The Love of Money: Right Attitudes and Dangers for Christians
Christian Religious Studies
Primary 6 – Second Term Lesson Notes
Week 3: Lover of Money
Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Class: Primary 6
Term: Second Term
Week: 3
Age: 10–12 years
Topic: Lover of Money
Sub-Topic: Attitude to Money and Dangers of Excessive Love for It
Duration: 35 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain the right attitude to money.
- State the proper way to make money and wealth.
- List the dangers of excessive love for money.
Keywords
- Money
- Wealth
- Greed
- Contentment
- Honesty
Set Induction
The teacher will ask pupils if they have ever heard the phrase “Money is the root of all evil” and discuss its meaning. This will lead to the lesson on the love of money and its effects.
Entry Behavior
Pupils are familiar with the importance of good behavior and values from previous moral lessons.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Bible
- Flashcards with key points
- Posters showing honest and dishonest means of making money
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher will ask pupils to share examples of how money is used and its importance in daily life.
Embedded Core Skills
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Self-Awareness
Learning Materials
- Bible verses: 1 Timothy 6:10 (“For the love of money is the root of all evil”) and Proverbs 13:11 (“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow”).
Reference Books
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary 6
- Holy Bible
Instructional Materials
- Flashcards with Bible verses
- Visual aids showing positive and negative attitudes towards money
Content
1. The Right Attitude to Money
- Money is important, but it should not be the most important thing in life.
- Christians should:
- Be content with what they have.
- Use money to help others and glorify God.
- Avoid greed and dishonesty.
- Trust God to meet their needs.
2. Proper Ways to Make Money and Wealth
- Christians should earn money through honest and hard work.
- Examples include:
- Running a business.
- Doing a job.
- Using their talents or skills.
- Farming or engaging in lawful trades.
- Avoid stealing, cheating, or fraud as ways of making money.
3. Dangers of Excessive Love for Money
- Leads to Greed: People who love money excessively never feel satisfied.
- Dishonesty: It can cause people to steal, cheat, or lie.
- Neglect of God: Focusing too much on money makes people forget about God.
- Broken Relationships: People who love money may harm others or lose friends.
- Destruction: Loving money too much can lead to harmful choices, such as joining bad groups.
Evaluation
Fill-in-the-blank Questions
- The Bible says, “For the love of money is the root of all _______.”
a. happiness
b. evil
c. good
d. work
Answer: b. evil - Christians should earn money through _______ and hard work.
a. stealing
b. lying
c. honest
d. dishonesty
Answer: c. honest - One danger of excessive love for money is _______.
a. contentment
b. dishonesty
c. generosity
d. happiness
Answer: b. dishonesty - _______ money dwindles away, but whoever gathers little by little makes it grow.
a. Honest
b. Dishonest
c. Hard-earned
d. Excessive
Answer: b. Dishonest - Excessive love for money can lead to _______ relationships.
a. broken
b. happy
c. close
d. trusting
Answer: a. broken
Class Activity Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What does the Bible say about the love of money?
The Bible says, “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). - What is the right attitude to money?
Be content, honest, and use money to glorify God. - What are proper ways to make money?
Honest work, running a business, using talents, and farming. - What should Christians avoid when making money?
Christians should avoid stealing, cheating, or lying. - What happens when people love money too much?
They may become greedy, dishonest, and neglect God. - Why is contentment important for Christians?
It helps them to be happy with what they have and trust God for their needs. - What does Proverbs 13:11 teach us?
It teaches that dishonest money dwindles away, but money earned little by little grows. - What are some dangers of excessive love for money?
Greed, dishonesty, broken relationships, and neglect of God. - What does it mean to neglect God?
It means forgetting to trust or worship God because of too much focus on money. - Why should Christians avoid joining bad groups for money?
Such groups can lead to destruction and harm others. - How can money be used to glorify God?
By helping others and supporting good causes. - What is the opposite of greed?
Contentment. - What is one example of dishonest work?
Stealing or cheating. - Why is it wrong to harm others for money?
It goes against God’s teachings of love and fairness. - How can Christians trust God for their needs?
By praying and believing that God will provide for them.
Presentation Steps
- Teacher’s Activities:
- Revise the previous topic on moderation.
- Introduce the topic “Lover of Money.”
- Discuss the right attitude to money, proper ways to make money, and dangers of excessive love for it.
- Learners’ Activities:
- Listen attentively and ask questions.
- Share examples of how they can use money properly.
- Memorize Bible verses about money.
Assessment
Short-Answer Questions
- What does the Bible say about the love of money?
- State two dangers of excessive love for money.
- Mention two honest ways to make money.
- What does it mean to neglect God?
- Why should Christians be content with what they have?
Answers
- The Bible says, “The love of money is the root of all evil.”
- Greed and dishonesty.
- Honest work and farming.
- Forgetting to trust or worship God.
- To honor God and avoid greed.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson by emphasizing the importance of having the right attitude to money, earning it honestly, and avoiding excessive love for it. Pupils are encouraged to apply these principles in their daily lives.