An Open Letter To Parents Of Students:

Dear Parents,

You have been given, by God, an incredibly significant and beautiful role. You are the spiritual shield for your children.

Ephesians 6: 10-12

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

We put on the armor of God, not so we might, maybe, eventually, make a stand against the devil but rather because as believers we already have a place, a spot in the army of God, and we must take our place. Not maybe, but definitively, because we have authority through the Holy Spirit to defend ourselves.

Luke 10:19

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Until one has accepted Jesus Christ and understands the battle around them, one cannot take their stand against the enemy’s schemes. More specifically, our children fall into this category. If your child has not accepted Christ they certainly fall into this category and are not equipped to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. But, even if they have, they are still under your authority, as parents, you are the authority in the household – and the enemy does not play by the rules, the only thing he does do is respect authority (Acts 19:15). He will not leave our children alone simply because they are young. No, the arrows will fly at them.

One place in particular, as parents, you must take in this battle is to be a shield of faith that covers our little ones from the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:16

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Our shield of faith, which can be applied through prayer and intercession on behalf of our children – it can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one that are aimed at our children.

You have a place in God’s army, you have authority over the enemy, you have armor that protects, and extinguishes (Eph 6). You have been given authority over your homes, your families, as protectors of your families, and guidance to the cross of Christ. (1 Tim 3:1-5, 1 Tim 5:8, Eph 5:23, Pr 22:6).

Christ has authority even over us, so ultimately it is in communicating with Him that we know how and when to take our stand. This does not mean if we pray, nothing bad will happen. We are wheat being choked by the weeds (Mathew 13: 24-30)– we will always have hardship, and evil in this world, but we also have the Kingdom of God within us, which means sometimes, despite the evil around us, we will see His glory revealed, His freedom accessed, His deliverance experienced, and His restoration attained.

We love your children, and we hope this brings you great courage and joy, that you are not empty handed, you do not have to sit back and watch, you are equipped with the armor of God, you can take your stand.

Ephesians 6:13b-14a

“…and having done all to stand firm. Stand, therefore.”

Many Blessings in Christ Jesus,

Your Youth Leader