Let me begin by stating that there can be no misunderstanding that the traditional family (mother, father and children) as we know it is certainly under attack. And based on rulings last year by the U.S. Supreme Court, we may find that what we call a “traditional family” is sadly a thing of the past.
So, with all the confusion on what a family is today, let me start with the basic Scriptural fact of which there can be no denying and certainly no error, because all Scripture is God-breathed and therefore, without error (2 Timothy 3:16). We know, that in the Garden of Eden, God formed man from the dust of the earth, and later, seeing that man needed a partner in life, God took a rib from the man and created woman. It was there that the bonds of husband and wife were created and given the charge to fill the earth and become parents.
So, with that set, and the knowledge that Mother’s Day is upon us, let’s look at what God’s Word tells us about moms. Many have come to faith in Christ because of their mother.
Being a mother is the most important vocation of all — a role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. Below are just a few of the opportunities God gives to those He chooses to become Christian mothers. ( I encourage you to take the time in the days ahead and read, and mediate on these verses.)
• Recognizing the gift. Understanding each child is unique and from the hand of God. See Psalm 127:3
• Availability. Morning, noon and night, a mom is “on call.” See Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• Involvement. Interacting, discussing, thinking and processing life together. See Ephesians 6:4
• Teaching. Sharing the Scriptures and helping a child to understand how God’s word applies to life today. See Psalm 78:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4
• Training. Helping a child develop skills and discover their strengths. See Proverbs 22:6
• Discipline. Teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, loving and firmly always remembering that God put you in your child’s life as their parent — not their friend. See Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12: 5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23: 13-14; 29: 15-17
• Nurture. Providing an environment of constant support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, unconditional live and a place of refuge from the world. See Titus 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4: 29-32; 5:1-2; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 3: 8-9
• Modeling with Integrity. Living what you say, being a model by which your child can learn by “catching” the essence of godly living. See Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9, 11:3; Psalm 37:18,37
God’s word never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers are to take that responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children, because many children come to faith through of the role and influence of their mother (even grandmother). Sadly, much of society sees the role of a mother as wanting and maybe even unrewarding. Yet, a Christian mother continues to be a profound influence in the lives of her children — regardless of age. That’s because a Christian mother’s love, nurture and encouragement never ends.
The Rev. Dean R. Pfeffer is the senior pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Plant City. For more, email him at hopepcpastor@gmail.com.