Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Wednesday, 05 May 2021 08:20

A word about mothers for Mother’s Day
by Terry Broome

Ralph Waldo Emerson has said, “Men are what their mothers make them.” An old Spanish proverb says, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.” This weekend, as we honor mothers, it’s good for us to think about how much they really do.
Unfortunately, her many tasks cause some children to get the wrong impression. One father was trying to explain the concept of marriage to his four-year old daughter. He got out their wedding album, thinking visual images would help, and explained the entire wedding service to her. When he was finished, he asked if she had any questions. She pointed to a picture of the wedding party and asked, “Daddy, is that when Mommy came to work for us?”

Such words are spoken somewhat in “jest” but unfortunately too many women who are mothers have been subjected to such overload that they probably feel that this is how the world perceives them. We certainly must not take mothers for granted, nor should a husband and children allow her to become a slave in her own home.The Apostle Paul understood a mother’s love and used that beautiful imagery to describe his own affection for the children of God at Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (NKJV) 7But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”

Good mothers are very much like that, “imparting” their own lives because their family members are dear to them. Because of the tremendous amount of time mothers spend caring for their children, they are in a very special position to have a tremendous influence over their spiritual lives. A mother should be encouraged to use this time wisely to instill within her children a respect for scripture. It is never too early to start teaching the Bible to your children, and prayerfully, hopefully, it’s never too late to start if you haven’t already. There is nothing that can replace your role in your child’s life.

The Old Testament writings place a great deal of importance on the role of parents, fathers and mothers, being directly involved in the daily training of their children. Deuteronomy Chapter Six is a masterpiece in God’s plan for preserving His religion from one generation to the next, and it involves the parents teaching the children. Fathers had a very responsible role which sadly many have forsaken today – leaving most of the spiritual training up to the mothers. Thank God for mothers who are living examples before their children of the spirit of Christ in them. How much better it is when both parents accept this responsibility together.

Mothers, what kind of Bible is your child reading when he or she observes your life? Are you looking for ways to instill a respect for the Word of God into the lives of your children? I heard recently about a minister who had a long conversation with someone about becoming a member of the church. When he was done the young man said he was ready to become a member. The minister was curious so he asked him, “What did I say that convinced you to be a member of the church?” The man answered, “It was nothing I ever heard you say. It was the way my mother lived.” May God bless our “Godly” mothers!! Happy Mother’s Day!

The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489.