BCIC Thriftiness Sample

Thriftiness Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

LUKE 16:11

DORCAS WISELY INVESTS HER RESOURCES “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named . . . Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”

ACTS 9:36

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Giver

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Thriftiness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1: Budget My Money, Time, and Energy

written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures

7 Bible Story: Dorcas Wisely Invests Her Resources

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

8 Memory Verse: Psalm 90:12

also people in the Bible who are repre-

9 Activity: My Budget

sentations of poor character, and we can

10 Lesson 2: Consider Lasting Things as Valuable 11 Bible Story: A Gift of Great Value 12 Memory Verse: Mark 8:26 13 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

14 Lesson 3:

Avoid Being Wasteful

learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life

15 Bible Story: Gathering the Leftovers

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

16 Memory Verse: John 6:12

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing

17 Activity: “Turn Off the Light!”

the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

18 Lesson 4:

Save When Times Are Good

19 Bible Story: Joseph Saves Food for the Famine 20 Memory Verse: Luke 16:11 21 Activity: Looking Ahead Story

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Thriftiness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Lord, I’m Coming Home” 25 H ymn History: “Lord, I’m Coming Home”

by William Kirkpatrick 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Thriftiness?

Read aloud and discuss what thriftiness means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of thriftiness is “not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary.”

of rushing into a purchase, ask yourself the following

When you think “thrifty,” do you think of someone

questions: Is this a genuine need? Have I given this

who is stingy with their money? Maybe you think of

need to God? Am I prepared to give account to God

someone who can barely make ends meet, scrimping

for this decision? Extravagance is spending care-

and saving in every way? However, some of the most

lessly to satisfy “wants”

generous people, and even the most affluent people,

while thriftiness is

have learned that thriftiness is a key to managing their

spending carefully to

wealth! As Christians, we know that God is the One

meet genuine needs.

Who has given us all we have, and we are only His stewards. However, we want to be wise stewards who carefully manage these resources, knowing we will one day give account for our decisions. Instead of frivolously spending on what you do not need, consider what purchases or investments would meet the Lord’s goals.

He desires that you learn to be content, that you seek Him first and allow Him to provide, and that you lead others to Him. (See II Corinthians 9:8.)

Thriftiness is reflecting what God values through the purchases we make.

Understanding God’s purposes for money helps you to know when to spend, when to give, and when to save your money. First, God gives money to provide for our basic needs. Second, He uses money to direct us by either providing or withholding funds.

An extravagant spender “throws away” money on pursuits that are worthless in light of eternity.

Providing is no problem for Him! However, if He has not given enough for a certain purchase in answer to prayer, then it is likely He wants you to wait on that purchase. Third, God entrusts us with financial means so

The opposite of thriftiness

we can experience the joy of being His channel of bless-

is extravagance. Spending

ing to others. Fourth, God uses finances to demonstrate

extravagantly means

His power as we prayerfully wait on Him for provision.

that you buy whatever

God is honored as you share testimonies of His mirac-

you want whenever you

ulous provision, directing all praise and glory to Him!

want it as if you had unlimited funds! This mindset

(See Psalm 50:15.) Consider these four different purposes

leads to habits of wasting money by asking for things

for money as you seek to make God-honoring decisions

just because you want them or because you think

regarding when to spend, give, or save your money.

A wise steward has an eternal motivation for saving his money.

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you should have what “everyone else” has. Instead

Thriftiness in Scripture

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THRIFTINESS KEY VERSE

s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” LUKE 16:11

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Thriftiness in My Life

We see God’s ultimate control over wealth, Jesus’ example of wise management, and the Holy Spirit’s example of thriftiness in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out thriftiness daily.

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God is the One Who enables wealth and ma­terial gain in life.

(See Deuteronomy 8:18.)

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God preserved the Israelites’ clothing for the entire forty years they wandered in the desert.

(See Nehemiah 9:21.)

•

God will one day call each person to account for how his life was spent.

(See II Corinthians 5:10.)

•

Jesus wisely managed the time entrusted to Him by caring for others and also by spending time with His Father in prayer.

(See Mark 1:32–35.)

•

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, does not want any of His precious sheep to be lost.

(See Luke 15:4–6.)

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Jesus is our example of living a simple, contented life.

What wrong ways of gaining riches should I avoid?

(See Exodus 20:15, Proverbs 21:6, James 5:4.)

•

What is an appropriate way to gain riches?

(See Proverbs 13:11.)

•

What will happen if I thoughtlessly spend money on pleasures?

(See Proverbs 21:17.)

•

Am I as satisfied and grateful when I have little as when I have much?

(See Proverbs 30:8.)

•

Do I check prices before making a purchase or beginning a project?

(See Luke 14:28–30.)

•

Why is it important to be careful in how I spend my time and energy?

(See Romans 14:12.)

The Holy Spirit enables believers to keep their lives from being wasted in sin.

Do I seek to please the Lord with my purchases, or am I more concerned about impressing my friends with what I am able to buy?

(See Romans 8:2.)

(See I Thessalonians 4:1, Proverbs 3:9.)

(See Luke 9:57–58.)

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•

•

5

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Budget My Money, Time, and Energy

INTRODUCTION

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budget usually refers to a plan for how to use

money. A budget helps you

see that when you cut spend­ ing in one area, you have more money for another area. If you garden or cook from scratch, you may save on groceries and have more money available for a family trip. If you spend less money on toys, you will have more to set aside for Christmas gifts. Budgeting your time and energy is important as well. Completing your schoolwork in less time will gain you more time to do other activities you enjoy.

To have extra energy for an exciting evening event, you may want to nap or get extra rest in the afternoon.

Creating a plan for your money, time, and energy helps you focus on your goals and carefully manage what you have been given.

Dorcas Wisely Invests Her Resources

THRIFTINESS Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1

Dorcas Wisely Invests Her Resources

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he number of believers in the early Church multiplied rapidly. Three thousand people were

Budget My Money, Time, and Energy

their human ability to provide. So, they called on the church to select seven men to serve as deacons so

saved on the Day of Pentecost, and five thousand

that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer

more believed after a lame man was healed at the

and the preaching of the Word. Under these new

temple gate. Given this tremendous growth, the early

provisions, the needs of the widows were supplied.

Church was not without problems. One problem that

However, some believers recognized that they could

arose was a dissension between two groups of believers

also be a help to the widows. What else could one do

regarding the care of their widows. Although the

to care for the widows’ needs? In addition to food,

apostles sought to fulfill the Church’s responsibility

what would be needed by women with no steady

to care for the widows, some widows were over-

source of income? Who would choose to budget their

looked. The issue was brought to the attention of the

own resources so they could provide for the widows?

twelve apostles, who wisely acknowledged that the

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 9:36–42 and then discuss the following questions.

level of care that the widows deserved was beyond

1. How did Dorcas spend her money, time, and energy? (See Acts 9:36.)

Who do you know that is widowed or in need?

What can you do to help them? What could you make and give to them that would meet a need or brighten their day?

2. What unexpectedly happened to Dorcas?

(See Acts 9:37.)

What are some wise ways to use your time today?

This week? Why should you use your time wisely?

3. What message did the believers in Joppa send to Peter? What did Peter do when he received the message? (See Acts 9:38–39a.)

What opportunities do you have to encourage or comfort others? Are you known as someone whom others can call upon when they need comfort or encouragement?

4. When Peter arrived, who was present and why were they weeping? (See Acts 9:39b.)

Can people tell by the way you use your resources that you have a genuine love for others? What are some ways that people spend time or money extravagantly on themselves? How does this limit their ability to invest in things of eternal significance?

5. What did the widows show Peter that revealed Dorcas’s talent? How had she used this skill to benefit others? (See Acts 9:39c.)

What special ability has God given you? Why should you be diligent to develop your talent?

6. After Peter removed everyone from the room, what did he do? What happened? Whom did he call for next? (See Acts 9:40–41.)

Who can you thank for investing money, time, or energy into your life?

7. What happened when the people in Joppa heard about Dorcas? (See Acts 9:42.)

As you use your money, time, and energy for the Lord, how might your testimony lead others to faith in Christ?

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

S

M

Philippians 2:20–21

S

P

G

I John 3:17

M

I Timothy 6:8

G

CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

E

O

M

Psalm 15:4

T

O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

T

I Samuel 16:7

E

DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

E

Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

S

I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

E

E

S

P

II Corinthians 9:6

S

GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

O

O

I Thessalonians 2:7

M

G

S

James 4:6

S

M

LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

E

O

John 15:13

M

P

O

Romans 5:3–4

T

II Timothy 2:24

P

PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

G

G

O

T

T

Galatians 5:24–25

T

M

Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

P

I Peter 1:22

P

T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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