It’s a fact, children are extremely generous and there’s statistical data to prove it. In 2013, nearly 90 percent of children donated to charity. In comparison, that same year only 83 percent of adults donated. Yet it’s less about who gives and how much, but why they choose to give. There is something about the heart of a child that causes them to give of their time and money without concern.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons Jesus instructed His disciples to “become like little children.”

It’s easy to justify why more children give than adults:

• Children are able to give more freely since their needs are taken care of by their parents.
• Children’s donations aren’t coming from their pockets, but from their parents’ hands.
• Kids have a lot more time to volunteer.

But it can also be argued those excuses come from a guarded heart. How much more should we desire to give? How much more should we desire to love God in how we treat our neighbors?

In the Bible, the woman who gave the last of her money was praised for her trust in God.

Christians are called to trust that our Heavenly Father cares for us. In this promise, instead of clinging to the control money appears to offer, God extends freedom, God offers Himself. He will provide for our needs.

He doesn’t promise to provide for our wants, however. Instead, God blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others. He never intended for any monetary blessing to become a burden, which is why he explains that money is not evil, rather the love of money is evil.

When you feel you must cling to every dollar, you’re trapped by money. Both spending too much and saving too much can demonstrate the challenges money presents.

This doesn’t mean that you have to give to every charity. This doesn’t mean you have to empty your bank account to prove your trust in God. Instead, pray to Him for a better perspective about money. Question how you value money, how it affects your attitude and the God you serve.

Kids love to give. To them, donating money or volunteering is fun. Knowing that God, our Father, is providing for you, be open and willing to give to others. His spirit stirs within us when an opportunity arises, we simply need to listen to His call.

Originally posted on RochesterSA.org.