A Beloved Mother

I. Introduction: Motherhood has been under attack in recent decades. Once considered a most sacred and honored position, it has been mocked and trivialized by women’s groups. Husbands do not always give wives the honor and thanks for the mother’s hard work and so women will sometimes listen to the critics of their role within the home. Yet when we read the Bible, we find wonderful things said about motherhood and great examples to follow.

II. Text:

III. It is an honorable work

A. Children will honor a good mother for her labor of love.

B. I have been to so many funerals of mothers who were praised by a surviving spouse, children, and friends for her impact.

C. Business people often want to make a mark in the business world, and may receive much recognition, but they soon become filed away.

D. I have several certificates that are filed away for achievements that were good at the time, but mean very little now. You may receive many awards, but you are generally judged by “what did you do today?” Mothers and fathers who invest time with their children see lives molded, and will impact generations.

E. Fathers should honor a good mother for her labor of love.

F. I am convinced that one of the reasons the feminist movement gained such strength, is that husbands took their wives and children’s mothers for granted.

G. A man would be discouraged and perhaps lose self-confidence if his boss never made a comment on his work or his contribution to the organization.

H. However, many men will come home to their castles, enjoy the meal, the freshly laundered clothes, and the orderly household as if it were to be expected, not good work that the wife has done. It is to our shame that we have not always recognized the hard work of the wife and mother within the home and only said something when we needed to correct or were being critical. We must open our eyes to our wife’s labor, especially if she is also a mother, for she is doing very important work and has much to do.

I. There are many neglectful mothers in this world, who are more concerned with their own entertainment, comfort, pleasure, or career and will willingly sacrifice their children and husband to meet their own needs.

J. Godly women seek the needs of their children and husbands. Be thankful, both to her and to God, if you have a godly mother.

IV. It is a necessary work

A. God instituted an order for the home, Ephesians 5:22-24.

B. Some men have used this verse to become tyrants, that is not appropriate since he is not to act as an overlord.

C. He is to rule with love, loving her as his own body, loving her as the Lord loved the church and sacrificed Himself for it.

D. He became a servant of the church, sacrificing his needs for it. He established law, but all was in the best interest of the church. Men who become tyrants in their houses are not ruling as Christ rules the church.

E. It is necessary for the spiritual stability of the children

F. A godly mother is often the strongest influence to spiritual growth. If she does not have knowledge, how can she impart wisdom to her children? If she is not dedicated to God, how can she teach dedication? If she is not a servant of the Lord, how can she train her children to serve? There are too many things in this world that will turn our children from God, a godly mother can often prevent that.

V. It is a learned work

A. Titus 2:4-5 – It is taught by the older women.

B. They can impart wisdom for managing the house, serving the Lord, etc. Experience and godly wisdom are powerful combinations.

C. One cannot assume that they know how to do it by virtue of being a woman.

VI. Proverbs 31:10-31

VII. Most recognition will probably come in eternity