I’m not a techie. On second thought, that’s an understatement. When it comes to acquiring new technology, I’m behind most folks. I learn by asking lots of questions of people who are more skilled than I am.

When I ask those questions, I want simple answers. Even better, don’t just tell me. Show me. Show me what to click on, what to look for, what to do. And please don’t talk to me about bits and bytes and RAM. Speak to me using vocabulary I understand.

Have you ever asked a question, only to receive more information than you wanted? It can be frustrating. You feel as if you’re buried under the information your question generated.

Now try applying this to spiritual matters. Imagine how you would answer a six-year-old who asks, “What is church?”

You could explain the difference between the visible church (a group of people who believe in Jesus and who may also include some unbelievers mixed in) and the invisible church (all true believers through history). But all the child may need to know for now is that church is where we go weekly with other people to worship God and learn about Jesus.

Moses instructed the ancient Israelites to clearly explain to their children the various object lessons the Lord used to teach His people. He knew children would need explanations for practices such as Passover. In Exodus 12:26-27 (NIV), Moses wrote:

“And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them…”

The people were to be ready and able to give a simple explanation for their children.

What a helpful lesson this is for us today! The next time a child asks you a question, learn what is motivating him. Then answer in bite-size pieces—just enough for him to digest easily. Sometimes less is more!