"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! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

Psalm 127:3–5, ESV

It's in every Christian parent's heart to see their children pursue the fullness of the purpose that they have in Christ. We also understand how as God-ordained parents, guides, coaches and cheerleaders for our kids, the role we play in pointing them into the right direction.

The best gift we can give to our children is the gift of directing them into the will and purpose God has for them, but how do we know when what we do leads people to God's will and not away from it? From Psalm 127, God gives us a picture of children being like arrows. Understanding how children are like arrows can help us also understand how we can lead our children to God's will instead of away from it.

Arrows are made in a certain way

Arrows come from raw wood, and the quality of the wood in its raw stage heavily determines what kind of arrow it's going to be. Will it be a long arrow or a short one? Will it be heavy and thick for strength or thin and light for distance? In the same way, children were created by God in the rawest and purest form with gifting and talent that must be identified.

What is an innate skill or set of skills your children have? Are they gifted in music, in the arts, in relationships or in problem-solving? Are we quick to spot these innate gifts and willing to invest in them whatever the cost?

Arrows are refined

While arrows are chosen from fine wood, they still have to be refined and prepared. Arrows are not just raw materials, but materials put together and made smoother and straighter to make them effective. Children are the same in this manner. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (ESV).

Arrows are to be released

Probably the most painful thing a parent will do is release their children. Just as arrows were meant to be released, children are meant to be released to allow God to lead them to the direction, path and even destination He means for each of them. So many parents today keep their children in the quiver in fear that they may miss the mark or that it's not time to let them go, but the sooner we release them the better because then we start allowing God to do His work in their lives.