If living in south Florida has taught me anything, it’s that August is a really hot month. Really, really hot. So when it comes to seeking refreshments, you won’t see me reaching for salty snacks. Munchies such as peanuts and potato chips have at least one thing in common. They make us thirsty.

Much has been written on why Jesus described His followers as “the salt of the earth.” Salt was so valuable in ancient times that soldiers were sometimes paid with it. Salt was used to dry meat and keep food from decay. But when we share the Gospel, the “salty” trait we want to emulate is the ability to create thirst.

Few of us read textbooks for fun. Yet when we share the Bible and the good news of Jesus with children, we often sound like walking textbooks. Then we wonder why children, and especially teens, would rather read any book other than the Bible.

What would happen if we tried a more “salty” approach?

Does your little boy enjoy adventures? Tell him about David and Goliath or Paul’s shipwreck at Malta. Does your little girl sigh over love stories? Recount the rags-to-riches story of Ruth. Learn what appeals to each child and find an account in the Bible to pique that interest.

Encourage children to be thirsty for God. Then show them how to drink from His Word to quench their parched spirits. They’ll spend the rest of their lives seeking intimacy with the Lord to satisfy their thirst.