Motherhood

Motherhood is a very important and challenging role, and not all women are able to shoulder this great responsibility. A Christian mother has an even greater duty to ensure that her children are godly children.

Titus 2:4-5 tells us that the older women in the church are to “teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children; to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Indeed, these 2 verses convey a great expectation of Christian married women with children. For those who are holding full-time jobs outside the home, the burden becomes even greater. Even with parents and/or helpers assisting, the responsibilities of a mother do not get any lighter.

But no matter how busy a mother is, God’s Word is clear about her role in caring for, nurturing and guiding her children who are God’s rewards to her with the fruit of her womb. (Ps 127:3)

Children are an heritage from the Lord. The OT & NT make mention of how parents are to bring them up in the ways of God. Several passages serve as guidance to mothers:

Talk to them while sitting down, walking, lying down or waking up. Deut 6:6-7 says “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Teach the children to listen to God’s Word. Deut 4:6 says, “…the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their their children.”

Teach the children to pass God’s Word to the future generations. Psalm 78:5-6 mentions that God established laws through Jacob that “they (fathers and mothers) should make them (God’s Word) known to their children: that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children.”

Train the children – identify their gifts and talents, and nurture them for the benefit of the church (Pro 22:6; Rom 12).

Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph 6:4) Correct and guide them before they bring shame on their parents (Pro 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15)

Be living examples before your children (Deut 4:9). Through your daily walk with God and dependence on Him, show your children that they too can have a close relationship with Him. Pray for them.

Susanna Wesley and her husband had 19 children. Nine of Susanna’s children died as infants… but two of her sons, John and Charles Wesley, went on to become great evangelists and theologians. She once wrote in a letter, “I look upon every soul under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man nor a minister, but I spare every night to discourse with each child apart, strengthening their tiny faith in God our Savior.” Her children knew to be quiet whenever they saw their mother throw her apron over her head – they understood this was Susanna’s private time of prayer with the Lord. God certainly blessed this amazing mother. Indeed, Susanna Wesley’s prayer life is a great inspiration to all Christian mothers.

Proverbs 31:25-28

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

Thank God for Mother’s Love
~Anon

There is no love, like a mother’s love,
no stronger bond on earth…
like the precious bond that comes from God,
to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother’s love is forever strong,
never changing for all time…
and when her children need her most,
a mother’s love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,
God bless them every one…
for all the tears and heartache,
and for the special work they’ve done.

When her days on earth are over,
a mother’s love lives on…
through many generations,
with God’s blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,
for they love with a higher love…
from the power God has given,
and the strength from up above