Beech Tree News Network

    Second, Psalm 127:4 shows us that just as arrows don’t fire themselves from the bow, so also children cannot be left to raise themselves. Solomon understood this. He said, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 29:15). Children make foolish decisions (Prov. 22:15), and they need training and encouragement from parents so that they can grow up, be parents themselves, and continue this process for another generation (Prov. 22:6). Parents, whether they have one or a dozen children, cannot put matters on “auto-pilot” and expect a good result when it comes to child-rearing!

            Third, we see that the “mighty man” purposely sent his arrows in the direction intended. In other words, he had a purpose in mind. Sometimes, we find parents who never intended for their “arrows” to leave the “quiver”! Thus, children grow up and seem to have no direction or purpose in their lives. This is not right. Parenting requires we send our “arrows” out into the world so that they can benefit this world as “shining lights” (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-15).

            The Bible is clear concerning how parents ought to act and the parent’s purpose in training children in the right way. If we are lacking in this area, let us repent and start today to follow the Lord’s will. Following what the Lord says will benefit every aspect of society. Don’t be selfish but selfless. Let us give our children the “tools” necessary for living in this world and preparing for the next so that they can prepare their children in the same way (II Tim. 2:2)!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167