Conversations That Build
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Nov 10, 2025
- 5 min read
“Once we know what God commands, we can talk to our children about those commands.”
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Recently, a mom in the MMF online community posed the question:
“How do I encourage and teach my kids about Jesus?”
Of course, none of us moms have the “perfect” answer, but in my opinion, the first thing she’s doing correctly is desiring to give them Jesus.
When God blesses a mom with a child, she’s given the calling to lead her child to Jesus. She’s called to “train them in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6) and to make disciples, starting with her child. (Matthew 28:19) Motherhood is a call to build the kingdom of God.
There are around 1,600 commands in the Bible that teach us God's way of living, show us His character, and direct us to an abundant life. While we’re probably not super familiar with all of them, this does highlight the importance of reading our Bibles often. Once we know what God commands, we can talk to our children about those commands. (A little disclaimer here: you don’t need to be an expert on the Bible. Even knowing one command is a great start to your kingdom building.)
Our verse this week urges us to talk to our children about what God commands us. And to do it diligently…carefully and persistently.
When we’re sitting down to dinner, we can have a conversation about our call to serve and to love one another (and a reminder that this includes our siblings…looking at my own children here).
When we’re running errands, we can remind them of all the beauty God gives us, how much He loves us, and that we’re called to love Him also.
When our children lie down, and again when they rise, we can model prayer, because prayer is a great way to build a relationship with God.
We can talk about Jesus in the car line. We can pray WITH our children, not just for them, for His guidance in everything going on in their lives. When the children are grumbling, turn it into a lesson about Jesus. When the children are happy, point the glory back to God.
This might sound like a lot, and make us question if we’re doing enough, or doing the right things. But the truth is, we can do nothing apart from Jesus. We weren’t made to, and we’re not expected to. The first line of our verse this week tells us that the commands should be on our heart. It starts with us. Our ability to build the kingdom is based on our reliance on Jesus. Psalm 127 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
Moms, talk to your children, diligently, about God’s commands. Build them up for the kingdom of God. But most of all, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Monday:
Go to God: Jesus, sometimes it’s overwhelming to have such a high calling in motherhood. Am I doing it right? Am I doing enough? Have I built their foundation strong enough to withstand storms? You’ve commanded me to talk about You to my children often. Help me to see the opportunities to do so. Help me to have the words to say. Give my children understanding and also the desire to build a relationship with You. I give You all the glory in growing my children after I plant the seeds. Amen.
This week we’ll dive into 3 commands that I believe are super important in kingdom building. I encourage you to choose one or all to talk to your children about, memorize them, let them change your mothering. Use these commands as building blocks. Make each prayer personal to your children’s ages and stages.
Tuesday:
Command: Love God
Go to God: God, search my heart. How have I not been meeting this command? What in my life have I loved more than You? Show me what I need to change so I can love you with ALL my heart, ALL my soul, and ALL my mind. How do You want me to talk to my children about this? Give me opportunities today and every day to model my deep love for You and to talk about Your command to love You. Amen.
Pause, listen, and reflect: Allow God to speak to you. Listen for His quiet voice. What is He asking of you today? Keep your eyes and ears open to hear from Him throughout the day.
Choose one practical way to talk to your children about this command.
Wednesday:
Command: Love Your Neighbor
Read: Matthew 22:39 and Philippians 2:3-4
Go to God: God, search my heart. How have I not met this command of Yours? In what ways have I not loved my neighbor the way I love myself? Who’s interests have I completely ignored in favor of my own? Help me to live out and model humility and true love for my neighbors. This command is so hard for children, but I want my children to know it. Give me wisdom to teach it well, give me the right words to say. And help me to give grace the same way You give grace when my kids fall short. I give You all the glory in molding my children and building the kingdom. Amen.
Pause, listen, and reflect: Allow God to speak to you. Listen for His quiet voice. What is He asking of you today? Keep your eyes and ears open to hear from Him throughout the day.
Choose one practical way to talk to your children about this command.
Thursday:
Command: Abide In Jesus
Read: John 15:5 and Jeremiah 29:13
Go to God: God, I come to You today, seeking You with my whole heart. I’m so grateful that when I seek a relationship with You, You’re always there and I will always find You. I can’t do any of my mothering apart from You, and I cannot bear fruit apart from Your vine. But I recognize that my children need You too, and I’ve been called to talk of You to them. Give me opportunities to teach the importance of knowing You to my children. Send Your Holy Spirit to give me the words to say, and to open their hearts to understand and to take the first step, or next step in their relationship with You.
Pause, listen, and reflect: Allow God to speak to you. Listen for His quiet voice. What is He asking of you today? Keep your eyes and ears open to hear from Him throughout the day.
Choose one practical way to talk to your children about this command.
Written by Cathrine, mom of 4
