“Leo, you better stop hitting me. God sees you.”

“Max, I don’t think God sees everything I do.”

“Yes, He does. Grandma said so.”

“Grannnnnd-ma! Does God actually see everything I do?”

I nodded as I drove toward the school to drop the twins for the day.

“Indeed He does! But He also hears when we say we are sorry and stop doing the wrong thing. Remember, God calls doing wrong things sin.”

“Sorry, Max. Sorry for hitting you. Will you forgive me?”

Grandparenting According to Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 6 is written as a foundational directive for parents and grandparents to pass down Biblical principles and precepts to the next generation. Verses 1-5 (NIV) outline the directive, not just to the Israelites, but for all of us, as well. “These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.  Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

 Children today live in a distracted world, more now than ever before. God knew our kids and grandkids would need to hear the lessons over and over again and told us in verses 6-7 when and how often to teach His truths. “”These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Most grandparents do not talk to their grandchildren every day, unless perchance, it is a full-time caregiver situation.  Still, there are face-time chats, texts, cards sent, and visits for a day or a week. These are all times of opportunity to impart truths and impress them on the hearts of your grandchildren.

You may be in a situation where the parents don’t want to ‘teach’ the grandchildren about Jesus or take them to church. That’s ok! Impartation isn’t meant to be formal teaching, but rather it is to be conversational as a part of a natural life-style lived out in front of them.  Kids notice more than we give them credit for, even if they don’t acknowledge it.

Teachable moments happen all the time and it is wise to not let them slip by.

Teachable moments happen all the time and it is wise to not let them slip by. Remember the conversation I had in the car with my twin grandsons? I seized the moment to talk to them about sin, wrongdoing, and the need to ask for forgiveness.

If your grands stay overnight with you and awaken to seeing you reading your Bible, they will realize how important it is to you and their interest will be peaked. There’s the opportunity to talk excitedly about a passage you are reading. (Pro Tip: Intentionally read about Noah, David, Joshua, Esther and others who will be relatable.)

If you’ve talked in the morning about Joshua and the courage he displayed, later in the day, you can reference the story again and even talk about the life application for them. You could say something like “Wow! You’re playing your instrument on stage in the concert this week? It takes courage to play in front of people! You remind me of Joshua.”

Opportunity exists to keep reinforcing the same story and principles for months to come. You might even decide to memorize verses from the story, together and make a game of it.

Everyday life has a way of yielding lessons to impart. If you are called to come watch the grandkids because a parent needs to have a medical procedure, you have the opportunity to pray with them for the parent and offer reassurance throughout the day of God’s faithfulness and watch care. Talking with them about how they are feeling tells them you care and gives you the chance to tell them God cares, too. I’m not suggesting constantly teaching and bringing up God but I am suggesting you sprinkle the teaching throughout the time you get to spend with them.

I’m not suggesting constantly teaching and bringing up God but I am suggesting you sprinkle the teaching throughout the time you get to spend with them.

Five More Ideas for Instilling Biblical Values

Do a “Kindness Challenge”

What to do: Each day, plan one act of kindness together—write a thank-you note to hotel staff, help a stranger, or pick up litter.

Biblical value taught: Love in action, service, putting others first (Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:32).

Explore Nature and Talk About God’s Creation

What to do: Take a nature walk, hike, or beach day. Point out beautiful things and talk about how God made them.

Biblical value taught: Awe of God, stewardship of creation (Psalm 19:1, Genesis 1:31).

Watch a Faith-Based Movie or Show Together

What to do: Choose a wholesome, Bible-themed movie (like The Prince of Egypt or VeggieTales) and discuss the message afterward.

Biblical value taught: Courage, faith, obedience, trust in God. (Joshua 1:9)

Tell Faith Stories from Your Life

What to do: Over dinner or a quiet moment, share stories about how God helped you through a tough time or answered a prayer.

Biblical value taught: God’s faithfulness, spiritual legacy (Psalm 78:4, Deuteronomy 4:9).

Play a Bible Scavenger Hunt

What to do: Create a fun game where kids find or observe things that connect to Bible themes—like “something that reminds you of God’s protection” (a shade tree or umbrella).

Biblical value taught: Awareness of God in everyday life, spiritual reflection (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Your faith-filled life lived out in front of your grandchildren shines brightly and they see Christ in and through you. Imparting God’s truths as opportunities arise or as you create them will help instill Biblical values to carry them through life.