Three little letters. Mom is a word that describes all types of women from all over the world. Some are mothers by giving birth, some by adopting, and others by just being available to give love, advice, a place for a good meal, and a home. In all situations, it should drive us to our knees for help and guidance. It should challenge us to discover what God says about our role in his word. Unfortunately, many lean on the “wisdom” of the world. They take their cues from Dr. Phil, television personalities, psychology books, or anything else that becomes popular when the real help is in God’s word.
We are given a mandate from God to train up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). To train means to develop or form the child’s habits, thoughts, and behavior. Scientists say that for something to become a habit, it must be done consistently for a minimum of two weeks—if your child is very strong-willed, it may take six weeks.
I will say, after raising two strong-willed boys, that you can shorten that time frame greatly by teaching them to be obedient consistently. They are to respond the first time you tell them, do it with the right attitude, and do it completely. If you enforce this, they will know when you say something, you mean it, and it will make life easier for everyone involved. You must be willing to take the time and effort to discipline them when they don’t obey according to these standards. This needs to start at a very early age. If you want them to obey consistently, you must be consistent in your training.
Moms have a great opportunity to truly mold someone for the glory of Christ. While the command is given to both parents, it is still to be followed, even if you are the only Christian parent. A good example of the success of this is in the life of Timothy. His faith was taught to him by his mother, Lois, and his grandmother, Eunice. Scripture tells us his father was a Greek, and Greeks were known for worshiping idols. We know that Paul called him his son in the faith and loved him dearly. Here we have the influence of someone other than his parents becoming a father figure and pouring his life into Timothy. Read what Paul has to say about Timothy in II Timothy 1:3-5.
II Timothy 1:3-5 “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
Acts 16:1 “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:”
There could not be a greater calling than to be a mother—to be allowed to pour our lives into someone else day and night. I believe the great commission begins at home. Our identity as Christians should be known by our children as the most important part of us. We need to embrace our title as “Christian Mom” and maximize it for our children.
Just as Lois and Eunice had the opportunity to change many lives through the life of Timothy, we too can raise children who can influence a lost world for Christ. If his Mother and Grandmother had not been faithful in raising Timothy in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, there would not have been a faithful companion for Paul. Therefore, a great part of the New Testament would be absent from our reading today.
So, when you are feeling like a failure, wondering if what you are teaching from God’s word is sinking in, remember the faith of these two women. Hang on, pray, and seek guidance from God, and he will direct you. Don’t ever give up or give in. If you read the history of different wars, the hardest battles are just before the victory. One day, when your children are grown, and they are raising their own children, you will know it was worth every tear that fell, prayer that was prayed, and every struggle that seemed unnoticed. If you stay the course, one day, your children will rise up and call you blessed. They will thank you for being so tough on them because now they are reaping the rewards.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
