“…Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” – Nehemiah 4:14 (NKJV)
In this period of the world’s history, one gets the impression that the world is closing in on our children from many angles. The enemy uses different media forms to present information that does not add value to their lives. They’re targeted at home, the community, and even school. The normal child’s world is being destroyed by attractive, seductive images and information.
Psalm 127:4 (NKJV) says, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.” What an image. If the children are the arrows, the parents must be the bows. For the intended purpose to be fulfilled, there must be a target. What could be placed on the target? We, as parents, must recognise and highlight the family’s generational blessings after severing generational curses. Our task must now be to place the generational blessings on the target. These blessings must be evident in our lives before we think of picking up the bow.
The direction in which we send the arrows will depend on our lifestyle. Our children will do what we do. If we display contentment, they will not develop a covetous attitude. Examine your family’s behaviour and strive to pass on desirable principles to the next generation. Emphasise justice, integrity, the desire to serve God, and fulfill purpose while striving for eternity.
Investigating the principles of marksmanship reveals (a) the target must be in place, (b) the weapon must be in the right position, (c) the shooter must be in full control of the firearm, (d) the firearm must be in alignment, (e) the bullet must be released with no disturbance to the shooter’s position.
Thus, (a) parents must know what display must be on the target, (b) be in a position to control their family effectively, (c) personal lives must show that they are in control of the behaviours on the target, and (d) cannot ‘hope’ to get in position while releasing the arrows.
Let’s fight for the next generation since we know that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). The love of one’s family is one of life’s greatest blessings.
Prayer
God, today I repent on behalf of parents worldwide. We have failed many times to point children in the right direction. We need Your strength and wisdom to fight against the attacks of the enemy against our families. Give our children hearts that would follow after You. Protect each family member under Your wings, and grant us all the desire to live purpose-driven lives in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 68:5; 1 Timothy 5:8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 34:1-10; Luke 1:39-56; Numbers 2:10-34; Numbers 3
