Text: Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV)
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”
Introduction: The High Calling of Parenthood
Brothers and sisters, today we gather to reflect on one of the most profound callings that God gives His people: the role of being a parent. This is not merely a biological or social role — it is a spiritual mission. Christian parenting is not just about raising good kids — it’s about raising godly warriors, arrows launched into the world for the glory of Christ.
In a world that often treats children as inconveniences, optional accessories, or social experiments, we must return to the truth of Scripture. Children are not a burden. They are not a project. They are a heritage from the Lord.
- Children Are a Gift, Not a Guarantee
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Let that sink in: God entrusts us with the lives of His image-bearers.
Parenting begins with recognizing that your child is not ultimately yours — your child belongs to God. You are the steward. He is the owner.
Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, this means every sleepless night, every diaper change, every parent-teacher conference — is an act of worship. God has chosen you for this holy task. He doesn’t expect perfection. He desires faithfulness.
- Shape the Arrow Before You Shoot It
Psalm 127:4 — “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior…”
Have you ever seen an arrow being made? It’s a careful, intentional process — straightening the shaft, sharpening the tip, balancing the weight.
In the same way, your child needs direction, discipline, and love.
Ephesians 6:4 reminds us: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
This means:
- Teaching them Scripture
- Modeling humility and repentance
- Leading in prayer and worship
- Correcting with love, not with rage
You are not just raising a child; you are preparing a soul for eternity.
- Model What You Want to Multiply
Children are incredible mimics — they learn far more from what we do than what we say.
If we want children who love the Lord, we must first be parents who love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 says:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children…”
You can’t impress something on your child that hasn’t first taken root in you. Your spiritual life is not a private matter when you’re a parent. It overflows into the next generation.
- Trust God With the Outcome
Raising godly children is not a formula. It’s not: read Bible + pray = perfect child.
Some of you are praying for prodigals. Others are in the thick of it, not knowing if anything you’re doing is working.
Take heart — the outcome is in God’s hands. You are called to plant and water. God gives the growth (1 Cor. 3:6).
Keep planting. Keep praying. God is faithful to complete the work He began — in you and in your children.
- Your Legacy Is in Their Lives
You may never write a book or lead a ministry. But your greatest spiritual impact may walk in on two legs and call you “Mom” or “Dad.”
3 John 1:4 says: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
This is not just biological children — this includes spiritual children too. Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, an adoptive parent, or a mentor — you are shaping souls for the Kingdom.
Conclusion: Aim High and Let Go in Faith
An arrow is no good if it stays in the quiver. Once you’ve shaped them, you release them — into college, into marriage, into ministry, into a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.
So, parents: be strong, be faithful, be intentional.
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Raise those arrows — and aim them for the glory of God.
Closing Prayer:
“Father, thank You for the gift of children. Strengthen every parent here today — whether weary or joyful, hopeful or struggling. Teach us to raise our children not for our own pride, but for Your purpose. Help us shape these arrows with grace and send them out in faith. And may they fly straight and true, bringing light to the darkness and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
More Biblical Prayer for our children: Biblical Prayer for our Children – Chris AOM Ministries https://youtu.be/dR-yYjCcst8
