Straight, Sharp and Aimed in the Right Direction
September 26th, 2008
Scripture
“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” Ps. 127:4
Observation
Reading this verse this morning reminded of a parenting DVD I watched several years ago. The speaker made three observations that have stuck with me for some time now. He said that the warrior has a responsibility to make sure his arrow is straight, sharp and aimed in the right direction. If the arrow is those three things, it can fly farther and be much more effective in battle than the warrior ever could be alone. Solomon, in this Psalm, likens children to arrows. That makes me the warrior.
Application
It is so incredibly important to remember that I’m a warrior for the cause of Christ. A spiritual battle wages around me every single day. The greatest weapons I have are my children. My responsibility is to raise them in such a way that they will be able to go farther and reach more people for Jesus than I ever could by myself. First I must straighten my little arrows so that they fly straight. I take this to mean discipline. I must correct and smooth the rebellious parts of them. Next, I must sharpen them by solid Biblical instruction in my home. It is my absolute privilege to disciple my kids. Finally. I’ve got to point them toward Christ so that one day He can carry them into the battle.
Prayer
Thank you for the truth of this scripture this morning Lord. I admit fully that I need help to straighten, sharpen and point my children. Dealing with them is probably the easiest way to show my character flaws. Yet, I believe passionately in discipleship in my home. I pray that you shape and mold my kids into powerful instruments of the Gospel that bring Your light to more than I could ever imagine.
— Curt Hale, children’s pastor, Reservoir campus