Good Mothers
As we are ready to once again celebrate God’s gift of mothers, here is some advice to you whom God has blessed to be called “Mom” or “Mommy.”
Good Mothers Shape their Children's Character
When the cameras close in on professional athletes, they never say, “Hi, Dad,” do they? It’s always, “Hi, Mom.” It’s not that dads are unimportant. But in their moment of triumph people go with their gut. They just blurt out a joyful response. And when they want to share joy and give credit, where do their hearts go? To Mom.
Moms, what does that tell you about the value of sharing your faith in Christ with your kids? God is entrusting these dear ones into your care and assuming, expecting, demanding that you lead them to Him.
That constant, chronic fear can leach into your children’s attitudes like contaminations seeping into your drinking water. Kids need their moms to model trust and confidence in the Lord. Moms, when you are in prayer with your Lord, present not only your fears and needs, but reflect also on all the things that God has helped you to overcome in your past.
It takes no genius to count your problems. Counting blessings is learned behavior, and the more you notice God’s work in your life, the less anxious you will feel.St. Paul 4:18 ).”
You know, things will work out. God loves you, and He loves your kids, too. You’re going to be okay – through Jesus.
Good mothers build up their families
Do you get braggy Christmas letters from friends and relatives? They’re pretty hard to take, aren’t they? I don’t know if the writer is bragging more about her spectacular children or boasting about what a fabulous mother she is.
But the reverse is worse–a mom who belittles her children, expects them to fail, or is such a perfectionist that nothing is ever good enough for her. Single moms have an additional peril to overcome–how do you not take out your frustration over the missing parent on the kids?
One of the greatest gifts that a mom can give her kids is unconditional love and acceptance, just as our Savior loves and accepts us. The Gospel of Jesus promises acceptance-based performance, not performance-based acceptance. Moms, watch your mouth. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Talk to your child, little or grown, today. Build him or her up. They need to hear from you. Do it now.
Good Mothers Shape their Children's Character
Moms, what does that tell you about the value of sharing your faith in Christ with your kids? God is entrusting these dear ones into your care and assuming, expecting, demanding that you lead them to Him.
God had Moses lay these instructions on all of His people shortly before Moses’ death: "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)."
Moms, God has placed a serious responsibility and a wonderful opportunity upon you. You get to teach your children, whether younger or older, that God loves them, He forgives them through Jesus and blesses them with the faith given through the Holy Spirit.
God gives you your children for a little while, but He wants them back again.
Good mothers trust in the Lord
One of the most miserable parts of the baggage most women have to drag around their lives is the feeling of insecurity and anxiety. Some men worry. Most of the women I know worry a lot.That constant, chronic fear can leach into your children’s attitudes like contaminations seeping into your drinking water. Kids need their moms to model trust and confidence in the Lord. Moms, when you are in prayer with your Lord, present not only your fears and needs, but reflect also on all the things that God has helped you to overcome in your past.
It takes no genius to count your problems. Counting blessings is learned behavior, and the more you notice God’s work in your life, the less anxious you will feel.
You know, things will work out. God loves you, and He loves your kids, too. You’re going to be okay – through Jesus.
Good mothers build up their families
Do you get braggy Christmas letters from friends and relatives? They’re pretty hard to take, aren’t they? I don’t know if the writer is bragging more about her spectacular children or boasting about what a fabulous mother she is.
But the reverse is worse–a mom who belittles her children, expects them to fail, or is such a perfectionist that nothing is ever good enough for her. Single moms have an additional peril to overcome–how do you not take out your frustration over the missing parent on the kids?
One of the greatest gifts that a mom can give her kids is unconditional love and acceptance, just as our Savior loves and accepts us. The Gospel of Jesus promises acceptance-based performance, not performance-based acceptance. Moms, watch your mouth. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Talk to your child, little or grown, today. Build him or her up. They need to hear from you. Do it now.
Dedicated to my mother,
Pastor Michael Zarling
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