We Can Prepare to Go to the Temple By Paying Our Tithing

 Materials: Prepared chalkboard and chalk, scriptures, 20 small pieces of fruit, play money totaling $600.00, signs to represent businesses and expenditures. 

Chalkboard: Prior to the beginning of this sharing time, prepare chalkboard with the following scriptures and answers.

• Nehemiah 13:12 (Abraham)
• 2 Chronicles 31:5 (Jacob)
• Genesis 28:20-22 (Children of Israel)
• Alma 13:15 (People of Judah)

Read each scripture and by drawing a line, have the children match each scripture with the person or persons to whom it refers.

Ask what one thing all these people had in common (each paid tithing). Ask the question: What is tithing? (Ten percent of our total income.)

Ask the children if they know why we pay tithing. Explain the law of tithing is a commandment of God and that it has always been a part of the gospel. Explain in your own words that when we pay tithing we show our love for the Lord and help to build His kingdom. Tell them it is required of us before we can be worthy to go to the temple and that by learning to pay our tithing now we are preparing to go to the temple when we are adults. 

Ask the children to name possible reasons for paying tithing and write their answers on the chalkboard. If necessary, help them list the answers below. 

1. Show our love for the Lord.
2. Rewarded with many blessings.
3. Gain spiritual power.
4. Become closer to our families. 
5. Increases our faith in God.

Explain that all these blessings received when we pay our tithing will help prepare them to go to the temple some day.