The Great Need For Godly Mothers!
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesSunday, May 8, is the day that the world has set aside to honor mothers who discharge their responsibilities toward their children with great love, wisdom, and devotion. Today, more than any time in history, our society needs the influence of godly mothers. This writer is thankful to God for both a mother and grandmother who taught me God’s truth, not only verbally, but by example as well. Mothers, do you want to be a godly mother in the Lord’s eyes as well as in the eyes of your children? Here are six great needs that need to be visible in your life:
1) Model Yourself After Godly Mothers — Strive to be as humble as Mary (Luke 1-52), as prayerful as Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-28; 1 Samuel 2:1-11), as faithful as Sarah (Genesis 17:19; Genesis 18:11; Genesis 18:9-14; Hebrews 11:11), as kind as Ruth (Ruth 1-3), as sacrificial as Jochebed (Exodus 6:20; Exodus 2:1-3), as courageous as Rahab (Joshua 2:1-22), as instructive as Eunice and Lois (2 Timothy 1:5), as wise as the mother of Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1-9), as joyful as Elizabeth (Luke 1:36-44). Rise to the challenge of being the kind of person you would want your children to imitate, by imitating these righteous women.
2) Obey The Lord Yourself — It’s pointless to try to persuade your children to do what God commands if they don’t see you obeying Him in all that you do. There’s much truth in the old axiom that states, “children become what they see” (cf. Philippians 4:9; Philippians 3:17). If you want your children to grow into faithful Christians, they need to “see” their mother faithfully following Christ. Children come equipped with a powerful hypocrisy detector and are not easily fooled by any “do as I say and not as I do” behavior.
3) Teach Your Children God’s Word — Moses instructed the Israelites with God’s wise counsel, “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 KJV). The world has much to reach your children — you have to get to them first. And note the word “diligently” in the above passage. This means “more often than once in a blue moon.”
4) Honor Your Own Parents And Husband — If you want your children to respect you, they need to see you show the proper honor to your parents, living or deceased. The principle found in Ephesians 6:1-3, has lifelong application. If you want your children to eventually become loving husbands or wives, they need to observe your example in the conduct of your own marriage. Let them see the truth and beauty of Ephesians 5:22-33 at work in your home.
5) Encourage Your Children Often — Children, like flowers in the garden, need nurturing. Let your children “hear” that they are loved and valued, and let them hear it often. Praise their good efforts, and help them learn from their mistakes. Show them that you regard them as a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3).
6) Rebuke When Necessary — Don’t be afraid to admonish your children for wrongdoing (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 22:15; Proverbs 23:13). Correction must be done without breaking the child’s spirit, but if the child never receives correction, he or she cannot mature (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 22:15; Proverbs 23:13; Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 29:17). Respect for the laws of God and society grow out of a healthy respect for the authority of parents in the home.
The joys and blessings received by children who have experienced a godly mother and grandmother, cannot be over emphasized (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15). In the words of the old song, “Put them all together, they spell M-O-T-H-E-R.” Next to “Christian,” it’s the most beautiful title any woman on earth can wear.
Related Articles:
- Hanna — An Unselfish Woman Of Godly Character
- Priscilla — A Tireless Worker For The Lord
- Abigail — A Woman Of Integrity!
- The Priceless Woman