The Teaching Of A Mother

When thinking about a mother we tend to think, loving, caring, compassionate, devoted and all around a great person, but is this truly all a mother is? What does it take to be a mother? The following represents the duties a mother should expect to fulfill in her daily life; Encourager, Personal Chef, Head Cheerleader, Housekeeper, Sacrificial Giver, Taxi Driver, Photographer, PhD in Anger Management, Hair Stylist, Spiritual Advisor, Keeper of Secrets, Nurse, Food Tester, Alarm Clock, Family Therapist, Toddler Wrestling Coach, Errand Runner, Laundry Machine Operator, Janitor, Teacher, Toy Repair Expert, Finance Manager, Chief Craft Creator, Landscaper, Potty Trainer, Keeper of the Band-Aids, Champion Tickler, Lifeguard, Personal Assistant, Hostess, Wardrobe Stylist , Personal Shopper, Toothbrush Inspector, PTA Mom, Play-date Coordinator, Birthday Events Director, Sleep Scientist, Scary Monster Patrol Officer, Dramatic Story Teller, Backyard Safety Patrol, Professional Bedtime Singer, Boo-Boo Fixer, Kiss and Hug Expert, Vacation Coordinator & Tour Guide, PhD in Reverse Psychology, Separation Anxiety Counselor, In-Law Mediator, Seamstress of Frilly Dresses and Super Hero Costumes, Mrs. Fix-It, Fort Engineer, Stain Removal Expert, Bodyguard, Lady MacGyver, Nurturer, Plumber, Nutritionist, Interior Designer, the list continues. But of all the responsibilities of a mother maybe the most important one is being a leader and more specifically leading your children to Christ. 

Leading your child to Christ is one of the most critical jobs a mother has. Your example is one they are looking to each day and each moment. You lead them in the way that they should go, support them in the trials that face them, and help them to depend on God and trust Him for their every need, showing them by example what a true Christian walk looks like. Being a leader is a difficult job. You're under immense pressure and feel as though you cannot ever mess up and must be perfect at every turn. As humans, perfection is unattainable (I John 1:8), but as a mother we strive for it nonetheless. The ‘perfection’ God is looking for is not the same perfection we attempt to attain, but rather a perfection in your willingness to keep trying when you fall (Psalm 27:24).

Perhaps being a teacher is the second most important role as a mother. The Bible instructs us as mothers (parents) to diligently teach our children the commandments and talk of them daily, in our house, when we walk, when we lay them down to sleep, and when they rise in the morning (Deuteronomy 6:6). We are to train up a child in the way he should go; so even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6), we are instructed to teach them so they can hear the Word and make a commitment for themselves to serve the Lord and obey His commandments. We have been given a promise by God that is not only for ourselves, but for our children and their children and every generation to come (Acts 2:39).

As a mother, we are blessed with our children, “children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3). The Lord requires not that we be a ‘good mom’ in the eye of the world but that we are a godly mom, and raise our children in love, discipline, nurturing them, teaching them, modeling integrity, and above all leading them to Him. No, we are not perfect, nor will we ever be, if you think you are, take another look (Galatians 6:3).

When I think of the mother I want to be, I’m drawn to the Proverbs 31 woman.  If we will strive to be that woman our children will rise and call us blessed, and truly that is the blessing I wish for every mother, that you be blessed; not just by your children, but by the Lord. 

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

-Written By Meghan West