Needed: Wise, Life-Giving Mothers

May 9, 2021 Happy Mother’s Day Convention Registration Love Offering: Pastor Wilson NEEDED: Wise, Life-Giving Mothers Select Scriptures In anticipation of talking about Mother’s today, I was gripped by the thought of how important Mothers have been down through the ages in bringing a sense of supernatural balance and equilibrium to life, the family and society as a whole. It seems, God has endowed them with supernatural genes to nurture and care like no one else in His creation. So, I don’t need to tell you that Mothers are amazing. And if you can’t make that assessment about the person you know or have not known as Mother, I must tell you that since the first Mother, Eve, God has wired every Mother a seed of wit that is exclusive to “Only Mothers”. Ideally, God has blessed Mothers with a capacity to give and love so unconditionally that it is unmatched by any other entity in His creation. It is true, Mothers aren’t God, but they are next to God in a unique way and on so many levels. In case you didn’t know, Mothers are God’s Gift to humanity. Without them we would be lost – especially a godly Mother. 1 Today, however, I’m concerned that Motherhood is being marginalized. The influences of media and special interest groups have attempted to redefine the true significance of a mother’s role in the life of their children and the family. On the surface it would seem as though Wise Motherhood is a lost art. And so, it might lead some to conclude that Mothers are just like everyone else. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. [SLIDE] I’ve titled today’s message: NEEDED: Wise, Life-Giving Mothers I believe that Mothers still hold their original place in life as “lifegivers” as was passed on to them from the first Mother of all creation, Eve. [SLIDE] Genesis 3:20 says And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Because Eve had no children when Adam gave her the name Eve, we’re persuaded that her ability to give life didn’t stop at just giving birth. It also encompassed her future ability as a Mother to pour into her offspring, her children -- the capacity to live wise, smart, God-honoring lives. This morning, I’m compelled to share with you three of those life-giving principles (among many) that Mothers today have at their disposal. 2 For some Mothers these principles will serve as an encouraging reminder to keep on keeping on as you’re already applying them in the raising of your children – dependent children, adult children, or otherwise. ; for others, these life-giving principles will serve as reinforcements to add to your current practices of pouring into your children. These three biblical principles – though not new, are very practical and very impactful. I feel strongly that they get at the heart of what Mothers and Grandmothers need to be depositing into the lives of their offspring from generation to generation. Here are the three ways mothers must continue to give life to their children and those under their influence and care: [SLIDE] Three Motherhood Life-Giving Principles 1. Mothers are a powerful agent in making wise sons – These wise sons ultimately grow up to become Fathers and Leaders. We are familiar with the Proverbs 31 Woman, but now let’s take a look at the Proverbs 31 Man. 31:1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: 2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? 3 3 Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. Three life-giving principles passed to a son from a Godly Mother: a. Verse 3. 3 Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings -- Don’t sell yourself out for the lust of a female, nor succumb to the very enticement that is prone to bring all men in leadership and places of influence down. b. Verses 4 & 5 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. 4 These verses encouragement to keep a clear head at all times. Don’t become intoxicated with self, life or strong drink because all three will distort your judgment and ability to reason clearly. c. Verses 8 & 9 8 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy These verses urge Solomon to never forget the little man, the less fortunate whose voice is not respected, but to always be a voice for the voiceless; and to speak up for them – especially in cases of life and death. I’m proud to say that Mother did this for her 3 sons. [SLIDE] 2. Mothers are a powerful agent in shaping the next generation of girls, daughters and mothers – This life-giving principle is crucial because this is where we are losing the most ground in society. This is the place that the Art of Mothering is being attacked and the true identity of females is so misconstrued. Take a page from Paul’s letter to Titus which reminds us of the real superpowers of Motherhood. [SLIDE] Listen to . . .Titus 2: 1-5 2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 5 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Many in society today will say this kind of stuff is old fashion, but I say it’s God-fashionable. We have to use a little wisdom on how to apply the instruction given here to our contemporary times; but we would be remiss to throw these biblical principles out with the bath water. [SLIDE] 3. Mothers are a powerful agent in passing on their life-giving faith heritage of faith to their children. Parents are the first evangelist their children will encounter. It is incumbent upon parents, especially Mothers – who customarily spend the most time with their kids – to make deposits of Godhonoring truths in their lives. If you don’t feel confident in this area, then get them to someone or some ministry that can make plain to them God’s will, purpose and plan for their lives. In 2 Timothy 1:5-6, Apostle Paul reminds young Timothy of the seed faith that was deposited in him by his Mother and Grandmother. Paul said . . . [SLIDE] 6 2 Timothy 1:5-6 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Mothers, never underestimate the influence you have on your sons and daughters. What you do everyday around your children is both taught and caught. The most noble thing Mothers can do for their children is make deposits of genuine faith and unconditional love into the hearts. We need a mother’s touch in these three life-giving areas as a sure way to keep our children on our team and to keep them from falling off the cliff of a society that doesn’t value Motherhood and that wants to snatch your children up for the devil’s use. Mothers, keep on being wise and giving life to your Children and Grandchildren and Nieces and Nephews, and on and on. You are needed to be wise and forever life-giving of God’s principles. NEEDED: Wise, Life-Giving Mothers %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%END%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 7