Psalm 127
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
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.
Renew Education has adopted the imagery of the arrow, inspired by the text of Psalm 127. Often a beloved passage for Christian parents, much of our perspective is shaped by the truths of this chapter.
The Christian school (house) is not ours; it’s God’s, and unless we are completely dependent and trusting upon Him, our efforts are in vain.
Our students (arrows) are entrusted to our keeping by our loving Father. Therefore, they have profound value, and it is because of His blessing that we have this calling.
Caring for arrows requires that they be kept sharp and that they fly true. Educators are given the task of sharpening our students’ minds, hearts, and bodies that they may also live pure, speak true, right wrong, and follow the King.
Arrows are not designed to stay primarily in their quiver (the school). They’re meant to be sent out, and Christian schools must constantly be mindful of the target and embrace the reality that our primary purpose is to sharpen our students for that day when they will be sent out, because there are enemies in the gate.