Why Motherhood Matters
In a culture that prizes significant, visible contributions to society the necessary tasks of life and daily care of the vulnerable are not highly valued. Motherhood, which is an embodiment of “simple tasks”, is often looked down upon and considered a waste. Children are often viewed as an inconvenience and the mundaneness associated with raising them is not celebrated as something worthy of our efforts and sacrifice. Even much of the modern church has bought into the lie that there are better, more important ministries you could be investing your time in than that of raising your children. Christian mothers, please don’t fall for the lie that your career or your ministry outside of the home is more important than raising your children. Though your job seems mundane and unseen, it really does matter.
Christian motherhood is about raising your children for eternity. God has entrusted your children to you specifically so that you could lead them to Him. As a mother you have the ability to impact your children in incredible ways. Consider Jochebed, the mother of Moses- she defied Pharaoh’s order, allowing her son to live. She risked her own life so that his might be saved. Moses later grew up to rescue his people out of slavery. It was through Jochebed’s faithfulness as a mother that God rescued His people. Similarly, God chose to send His own Son to the world to rescue His people from their sins through a young woman- Mary. He could have chosen any other means to usher His Son into the world, but He chose a mother. Consider young Timothy’s mother, she is only mentioned one time in the Scriptures and it is in reference to how she discipled her son: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Louis and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (1 Timothy 1:5) Later on in this same book, Paul makes reference to Timothy’s upbringing by saying, “…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 3:15). Timothy’s mother taught him the Scriptures from a young age, she modeled to him that sincere faith which so strongly influenced him. The renown theologian John Wesley said, “I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” Can you imagine your child saying that about you? In my own life, it was my mother who led me to the Lord and poured her life into discipling me each day. What an impact a godly mother can have! What an influence she can have over the next generation! What a godly heritage she can leave behind!
In the midst of the runny noses and sleepless nights it may be difficult to see the grand scheme of things and to not feel as though you are throwing your life away. As you go about the same day every day of changing diapers, putting in yet another load of laundry, cooking another meal and picking up messes remember that God is delighted by the holy work of motherhood. When you feel weary and overwhelmed, remember that in serving your children, you are serving Him and advancing His kingdom. How is that not worth it all? A.W. Tozer said, “The mother who is faithful in the home honors God just as truly as the most self-sacrificing missionary.” Christians often think they would be willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus, this can be put to the test whenever one is given a job that is less than desirable. Perhaps you think you would be willing to go far away to care for the sick and needy, but are you willing to first care for the sick and needy in your own home? It may be looked upon as more noble to lead a women’s Bible study in your church but what about faithfully sharing the Scriptures with your own children? It may sound more exciting or adventurous to share the gospel with a savage tribesman than to share it with a toddler who is throwing a tantrum, but both are important- both souls matter, both need the same gospel message, both need Jesus. Are you really willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus? What about your time, your energy, your recourses, your sleep, your hobbies? What about your pride- are you willing to lose the good opinions of others and be criticized by the world for the sake of laboring faithfully for your children’s souls? Will you choose to serve Him faithfully even in those seemingly small and unimportant ways? Will you give your all to raise your children for Jesus if He has blessed you with them?
As a mother, you have the opportunity and priviledge of molding and discipling little lives for Jesus, what could be more important than that?! Pastor Steve Lawson said, “There are two things in this world that will last forever. The Word of God and the souls of men. Pour into what will last.” Your children’s souls will last forever, they are one of the most worthy investments for your time and energy. Pour into them night and day. Exemplify the love of Christ to them. Share the beautiful gospel with them often and pray diligently for their souls. You have been granted stewardship of your children for a temporary time, use the time wisely. Train. Teach. Disciple. Discipline. Love. Nurture. Educate. Most importantly, be a living example of what it looks like to love and follow Jesus.
Much of your job, Mother, is unnoticed by the world and will not be applauded or praised, but remember that God is pleased and His reward for you will be great. J.R. Miller wrote, “Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given her when a babe is placed in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse in to the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into its soul to see the possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for its destiny, she would see that in all God’s world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no others hand the sacred and holy trust given to her.” May God grant mothers this vision today, may they catch a glimpse of the eternal importance of the job given to them! Press on, mothers. You may feel weary and worn but if you continue on faithfully, you will leave behind a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God. Your today matters. All of those little, mundane tasks that motherhood entails matter. Motherhood matters.
“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9