David Green: Something greater than wealth

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Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. Proverbs 12:11

“Barbara and I have had to say this to our kids and grandkids: “We love you dearly. Part of that love is to arrange things so you get only what you earn by working. We’re going to give you something greater than wealth, which is opportunity. You are most welcome to work at Hobby Lobby if you wish, provided you do a good job like anyone else. Then you can enjoy the fruit of your labor. But the ownership of this company is a whole different matter…”

David Green with Bill High in Giving It All Away…And Getting it All Back Again: The Way of Living Generously (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2017) 110.

God designed each of us to work. One of the gifts we can give our children is to teach them to work and help provide them with opportunities to work. It’s “something greater than wealth” and something we can give them regardless of whether or not we operate a business, which along with everything else, is owned by God.

When our son and daughter, Sammy and Sophie, each turned fourteen, we told them that they either needed to do work they loved or say “my pleasure” when they handed a person their Chick-Fil-A. It was time for them to get to work! Sammy started Sammy’s Fly Shop and Sophie cared for peoples’ pets along with babysitting.

Looking back, that was one of the greatest gifts we gave them. Instead of getting everything as an entitlement, they learned the value of hard work, which has benefited them in other areas of life. What about your kids and grandkids? Give them something greater than wealth. Teach them to earn an income from work.