Three Simple Steps to Teaching Children About God in Everyday Moments

I won’t sugar-coat it: Parenting is hard and discipleship is even harder. The season of ‘just trying to survive until naptime’ can feel like a spiritual desert. As Christians, we are told to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). Yet that can feel overwhelming when we’re in the thick of parenting. We idealize the images of peaceful family devotions we see on social media. But the reality is often a lot messier and real children are a lot more fidgety. How do we raise little Christ-followers when our kids struggle to even sit still? 

The good news is that our Creator is the Childhood Expert. And He has shown us how to speak His truth into their wild and silly hearts. In the Old Testament record of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land, God has given us a model of how to live faithfully and raise our children to do the same. Thankfully, this model of discipleship does not hinge on our children’s ability to listen quietly. Deuteronomy 11:18-20 breaks down the daunting idea of discipleship into three easy steps.

Old Testament Encouragement

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 11:18-20).

God uses an “I do, we do, you do” pattern commonly used in modern classrooms (I am continually in awe of God’s ability to be ahead of the times). He describes a lifestyle of discipleship woven into the daily tasks and habits of parenthood. We need not be overwhelmed by the task of teaching children about God. Instead we can use these steps in Deuteronomy 11 as our guide through the spiritual wilderness of parenting. 

STEP ONE: SET AN EXAMPLE (“I DO”)

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 11:18).

The first verse of this passage shows God’s people how to be an example of discipleship; to live a visible life of faith by studying the Word and letting God’s laws guide our actions. Children cannot model what they do not see. Through simple acts of faithfulness—such as praying, reading our Bible, and bearing the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—we teach our kids what Christ-centered living looks like. We give them an example to follow as they grow. 

A Two-Fold Benefit

By seeking God, we are also equipping ourselves. This way, when a parenting crisis inevitably erupts in our home, we have God’s guidance already stored in our hearts without having to stop to hunt for an applicable verse. Armed with the truth, we can be ambassadors of Christ to our children, even during turmoil (2 Corinthians 5:20). As we draw near to God, we are getting ready, as Paul writes, to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

When our children witness us seeking and worshiping God and using His Word to guide our actions, they are learning that these habits of discipleship are important to our faith. As they grow, they will begin to understand the ‘why’ behind these actions (particularly as we incorporate step two into their discipleship training). Eventually our children may begin to practice these habits on their own. 

STEP TWO: EXPLAIN AND PRACTICE TOGETHER (“WE DO”)

“You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 11:19).

Teaching is equal parts explanation and practice. Kids learn about the world by trying new things and asking questions (and by parents doing their best to answer them). In the same way, children internalize their faith by talking about God with us and by increasingly participating in everyday habits of discipleship. 

We can first explain aspects of the faith as they come up (Why do we pray? Why is it important to show kindness?). We shouldn’t be intimidated by the thought of discussing theology with children. Deuteronomy 11:19 presents a very casual approach where talking about God is not confined to formal devotion time. Instead it can be discussed throughout the day, no matter what we are doing.

Pray for Wisdom

If, like me, you worry about having the right answers, pray for wisdom and God will grant your request (James 1:5). It is helpful to remember that occasionally, “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer. Just do your best to find out the answer later and bring it up again. (“Hey, remember you asked me about ____ and I didn’t know? I was reading the Bible and I think I found the answer.”) This models the ‘study’ portion of the faith. It also shows that even if we don’t always have the answers, God does! 

Practice Discipleship

Next, we can give our children an opportunity to practice habits of discipleship. We can do this by inviting them to participate and deliberately including them in the day-to-day disciplines of faith. A simple practice even small children can do is praying over meals and at bedtimes. Kids thrive in predictable routines. They are great at reminding us of these practices once they are in the habit of doing them. You can use a standard, easy-to-remember prayer. Or you can let your kids pray about what they are interested in.

My own boys love talking to God about the latest video game or their plans for the following day. I suspect their primary interest in bedtime prayers is delaying lights-out just a few more minutes. Nevertheless, the habits are slowly taking root. They are learning to go to God for all their concerns and with gratitude.