Dads Who Shoot Straight

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Psalm 127Psalm 127:3-5 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from 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. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”God says fathers are to be like warriors, and their children are like arrows to be shot at the enemy. But an arrow is no more effective than the warrior who shoots it.It is crucial that dads shoot straight.If we want to hit the target with our children, we must be skilled and strong. An arrow could miss the target for several reasons. The wind may take the arrow, or the target may move. But this does not diminish the warrior’s responsibility to be strong in his faith.Adrian Rogers says, “My responsibility as a dad is to shape, sharpen, and shoot those arrows at the enemy.”Second, our arrows must be straight.Because children are not born as straight arrows, it is our job to shape them.There are eight ways to shape, polish, and sharpen our children:-Start early.-Be creative.-Build their character.-Set limits for your children.-Assign responsibilities.-Let your home be the happiest place in your community.-Let your children see God at work in the home.-Cover them with constant prayer.Finally, our aim must be sure.As Christians, we must have a goal, an aim, and a desire before we release our arrows.Adrian Rogers says, “Arrows are not to be collected; they’re to be projected.” God has given us children, that they might go where we cannot go, and we’ve got to point them to a worthy goal.One of these days, our children will be out of our hands. We point them at the enemy, and send them forth, letting them go. Even after we’ve let them go, we must pray that the winds of grace will guide them, keep them, and use them.Apply it to your lifeIf you are the leader of your household, ask God to make you a mighty man. Get to work shaping, sharpening, and seasoning your arrows. Work on your skills and rethink what your goals and desires are for your family.