In this video, Rev. Eric Bancroft suggests some practical ways parents can cultivate theological depth in their children.
When I think about pastors and parents wanting to teach their children the Scriptures with some theological depth and yet not being too overwhelmed, I want them to just remember what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 6. You could even call it the Deuteronomy 6 principle. The reality in Deuteronomy 6, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord, our God, the Lord is one.” And he goes on to instruct them in how they should teach their children at all times of the day, when you rise and when you fall, when you lay down. And I say this because it’s important for parents to realize that it’s not the single lesson being taught. It’s the lifetime of that child being exposed to truth from their parents in a very meaningful way.
Particularly as kids get older, it’s not so much what’s happening in the family devotions, though that certainly, certainly continues to be important. It happens in the car ride to soccer practice. So it happens in a commercial break in a TV show. It’s being able to interact with the world around them and help them to see what they might miss and bring the Scriptures to bear on that. And then realize that the truth of God’s Word is not just a quick soundbite, a quick verse to remember. It actually helps give lens to see the entire world around them correctly as God has designed it for them. And that without them even realizing it is a way to deepen their understanding of God’s Word in a really meaningful and helpful way.