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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The image of God and being made in the image of God
Is there a difference between our being made in the image of God and Christ being the image of God? This question challenges us on many levels:
The ontological/functional level. Is the image of God a part of our being still or as Christians do we live in the image of God: Christ
The gender level. Is the image of God to be equated with being male and female? If so then how is Christ male and female?
The relational level. If we all possess at the least a faint trace of being made in the image of God then what does this mean for those who are outside of Christ?
The ontological/functional level. Is the image of God a part of our being still or as Christians do we live in the image of God: Christ
The gender level. Is the image of God to be equated with being male and female? If so then how is Christ male and female?
The relational level. If we all possess at the least a faint trace of being made in the image of God then what does this mean for those who are outside of Christ?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Obama is President. What now?
I have been in a daze from school, work, and baby so I haven't done any wild partying in honor of Obama's victory. I am very proud and I am glad that there is a black man who is President of the United States. It is also cool that this was not just a victory for black folks but for the rest of the world. America is now seen again as the place where there is equal opportunity no matter who you are. That is one of the most exciting things about the Presidency and something to celebrate. One thing that I have been pondering since the election is what do we do now? Obama is not the Messiah and we do not pray for his kingdom to come. So in light of that I think there are some things we need to be about as Christians in the political/social sphere:
1. We need to heal rifts and be peacemakers between political parties, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. This is not about one party, one ethnicity, or one sexual orientation. We as Christians need to align ourselves with Christ more than anything and Christ wants shalom for all people. Blessed are the peacemakers!
2. We need to vote, march, and be active in creating a holistic vision of life based on the kingdom of God. It is not up to the president but it is on us. We must as Gandhi said "Be the change that we want to see in the world"
3. We need to discuss and brainstorm and figure out what we as the church believe about major political and social issues without buying into the politics of certain groups. This means we need to hear both sides of the issue as well as seek to develop a consistent hermeneutic for our day and age.
Is there anything else that we should add to this list? Let me know. I am open to suggestions.
1. We need to heal rifts and be peacemakers between political parties, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. This is not about one party, one ethnicity, or one sexual orientation. We as Christians need to align ourselves with Christ more than anything and Christ wants shalom for all people. Blessed are the peacemakers!
2. We need to vote, march, and be active in creating a holistic vision of life based on the kingdom of God. It is not up to the president but it is on us. We must as Gandhi said "Be the change that we want to see in the world"
3. We need to discuss and brainstorm and figure out what we as the church believe about major political and social issues without buying into the politics of certain groups. This means we need to hear both sides of the issue as well as seek to develop a consistent hermeneutic for our day and age.
Is there anything else that we should add to this list? Let me know. I am open to suggestions.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Clarifications of my political positions
In my last posts I let everyone know I was voting for Obama because in my opinion his approach is holisitc, humble, and relational. I did not let you know what that means:
Holistic. I believe this country is very polarized. Right and left. Republican and democrat. Religous and nonreligous. As a black male I have been a witness to many of the problems in America and they are not onesided issues. For all of those who are pro-life I want to ask you one question: Were you pro-life when many of the kids in my neighborhood grew up without a father and many of the guys and girls died in drive bys? Where were you? Maybe after going to the mall you went to church to worship your "god" while others who didn't have that privilege were asking God "Why?" If you were so pro-life then you would have been in the hood trying to change some things instead of raising money to go overseas and appear "holy"
Humble. Many people have said how can you say Obama is humble? I answer back with another question "How come when a black man is confident and outspoken he is arrogant?" Obama is not beyond pride but I know he approaches issues as if he doesn't have all the answers and he just wants to do the best job that he can. That's all any of us can do.
Relational. I am for a president who can relate to more than just white people. I think Mccain represents an old version of America that is WASP. America is now not only multicultural but multireligous and Obama takes that into consideration. When asked who he would turn to for advice he mentioned his wife and his grandma. Some people took that as a sign of weakness. I see it as a sign of strength. Although they are not experts (although Michelle can hold her own) they are moral checks on his life. If you can't trust your wife then what the heck does that say about your family. I think it sets an example for not being a lone ranger with all of the supposedly right info and doing your own thing. This is so opposite of our latest presidential regime under Bush.
Holistic. I believe this country is very polarized. Right and left. Republican and democrat. Religous and nonreligous. As a black male I have been a witness to many of the problems in America and they are not onesided issues. For all of those who are pro-life I want to ask you one question: Were you pro-life when many of the kids in my neighborhood grew up without a father and many of the guys and girls died in drive bys? Where were you? Maybe after going to the mall you went to church to worship your "god" while others who didn't have that privilege were asking God "Why?" If you were so pro-life then you would have been in the hood trying to change some things instead of raising money to go overseas and appear "holy"
Humble. Many people have said how can you say Obama is humble? I answer back with another question "How come when a black man is confident and outspoken he is arrogant?" Obama is not beyond pride but I know he approaches issues as if he doesn't have all the answers and he just wants to do the best job that he can. That's all any of us can do.
Relational. I am for a president who can relate to more than just white people. I think Mccain represents an old version of America that is WASP. America is now not only multicultural but multireligous and Obama takes that into consideration. When asked who he would turn to for advice he mentioned his wife and his grandma. Some people took that as a sign of weakness. I see it as a sign of strength. Although they are not experts (although Michelle can hold her own) they are moral checks on his life. If you can't trust your wife then what the heck does that say about your family. I think it sets an example for not being a lone ranger with all of the supposedly right info and doing your own thing. This is so opposite of our latest presidential regime under Bush.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
One more question especially for Vineyard folks
I was just about to go get something to drink and start working on my assignments when another burning question that needs to be answered came to me:
How can global theology play a role in the Vineyard a movement that wants to break out of the suburban white mold and relate to other ethnic groups? I think this is significant because John Wimber challenged the Western world with his teaching on power evangelism and power healing to break out of the rational western worldview. The question is "Have we really broken out of it? Is there something else that needs to happen...something else that needs to change? What are your thoughts?
How can global theology play a role in the Vineyard a movement that wants to break out of the suburban white mold and relate to other ethnic groups? I think this is significant because John Wimber challenged the Western world with his teaching on power evangelism and power healing to break out of the rational western worldview. The question is "Have we really broken out of it? Is there something else that needs to happen...something else that needs to change? What are your thoughts?
Questions about the Future of Global Theology
As with all theology I have come from the symposium with more questions than answers. Here are a few of my questions:
What role does the diversity of global theology have to play in a multiethnic theology for North America? Most of the talk in multiethnicity has been in regard to ecclesiology or missiology. How do we hammer out a theology or a christology for a multiethnic setting?
What role does global theology have to play in speaking to ethnic theology in North America (black, chicano native american etc.)? Can they challenge and contribute in certain areas?
How can global theology speak to non-western social injustice and racism i.e. black vs hispanic, japanese vs. korean, chinese vs. japanese, etc.? How is our theology attached to our identity in unhealthy ways?
These are just a few questions and starting points for further dialogue. Overall it was an exciting event although I was half asleep from being up last night working on my paper for systematics 1. Come to think of it I better get some time in before work.
What role does the diversity of global theology have to play in a multiethnic theology for North America? Most of the talk in multiethnicity has been in regard to ecclesiology or missiology. How do we hammer out a theology or a christology for a multiethnic setting?
What role does global theology have to play in speaking to ethnic theology in North America (black, chicano native american etc.)? Can they challenge and contribute in certain areas?
How can global theology speak to non-western social injustice and racism i.e. black vs hispanic, japanese vs. korean, chinese vs. japanese, etc.? How is our theology attached to our identity in unhealthy ways?
These are just a few questions and starting points for further dialogue. Overall it was an exciting event although I was half asleep from being up last night working on my paper for systematics 1. Come to think of it I better get some time in before work.
Future of Global theology notes
Well I still never asked anyone what a symposium is but I experienced one. My experience says it is when professors write papers on a particular topic, share their thoughts and other professors respond to them. So this one was on the topic of global theology and also was connected to the publishing of the Global Dictionary of Theology. I couldn't afford it even with the 40% discount but it sounds great.
So here are my key observations:
Global theology is not a universal theology or a theology of sameness or homogeneity.
It is not just adding more voices but adding more voices to the conversation. When these voices are added then helpful critiques and contributions will result.
Dr. Ogbu Kalu of Mccormick Theological Seminary of Chicago presented on the issue of violence is a major issue in Africa and for the world. In Africa it is connected intimately with religion. A friend and I were just talking about this issue yesterday in light of the Ethiopian context where Pentecostal Protestant Christians are persecuted by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Muslims. Clearly religous violence is not a theological matter but a matter of identity and social justice.
Simon Chan of Trinity Theological College in Singapore presented on global theology as opposed to the mainline protestant theology. He talked about how global theology particularly in asian and african contexts has something to contribute to the non-western world particularly in the areas of primal spirituality, veneration of ancestors, and sacramental theology.
Primal spirituality=How does this emphasis on primal spirituality help us speak to the other spiritualities of North America i.e. New Age
Veneration of ancestors=How does this inform our understanding of the communion of the saints (our connection to the body of Christ around the world and throughout time)?
Sacramental theology=How does this inform our worship where most of the world uses the physical in their spirituality (beads, prayer cloths, holy water, holy oil)?
He also offered a critique of the Evangelical Manifesto saying it basically was an attempt to gain recognition and respect from those outside the church. He said that it was an example of a lack of nerve. I have not read the evangelical manifesto but you can check it out here Evangelical Manifesto
So here are my key observations:
Global theology is not a universal theology or a theology of sameness or homogeneity.
It is not just adding more voices but adding more voices to the conversation. When these voices are added then helpful critiques and contributions will result.
Dr. Ogbu Kalu of Mccormick Theological Seminary of Chicago presented on the issue of violence is a major issue in Africa and for the world. In Africa it is connected intimately with religion. A friend and I were just talking about this issue yesterday in light of the Ethiopian context where Pentecostal Protestant Christians are persecuted by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Muslims. Clearly religous violence is not a theological matter but a matter of identity and social justice.
Simon Chan of Trinity Theological College in Singapore presented on global theology as opposed to the mainline protestant theology. He talked about how global theology particularly in asian and african contexts has something to contribute to the non-western world particularly in the areas of primal spirituality, veneration of ancestors, and sacramental theology.
Primal spirituality=How does this emphasis on primal spirituality help us speak to the other spiritualities of North America i.e. New Age
Veneration of ancestors=How does this inform our understanding of the communion of the saints (our connection to the body of Christ around the world and throughout time)?
Sacramental theology=How does this inform our worship where most of the world uses the physical in their spirituality (beads, prayer cloths, holy water, holy oil)?
He also offered a critique of the Evangelical Manifesto saying it basically was an attempt to gain recognition and respect from those outside the church. He said that it was an example of a lack of nerve. I have not read the evangelical manifesto but you can check it out here Evangelical Manifesto
Future of Global theology symposium
Today I am about to go to the Future of Global Theology symposium. Never mind I have no idea what symposium really means. I know a bunch of expert get together and talk. This one is going to be great because there are so many issues on the table as theology and the Christian faith are moving more towards the Southern hemisphere in places like Asia, Africa, And Latin America. The speakers are Simon Chan, Ogbu Kalu, Veli-Matti Karkainnen, and Juan Martinez. These guys have not only been around the world but they have been around the world with God. I will post notes and my thoughts soon.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Coming election and the role of a Christian 2
This current election has two candidates who represent not only different politics but different worldviews. There is one worldview that is arrogant, prides itself on being an expert, and is very narrowminded and compartmentalized. There is another worlview represented by the other candidate that is humble, prides itself on being in relationship, and is holistic in it's approach to issues. This to me represents not only old America and new America but also old Christianity and new Christianity. They are basically the same but the approach is different. Right now I want to go with the candidate who represents the second worldview. Humble, relational, holistic. This is the direction that I as a Christian want to go in and the direction I pray that my fellow Christian and the whole of the nation goes in.
By now you probably know who I am voting for and I am not voting for him because he is black. Although that is a factor. The main reason is because I am tired of the way things are in this country-which is a great country. I am sick of rich white men running the show and we have to pay the price for their arrogance and greed. Jesus is not about that agenda. It's time for change!
By now you probably know who I am voting for and I am not voting for him because he is black. Although that is a factor. The main reason is because I am tired of the way things are in this country-which is a great country. I am sick of rich white men running the show and we have to pay the price for their arrogance and greed. Jesus is not about that agenda. It's time for change!
The Coming election and the role of a Christian 1
I recently had a close call on Sunday afternoon while I was on the phone with a friend Julian. Some democratic party supporter came to the door and after a few seconds of discussion I discovered that I needed to register since we moved to Pasadena. Monday was the deadline to register and so I immediately filled out the form so I could do my part in the current election. The question for me that has been on the table since this whole presidential campaign has been going on is "As a Christian what is my part in politics?"
Finally I am settled on an answer. It stems from the offices of Jesus as a king, priest, and prophet. These were also the major offices in the nation of Israel. These three different offices helped to guide the nation of Israel. Since they are Jesus' office I believe they are also fulfilled in us as we are a counterculture in the world. The church is to be prophetic in that it speaks to the powers that be and calls them to account to the whole word of God. I emphasize whole because there is a stream of the church that speaks out on certain things when it is in the interest of the rich but is virtually silent when it comes to the interests of the poor. In the prophetic literature it is made very clear that God is on the side of the poor and oppressed. I believe this is our role within the larger society to call our politicians to account whether they are republican or democrat, liberal or conservative. The other role that we have is to be priests. We are to intercede for our nation and especially it's leaders. We intercede knowing that they are weak and fragile men and are subject to make unwise decisions and succumb to temptation. So we bring them before God and ask for his forgiveness, guidance, and protection over them. Not because they are democrat or republican but because we are responsible for the nation's peace so the gospel can be proclaimed. The last role is that of the king. We align ourselves with Jesus role as king and extend his rule and reign into the ordinary sphere of life. To act for the kingdom is not just about healing or excorcism although those things are not bad in and of themselves. To act for the kingddom means to act responsibly by picking up a ballot and voting. We are not in control of the circumstance but we lean towards the choice that will be conducive to God's kingdom being lived out on earth. This means looking at the whole of the Biblical message with Jesus the King as our interpretive key and not political agendas-liberal or conservative.
The fact that we live in the United States our politics are pretty bipartisan and so it is hard to vote for someone who totally embodies the agenda of followers of Christ. It also is not helpful when followers of Christ are from different cultures and backgrounds which influence the issues that are most important to them but more on that later........
Finally I am settled on an answer. It stems from the offices of Jesus as a king, priest, and prophet. These were also the major offices in the nation of Israel. These three different offices helped to guide the nation of Israel. Since they are Jesus' office I believe they are also fulfilled in us as we are a counterculture in the world. The church is to be prophetic in that it speaks to the powers that be and calls them to account to the whole word of God. I emphasize whole because there is a stream of the church that speaks out on certain things when it is in the interest of the rich but is virtually silent when it comes to the interests of the poor. In the prophetic literature it is made very clear that God is on the side of the poor and oppressed. I believe this is our role within the larger society to call our politicians to account whether they are republican or democrat, liberal or conservative. The other role that we have is to be priests. We are to intercede for our nation and especially it's leaders. We intercede knowing that they are weak and fragile men and are subject to make unwise decisions and succumb to temptation. So we bring them before God and ask for his forgiveness, guidance, and protection over them. Not because they are democrat or republican but because we are responsible for the nation's peace so the gospel can be proclaimed. The last role is that of the king. We align ourselves with Jesus role as king and extend his rule and reign into the ordinary sphere of life. To act for the kingdom is not just about healing or excorcism although those things are not bad in and of themselves. To act for the kingddom means to act responsibly by picking up a ballot and voting. We are not in control of the circumstance but we lean towards the choice that will be conducive to God's kingdom being lived out on earth. This means looking at the whole of the Biblical message with Jesus the King as our interpretive key and not political agendas-liberal or conservative.
The fact that we live in the United States our politics are pretty bipartisan and so it is hard to vote for someone who totally embodies the agenda of followers of Christ. It also is not helpful when followers of Christ are from different cultures and backgrounds which influence the issues that are most important to them but more on that later........
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Revelation and authority
We protestants say that scripture is the final authority for everything. It is the "infallible rule of faith and practice". The question remains is that an ideal that we strive for or is it an absolute fact. There are so many things that go into the interpretation of scripture (culture, gender, tradition etc.) that it is hard to say that scripture is the final authority. What do you think? Is there another way to state this doctrine? Are we even starting at the right point?
No I am not a fecal maniac just a theologian!
Recently my facebook status messages have referred to baby poop. It is not my passion only my reality. Some may think that it is sacrilegous but most think it's funny. I think it suprises some how it can be related to theology but in a way that is where our real theology shows up and becomes apparent-in the "poop" of life. That is why I am going to seminary. It is because all of life is infused with traces of God and we have just begun to scratch the surface of how this affects our decisions, relationships, and emotions. Most people think when they are in the thick of things that theological reflection ceases. Well that is not true. We don't intentionally reflect when we go through our day to day business or facing a crisis. In these situations we begin to rely on our "embedded" theology. Everybody has one. Most of us are not aware of it but our embedded theology even affects the way we view diaper changing!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Todd Bentley and our lack of discernment
I posted about the Lakeland Revival some weeks ago and was already leery but I did not have enough info. I just know that there is always something that we as Christians jump on without discernment. I know that God moves today. I have seen him move on me and through me but at the same time there should be a strong desire to know who God is. I don't know what happened to get so many Christians to check their minds at the door. Here is more from J. Lee Grady on what happened and is happening with Todd Bentley and Lakeland. My question is...
What caused all of these Christians-many who are well respected leaders-to not use discernment when it came to Lakeland or Todd?
"Kind of Unbiased News sources"
Here is a list of unbiased...well kind of unbiased news sources. It may help you as you follow the presidential campaign trail. Compliments of Aaron Dobruck.
ap
bbc
npr
pbs
American Public Radio
CBC
Click on these and let me know if they are truly unbiased or if you suffer from severe "biaswashing". I think these are ok since they are from Aaron. He is a cool guy. He taught me how to wear a lobster hat with style:)
ap
bbc
npr
pbs
American Public Radio
CBC
Click on these and let me know if they are truly unbiased or if you suffer from severe "biaswashing". I think these are ok since they are from Aaron. He is a cool guy. He taught me how to wear a lobster hat with style:)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What does God think of patriots?
Well I have been listening to many comment on the presidential campaign and especially questioning Obama's patriotism. This has sparked the question of whether it is ok to be Christian and a patriot? Would it have been ok in the Roman empire? In the antebellum south the Confederate soldiers would have been considered patriots? Where do we draw the line in being christians and also for our country? One of the people who come to mind as I contemplate this argument is Dietrich Boenhoffer who resisted Nazi Germany to the point of being incarcerated in a concentration camp. All of this because he was not a good patriot. As I think about my own ethnicity it is hard for me to be a patriot because every time I think of America I think slavery. How can I be a patriotic towards a country that was founded on the suffering and oppression of my ancestors? How do I reconcile that with my Christian faith? How can I be a patriotic towards a country that slaughtered my native american ancestors to near extinction? That is just my own personal contact with the lack of integrity of America. Is there a biblical precedent for not being patriotic. Maybe....read Amos 1:1-2:8
On the other hand I enjoy being able to vote, being able to write about things like this on a blog without being in danger of incarceration, I like having my own choice of what I buy and the fact that I am able to go to school or to Trader Joe's for that matter.
I guess it all boils down to integrity. I think that is why Obama has been apologizing for America. It is not that we are not a great nation but have not been consistent in maintaining our national integrity. We are not consistently righteous so why should I worship at the shrine of America. Only God is consistently righteous and that's who wins out in the end above all nations.
On the other hand I enjoy being able to vote, being able to write about things like this on a blog without being in danger of incarceration, I like having my own choice of what I buy and the fact that I am able to go to school or to Trader Joe's for that matter.
I guess it all boils down to integrity. I think that is why Obama has been apologizing for America. It is not that we are not a great nation but have not been consistent in maintaining our national integrity. We are not consistently righteous so why should I worship at the shrine of America. Only God is consistently righteous and that's who wins out in the end above all nations.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Objections to the Obama-Nation 3
Interestingly enough most of these objections I am hearing from conservative Christian radio. One last objection is that Obama should not be president because of his theological views. If that is the case then many of our founding fathers should not have been presidents either. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were all deists. What is a deist? Someone who believes God created everything and set it in motion yet has nothing to do with the created order. If that is not atheism dressed up in religous clothing I don't know what is. All this talk about America being a christian nation is hogwash. A little after the Revolutionary war America was only 10% christian. Is that a Christian nation? There are countries right now that missionaries consider unreached who have that many Christians. So whether Obama has his views on God downpacked is not a good evaluation of whether he will do good as president. Most Christian don't have their theology together anyway but we don't say that they are not christians or fit to do their jobs. So that's my two cents on the matter. If anyone has something to say for or against Obama let me know in the comments. I want to know what you all are thinking out there!
Peace,
Ramon
Peace,
Ramon
Objections to the Obama-Nation 2
Another objection to Obama being president is that he is only a good public speaker and not good on his toes in a debate. This is honestly one of the most ridiculuous arguments I have ever heard of. A president's merit and ability to fulfill the duties of his office are not contingent on his method of communicating to the public. The real issue is what is he going to do for the American people. If someone's method of communication was the real issue then Abraham Lincoln definitely should have been canned since he talked with a shrill nasal voice. If Obama can articulate his viewpoints and vision for this country in a speech better than in a debate or conversation then let the man do his thing and stop drinkin the haterade! While we are on the subject of methods of communication Obama and Mccain will be participating in a civil forum at Saddleback church with Pastor Rick Warren. It will be in a non debate format with Rick asking questions of each candidate for an hour. You can find out the times it will be aired here
Objections to the Obama-Nation 1
Should I vote for Obama because he is black? Should I vote for Obama because he is non white? Should I vote for Obama because he looks better in a suit than Mccain? Should I vote for Obama because he is an inspiring orator? I think one of the objections to Obama being president is that he is playing the "race card". What exactly is the "race" card? I think it's the card that most white candidates have been playing for the last 200 years. One of the things that we have to take into account is that when we follow someone is that we not only follow what they have done but we follow who they are. I think the problem is that there are alot of people in America today who are tired of following a middle aged or older caucasian male. 50 years ago the country would not have followed an African American male not because of their accomplishments or agenda but just because of who they were-black in pre civil rights America. Whether or not Obama is playing the "race card" is secondary to the fact that a "race card" can be played in this nation. The simple truth of the matter is that if not for the injustice and prejudice against blacks and all other non whites there would not be a "race card" to be played. Yet here we are in 2008 talking about a "race card". Obama getting the democratic nomination is a great step forward in us throwing the "race card" out the deck. Hopefully if he is voted president the "race card" will be gone and forgotten.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Children are like arrows Pt 2
Just to unpack the children as arrows thing a bit more...
Aimed at the right target. This means we are shooting them towards God's glory and not ours. Most parents are satisfied if their children are good citizens or moral people. They would love it if their sons and daughters pursued and obtained the american dream of being married, having kids, a dog, a cat, and two cars for your two story house with a two car garage. This is their glory and it doesn't take into account that ultimately God wants your children to honor him and that may mean something far different than the american dream
Backed up by sufficient power. The ways in which children will reach all that God has for them is through his power and not through just our own. We can discipline and provide and give them all the opportunities that life affords and they still can fall short of God's goals. We can Homeschool them or private school them or public school them and what they learn will be insufficient if it is not what the Holy Spirit wants to teach them. The adequate means and power for these "arrows" is the Holy Spirit and we can tap into that power when we pray for them and saturate them in the Word of God. That is sufficient power.
Released at just the right time. This digs into the heart of the matter. We are given responsibility for our children. They are ours and a stewardship from God and if being a parent is a stewardship from God then ultimately they are his. When the time is right we have to release them into his hands and trust him that they will honor him and bring him glory. For some this may be early on and for others it may be later. The key to shooting an arrow is timing and the key to raising up kids to be God honoring is timing as well. If we let go too early they will fall short of the target. If we let them go too late they will fall short of the target or totally miss it. It takes discernment to know when it is time to release them.
Just think all this from holding my firstborn son in my arms. Hmmmmmm......
Aimed at the right target. This means we are shooting them towards God's glory and not ours. Most parents are satisfied if their children are good citizens or moral people. They would love it if their sons and daughters pursued and obtained the american dream of being married, having kids, a dog, a cat, and two cars for your two story house with a two car garage. This is their glory and it doesn't take into account that ultimately God wants your children to honor him and that may mean something far different than the american dream
Backed up by sufficient power. The ways in which children will reach all that God has for them is through his power and not through just our own. We can discipline and provide and give them all the opportunities that life affords and they still can fall short of God's goals. We can Homeschool them or private school them or public school them and what they learn will be insufficient if it is not what the Holy Spirit wants to teach them. The adequate means and power for these "arrows" is the Holy Spirit and we can tap into that power when we pray for them and saturate them in the Word of God. That is sufficient power.
Released at just the right time. This digs into the heart of the matter. We are given responsibility for our children. They are ours and a stewardship from God and if being a parent is a stewardship from God then ultimately they are his. When the time is right we have to release them into his hands and trust him that they will honor him and bring him glory. For some this may be early on and for others it may be later. The key to shooting an arrow is timing and the key to raising up kids to be God honoring is timing as well. If we let go too early they will fall short of the target. If we let them go too late they will fall short of the target or totally miss it. It takes discernment to know when it is time to release them.
Just think all this from holding my firstborn son in my arms. Hmmmmmm......
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