Leroy Brownlow once wrote, “Of all the human names held sacred in memory, that of mother falls upon our hearts with the most sublime influence. How sweet in after years are the recollections of a mother’s patient training. How many have nobly ascribed all recognized success and all avoidance of evil to the tenderness and devotion of mother. Through helpless infancy her throbbing heart was our strong support and safe protection. Through the ills of the day and the maladies of the night her gentle hand soothed as none other could. But after all, this was mother’s way.”
The Bible speaks regularly of the influence that godly mothers have had throughout history and continue to have in the present. The Old Testament is filled with examples of women like Sarah, Jochebed, Hannah, Zipporah, and Miriam who trusted in God, obeyed his commands, and made amazing sacrifices to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4). The New Testament also includes a collection of godly mothers like Elizabeth, Mary, Lois, Eunice, John Mark’s mother, and Rufus’ mother who used their influence in ways that furthered the cause of Christ. Godly mothers are a blessing because the good they do in their homes has a ripple of effect that positively impacts their children, neighborhoods, congregations, countries, and society at large. Godly mothers teach their children through their example of genuine faith (2 Tim. 1:5). They ensure their children are acquainted with the scriptures from childhood and into their young adult years (2 Tim. 3:14- 15). Their attitude in the home is gentle, pleasant, submissive to their husbands in a way that prevents God’s word from being blasphemed (1 Tim. 5:14; Titus 2:4-5). Godly mothers are a blessing as they demonstrate sacrificial service to those they love on a daily basis that mirrors the service Jesus says makes one great in the kingdom (Mark 10:44-45).
Once a year our country pauses to honor mothers, but those who have benefited from the influence of godly mothers should thank them year-round. We should thank them by living in harmony with the truths they have taught us. While none of us are perfect we should try our best to minimize their grief by refusing to turn our backs on the godly heritage delivered to us. We should express our gratitude to them by limiting the load they carry and helping relieve their burdens in any way possible. When the time comes for us to serve them and care for them in their senior years we should do so without complaint (Phil. 2:14; 1 Tim. 5:4- 8). Godly mothers are a blessing from above. God put mothers in our lives to help us appreciate the kind of love he has for us as his children (Isa. 49:15-16, 66:13). Thank God for godly mothers and remember to tell godly mothers thank you too!
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