Someone has well stated that three of the grandest words in our vocabulary are heaven, home and mother. How deeply indebted we are to godly women. The tribute to virtuous mothers in Proverbs 31 informs us that their children will count such a person as a distinct blessing to their life upon the earth. One of the most famous lines in literature reminds us: “If I were hanged on the highest hill I know whose love would follow me still—Mother of mine, Mother of mine!”
In many ways, we acknowledge that the most powerful person on earth is a godly mother. Yes, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Abraham Lincoln once remarked, “All that I have accomplished I owe to my angel mother.”
The Bible, in many passages, pays homage to the tremendous contribution of women who truly seek God’s kingdom first. Some of the most tender and touching sections of scripture make reference to mothers like Hannah, Lois, and Eunice. Such godly women raised sons like Samuel and Timothy, who valiantly served Jehovah. Many of us today who preach the gospel of Christ do so because of parents who encouraged us to serve the Lord. The debt we owe to our beloved mothers just cannot be estimated.
Women with meek and quiet spirits as we read about in 1 Peter and 1 Timothy, are rare in this day and time, but such will always be of incomparable value. Mothers who take time to be keepers at home, and who grow in their love and care of their children, are indeed the salt of the earth (Titus 2:3-5).
Wise parents never forget that “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14;34) and “the house of the wicked shall be overthrown” (Proverbs 14:11), so they reflect on the following words:
I saw tomorrow look at me
From little children’s eyes
And thought how carefully
We would teach
If we were really wise.”
The Psalmist was inspired to write monumental words: “Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it.”
Godly mothers who take the time to truly make home a delightful place contribute mightily to the precious memories we sing about at funerals of loved ones. But sadly, we find today that we are all so busy making money that we never take valuable moments to make lives more meaningful. Norman Trott powerfully wrote: “No time for God? That day when sickness comes or trouble finds you out and you cry out for God, will He have time for you?”
The hardest work in all the earth is being a godly mother. She goes down into the very pit of death to bring a child into the world. She labors incessantly in the first months of the infant’s sojourn just to keep the child alive. For the next 20 years, she will spend a great portion of her time feeding, clothing, educating and caring for her offspring. No one deserves more loving gratitude than spiritually-minded mothers!
Allowing each letter in “godly” to represent a trait or quality of proper motherhood ought to tell us a lot about her value.
Gracious...In spite of our lack of expressed appreciation, our mothers are still gracious toward us.
Observant...A wise mother keeps a close watch over her offspring lest evil habits or companions hinder us.
Dedicated...Genuine commitment and loyalty to the challenge of rearing children is her trademark.
Lovely...Physical beauty has nothing to do with the loveliness of godly mothers who truly care!
Yearning...to her dying breath, she will still be pleading for all the children to live for Jesus.
More women across America desperately need to take time to be holy. Fashion may be important, but spirituality is at the top of the list for women striving to please God and help their children go to heaven. Silver and gold shall not deliver us in the day of God’s wrath (Zephaniah 1:18), but purity and love for truth will be valuable always. The mother of John the Immerser was righteous, obedient and constant in the love of God (Luke 1:6). We need more women like that in our era also.
A London magazine asked the question on its editorial page, “What Is Home?” Hundreds of letters poured in. The seven best ones were published. As I carefully read the seven gems the editor selected, it became evident that the one person who made those classic rejoinders possible was Mother!
What kind of a woman makes a godly parent?
Motivator...Yes, she “provokes us unto love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
Opportunist...She sees her motherhood as an opportunity to mold her children to serve God (Proverbs 22:6).
Teacher...She never fails to instruct in the way of holiness (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Happy...She enjoys the challenge of guiding the home (1 Timothy 5:14).
Example...She practices hospitality without grudging (1 Peter 4:9).
Reliable...You can count on her to constantly seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
Without contradiction, when you find a virtuous woman, she is far more valuable than precious jewels (Proverbs 31:10). One of the Bible’s tenderest scenes portrays the care of a man for His mother. On the cross, in deepest love, our Savior made provision for Mary’s care (John 19).
Let us take time to be grateful for godly mothers who helped us along the way. We are just too busy if we fail to take time out to say, “God bless you, Mother, for all you have done for me.”
Only eternity will properly reveal the marvelous contribution godly mothers made toward the population of heaven! — via Christian Bible Teacher
- via The Family Friend, a monthly newsletter published by the Calvert City Church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. It is an excellent resource for articles relating to the family. To learn more consult the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
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