Beech Tree News Network

            David, the sweet psalmist of Israel (II Sam. 23:1), penned a song concerning the home in Psalm 127. He wrote, “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them…” (Ps. 127:4-5). Let us focus upon the phrase from Psalm 127:4 and make applications to ourselves.

            What a word picture this Psalm paints for us! We see this man is “mighty” because he shot his arrows purposefully toward his intended mark. In other words, he did not shoot randomly like the poem, “I shot an arrow into the air, where it landed I know not where….” He had an intended target in mind and shot his arrows toward that target. What does this statement from Psalm 127:4 teach us about parenting?

            First, parents have a purpose. Parenting is more than just proving your ability to reproduce. Parenting means taking responsibility for another life (or lives) and making sure this life is productive in following God’s will (Eph. 6:4) and in society. When we appreciate what God expects of parents, it just proves again why God knows best in saying that parenting belongs to a married couple (Heb. 13:4). Not only does marriage keep us from fornication (I Cor. 7:2), but in such a relationship, we bring children into this world where both father and mother work together in the training and admonition of these precious ones. For example, God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment ...” (Gen. 18:19).

            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). Whether they have one or a dozen children, parents 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 intend 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 lack 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 our children 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