With Mother’s Day this week, I asked my own Mom to share her heart with you all. I feel that there is such a pressure on one to be a “good” mom. But how would one define that term? As Christian’s our goal should be to fit the description of a Godly mother. My mom has shared some simple reminders that I pray are an encouragement to you, whether you’re a mom of littles, a grandmother, or simply a woman of faith that many look up to.
Love the Lord with all.
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbour as thyself.
Luke 10:27
But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all our heart and with all your soul.
Joshua 22:5
But it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16
For godliness to pass on into motherhood, one must first be fully devoted to Christ. We must first be fully in love with Christ to then be able to pass that love on to our children. Our goal must be holiness. Children can quickly spot the truth from a lie. They know the real from the practiced. They know if Mama is doing something because she is supposed to, or if she’s doing it out of a heart of love. Display a heart of love in obedience. If we are living out a healthy relationship with Christ, our lives will serve as the strongest examples before our children.
Allow the Bible to be your guide.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
Motherhood can be overwhelming and entail many difficult decisions. Keep in mind that you do not have to blindly walk this journey. Allow the Bible to guide and instruct you each step of the way
Teach them the scripture.
And they shall 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.
Deuteronomy 6:7
Start teaching your children scripture from the very beginning. Don’t wait until you think they are old enough to understand. Instill the Word of God into them so that it is always a way of life. Allow Jesus to be the first topic in the morning, the last at night, and all in between. Spend time reading and explaining scripture to them and encourage them to also have time daily that they do this on their own as they get old enough.
Take them to church.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
It is important that children understand why we go to church. Display a love for the House of God. If the children see you going out of a dreadful heart of duty, they will do the same. Explain to them that church is not for God’s benefit but for our own. Worship alongside of your children in the church and at home.
Sacrifice
And he said unto them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:16
In today’s society sacrifice appears to look far different than I believe God intended. When I say sacrifice, I don’t mean do all that you can to provide your kid with their every desire and every trending thing. I don’t mean spend your days running them from one activity to the next. Although these can be good things, the enemy can easily use them to become a distraction and downfall. Sacrifice means devoting your life to training your child up in the ways of the Lord. Sacrifice “me time” to be involved in the things that interest your children and do your best to incorporate Christ in each thing. The world has much to offer your children. Do you know what all they’re involved in? Do you know what their little minds are taking in? Communicate with them.
Live a life in which your kids can say “My mama is crazy about Jesus.” Have your guard up even when it is not popular. This may mean your kids will “miss out” on some things according to the world’s standards but it is your job to ensure they don’t miss out according to God’s standards.
Chassidy here again…I feel extra thankful that the Lord blessed me with the very best. One thing that had a tremendous impact on my life was the communication my parents had with my sister and I. They were always sure to explain why we did what we did. They showed us biblical principles. They communicated the reason behind certain boundaries. They made sure that we made choices because we believed them and weren’t simply following orders. I believe that although “because I said so” is an accepted answer, it is lazy parenting and in the long term can do much harm. I believe the open communication and much time my parents poured into me served as an incredible blessing in my walk with the Lord. My mom is a constant source of encouragement and a listening ear. She also isn’t afraid to discipline when I need it. Mothers sacrifice so much. Even now, in the times she isn’t around I am reminded of how much she does. Thank you to all the faithful Mothers!