A Godly Mother

Introduction

Mothers today are as important as they have ever been. That needs to be said in this day and time when so many things are competing for mothers’ and wives’ attention. This message gives us an example of a Godly mother, but it’s good advice for all parents, both fathers and mothers.

Lets look at the mother of King Lemuel and see what words of wisdom she has not just for motherhood, but for parenthood.

She Is A Proactive Mother

A. She took the initiative to teach her son how to be a respectable and responsible man.

Mother, your words to your children have a huge impact on your child’s vocabulary. So what type of words do you use? (vulgarity-sailors blush). What about your tone? (yelling,screaming at your child). Are your children afraid of you? You can tell when they’re afraid of others, but can you tell that they’re afraid of you? How? They find it easier to talk to others than to you?

She cares about her children’s mental, spiritual and emotional health. That requires intentionality in your child’s development. It requires time and attention to your child. My mom has been gone 23 years now, and I still remember some of the things she told me and taught me and your child will too!! What will your child remember that you said? Some of us are a lot like our parents and don’t realize it. And will get mad if somebody points it out to us! Mad at dad and just like him!

Parents leave A Legacy-Both Positive and Negative!

I. Her Faith. vs.2

A. Hannah 1 Sam. 1:11 “And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.*””

She prayed for Samuel/Dedicated Samuel/ and entrusted Samuel to the service of the Lord(Eli).

1. Samuel grew up in Eli’s house with Eli’s sons (Hophni and Phineas) who were probably the most wicked priest that Israel ever had! But that didn’t stop him from being a Godly man.

A godly mother realizes how important those first few years are in shaping that child into who they’re going to be. In other words, you have the first opportunity train them.

Hannah and King Lemuel’s took full advantage to mold their sons into awesome men of God! What type of person is your child being molded into?

The main training your child is going to receive is going to be by watching you from day to day. What do they see in you? Joy,peace,patience, goodness,and kindness? Or do they see anger, frustration, a powder keg(ready to blow at any time)?

Parents, don’t underestimate the impact your faith (and lack of faith) will leave on your child. If God isn’t important to, He’s not likely going to be important to your child. The best thing a mother can do for a child is introduce them to Jesus. The absolute worst thing she can do is keep them from Jesus!

II. Overcome the Culture vss 3-7

A. Parents need to tell children that there are choices that they will need to make in life and share the possible results of those choices. Don’t just always tell your child what to do and not do; help them understand why your decision is the right one because some day, they will make their own decisions.

Don’t waste your strength on women (Samson) verse 3.

Don’t get drunk or become an alcoholic. verse 4

Why? You can forget right from wrong and do the wrong thing (Christmas party) Eph. 5:18 “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,” Drugs can also be destructive to one’s life.

Alcohol is for the hopeless and troubled. verses 6-7

III. Show Compassion verses 8,9

A. Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves

Some of you didn’t know that marching and picketing was Biblical did you?

B. Ensure justice for those being crushed

C. Speak up for the poor and needy.

We are raising greedy and selfish children because we’re living greedy and selfish lives before them. They never see us reaching out to others or trying to help others that are in need. The only time we think about helping someone is when we think that we might get something in return.

Like King Lemuel we called to make a positive contribution to the world around us. Any life that doesn’t contribute to the betterment of those that it comes in contact with is a wasted life.

Song: If I can help somebody as I pass along. Sis. Edwards.