Devotions for Kids: Gifts and Stewardship

Devotions for Kids is a series meant for sharing so that everyone - family and community - can spend time in God's Word together with the children in their lives and grow in faith.

He replied, 'Well done, good servant!  You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.'

Luke 19:17

God gives each of us special gifts.  These gifts aren't toys to play with or snacks to eat; they're the special things we can do - our talents and the things we're good at, to help show our love for God and for others.  Some of us have the gift of a beautiful voice and we sing loudly in Church to help everyone praise God with excitement.  Some of us like to be outside and we help our families tend the garden.  Some of us are good at teaching other people how to do things and we are good role models for our younger siblings or friends.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a man who gave his servants money to use while he was away.  The servants were told to invest the money, to use the gift they had been given and make it grow.  The best servants were the ones who didn't just hide the money away and wait for the man to come home, they were the ones who used it well!

God doesn't want us to hide our gifts like the servant in the Gospel who hid the gold coin in a handkerchief.  Instead, God gave us each our own unique talents and gifts so we can use them!  When you use the gifts that God has given to you, you make them grow even bigger because you're making the world a better place. 

This action of sharing is called "stewardship."  A good steward is someone who takes care of something important for someone else.  We are stewards every time we use the gifts that God has given to us!

Today, ask God to show you one of your special gifts.  You can also ask your parents or another trusted grown-up what they think one of your special gifts is.  When you find it, make sure to use it!  Here are some examples:

If your gift is playing an instrument, give a concert for your family or friends.

If your gift is helping, volunteer at home or in your community.

If your gift is reading, share your favorite story by reading a bedtime story to someone else rather than having one read to you.

There are all kinds of gifts that God blesses us with to help others.  You are like the good servants who grew the man's money every time you share the gifts you have with other people!

Let's pray:  God, I am grateful for all the gifts You have given me.  Help me to be a good steward of those blessings every time I use my special talents to help others!  Amen.