Mother

MOM

Proverbs 31:10–31 KJV 1900

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, So that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; She bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth meat to her household, And a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: Her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, And her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; Her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, But thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her own works praise her in the gates.

The Godly Influence of Mothers

Have you ever stopped to consider the powerful impact of a mother's influence on her family?

From her nurturing presence to her words of wisdom, mothers have the ability to shape the lives of their children in profound ways.

Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the godly influence of mothers and the ways in which they guide their families in the paths of righteousness.

B. Acknowledge the celebration of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate the mothers in our lives and all that they do for us. It is a time to show our appreciation and gratitude for the love, care, and support that they provide us.

As a community, we come together to recognize the important role that mothers play in our families and in society as a whole.

For those whose moms are already passed, today is a time to remember the mark they have left on our lives.

C. Recognize the significant role mothers play in families

Mothers are the backbone of families, providing love, support, and guidance to their children and their spouses.

They are often the primary caregivers, ensuring that the needs of their families are met.

Mothers play a vital role in shaping the character and values of their children, instilling in them a sense of morality and responsibility that will stay with them throughout their lives.

D. Introduce the theme of godly influence mothers can have on their families

As we celebrate Mother's Day, we reflect on the godly influence that mothers can have on their families.

Through their words and actions, mothers can teach their children the importance of faith, compassion, humility, wisdom, and resilience.

By embracing these values, families can grow in love and harmony, and become beacons of light in a world that desperately needs it.

In today’s message, we will explore the ways in which mothers can provide a godly influence for their families, and how we can honor and appreciate them for all that they do.

The Importance of a Mother's Godly Influence

A. The characteristics of a virtuous woman

Proverbs 31 describes the characteristics of a virtuous woman, who is praised for her wisdom, strength, and diligence.

She is a woman who fears the Lord and her actions reflect that reverence.

She is a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a diligent worker who is committed to serving her family and community.

This passage highlights the important role that women, and especially mothers, play in shaping the moral fabric of society.

B. Timothy's faith nurtured by his mother and grandmother

2 Timothy 1:5 “5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul reminds Timothy of the faith that was passed down to him from his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois.

They instilled in him a love for God and a respect for His Word.

Timothy's spiritual foundation was built on the godly influence of his mother and grandmother, and this influence continued to shape his ministry throughout his life.

This passage reminds us of the lasting impact that a mother's faith can have on her children.

C. The lasting impact of a mother's teachings

Proverbs 22:6 “6 Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 This verse emphasizes the importance of a mother's role in teaching her children the ways of God.

By instilling godly values and principles in their children from a young age, mothers can provide a strong foundation for their children's spiritual growth.

The teachings of a mother can have a lasting impact on her children, guiding them throughout their lives.

Through these biblical examples, we see that mothers have a significant impact on the lives of their children.

Their godly influence can shape the character, values, and faith of their children, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond their years.

Ways Mothers Can Provide Godly Influence

Nurturing faith in the family

Mothers can provide a godly influence by nurturing faith in their families. In Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

God instructs parents to teach their children His commands and to talk about them at all times.

Ephesians 6:4 emphasizes the importance of bringing up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 KJV 1900

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

By prioritizing their own relationship with God and modeling the importance of faith to their children, mothers can help guide their families on a path of spiritual growth.

Demonstrating love and compassion

Mothers can also provide a godly influence by demonstrating love and compassion. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

outlines the qualities of love, which include patience, kindness, and selflessness.

Colossians 3:12 “12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

Instructs believers to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, and humility.

By showing love and compassion to their families, mothers can teach them the value of putting others before oneself.

Cultivating a spirit of humility and service

Mothers can also provide a godly influence by cultivating a spirit of humility and service.

Philippians 2:3–4 “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Instructs believers to value others above oneself, and Galatians 5:13 “13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

encourages believers to serve one another in love.

By modeling humility and service to their families, mothers can instill in their children a desire to put others first and to serve those in need.

Encouraging the pursuit of wisdom

Mothers can also provide a godly influence by encouraging the pursuit of wisdom.

Proverbs 4:5–7 “5 Get wisdom, get understanding: Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: Love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.”

Emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding, and James 1:5 “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom.

By valuing and pursuing wisdom themselves, and encouraging their children to do the same, mothers can help their families grow in knowledge and understanding.

Fostering resilience and perseverance

Finally, mothers can provide a godly influence by fostering resilience and perseverance.

Romans 5:3–5 “3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Teaches that perseverance leads to character and hope, and James 1:2–4 “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials, as trials lead to perseverance and maturity.

By modeling resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, and encouraging their families to do the same, mothers can help their families develop a strong and enduring faith.

Conclusion

As we celebrate this Mother's Day, let us take a moment to express our gratitude for the godly influence of mothers in our lives.

From their nurturing love to their unwavering support, mothers play a significant role in shaping us into the people we are today.

We thank God for the gift of mothers and the positive impact they have on our families and communities.

Let us also take this opportunity to honor and appreciate the mothers here this morning.

Mothers deserve our respect and admiration, and we must continue to acknowledge and uplift them, not just on Mother's Day, but every day.

C. Pray for mothers and their continued guidance and influence

In conclusion, mothers have the ability to shape the lives of their children in profound ways, molding them into the individuals they are meant to be.

By nurturing faith, demonstrating love and compassion, cultivating humility and service, encouraging wisdom, and fostering resilience, mothers can provide a godly influence that lasts a lifetime.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us honor and appreciate the mothers in our lives, thanking them for their unwavering love and support.