To Whom shall we go? part 3

In 2012, I conducted or assisted in one funeral every eighteen days as a minister of the gospel. a few years ago after my daddy's passing, I delivered a lesson titled "To Whom Shall We go." It had three points and shortly thereafter, I decided to put it in tract form thus producing three separate tracts.

In talking with my sister, she said, "Bubba, you should make them available." Smart sister. In telling this to Renita and contemplating a webpage she said, “You already have a blog; use it.” Smart wife.

Here is installment # 3.  I recall the words vividly from a drive up phone booth at a Delta market in Franklin, KY: “Mr. Archey, you might want to consider the sepration package because there is a possibility your position will be eliminated.” 

 

When our home lives are challenged.  Keep reading…hope the following will be more salve for the soul...from the Wildwood.

 

In John 6:63-68, we find Jesus and His disciples, some privately complaining (murmuring), some that did not believe and yet, some that did.  When Jesus asked would others go away after some had departed we see the answer of Simon Peter in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  thou hast the words of eternal life.”  Yes, through Christ and His word we are reminded there is life in Christ and His word—the great declaration from Peter.  Today we ask Peter’s question, “Lord, to whom shall we go.” but, specifically, to Whom shall we go in times of trouble?  And yes, in this life we will have troubles.  “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1) and Jesus knew we would have troubled hearts (John 14:1, 2), but He quickly assured us HHe would be there.

            In our “To Whom shall we go” series, let’s ask “To Whom shall we go when our home lives are challenged?”

 

“MR. ARCHEY, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER THE SEPARATION PACKAGE…

            …because there is a possibility your position will be eliminated.”  Oh, I recall those words in 1997 while I was out selling and merchandising for a national company.  I had worked for them 11½ years and was fortunate to be one of their sales team’s representatives of the year three years before.  But, none of that mattered…there was an objective the company wished to achieve and I was a casualty.  Of course, I questioned the decision, but it was made, so what was one to do?

            Know the feeling?  News that challenges the home life?  Livelihoods and long time employment is taken away.  Maybe it is a rebellious child or a spouse that says, “I don’t love you anymore and I want out of this marriage.”  Regardless of what the situation is remember that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the home (Genesis 2 & 3).  Will He not direct us in His word where to go and what to do?  How can we apply what the Lord teaches us concerning challenges in our home?

1.      When you get tough news, accept it.  There it is.  It is there.  Yes, it hurts; it affects you and you think about it.  BUT, you know what you are facing...and it is time to go to work.  You are not alone…others have faced your situation and others will afterwards.  At least you know what is before you and now it is time to face it.

2.      Look for the opportunity at that moment for strength and comfort.  The “corner man” helps the boxer “heal up and refresh” for the next round.  Find that person or persons that will grant you comfort like Titus did for the Christians at Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6). 

3.      View the change to make you better spiritually.  How many people have changed spiritually because at that moment they realized they needed Christ?  Maybe it is time to make some changes (be sure to see the end of this writing).

4.      Talk to an elder(s), preacher or even someone who has been through something similar.  However, be sure to listen what they say and apply it to your situation.  Don’t spend time telling your story over and over unless you are willing to listen and apply.

5.      Give it all the time possible…some things are not fixed overnight.  Even to the Christian, James penned “My brethren, count it al joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). 

 

JEFF, HOW DID YOUR STORY END?

In the realm of our recent economy, sometimes change can be good.  On the way home from receiving the news of “possibly” losing my job, I saw the prettiest rainbow and said to myself, “Ah, an omen.”  As in the old country song, “If you’re ever gonna see a rainbow, you gotta stand a little rain,” I decided to view the whole thing as positive as I could, so I made plans and went from there.  I pursued work and found a great opportunity with another national company.  I returned to school and finished some work toward my preaching and ministry work.  In other words, if that change had not happened, you probably wouldn’t be reading this brochure.

Don’t view your challenge as an end…view it as a beginning.  

 

To Whom shall we go when our home lives are challenged?  The Lord has the answers for He bore the sin and heartbreak for us (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24).  Has physical news today caused you to think of your spiritual life today?  Hear the gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17; Matthew 15:10); believe what you hear for it is of necessity (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16); respond to the command of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38); confess Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37) and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) for your sins to be remitted (Acts 2:38) as they are washed away (Acts 22:16).   Baptism will put you in Christ as you put on Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-6).  You will be added to the church (Acts 2:47) as you walk faithful for our Lord (Revelation 2:10).

Contact the nearest church of Christ or contact me at the end of the tract if either of us can be of help.

To Whom Shall We Go, part 2

In 2012, I conducted or assisted in one funeral every eighteen days as a minister of the gospel.  a few years ago after my daddy's passing, I delivered a lesson titled "To Whom Shall We go."  It had three points and shortly thereafter, I decided to put it in tract form thus producing three separate tracts.

In talking with my sister, she said, "Bubba, you should make them available."  Smart sister.  In telling this to Renita and contemplating a webpage she said, “You already have a blog; use it.”  Smart wife.

Here is installment # 2.  Have you ever received a diagnosis of a sickness that just “knocked you for a loop?”  Keep reading…hope the following will be more salve for the soul...from the Wildwood.

 

            In John 6:63-68, we find Jesus and His disciples, some privately complaining (murmuring), some that did not believe and yet, some that did.  When Jesus asked would others go away after some had departed we see the answer of Simon Peter in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  thou hast the words of eternal life.”  Yes, through Christ and His word we are reminded there is life in Christ and His word—the great declaration from Peter.  Today we ask Peter’s question, “Lord, to whom shall we go.” but, specifically, to Whom shall we go in times of trouble?  And yes, in this life we will have troubles.  “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1) and Jesus knew we would have troubled hearts (John 14:1-2), but He quickly assured us HHe would be there.

            In our “To Whom shall we go” series, let’s ask “To Whom shall we go when illness is diagnosed?”

SOME THINGS ARE TOUGH TO HEAR

We are well aware of our outward man perishing (2 Cor. 4:16) and one’s faith may be strong, but when we receive shocking news of our health or of a loved one, it “stuns and floors us.”  I well recall the afternoon I received a call from dad who simply said, “My son, I’ve got cancer.”  All I could do is rely on my Savior and my faith in Him and it was to my Lord I did go.  Chances are you have heard the same statement or you think you might.  Consider the following to be of help:

1.    When you get tough news, accept it. There it is. It IS there. Yes, it hurts, you cry and you ache; it affects you and you think about it.  BUT, you know what you are facing...and it is time to go to work.  You are not alone; others are facing it with you and others have faced it before.

2.    Look for the opportunity at that moment for strength and comfort. That evening we had Bible Study and I announced about Daddy--let me tell you...the beloved folks where I preach were right there for their preacher afterwards…hugs, encouragement, tender words.  One couple came to me with wonderful news they were expecting their first child!  My, was I lifted up and comforted.  Truly, that evening there were many “Titus’” in my life.  “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Cor. 7:6).

3.    See what the doctors say and proceed onward.  Keep the attitude that God is in control and good doctors can be better doctors through the GREAT Physician who is able to help them and comfort you.  Let the doctors know the power of prayer is evident in your life.  “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

4.    Take it a day at a time. If it is said, "You have x months to live," well, doctors may know based on experience but they are not God! This came to mind talking with Daddy one day. His attitude, "My son, it is what it is. If this don't get me something else will. Who knows...a heart attack could take me tomorrow...and you know, a heart attack could take YOU tomorrow." He's right, friends. Let’s take the day we have before us.  We are only as good as the day we have.  Look at it by scripture:

a.    Take the day at hand and be thankful for it.  “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not.  They are new every moment: great is thy faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him (Lamentations 3:22-24).

b.    Fret not of yesterday.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).

c.    Fret not of tomorrow.  “Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Mt. 6:34).

5.    Look for little victories.  Seek the good in every doctor’s report.  Again, let that doctor know you are praying for him/her and appreciate him/her.  Have a little snack with the one that is sick (Daddy loved little Krystal’s).  Get out and reminisce while driving around.  Watch that ball game or whatever is enjoyable.  Enjoy moments that you’ll never trade, you’ll never forget and you just might enjoy that moment that you would have never had.

6.    Don't blame God.  When sin entered into the world in Genesis 3 through the serpents deception and mankind's accepting, God had the plan in eternity before time began to get us out of it (Rev. 13:8).  When sickness hits, it’s because of sin and I lay the blame at the feet of the one who brought sin in the world and to be honest, I'd love to slap Satan silly one day.  When problems hit, God is the One to turn to and we need to stay closer to Him and not just call on Him when needed...we ought to need Him daily.

To Whom shall we go when illness is diagnosed?  The Lord has the answers for He was diagnosed with the sickness of mankind to bear it for us (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24).  Has physical news today caused you to think of your spiritual life today?  Hear the gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17; Matthew 15:10); believe what you hear for it is of necessity (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16); respond to the command of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38); confess Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37) and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) for your sins to be remitted (Acts 2:38) as they are washed away (Acts 22:16).   Baptism will put you in Christ as you put on Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-6).  You will be added to the church (Acts 2:47) as you walk faithful for our Lord (Revelation 2:10).

Contact the nearest church of Christ or contact me "at the Wildwood" if either of us can be of help.

To Whom Shall We Go?

In 2012, I conducted or assisted in one funeral every eighteen days as a minister of the gospel.  a few years ago after my daddy's passing, I delivered a lesson titled "To Whom Shall We go."  It had three points and shortly thereafter, I decided to put it in tract form thus producing three separate tracts.

In talking with my sister, she said, "Bubba, you should make them available."  Smart sister...never thought to blog them; I guess because of their length.  But, someone might be hurting because of a loss of a loved one.  Please know I am sorry and know there are many that have walked your path.

 

So, I hope the following will be salve for the soul...from the Wildwood.

 

“TO WHOM SHALL WE GO”: WHEN DEATH ARRIVES

            In John 6:63-68, we find Jesus and His disciples, some privately complaining (murmuring), some that did not believe and yet, some that did.  When Jesus asked would others go away after some had departed we see the answer of Simon Peter in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  thou hast the words of eternal life.”  Yes, through Christ and His word we are reminded there is life in Christ and His word—the great declaration from Peter.  Today we ask Peter’s question, “Lord, to whom shall we go.” but, specifically, to Whom shall we go in times of trouble?  And yes, in this life we will have troubles.  “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1) and Jesus knew we would have troubled hearts (John 14:1, 2), but He quickly assured us HHe would be there.

            In our “To Whom shall we go” series, let’s ask “To Whom shall we go when death arrives?”

 WHEN YOUR SPIRIT IS BROKEN

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13).  I know of no greater sorrow to the heart than to lose a loved one whether suddenly or lengthy suffering—either way, such sorrow breaks the spirit and the heart as well.  The scripture teaches us this is a path we will all go down (unless the Lord returns and time ends): “It is appointed unto man once to die, then the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27), but what about those of us that are left here? 

We note through the scriptures Job’s suffering, David’s children (three died and one defiled) and even Christ in the loss of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12), so we are not alone.  At times of death, our spirits are broken and our lives are changed permanently.  However, we can go on…and we must.

I can recall the night after my daddy was buried.  I was staying at my mother’s house and I awakened during the night with an unbelievable pain just above my stomach, but it was not a “physical” type pain.  I arose and for a moment I literally had to stop and think about what to do and where to go.  I went outside, looked up at the night sky and asked “Lord, is this how grief feels” and I became physically sick, albeit for a moment.  It eased and I returned to bed.  A few days later while in my office, again I had to stop and think about how to do things going step by step in my mind—things I had done for years!

Know that feeling or anything close to it?  I made it through and others have made it through—so can you.

BE CAREFUL WITH THESE TWO THINGS

I know two areas we must be careful with and avoid at all possible when death arrives:[1]

1.    Some blame God (Job 2:9).  We see Job’s wife telling Job “…curse God and die.”  It is easy for us to blame God when our loves ones are taken.  However, we must realize that death entered into the world because of the sin of man (Genesis 3).  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).  We lay the blame at the feet of the creator of sin, Satan himself who deceived Eve who in turn deceived Adam.  It was man’s choice to turn away from God for that moment and to listen to Satan.

2.   Others will stop living.  In the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:21, think of those obedient and endured for a while but in the time of tribulation of persecution, they fell away.  How many people turn from God, cease attending worship and draw away from fellow Christians?  This actually delays healing and one forgoes strength that could be granted to get us through.

Overcoming and dealing with these two areas early in your grief will go a long way to make each day bearable and allow your healing to be just a little more each day.  Do we ever “get over it?”  If we get over the sadness we will get over the happiness the loved one gave us.  I personally hope I never get over the loss of my Daddy, but I must grow from it, live with it and move onward.

LET US LEARN FROM DAVID

            I believe we would do well to apply what David did after the loss of his child (2 Samuel 12:20-24).  During the illness of the child, David pleaded, prayed, fasted and mourned.  However, after the child passed, David did move onward.  Solomon states how “…the mourners go about the streets” (Ecclesiastes 12:5) and we must go onward.  David’s example shows us how:

1.    Clean and refresh ourselves (20).  We have given all that we can to the one that has passed on with care and concern.  We have gone as far as we could and we must look back knowing we did our best.  Make certain we look our best and visit others—be around people! 

2.    Worship in the house of the Lord (20).  It is sad of those that choose not to do this because of a memory of the loved one that has passed on or a song may remind us of the funeral service.  However, you can make it and it becomes easier.  I attended worship the following Sunday and a couple of songs were difficult for me to make it through, but I renewed my reason for being there—to worship my God (John 4:24) who would comfort and strengthen me (2 Corinthians 1:3).  And, oh the hugs and encouragement I received.  I recalled the words of Peter from the marvelous mount, “Lord, it is good for us to be here…” (Matthew 17:4).

3.    Maintain good health (20, 21).  We note that David did eat what was set before him.  Again, we have given all we could give to the loved one that has passed now it is time to tend to ourselves for our health and well being, especially if you were the primary caregiver.

4.    Accept the loved one has passed away and will not come back (23).  This will take time—shorter for some, longer for others.  Dealing with grief varies with each individual.[2]  However, this level of acceptance is noted by grief counselors and those that have lived through a loss as the key to moving onward with ones life.

5.    Look toward eternity.  David said of his child, “…I shall go to him…” (23), a view of eternity.  So many resolve to do this and so many lose interest after a week or two.  Find a nearby church of Christ who will help you look toward eternity.

6.    Turn and comfort others (24).  We cannot forget that Bathsheba lost a child, too.  David turned and comforted her.  We are able to comfort others with comfort we receive (2 Corinthians 1:3) and as we focus on others we take more attention from ourselves (Matthew 16:24).

To Whom shall we go when death arrives?  The Lord has the answers for as death entered the world through sin, Jesus bore that sin for us (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24).  Has physical death caused you to think of your spiritual life?  Hear the gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17; Matthew 15:10); believe what you hear for it is of necessity (Hebrews 11:6; John 3:16); respond to the command of repentance (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38); confess Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37) and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) for your sins to be remitted (Acts 2:38) as they are washed away (Acts 22:16).   Baptism will put you in Christ as you put on Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-6).  You will be added to the church (Acts 2:47) as you walk faithful for our Lord (Revelation 2:10).

Contact the nearest church of Christ or contact me below if either of us can be of help. 

---

[1] Mikeal Hughes sermon, Adversity, point III, Poolishing the Pulpit, 2006.  The points were granted by Mikeal with the comments mine, JRA.

[2] I share a book with so many titled Grief Resolvement by Judy Van Dyke.  If you would like a free copy, please contact me at jeff_archey@yahoo.com.  Funeral homes also offer a variety of material coupled with grief support groups.

 

Honor the aged saints

"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness" (Prov. 16:31).

It's Gospel Meeting time at the East Side church of Christ in Cleveland, TN.  My young friend and brother, Chris Clevenger is doing an awesome job as we consider the theme, "At the Corner of Christianity and Culture."

I was talking with some of our "Senior Saints" in our Tuesday morning Bible class abut our meeting this week.  You know, as a preacher, it troubles this ol' boy's heart when our long time aged saints that are so faithful to the cause of Christ are physically unable to attend evening worship and Bible study, especially Gospel meeting week they so dearly loved and supported with their presence through the years.  Notice that physically they are unable or as we say, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Let their health improve, there is no doubt where they would be.  No, they are not "forsaking the assembly" (Heb. 10:25) for it is not their choice.  They are not forsaking; they are simply unable physically to attend.

They still encourage and pray for it, but they miss it...and I miss them.

Lessons learned:

(1) If it were not for THESE saints; we would not have an opportunity to hear good preaching.  Think of all the years gone by and their support of our meetings.  Their dedication taught US dedication.

(2) I really ought to be ashamed of myself that I can go and choose not to.  In other words, not a thing wrong with me, just don't want to go...that's a heart problem, folks (Mt. 22:37-38).

(3) Embrace 'em, love 'em, visit 'em, call 'em, laugh with 'em.  There is going to come a day you wished you could.

I thank the Lord for those dear "Senior aged Saints" at the East Side church of Christ...over on the Wildwood.

The preacher and the fire inspector.

Had a visit from the fire inspector this AM.  Real nice guy.  I told him from the start that we both had one thing in common—we want people protected from fire.

After he left; got to thinking that the fire inspector and the preacher have a lot in common.

·         He wanted me to listen for the good of the church…and so do I (2 Tim. 4:1-2; Rom. 10:14).  “…woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16).

·         He had guidelines to go by…and so do I (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jn. 12:48-50; 1 Pet. 4:11).  God’s word is always, without exception, THE standard…not a creed book, manual, thoughts or feelings.

·         He wants people safe from fire…and so do I (2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; Rev. 20:12-15).  Heaven is a FAR better option.

·         He wants people continuously safe…and so do I (1 John 1:7-10; Rev. 2:10).  Little things can be done to insure safety, for we never know when a fire might happen.  Never know when judgment is coming; got to stay ready (Mt. 24:36).

·         He wants people to know correction is a good thing to make us better… and so do I (2 Tim. 3:16; Gal. 4:16; 1 Cor. 11:22c).  Not once did I get mad or angry at the objections he brought forth; I told him to write them down.  Can’t fix it unless we know it’s broken.  I know these things are for our good.

·         He wants things prepared in case of danger…and so do I (Amos 4:12; Mt. 25:1-12).  A few things and adjustments will make us ready in case of fire; we must always be updated and prepared and the same is true spiritually.

·         He wants carbon monoxide detectors installed; it’s odorless and tasteless and can get us quickly…and doctrinally, so do I (Mt. 15:9).  Faithful brethren rooted in the word can detect false teaching.

·         He was gracious and his expression of policy…and I need that reminder (Eph. 4:16).  Thanks, fire inspector for reminding me that a lot of times it’s not the words, but the way it’s said.  (Had to pause and pray about that one).

·         He’s coming back to see if we’ve complied…and so will the Lord (Mt. 25).  Will we be ready for the fire inspector’s return?  I say so.

Are we ready for the Lord’s return and judgment?

Just some random thoughts fresh on the mind after the fire inspector left…from the Wildwood.

Remembering our Lord...thank you Max Pelley

Upon the first day of the week at the East Side church of Christ we partake of the Lord's Supper as did the Christians in the New Testament (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29).  As we assemble remembering our Lord's death in this avenue and action of worship, a dear brother will stand and make a few Biblical remarks reminding us of the wonderful sacrifice Christ gave for us.

 

Max Pelley is one of our members at East Side; a wonderful Christian man, song leader and my Sunday morning Bible class teacher (yes, preachers go to class, too :-) ).  Last Lord's Day morning he read the following.  Well done and I thought you would want to read it just like he read it...at the Wildwood.

 

BETHLEHEM, HIS PLACE OF BIRTH

WHEN GOD SENT HIS SON TO EARTH.
ANGELS HERALD THE NEW BORN KING,
GLORY TO GOD THEY ALL DID SING.

EGYPT WAS WHERE HE FLED,

AND STAYED UNTIL KING HEROD WAS DEAD.
NAZARETH WHERE HE LIVED FOR THIRTY YEARS,
HELPING JOSEPH MAKE TABLES AND CHAIRS.

FOR THREE YEARS HE PREACHED ACROSS THE LAND,

PREACHING THAT THE KINGDOM IS AT HAND,
HE PREACHED THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVICTION
AND ABOUT HIS SOON TO BE CRUCIFIXION.

GETHSEMANE WAS WHERE HE PRAYED,

ALSO WHERE HE WAS BETRAYED.
CALVARY WAS WHERE HE DIED
AFTER A FAIR TRIAL HE WAS DENIED.

HE HAD TO BEAR HIS OWN CROSS,

AFTER SEVERE BEATINGS, AND THE BLOOD HE LOST.
A CROWN OF THORNS DONNED HIS HEAD,
A SPEAR PIERCED SIDE WHERE HIS BLOOD WAS SHED.
 
ALL THIS HAPPENED TO GOD'S OWN SON.
BUT HE LET IT HAPPEN FOR EVERY ONE.
ON THE CROSS HE SUFFERED IN AGONY,
HIS LIFE HE GAVE FOR YOU AND ME.

TODAY WE REMEMBER THAT AWFUL DEED,

SILENCE AND REVERENCE IS WHAT WE NEED,
AS WE PARTAKE OF THE BREAD AND WINE,
UNLEAVENED BREAD AND FRUIT OF THE VINE.

AND FOR HIS SHED BLOOD TO SAVE

HE HAD TO RISE FROM THE GRAVE.
AFTER HE AROSE HE WENT TO HEAVEN,
THROUGH FAITH AND OBEDIENCE SINS ARE FORGIVEN.

                                                              Max Pelley

Children, Arrows In Our Hands

Rob Whitacre is one of the best young daddies I will ever know.  He is a dear friend, brother and encourager and I want the world to know of his good work especially with the following.  A little lengthy for a blog post, but, then again, it is my blog. :-)  From the hills to the Wildwood and to you, "Children, Arrows In Our Hands."

The Psalmist penned, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 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: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (127:3-5). According to Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies, heritage means “a possession or inheritance.” Therefore, children are God’s entrusted possessions given as a re-ward for man to guide and to provide him joy and blessedness.

The Psalmist describes children as “arrows in the hand of a mighty man…” Just think for a moment, what would the future of the Kingdom look like if all children from Christian families became faithful Christians? Instead of losing more than half of our children to the world, what if we were able to keep a vast majority? An arrow can be deadly accurate when put into the hands of an archer. Who holds the arrows? The psalmist said, “Happy is the man that has his quiver full…” The Bible teaches us that children are arrows and man is the archer. Where do children go when they are fired by an archer? Wherever the archer aims! What happens if we aim at the Kingdom? They will hit the Kingdom (notwithstanding, the free moral agency of man which at times allows for an errant arrow)! It begs the question if so many children are leaving the church, then where are some aiming their arrows? In this short article let’s examine three vital targets that every parent must aim for as they pull back the bow strings of life.
 
First, and foremost there is the target of Heaven. When an archer misses his target the Greeks would cry out, “hamartia.” This is the word for sin found in the Greek New Testament. Children need to learn about sin from God’s entrusted guardians (parents) and not from a callused and cold world. Studying about sin from the Bible is a godly way of learning about it. Once they understand sin we must help them see Jesus as THEIR Savior who died for THEIR sins. When children understand the consequences of sin we can point them towards the cross of Christ, where they will see the blood of Christ, and therefore want to be baptized into the death of Christ. Beware, a miss of this target area can be deadly to their souls.

Second, there is the target of the Heart. Solomon told his son, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The tenderness of a child is a key to entering the Kingdom (Matthew 18:2-3). We are living in a saturated culture of sin that is bombarding our children with wickedness in every form. We need to aim them away from vulgar music, evil companionships, the lures of lust, and the dangers of atheism/evolution. Fleeing from and not flocking to sin is the Biblical aim. “You have to try it once to know it’s wrong” is a lethal target for the souls of our children. Parents who allow the world to have free and unfettered access into their children’s hearts will be held accountable before God.

Third, there is the target of the Home. We must teach our sons how to become men despite the role reversals and gender confusion of the American society. God wants us to teach our sons how to be sound in faith (Titus 2:2), loving husbands (Ephesians 5:23), strong fathers (Genesis 18:19), dedicated providers (I Timothy 5:8), examples of faith (I Timothy 4:12), servants of the church, teachers of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19), and future leaders in the church. We need to aim our daughters to be teaches of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19), virtuous (Proverbs 31:10), chaste, keepers at home, wives who will love and obey their husbands, and mothers who will love their children (Titus 2:3-5). Pointing our daughters to be career minded first and foremost is not a primary target given by God! If the family God created is going to survive in the way God made it, we must aim our sons and daughters for their targeted roles.

The Psalmist said, “Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” In contrast a child left to himself will bring shame to his mother (Proverbs 29:15). Where are we aiming our children? Academics, athletics, and arts are admirable but Heaven, the home, and the heart are Preeminent. I would rather have a son or daughter who was a sub-par student academically, but a warrior for God’s Kingdom spiritually. Children are precious in the sight of God and can be powerful in the hands of those who aim their arrows at the right targets.

“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”   ~~Fredrick Douglas~~