Life Lesson 12: Motherhood is a gift from God, and is one of the most significant roles in a woman’s life. A mother demonstrates great courage, confidence, divine wisdom, inner beauty, strength, and excellence. Whether she is a biological mom, adoptive mom or a step-mom, she loves at all times, and she never gets tired of being a mom.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”
-Proverbs 31:30-31 NLT
There is nothing more precious in the world than a mother’s love. Precious because it is wrapped in divine beauty and it’s the kind of love that can only come from God because God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s honor the Moms in our lives and thank God for them. Let’s also think about women everywhere who daily devote their lives to taking care of their families.
When I think about mothers and the role they play in their children’s lives, I think about Proverbs 31 in the Bible. This inspirational passage of Scripture illustrates a mother’s love for her son, King Lemuel, and her advice to him. There is so much we can glean from this passage about what it means to be a wife and a mother. Because there are so many influential voices in the world today that are often competing for your child’s attention, the Bible tells parents to, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22: 6 NLT). I think what we can learn from this Scripture is that parents should lead by example. They should train their children in the right way with clear understanding and guidance so that they can identify early in life the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, wisdom and foolishness.
Even now that I’m older, I can still remember warnings and advice my mother gave me as a child. As I’m writing this, I can still hear her voice saying to me, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.” She would often say that when my so-called “BFF” (Best Friend Forever) would either betray me or had negative influence on my decisions. Another advice she would sometimes give is: “Don’t let people tell you who you are.” She would say this whenever I was bullied or teased at school. My mother would remind me that I have the power within me to either accept the negative comments that were being said or reject them and believe the truth of what God says about me. So, Moms, don’t underestimate the advice you give to your children because they don’t always fall on deaf ears. In fact, they do come in handy when they face hurdles in life, and can be a lasting legacy that is passed on to the next generation.
Going back to Proverbs 31, we see King Lemuel’s mom encouraging him as a leader to be a voice for the poor and needy, and warning him not to be distracted by the dangers of wine and women. Like any concerning parent, she says, “Do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol” (vv. 3-4 NLT). What she’s basically saying is: Don’t waste your time and play the field. Find a godly woman to marry, love her, and cherish her as your bride, and never let her go.
In addition to offering her son great advice on choosing a spouse, we see in Proverbs 31 where King Lemuel’s mother paints a picture of what a wise woman or wife looks like, and how he should pay tribute to her. In verse 31:10 (MSG), we’re told, “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.” Perhaps you’re asking, “Why is a good woman hard to find?” Well, the answer maybe found in the fact that she’s a rare gem. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but she carries within her a fascinating dimension that marvels even her household and intrigues those she meets. In a sense, she radiates divine beauty and elegance.
While the years guarantee that our physical appearance will change, true beauty that shines from the inside out, will never disappear. A woman’s internal beauty reflects her divine fear of God, and no amount of time can erase it. As she ages, she gets even more beautiful, and though her outward appearance fades, her inner beauty is being renewed every day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Proverbs 31 further describes the distinctive features of a woman’s inner beauty. We’re told, she is of noble character and she is wise not only in what she says, but also in what she does. Her husband has complete confidence in her because she inspires trust and she makes his heart feels safe with her. She loves and respects him. Everyday she does what’s best for him (vv.11-12). Scripture also tells us that she is a woman of excellence. She prioritizes her family by taking care of their needs. She makes sure her household is ran like a well-oiled machine. She efficiently and effectively manages her responsibilities as a mother and as a wife. She is never idle and she’s hardworking. She is also business savvy and a good money manager. Still, she doesn’t allow her work outside the home to interfere with her role at home and she reaches out to help to make a difference in the lives of those in need (vv.13-27).
Finally, we see both her husband and her children praising her. In their sight, she is highly valued and well worth celebrating. the Bible tells us that, “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but [she] surpass them all’” (Proverbs 31:28-29 NLT).
Is your Mom or the woman in your life a person of excellence? Does she go the extra mile, and is she your spiritual role model? If so, then do not take her for granted. Celebrate your Mom! Show her how much you love and appreciate her for not only what she does, but for who she is, and the value she adds to your everyday life.
On the other hand, you may not have that positive relationship with your Mom. Perhaps you are at a distance with her and your relationship is strained. Let me encourage you to hold fast to the assurance that God is a God of restoration, healing and forgiveness. His love for His children is far greater than a mother’s love for her child. He will never forget you (Isaiah 49:15). In His Word, God reassures us of His awesome love. In fact, we’re told in Scripture, “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16). How wonderful it is to know that the God of the universe, the all-powerful, amazing God knows you by name; and here is a beautiful thought, even though a mother’s love may run deep, God’s love is deeper yet.
For still some of you, this time may not be a happy, celebratory time because you have recently lost your Mom. This maybe your first time celebrating Mother’s Day without her because she is no longer with you. I encourage you, still celebrate your Mom. Remember all she did for you, and honor her life with praise in your heart.
“Offering praise is like watering a flower, thus allowing its buds to open up. So praise the godly women in your life and watch them blossom.”
– Dr. Tony Evans
Pictures by stock.adobe.com
