Crafting arrows (Pt.3)

Psalm 127:3-5, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of arrows”. 

The goal of every parent is to steward the arrows that the Father in heaven has given them.  There is a battle for our children's hearts.  We need to fight for their affections.  The enemy is after what they will love and where their affections will be placed.  This is why parents are called warriors!  We are in a battle. 

There are 4 parts to every arrow.

This blogpost is about the 3rd part of the arrow: the nock.  All of the power in a bow is of no value if it cannot be effectively transferred. That’s why every arrow, at the rear of the shaft, has a small groove that holds the bowstring. This is called the nock. The nock keeps the arrow in place on the string until the power is released.  This speaks to relationships.  When someone’s life intersects with God and with people, a power transfer occurs.

None of us was intended to make the journey through life alone. We need the strength, comfort, encouragement, resources, and power provided by God and others.  Friends in a community offers much!  Our best in any area is NOT good enough.  Your children need to see you in community so they will desire healthy relationships as they grow.  Community is slow.  Community is messy.  And community is hard.  Why? Because it takes T-I-M-E to grow. But community is worth it!  Our life is meant to sit in the context of community.

God is all about relationship.  He created mankind for relationship with Him and with others.  What do we gain from these relationships in community, our tribe?  

1. Strength: When we disconnect from others who are pursuing the Lord the way you are, it will cause your heart to lose strength.   There is almost nothing in life that we are to figure out of our own.  Lean into those in your tribe or community to gain strength.  “This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing.  In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning,” Hebrews 10:25 (The Passion Translation)
2. Wisdom: If you rely only on the wisdom you have, it will not be enough to sustain you when times are challenging.  Draw on the wisdom of others, just as a new mom does as she is struggling with the challenges of sleepless nights; colicky babies; potty training, etc.  Go to those who have “been there” or who are ahead of you so you can gain understanding.  Ask them, “What do you think?” or “What would you suggest?” or “Would you be able to help me with this situation?” Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise”.
3. Courage: The enemy will try to discourage you from becoming who God has called you to be.  He will attempt to keep you from pressing into the deep places in God as you change the direction in your life.  Community pours courage into your heart and encourages you when you want to give up.  Courage is released in community by sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness and power.  Run with those who are pursuing God daily to be changed more & more into the image of Christ.  This takes great courage!
4. Grace: Staying submitted to one another gives a grace to stay the course, even when you mess up or get off track. You can count on community to release grace to jump back on the track.  Community releases grace to do what God has called you to do and become the person God has called you to be.  Vulnerability and humility are keys to grace being poured out.
5. Safety:  Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitudes of counselors there is safety”.  This proverb gives insight into the company you keep.  Who are you surrounding yourself with?  Wise counselors are those who are grounded in Scripture, who know God and who know you~both your strengths and weaknesses.  When you go to your tribe, which takes vulnerability, their counsel will provide safety for you.  You can make a sound decision based upon your relationship with God & with those He has put around you.
6. Perspective: We all have blind spots.  It is imperative to hear from others in different seasons of life, occupation, relationally, and experience.  Life stories from those in your tribe help to give you a fresh perspective or vantage point to see.

These are only several benefits that come forth from community.  Finding your tribe is worth it!  Look for those who are like-minded, share similar interests, are in the same season of life or who share similar core values.  It is important for your children to see that you are anchored in a tribe.  The tribe is the “nock” keeping the arrow in place on the string of the bow until the arrow is ready to be released.  All of the power in a bow is of no value if it cannot be effectively transferred.  Community anchors the arrow to be ready and full of power as it is launched on its trajectory.


Activation:  The Relationship Circle
****Parents & children create a separate relationship circle as you complete this activation together

1. Create 4 or 5 concentric circles (start with a small circle in the center of your paper, then a larger one circled around it, and another and another).
2. Fill in each of the circles, placing those who are closer and more influential to you in the inner circle(s) like spouse, parents, best friend, sibling, coach, etc. and those who have less influence on you in the outer circles.  
3. Highlight those who have the most access and impact in your life.
4. Discuss the people you wrote into the circles and why.  Pray about the relationships that are in your circles.  What is the Holy Spirit saying?

*Parents, are there any people that you wrote in your circles that would be a great mentor or spiritual parent to your child?  
*Children, are there any people in your circles or your parents’ circles who could be spiritual fathers/mothers to you, to offer spiritual mentoring and support?