Growing Multigenerational Faithಮಾದರಿ

A consistent message in Scripture is of the importance to God of children and how we as parents (as well as the larger body of Christ) are to view them. Psalm 127:3-5 states unequivocally that children are a gift and reward from God and then compares them to the arrows in a warrior's quiver.

The idea that children are a gift or reward is not hard for us to wrap our heads around. Children as a warrior's arrows, however, is a little more complex, but becomes a very powerful analogy when a few things are considered. For an arrow to function properly, it must be created by skilled craftsmen. An arrow must be given care, or it will not fly straight. An arrow must be aimed by someone; they don't find direction on its own. Arrows are usually only launched once. Arrows have potential for good or evil. An arrow is really only useful when it is launched.

The author of this Psalm is letting us know that while children are indeed a gift and reward, they are also something that must be nurtured, formed, and launched. As we consider how to effect generational impact, children who have been raised by parents (and the larger church) with the foundational knowledge that someday they will be launched into the world to spread the gospel will have a dramatic impact on the world and future generations.

How are we as a church doing with shaping our "arrows" and preparing them to be "launched"?

Dan and Shelly B. - Youth Ministry Leaders, Worship

Questions to Consider

• How would you say your church is doing in helping the coming generations be nurtured, formed, and launched?
• How can you be part of making that better?

Actions to Take

• Pay attention to those who are in your sphere of influence and consider how you can better nurture, form, and launch future generations.
• Choose one of the areas - nurture, formation, launching - and do something this week that contributes to that area.

Prayer to Make

Lord Jesus, help me help our church be a people that values the coming generations. Help me to help our church be great at nurturing, forming, and launching devoted disciples of Jesus into the world. Amen.