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Christian mothers must never underestimate their calling. It is an extremely difficult, challenging, and tiring calling, but its rewards are in proportion to the tasks. God has given principles in His Word to guide mothers as they navigate through the challenges of raising children.

#1Godly mothers relish their young children and tenderly nurture them.

As 1 Thessalonians 2:7 says, “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.” There is great comfort, rest, and security in a mother’s embrace. Isaiah 66:13 says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Psalm 131:2 adds, “Like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me.” Men can be nurturing, but there is just something unique about the tender embrace of a mother to her child. Children can sense the difference, and they crave a mother’s gentle touch and love. Women should not run from bearing and nurturing children, thinking that there is something supposedly more important or significant for them to do. Even Hannah who dedicated her son Samuel to serve the Lord still took him home to care for him until he was weaned (1 Samuel 1:22-24). God honors mothers who invest in their children, and mothers should adore and treasure the moments that they have with young ones. As Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Children are only young for a short time, and the mother should be there to enjoy her God-given children.

#2Godly mothers recognize that children are a great gift and reward and thus view and treat them as such.

Eve said in Genesis 4:1, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.” Every time a woman becomes pregnant, it is because God is involved in creating a life (1 Samuel 1:5,19, Psalm 113:9). This is another reason why life is precious and why children are precious to God. It is imperative that mothers recognize the value of children and that they are indeed a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” If a mother views her children as a punishment, inconvenience, or the like, she needs to change her perspective quickly lest she treat her children as such. Godly mothers value their children as rewards from God and are thus motivated to do all that they can to nurture, care, and train their children rightly.

#3Godly mothers instruct their children in God’s truths.

Proverbs 1:8 says, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” Proverbs 6:20 adds, “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” King Lemuel in Proverbs 31:1 said that it was his mother who taught him about how to recognize a godly woman who would be a godly mother for his children. Timothy’s godly heritage was a result of his mother and her mother before her (2 Timothy 1:5). Mothers must never underestimate the role that they play in teaching their children about God, about His Word, and about salvation. From as early on as possible, God is to be central in a mother’s instruction. Even in the case of an unsaved or absentee father, mothers can still reach their children by faith (1 Corinthians 7:14). Teaching children the Bible is a huge calling with eternal ramifications, and godly mothers are honored to take up the challenge.

#4Godly mothers are willing and faithful to discipline their children.

Proverbs 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.” Mothers who enjoy or tolerate their children disrespecting and disobeying them are not operating as God would have them. They should be ashamed of themselves, and they must become willing and faithful to discipline.

#5 Godly mothers do not pick favorites among their own children.

Proverbs 28:21 says, “To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.” Not only is picking favorites not Christ-like behavior (James 2:1), but it can lead to children sinning as they grow jealous, establish rivalries, and become deceptive and manipulative. Unconditional love for children and fairness in discipline is essential to being a godly mother.

Regardless of a mother’s marriage or work situation, God is faithful to honor the faith and obedience of mothers who do whatever they can by faith to follow His principles in raising godly children. Some mothers will have all day with their children, while other mothers will need to work for various reasons. In either case, mothers can follow Biblical principles and be godly mothers. As Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Mothers, as you have opportunity to be with your kids, to love them, to nurture them, and to care for them, perhaps even to provide for them, do it with all your heart unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). God will remember and honor your faithfulness. As Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Motherhood is certainly wearying, but mothers must stand fast in their calling. As they are faithful in their work at home (Titus 2:4-5), God will be honored, and He promises to honor those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30, Proverbs 31:28).

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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