When I think about our grandchildren, my first thought isn’t “I hope they become millionaires.” There are far better things for them to seek and for them to pursue with their lives. Millions may come and millions may go, but there are things that will prove to be far more valuable and enduring. Having said that, there is room to build wisdom regarding how wealth is often apportioned to and managed by those who are prudent and patient. I would like them to be good stewards of their finances if they have $10 or ten million dollars.

I hope my grandchildren focus on eternal treasures and on loving God. That would mean they would love people, regardless of their bank or investment account balances. I hope they have wisdom and understand the importance of thinking strategically with a long-term mentality. The long-term mentality may be about 70 years of stewardship on earth and everlasting treasures that will never be depleted, taxed or depreciated. Those are lasting returns.

Jesus said it this way in Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV):

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Dave Ramsey certainly recognizes that stewardship is important. He also has a good way of explaining the power of compound interest using Ben and Arthur: LINK: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/how-teens-can-become-millionaires

One thing that I did not understand as a child was the power of compound interest. To gain the advantage of compound interest you must have patience. You must not confuse wants and needs. Compound interest can be compared to the farmer who sows a crop with just a few seeds. When the harvest comes in, some of the crop will be needed to plant the next year’s crop. Each year one kernel of corn produces new ears with multiple kernels. If the land for sowing was unlimited, the number of kernels gained after ten years could be amazing.

Having a “treasures in heaven” perspective also requires patience and wisdom. Don’t miss out on that compounding!