Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day. It only comes around once a year on the calendar, but in reality, it’s something that is celebrated every day. None of us would be here without our mothers. None of us probably would have survived this long without them either. Mother’s have a great responsibility in the lives of their children, Christian mothers have an even greater one. The Bible gives us some great examples of Godly mothers (and grandmothers) that can be used in guiding the raising of our children.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his “son in the faith” these words about his mother and grandmother, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” - 2 Timothy 1:5. The faith of Timothy was first modeled in his mother and grandmother. This is not to say that fathers and grandfathers can’t do the same, but the focus today is on mothers.

Mothers and grandmothers can do four things that can have a Godly influence on their children and grandchildren. First, they can show the watching eyes of children that they take God’s Word seriously by reading, studying and meditating on it. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Second, mothers and grandmothers can have an active prayer life, both in private and with their children. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” - Jude 1:20-23.

Third, to be a great example to their children, mothers should be an active participant in the church. If children see that church is important to their mothers, they are more apt to continue when they grow older. “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” - Romans 12:11.

Finally, mothers should train up their children in the way they should go and then be willing to let them go when God’s call on their children’s lives takes place. “Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.  As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.  So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” - Acts 16:3-5. When Timothy’s time had come to go with Paul, his mother had trained him and then let him go.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 3:14-15. Wouldn’t it be great if all mothers could say these two verses to their children when the time comes for them to leave the nest?

Have a great Mother’s Day and God bless all the mothers.