TITLE: The Teenage Tithe Challenge

STORY

Thirteen-year-old Zack loved playing video games. He’d been saving up for months to buy the latest console, and he was just $50 short. One Sunday, Pastor Mike spoke about giving generously to God. Zack fidgeted in his seat, thinking about his savings.

After church, Zack’s best friend, Lily, excitedly showed him a flyer. “Look! The youth group is raising money for a mission trip to help build a school in Guatemala!”

Zack felt a tug in his heart. He thought about the kids who didn’t even have a proper school, let alone video games. That night, he tossed and turned, torn between his desire for the console and the urge to help.

The next morning, Zack made a decision. He took his savings jar to church and poured it into the donation box. “God,” he whispered, “I trust you with this.”

Weeks passed, and Zack felt a strange peace. He enjoyed helping at car washes and bake sales for the mission trip fund. Then, on his birthday, his parents surprised him with the exact console he wanted!

“But how?” Zack gasped.

His mom smiled. “We’ve been saving too. We saw how you gave your money to help others, and we wanted to bless you.”

Zack realized that his generosity had not only helped others but had also brought unexpected blessings. He learned that giving to God always leads to greater joy than keeping things for ourselves.

VERSES

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! – Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

QUESTIONS

  1. Why did Zack initially struggle with the idea of giving his money?
  2. How did Zack’s act of generosity impact him and others?

APPLICATION

Think about something you have that you could share or give to help others. It doesn’t have to be money – it could be your time, talents, or belongings. Choose one way you can be generous this week and do it, trusting that God will bless your giving heart.

PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you’ve given us. Help us to be generous with what we have, just like Zack was in the story. Show us ways we can give to others and trust in your provision. Give us cheerful hearts when we give. In Jesus’ name, amen.


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