So, here are some practical suggestions to “impress upon your children.”
1) Let them see you. Share your understanding of who God is and why God matters to you – in a way that reflects the real you. In the same way, share with them that you are learning along with them. And when you need to, find answers to their questions together.
2) Don’t limit your conversations on spiritual matters to Church! Let your children know that spiritual matters are important all of the time! This is exactly what the quote from Deuteronomy is talking about: talking about God when you sit at home, when you are going on ths roads, when you lie down and when you get up! Spirituality is to be part of an ongoing discussion in your homes, with your families!
3) Have you let your children catch you in the act of doing something spiritual. Do personally have a regular devotional time – where you read the Bible and pray? Have your children experienced that? Don’t forget that your actions will teach your children a lot about your faith – perhaps even more than your words!
4) Do you have a family devotional time where you read God’s Word and share concerns and pray for them? Build that habit in your family, so your children learn, “this is what we do as a family. This is who we are, and what we are about.”
5) Whatever you do on a daily basis, look for natural occasions to raise spiritual discussion. This make take some intentionality by parents. For example, how do you demonstrate your faith when someone cuts you off on Sheikh Zayed Road? Perhaps, depending on your reaction, this may be a time to discuss the issues of revenge or forgiveness!
6) Get involved in ministry and serve together as a family. You can communicate a lot about your faith in Christ by your willingness to serve; by getting involved in ministry.