Q: How do you explain God to a 6-year-old? Our son keeps asking questions about God, but most of them are questions I'm not sure anyone could answer. But I don't want to leave it at that, of course. - Mrs. W.R.

A: Yes, children do have a way of asking profound questions about God - without even realizing it! But don't let that keep you from answering the ones you can, while also teaching him about the wonder and mystery of God's greatness.

How do you talk about God to a 6-year-old? First, talk with him simply - in other words, in ways he can understand. For example, it's important for him to realize that God created everything - including him. But your son isn't interested in complicated scientific theories or deep theological debates about how God did it, nor could he understand them if you told him. But he can come to realize that God is greater than we are - and because of that, we can put our lives into His hands.

Then teach him from the Bible. Your local Christian bookstore can recommend a children's Bible storybook that retells some of the Bible's main stories in ways he can understand. Teach him especially about Jesus, who loves him and came to open heaven's door for us. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14).

Be certain of your own commitment to Christ, and ask Him to help you be an example of His love and truth to your son. Our lives often speak louder than our words - and this is especially true as we are with our children.

Q: The hard economic times haven't hit me like they have most people, but I'm getting tired of churches and organizations begging me for money because they say their income is way down. I've got to think of my future in case things get worse. Am I being selfish? - Z.A.

A: Only you can answer that question - but I hope you'll face it honestly, because your answer will say much about what's really important to you. It also may point you to an even deeper (and more serious) question: What place does God really have in your life?

You see, our pocketbooks are somewhat like a thermometer that registers just how selfish or unselfish we really are. If we're selfish, it means we're putting ourselves and our desires ahead of the needs of others - even those who are suffering. If we're generous, however, it indicates we care about others and their needs, and we want to help them. The Bible says, "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor" (Proverbs 22:9). The Bible also commands us "to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18).

Have you ever stopped and thanked God for giving you a job during these difficult times? More than that, have you ever opened your heart to receive the greatest gift any person can ever receive - the gift of God's own Son, Jesus Christ? Do so today.

Then ask God to show you how you can help others, both by your giving and by volunteering. Almost every church and mission agency and homeless shelter I know of is hurting financially today, and they need your help.

Send your queries to "My Answer,"?c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit www.billygraham.org.