Mother's Day

Summary: A sermon for Mother's Day

Proverbs 31:28–31 ESV

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Today is Mother’s Day, the day when families pay special tribute to their Moms in various ways.

We take them out to dinner, or buy them special gifts… but the sad thing is that often times Mother’s Day is really just a time when families try to atone for an entire year of neglect and disrespect, and for a lack of appreciation. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is.

Now most people agree, whether they are Christians or not, that we are living in a post-Christian era; that doesn’t mean that the Church is dead, or that Christianity is dead, what it means is that the influence that Biblical Christianity once had on our nation and our culture has diminished to a point where it wouldn’t be recognized by Christians 100 – 200 years ago. And that includes morality, education, social action, and maybe, most importantly, parenting.

Basically what’s happened is that secular humanistic reasoning has taken the place of Biblical truth when it comes to setting the parameters for the home and family. And in the way we treat our mothers.

A Christian should be one who sees the home, and marriage, and parenting as framed within the parameters of God’s infallible and authoritative Word (The Bible).

And the truth of God’s Word should not only shape our beliefs and practices in all areas of life, but they are absolutes that guide us through life.

And so,

Our opinions and beliefs are only legitimately Christian, to the degree that they line up with God’s Word.

The problem is that today, our minds have been darkened by secularism and sin, and a lot of folks can’t tell if something is Biblical or secular at all.

We expect that from the world, but we’re actually seeing the same thing within the Church as well.

The trend that we’re seeing in the Church is that church folks are acknowledging the sufficiency of God and the Bible,

but they fail to see a need to subject their personal opinions, reasoning, and emotions to the guidelines of Scripture in all areas of life,

including what happens in the home.

We read something like Romans 12:2 which says,

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

And we think that only applies to our moral behavior, but not to things like marriage, or raising kids. Instead; we leave those things up to pop psychologists and talk show hosts. But, ALL of our relationships should be directed by the truth of Scripture, whether its education, finances, political involvement, our jobs, our marriages, or parenting.

Having said all that, please turn with me to Proverbs 31:10 – 31 (READ).

Now before I get into this passage; a point of random knowledge.

Proverbs 31:10–31 ESV

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

The word or phrase that’s translated as “excellent” is the Hebrew word “chayil” which literally means “strength and valor, and in all ways excellent.”

Throughout the Bible this word is translated as

“able or capable” 8 times,

translated as “strength” 10 times

as “valiant” over 40 times.

Basically it refers to moral strength, integrity and efficiency.

Now as we look through these verses, we get a good understanding of what the writer meant by “excellent.” I personally see at least 5 qualities there… there might be more, but I see five.

1. If you look at verses 11, 12 and 23, you’ll see that she is trustworthy and committed.

She has her husband’s confidence, and she enhances his reputation.

2. She is a woman of diligence and wisdom. We see that in verses 13 – 19.

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.

She’s not afraid to work, she’s a wise shopper, and she plans ahead.

3. She is a giving person. Verse 20 says that she extends her hand to the poor.

In other words, she has planned ahead well enough to be able to not only take care of the family’s needs, but also the needs of the poor in her society.

4. She is dependable. We see that in verses 15, 21, 27.

When adversity comes, be it bad weather, or something else… you know she’s already got a plan to deal with whatever it might be.

5. She is a woman who loves the Lord.

We see that by reading all the verses of our text. She is someone who is guided and directed by God’s Word and God’s wisdom.

Now ladies, you might read through that and say to yourselves, “This isn’t describing a woman, its describing Super Woman!” And that’s actually a pretty good assessment.

It’s describing a woman who is living in a supernatural way with a supernatural God.

And it has to be that way because there are few things that are more important to society than godly mothers.

The Bible is clear in its teachings, both explicit and implicit, that the family is the foundation of society.

While fathers are responsible to lead, love and protect, mothers are the glue that holds the whole family together.

Guys, to love your wife sacrificially means that you help out.

Give you wives time to be with the Lord. Help out, take on some of the chores to free her up to pursue the Lord. Lead by example.

The Bible makes it pretty clear that no wife or husband, or mom, or dad can be the kind of spouse or parent that God has called them to be without the Lords help.

In-fact; Jesus said, “Without Me, you can do nothing!”

Proverbs 31:28–31 ESV

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

The woman who finds her value in her looks will either have so much plastic surgery and Botox done that she’ll end up looking like something out of a horror show, or she will devalue her worth to the point of self-loathing, (Because age and gravity eventually sets in on us all). But the woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom!

The woman who fears the LORD doesn’t have to toot her own horn, and she doesn’t have to brag or boast about what she’s accomplished.

Her life will bear witness and her works will bring praise to her. People will see it and know it. Her children will rise up and call her blessed and her husband will praise her.

So let me just encourage all you moms out there this morning.

God doesn’t call you to be perfect; He calls you to walk in His perfection.

It’s not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit – declares the LORD.

Men and Children, appreciate your wives and mother!

They are a gift of God and a blessing to those who have known a Godly Mother!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers who have been such wonderful examples of Godly love and faith!