some babysitting when I was younger, and I'd helped my sister with our snack business at Dad's office. But this was different. I had a schedule to keep, a dress code to honor, and a manager to please.

To be honest, it was kind of scary. But I just tried to remember all the things my parents had taught me about working. I showed up on time, and I always gave my best.

So how did my boss react? Well, she approved.

And that was a big deal to me. As much as Mom and Dad had supported my babysitting and the snack business, hearing "great job" from a leader who wasn't one of my parents brought a whole new level of satisfaction. It was awesome.

Later on, though, I realized that I needed to work for more than just a store manager's pat on the back. As a believer, my work actually reflects on God. It says so much about who He is, or at least who I think He is.

And that's a game changer for me.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul challenges us to approach every task with enthusiasm and energy because we're ultimately working for God. We need to pour our heart and soul into our work so we can please Him, not another human being. He's our boss, and He deserves our best every time.

Parents, work isn't a bad thing for you or your child. In fact, it's the opposite of bad. It teaches responsibility and gets kids ready for the real world. And if we want our kids to be well-grounded, teaching them the value of hard work is a great first step.

But our kids also need to embrace the spiritual side of work. When they begin to see work as part of their walk with God, it becomes more than a J-O-B. It serves as an offering to Him.

Encourage your kids to work for their real Boss and to do it with all their hearts.