Mother can create within us the greatest emotions. When many speak or think of their mothers most eyes will begin to weep. I know that there are some who would not agree with this. They may not have known their mothers or their mothers treated them badly, but for the most part many have very found memories of their mothers.
There is one case when one person had such respect and love for their mother-in-law that we use their language in many marriage ceremonies today. Ruth said to her mother-in-law, “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: The Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.” What a way to think of your mother-in-law. Mother’s-in-laws usually don’t gender this kind of respect but this one did.
When considering mothers many could be mentioned; let us consider Timothy’s mother. We know that she was a Jewess and that she had married a Greek (Acts 16:1-2). We know that her name was Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). The faith, (the Gospel), which dwelt in her son came from the teaching that she and her mother did (2 Timothy 1:5). Please consider that Timothy’s mother had taught him from the time he was a child (2 Timothy 3:15). This teaching would make him “wise unto salvation” (2 Tim 3:15). Oh, that mother’s would teach their children the scriptures today. Oh, that we had mothers would take the time, effort to teach their little babies about God just like Timothy’s mother.
You have heard the saying, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” It is true in the church as well. The hand that rocks the cradle also can determine the direction that the church will go in in the next generation. Mothers need to be teaching their children about God and His plan of salvation. Mothers need to be teaching their little babies about worship. How to bow their little heads; humble their hearts; fold their mischievous little hands as they learn to talk to God. Mothers need to teach their babies how to sing to God. I remember my mother teaching me which part to sing as a little fellow. Then as I grew she made sure that I had the skills to read music and lead singing. I tried to pass this on to my little boys. I hope that my sons then pass this on to their boys as well.
Mothers need to spend the time to teach their children about the Lord’s Supper. What does the Supper mean? What took place to bring about the Supper? How should I act and what should I be thinking of during the supper. I can remember my mother having tears running down her cheeks during this time of worship. It made a lasting impression on me and after services I asked her about it. She taught me about the importance of the Supper.
Mothers ought to encourage their boys to be preachers and their daughters to be preacher’s wives. What is wrong with preaching? What is wrong with being a preacher’s wife? The church needs more sound Gospel preachers today! The church needs godly women who will support their husbands in their preaching.
The time to honor mothers is while they can enjoy it. It is more than just taking them out to dinner today. What about tomorrow, will you honor her then? Ephesians 6:2 says, “Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.” So honoring parents is not just a once a year event. Yes, there are many ways to honor your parents. You honor your mother with respect. You honor your mother by obeying her without sassing her and doing what she asks promptly. You honor you mother by helping her without being asked. When is the last time you told your mother to go sit down after supper and that you will do the dishes? When is the last time you vacuumed with being told or scolded to? Honor your mother not just today but every day.
This was written from my viewpoint. That means it was written from a man’s and son’s perspective as well. That also means that it was written from the preacher’s eyes as well. Let us honor our mothers every day not just today.
Love, Keith
