5 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GODLY MOM

Tithes & Offerings

Community Prayer

Introduction:

I’ve always have trouble preaching topical sermons for special occasions. I feel like I’m picking a topic and then trying to make God’s Word to fit my topic. The whole process seems backwards to me. I believe a pastor should simply choose a text and then explain it and apply it.

Unfortunately, after 10 years as your pastor, I feel like I’ve covered most of the typical Mother’s Day texts. — Then it dawned on me, that I’ve spent the last year going through a Bible study with my discipleship group about what it means to be a Real Man — or more specifically— what it means to be a Real Christian Man.

So, this morning — I thought I would give you 5 Characteristics of a Godly Mom. Theses texts apply to all Christians, so I don’t think I’ll be stretching them too much by applying them to moms.

So, if you have your Bible with this morning, please take them out and turn with me to .

And the first characteristic that I want to pass on to you is…

Sermon:

I. A GODLY MOM SEEKS GOD

Matthew 6:33–34 NASB95

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Please take out you Bible and turn with me to

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (, NASB95)

Now, the context of these verses is worry and anxiety — and is there anyone who worries more than a mother? I doubt it. Mom’s worry about everything. Things like:

* Am I a good mother?

* Am I too strict? — Am I too lenient? — Do my kids even like me?

* Are they smoking, drinking, or using drugs?

• Will a diet of cereal, chicken nuggets, and macaroni & cheese stunt their growth?

* Is picture day today or was it yesterday? Oh no, what were they wearing?

It goes on and on, but Jesus says — “Don’t worry”…

B

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (, NASB95)

Amen. — Mom, Jesus doesn’t want you to worry. — He wants you to seek Him above all else. — Seek “His kingdom and His righteousness” and everything else will fall into place…

But let’s go a little deeper.

““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (, NASB95)

What does it mean to seek “His kingdom”?

Well, it means to pour your life into His eternal work. Stop worrying about the temporary cares of this world, and start looking at God’s eternal plan. He has a plan for you and your family. says…

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (, NASB95)

Amen. — Mom, seek God above all else. Grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord says, you WILL find Him — WHEN you search for Him — with ALL your heart. — But, you can’t do that if you’re worrying about every little detail of life.

Trust Him. — Depend on Him. — Follow Him. — And then share Him with your children. Let them see your life in Christ. says…

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.” (, NASB95)

11 ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

“Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.”

12 ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,” (1 Chronicles 16:8-12, NASB95)

Amen. — Mom, the greatest gift you can give your children is a godly heritage. — And to start them on the road toward their own salvation through Jesus Christ.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,” (, NASB95)

13 ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

* It’s never too early to tell your children about the Lord and all He’s done for you.

* Let them see you pray. — Let them see you sing to Him.

* Speak of all His wonders. — Glory in His holy name.

That’s God’s eternal plan — that we would grow in our relationship with Him and then pass it along to others — especially our children.

Now, consider the word “kingdom” for a moment. A kingdom implies the presence of a king. So, seeking “His kingdom” also means losing yourself in obedience to Him.

And beyond that, consider the word “kingdom” for a moment. A kingdom implies the presence of a king. So, seeking “His kingdom” also means losing yourself in obedience to Him.

God knows what’s best for you and your family. — So, listen to Him. Live according to His Word — which leads to seeking “His righteousness”.

Now, what does that mean?

Well, it goes back to something we talked about last week. — Seek to be like Jesus. — Imitate Him.

And then teach your children to imitate you as you imitate Christ, which is what the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians in . He said, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (, NASB95)

Mom, stop focusing on the temporary and start focusing on the eternal.

* In 20 years, no one is going to care what your child wore on picture day. But what will matter is — do they know Jesus.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,” (, NASB95)

* In 20 years, no one is going to care what your child wore on picture day. But what will matter is — do they know Jesus.

* And if you want to keep them away from the dangers of sin — do everything in your power to keep them close to Jesus.

Be a godly mom — And A GODLY MOM SEEKS GOD. Now, not only does A GODLY MOM SEEK GOD, but she also SERVES THE LORD.

II. A GODLY MOM SERVES THE LORD

Turn with me to .

John 12:25–26 NASB95

“He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Now, as a pastor, it would be easy for me to turn this in to an opportunity to encourage our moms to volunteer in one of our ministries here at the church — but I think we need to recognize that the greatest ministry a mom will ever have is raising her children.

* Now, I know that all our moms want their children to grow up and be fine upstanding men and women in the community.

But unfortunately, motherhood doesn’t always feel like a ministry. It’s often filled with mundane tasks that seem to go unnoticed. Things like…

* I know you want them to be successful and happy.

* Cooking dinner — Washing the dishes

* Washing the dishes

* Doing the laundry — Folding clothes

* And, I know you work hard toward that goal every day of your life.

* Vacuuming the floor — Making the beds — Etc.

But mom, all things done for the glory of God are a form of ministry — even the most mundane task.

But, I want you to take a moment to consider your motives for a moment. — Why do you work so hard at raising your kids?

Well, the obvious answer is because we love our kids and we want what’s best for them. But mom, if we’re not careful, we can begin to raise our kids to please others, our culture, or even ourselves.

You’ve probably heard the term “trophy wife”. Well, some parents seem to be raising “trophy children”. They see their own value reflected in their children and they try to live vicariously through them.

Think about it. —

Please turn with me to .

* Why do some dads feel compelled to yell at their sons for striking out in baseball when it has nothing to do with them?

* Why do some moms force their daughters into beauty pageants when all they really want is to just want to play with their friends?

* And it’s not just the extreme examples. We can all be tempted to think that our children’s successes and failures reflect on us as parents.

Don’t you enjoy hearing the praises of others for how well behaved your children are?

* Don’t you enjoy your child’s success at sports and in school?

* Don’t we all think our children’s successes and failures reflect, at least a little bit, on us as parents?

* When our children are polite and well behaved, we pat ourselves on the back. But when our children misbehave, we become embarrassed.

Our text says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (, NASB95)

Amen. Now, there’s no great mystery to these verses. You’ve probably heard them expounded a dozen times. — The challenge, however, is in the application. How do we do all things “as for the Lord rather than for men”?

tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” (, NASB95)

And that includes our children. We’re merely stewards of that which God has blessed us with, and we should always be thinking about His glory.

* We should want our children to grow up and be fine upstanding men and women so they might glorify God in the community.

* We should want them to be successful in God’s eyes and blessed in life so that they might proclaim God’s goodness.

Mom, “whatever you do” — whether it’s sweeping the floor or raising your kids — do it “heartily”, or from the heart. Do it “for the Lord” and you will “receive the reward”. — Remember, you’re not serving as a mom to please people or to fuel your own vanity. You serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to Him be the glory.

Amen? — Amen. Now, not only does a GODLY MOM SEEK GOD and SERVE THE LORD, but she also SPEAKS THE TRUTH.

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* Let’s begin with the phrase “whatever you do”. — Seems obvious, doesn’t it? — Whatever you do means everything you do. — So, let me just remind you that “whatever you do” includes housework.

The challenge, however, is in the application. How do we do all things “as for the Lord rather than for men”?

Well, it’s been my experience that we need to begin with the right attitude — and we do that by remembering why we serve and who we serve.

Seems obvious, doesn’t it? — Whatever you do means everything you do. — So, let me just remind you that “whatever you do” includes housework.

hen it says, “do your work heartily, as for the Lord” — which means with our whole heart — out of love and reverence for the Lord.

When our text says, “do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” — it means with your whole heart — to the best of your ability and out of love and reverence for the Lord.

Basically, we serve out of love.

* Love for our spouse and children,

* We serve our children out of love,

* Love for our church and our neighbors.

* But mostly out of our love for the Lord.

He’s the motivation behind everything we do — and ultimately, He’s the one we’re serving — even if the actual act of service is for the benefit of another.

That’s were the phrase “as for the Lord rather than men” comes in. We’re focused on Him. — He’s our motivation. — He’s the one we’re seeking to please.

And when our attitude is right, then nothing is mundane. — Everything is an act of worship — everything is an act of ministry — everything is an act of service to the Lord — and we praise God simply for the opportunity to serve.

And when we’re working from that state of mind, nothing is mundane. — Everything is an act of worship — everything is an act of ministry — and we praise God simply for the opportunity to serve.

What does that look like in the life of a mom? Well, once we have the right attitude then we simply bless others as we serve God.

Here’s a few ideas my wife gave me.

* Instead of just cooking dinner and washing the dishes, pray for the health of your family.

While it’s true that we are to serve others, including our spouses, our children, our church, our neighbor, etc — we need to remember our motivation for serving. — It’s out of a love for the Lord — and ultimately “it is the Lord Christ whom you serve”.

* “Do your work heartily” means to do it with your whole heart.

* Instead of just doing the laundry and folding the clothes, pray for each member of your family. For example:

It’s all about honoring Him with everything we do.

* “As for the Lord rather than for men”

* If you’re folding your son’s socks, pray that he would would always walk in God’s light.

* If you’re folding your daughters jeans, pray that she would choose wisely in life like Mary the sister of Martha — and sit at the feet of Jesus as she listens to His Word.

* If you’re folding your husbands shirts, pray that he would act in integrity and righteousness .

* And when you’re vacuuming, don’t just vacuum, thank God for your home.

* And as you make each bed, pray that your family would rest in God’s grace.

Mom, serving the Lord isn’t difficult. You’re surrounded by opportunities. Take advantage of each and every one of them.

Now, not only does a GODLY MOM SEEK GOD and SERVE THE LORD, but she also SPEAKS THE TRUTH.

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III. A GODLY MOM SPEAKS TRUTH

Now, I’d like to return to the things moms sometimes worry about for just a moment. I mentioned that moms sometimes wonder if their kids even like them, especially during the teenage years.

Unfortunately, moms can sometimes over compensate by trying to be cool rather than a parent. — And rather than speak truth into their child’s life through correction and discipline, they let them get away with murder.

Turn with me to .

Our text says, “Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (, NASB95)

Genesis 2:18 NASB95

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”

Our text says, “Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (, NASB95)

Alright, what we have here is a set of contrasting statements meant to teach us a lesson about friendship, but the same could also be said about parenting..

The first statement is “Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed.” — But what does that mean?

Well, the phrase “open rebuke” means a direct and honest reprimand or correction. — And our text tells us that it’s better than a “love that is concealed” — which means that we’re actually hiding our love when we refuse to discipline our children.

Mom, true love isn’t afraid to tell your children the truth. — Think about it.

* Is it love not to discipline your children when they play with the stove or run with scissors? No, because you’re probably putting their life at risk.

° is it love not to tell your child that that cheating is wrong or that their outfit is inappropriate for school? No, because you’re probably putting them at risk of being sent to the principal’s office or getting detention.

True love speaks truth — and the Bible gives us several examples.

* Paul rebuked Peter when he withdrew from eating with the Gentiles.

* Jesus rebuked Peter when he denied that the Lord must suffer, die, and be raised on the third day.

* And says, “For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” (, NASB95)

Now, I can’t be the only one who thinks that the Apostle Paul, God the Son, and God the Father are pretty good examples of godliness and speaking the truth in love. — And love is the key.

We’re not rebuking to be mean. We’re rebuking to prevent harm or serious error — which leads to the next contrasting statement. It says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

And love is the key. We’re not rebuking to be mean. We’re rebuking to prevent harm or serious error — which leads to the next contrasting statement. It says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

The next contrasting statement is similar and backs up the first. It says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

Now, notice the word “friend”here. A friend or parent can be trusted because their intentions are good and “faithful” — even if the correction stings a little.

The enemy on the other hand pretends to care by lavishing affection or apparent kindness for ulterior motives. — And we have biblical examples here too.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 15: Proverbs Warm Affections

The “friend” can be trusted since his intentions are loving (“well-meant,” Scott, p. 161) even when he states the truths that hit home and hurt. The “enemy” is no less an enemy when he pretends affection with a lavish display (“effusive”; McKane, p. 610) of “kisses”; the public show, the overplayed scene of attachment, marks him more, not less, the enemy.

Think Judas.

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane — an apparent kindness that led directly to the Lords arrest and crucifixion.

Mom, you’re children don’t need another buddy who wants to be cool. They need a parent — a true friend — who will teach them right from wrong. They need the truth spoken to them in love.

Now, not only does a GODLY MOM SEEK GOD, SERVE THE LORD, and SPEAK TRUTH, but she also DEMONSTRATES TRUE BEAUTY.

IV. A GODLY MOM DEMONSTRATES TRUE BEAUTY

Proverbs 31:30 NASB95

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Turn with me to . Our text says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (, NASB95)

Amen. — The value of a Godly Woman or Mom is not based on her “charm” or her pleasing personality — nor is it determined by her physical beauty. A charming disposition can often be faked — much like a “cool mom”.

Some women are masters at pretending to be charming in order to get what they want from people. — And the popular girls don’t always make the best wives or mothers — nor do the prettiest ones.

All men want beautiful wives and children want to be proud of their moms, but beauty doesn’t last. It’s “vain” or temporary. Solomon used this word a lot in Ecclesiastes when he said nothing in this world lasts.

He says in , “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.” (, NASB95)

Unfortunately, this is all too true of physical beauty and charm. People get old. — People change. — And a mom’s true value isn’t found in external beauty. It’s found in inner beauty. A godly mom is made of much stronger, more important and permanent qualities.

For example — Our text says, she “fears the Lord”. — Mom, this is the secret of godliness and wisdom. True beauty comes from within. It comes from a reverent and submissive relationship with the Lord.

A godly mom embodies the attributes of wisdom found throughout the Book of Proverbs.

* She’s a woman of character and integrity.

* She’s loyal and trustworthy.

* She does good, not evil.

* She’s compassionate toward those are in need.

* She’s kind and fair to everyone she meets.

* And all of this is a result of her relationship with the Lord.

Proverbs (King James Version) B. A Godly Wife’s Character: What It Should Be, 31:10–31

The value of the noble woman is not based on her pleasing personality, nor is it determined by her physical beauty. The Hebrew word for grace is translated favor or charm. It is most often used in the Old Testament with the word find. Here it refers to a personality or demeanor that results in her finding favor with others: she is popular and well-liked. But grasp the point of this verse: personality and popularity do not necessarily reveal a person’s true character. A charming disposition is not necessarily genuine; it may be a sham. Many people are masters at deceitfully portraying themselves in order to get what they want from others. We should not judge a woman (or any person) by her (or his) personality. The most popular girls do not always make the best wives. Nor do the most gorgeous ones.

All men want a beautiful woman at their side. But the problem with physical beauty is that it does not last. It is vain (hebel)—transitory and fleeting. This is the word used so frequently by Solomon in Ecclesiastes. Nothing he tried was lasting or permanent. Unfortunately, this is all too true with physical beauty and charm. People age and people change. A woman’s true value is not based on beauty. The virtuous woman is made of stronger, more important, and permanent qualities.

b. She fears the LORD (v.30b).

Here is the secret of the noble woman, what makes her priceless and incomparable: she is praiseworthy because of her fear of the LORD, that is, her reverent, submissive relationship with the LORD. This honorable woman embodies the attributes of wisdom found throughout Proverbs:

Ø She has an impeccable character and great integrity.

Ø She is loyal and trustworthy.

Ø She does good, not evil.

Ø She is diligent and industrious.

Ø She makes wise financial decisions.

Ø She is compassionate toward the needy.

Ø She is prepared for the future.

Ø She is strong and honored.

Ø She is confident and bold.

Ø She has great hope for the future.

Ø She controls her speech, which is always holy and gracious.

Ø She instructs others in truth.

Ø She is kind and fair with others.

All of this is a result of her relationship with the LORD. Her exceptional worth is based on her fear of Him (1:7). Men who are wise do not choose their wives because of their popularity or beauty. They select a woman who is characterized by her genuine reverence for and humble obedience to God, a woman who demonstrates the behavior and beautiful qualities spelled out in the list above.

Always remember this fact: it is our fear of the LORD that will direct our children—the fruit of our loins—to the LORD. We must teach our children to fear and trust the LORD by our own example. Our example will guide them in everything they do. We cannot be the parents God intends us to be without genuinely and wholly surrendering our lives to Him.

Gentlemen, listen up. — Wise men choose godly women to be their wives and the mother of their children. They want a woman who will stand by them through thick and thin — Who will raise up godly children.

Proverbs (King James Version) B. A Godly Wife’s Character: What It Should Be, 31:10–31

Her exceptional worth is based on her fear of Him (1:7). Men who are wise do not choose their wives because of their popularity or beauty. They select a woman who is characterized by her genuine reverence for and humble obedience to God, a woman who demonstrates the behavior and beautiful qualities spelled out in the list above.

Always remember this fact: it is our fear of the LORD that will direct our children—the fruit of our loins—to the LORD. We must teach our children to fear and trust the LORD by our own example. Our example will guide them in everything they do. We cannot be the parents God intends us to be without genuinely and wholly surrendering our lives to Him.

Always remember this — it is our fear of the Lord that will direct our children to the Lord — not a charming disposition or a pretty face. — And the salvation of our children is more important than a “trophy wife”.

Men, strive to find a woman who will SEEK GOD, SERVE THE LORD, and SPEAK THE TRUTH — that’s true beauty — that’s true godliness. And ladies, strive to be such a woman and mother.

Proverbs (King James Version) B. A Godly Wife’s Character: What It Should Be, 31:10–31

Her exceptional worth is based on her fear of Him (1:7). Men who are wise do not choose their wives because of their popularity or beauty. They select a woman who is characterized by her genuine reverence for and humble obedience to God, a woman who demonstrates the behavior and beautiful qualities spelled out in the list above.

Always remember this fact: it is our fear of the LORD that will direct our children—the fruit of our loins—to the LORD. We must teach our children to fear and trust the LORD by our own example. Our example will guide them in everything they do. We cannot be the parents God intends us to be without genuinely and wholly surrendering our lives to Him.

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And finally…

V. A GODLY MOM STAYS HUMBLE

Isaiah 66:2 NASB95

“For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Turn with me real quick to . Our text says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” (, NASB95)

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” (, NASB95)

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” (, NASB95)

Mom, your marriage and your family life will always face two dangers — and they just so happen to be the same problems we often find in the church — “selfishness” and “empty conceit”.

Selfishness is a disease that causes us to always look to our own needs and desires before that of our family. It’s the root of every other sin.

It was by placing his will above God’s will that Satan fell. — And it was by placing their own wills above God’s will that Adam and Eve first brought sin into the world.

Selfishness is an all consuming fire. First, it poisons your heart and destroys that true inner beauty we were just talking about. Then it begins to affect your family. Selfishness breeds anger, resentment, and jealousy in the people around you.

Selfishness breeds anger, resentment, and jealousy in the people around you. No family is immune to it, and nothing can destroy and divide a it quicker. It can begin as simply wanting a little “me time” with your friends and co-workers rather than family time with your husband and kids — or maybe placing your career ahead of your family.

Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Right Means for Spiritual Unity

Selfishness is a consuming and destructive sin. The first and inevitable casualty is the person who manifests it, even if no one else is harmed. Because this sin, like every other, begins in a sinful heart, anyone can commit it—regardless of whether there is an opportunity for it to be outwardly expressed. Even when not outwardly manifested, selfishness breeds anger, resentment, and jealousy. No church, even the most doctrinally sound and spiritually mature, is immune from the threat of this sin, and nothing can more quickly divide and weaken a church. Selfish ambition is often clothed in pious rhetoric by those who are convinced of their own superior abilities in promoting the cause of Christ.

Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Right Means for Spiritual Unity

it is the root of every other sin. It was by placing his will above God’s that Satan fell (cf. Isa. 14:12–17), and it was by placing their own wills above God’s that Adam and Eve first brought sin into the world (Gen. 3). Self-will has been at the heart of every subsequent sin.

No family is immune to it, and nothing can destroy and divide a it quicker. It can begin as simply wanting a little “me time” with your friends and co-workers rather than family time with your husband and kids — or maybe placing your career ahead of your family.

Whatever the case, you’re placing your needs over the needs of your family — and just as I believe a Christian should count the cost before accepting Christ — a woman needs to count the cost before becoming a wife and mother.

If you can’t put someone else’s needs above your own — don’t get married and definitely don’t have children.

“Empty conceit” is a lot like selfishness. It refers to an exaggerated view of yourself. — While selfishness pursues personal goals, empty conceit seeks personal glory. Understandably, a person with this kind of attitude always thinks their right and expects everyone else to agree with them.

Because “empty conceit” is by it’s very nature “empty” or self-deceptive, a godly mom must always be on guard against it. Don’t let Satan get a foothold in your family. — guard your mind with humility — think of your husband and your children “as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” — namely your family.

Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Right Means for Spiritual Unity

It refers to a highly exaggerated self-view, which is nothing but empty conceit. Whereas selfish ambition pursues personal goals, empty conceit seeks personal glory and acclaim. The former pertains to personal accomplishments; the latter to an overinflated self-image. Understandably, a person with such conceit considers himself always to be right and expects others to agree with him. The only unity he seeks or values is centered on himself.

Empty conceit is arrogant pride, being “wise in your own estimation” (Rom. 11:25).

Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Right Means for Spiritual Unity

Because empty conceit is, by nature, self-deceptive, believers must be on constant guard against it. It is an implacable enemy of spiritual unity.

Now, just in case you think I’m speaking from a chauvinistic point of view, this command is for all Christians — not just moms. Husbands, put the needs of your wife above your own — and children, obey your parents.

We all need to have this attitude, “which was also in Christ Jesus”. We should all be imitating Him.

Mom, your greatest gift outside of your salvation through Jesus Christ is your family. — And family, one of our greatest gift outside of our salvation is our moms and wives.

Honor them today. — Honor them everyday.

Altar Call:

John 1:1 NASB95

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Mark 1:3 NASB95

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’ ”

11 ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’ ”” (, NASB95)

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12 ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

13 ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Now, as our worship team comes up to close out our service with a hymn — I want to invite you to the altar.

Come and pray for your mom or your wife today. — If your mom has gone home to the Lord, come and thank God for her.

* I know you want them to be successful and happy.

If you would like to pray undisturbed, then I invite you to the altar on your left. No one will bother you. It will be just you and the Lord.

* And, I know you work hard toward that goal every day of your life.

If your mom has gone home to the Lord, come and thank God for her.

But if you would like to pray with Valenda or me about anything — then I invite you to the altar on your right. We’d love to pray with you.

But, I want you to take a moment to consider your motives for a moment. — Why do you work so hard at raising your kids?

Now, will you stand with me as we sing hymn #

Well, the obvious answer is because we love our kids and we want what’s best for them. But mom, if we’re not careful, we can begin to raise our kids to please others, our culture, or even ourselves.

You’ve probably heard the term “trophy wife”. Well, some parents seem to be raising “trophy children”. They see their own value reflected in their children and they try to live vicariously through them.

Think about it. —

* Why do some dads feel compelled to yell at their sons for striking out in baseball when it has nothing to do with them?

* Why do some moms force their daughters into beauty pageants when all they really want is to just want to play with their friends?

* And it’s not just the extreme examples. We can all be tempted to think that our children’s successes and failures reflect on us as parents.

* When our children are polite and well behaved, we pat ourselves on the back. But when our children misbehave, we become embarrassed.