"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." —Psalm 127:3–5 NASB
This passage from Psalm 127 is a deep, deep well. As mothers, we are wise to dip our buckets down into it and draw up truth often. The key message is that children are a blessing.
This passage describes children as arrows. But not arrows left sitting in an unused quiver or arrows gleaming but unused in a display case. No. This passage says our children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. They are to be taken into battle and used against our enemy.
Jim Elliot explained it this way, “Children are arrows in a quiver, and they are to be trained as missionaries and shot at the Devil.”
The purpose of raising kids who follow Christ isn’t so that you can line them up as evidence of good works on your mantle. The purpose is to raise children who will eventually be dangerous to the enemy by championing the cause of Christ.
That “sharpening” requires that you seek to know how God has uniquely equipped and gifted your children and then partnering with God to grow them toward kingdom work. Your job is more important than raising kids who use the potty, stand well in line, and make good grades in school. You are called to much bigger task of equipping your children to be used by God to accomplish His purposes.
Action Step: Ask for insight.
Begin praying that God will show you the spiritual gifts He has given your children and the ways He plans to impassion them for ministry, and look for ways to encourage that in them.
A Mom’s Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me the task of training my children to be used by You. Please show me the unique gifts You have given each one of them for Your service. Help me to fuel their passion for You and for service in Your kingdom.
