Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”
As much as this is a great verse for what we allow our kids to read and watch, our kids are watching us all of the time! Are they observing these things in us?
Extraordinary kids often do not come from ordinary homes. Godly legacy doesn’t just happen. Extraordinary kids are shaped by individuals that have first prioritized their own intimacy with Christ. In their message, Leaving a Lasting Legacy, Todd and Alex Wagner do an excellent job unpacking our role as parents; while also impressing on us that the number one thing we can do to bless our children is grow our relationship with Christ.
Todd also reminds us of Psalm 127:3-4 which says, “Behold, children are a gift of 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.” He uses this scripture to draw a few conclusions about parenting.
- An arrow by itself is useless and/or helpless. Our children need us whether they realize it or not.
- An arrow goes where you aim it. What direction are you pointing your kids?
- An arrow can provide life, food, protection, blessing OR great pain and destruction.
- An arrow can be traced back to the warrior that shot it.
- A warrior that leaves his arrows unattended is inviting destruction on his people.