A Faithful Mother

In Acts 16:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:5, we read about Timothy's mother. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how this passage can be an encouragement and challenge to you as you strive to be a faithful mother. Whether you have children of your own or are an spiritual mother to children in your church or neighborhood, what we learn from Eunice is an encouragement to us all.

Eunice was a Jewish believer, married to an unbelieving Gentile.  The family lived in Lystra, where Paul was nearly stoned to death on his first visit.  Timothy's grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice) probably became believers on that first visit.  We learn more about Eunice in 2 Timothy 1:5 and 3:15. It is especially challenging that Eunice took the time to teach Timothy from his childhood the Scriptures.  Eunice was a faithful mother who taught her son the truth of the Gospel, and how to live the Gospel in front of others.  Timothy was well respected in his community and learned the importance of not only believing the gospel but living the gospel.

As women, we are all "mothers" in some sense. These truths must apply in our lives. Are you faithful to teach the children who God has place in your influence?  Are you a faithful example? This doesn't mean you have to be perfect, but that you LIVE the gospel in front of those who are in your influence.  Let us know how you are challenged from this passage.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Reputation vs. Godliness

Tanya is extremely tough on her children. She expects them to behave perfectly when they are in public. She disciplines the children harshly when they embarrass her. She and her husband do not want other people, especially their church friends, to see them as inadequate parents. Tanya standing before others is pretty important to her. She wants to avoid giving people reasons to question her parenting abilities. Unfortunately when Tanya is home with the kids she does little to encourage them in spiritual things.

What is driving Tanya as she raises her children?

What does Tanya need to change to become a more godly mother to her children?

Raising Children, continued...

As we complete our discussion on raising children, we see that we need to love our children with a "tender" love. We have to admit, we do love our children, but we do not always show our children tender love. In Titus 2:4, it tells us that the older women are to teach the younger women to "love their children." The love in this passage means a tender, affectionate, warm and caring love. Our kind words and tender affectionate actions towards our children go a long way to show our children we love them. Finally, we see that the ultimate goal of our raising children is that they might receive and accept the gospel. That is our focus! Our love, discipline and example to them ought to be so that we can share Christ with them - that they may be saved. What a calling we have! We challenge you to remember these truths as you seek to raise your children to honor the Lord. Remember that what God has called you to do, He will equip you to fulfill. Seek the Truth from God's Word and be confident in Him alone.

Raising Children, continued...

As we further explain Carolyn Mahaney's job description of a mother, we see that a mother is to provide an authentic example to her children. This means that when I sin against my child, then I must follow the biblical steps of repentance and confession. I must ask my child to forgive me for sinning against them. This teaches them that I am not perfect! An authentic example is not a "perfect" example, but rather an example that doesn't teach hypocrisy! In our biblical training of our children, we see that training and discipline must take place. Teach your children the Bible from a very young age and remind them of the truths of God's Word whenever you can (Deut. 6:6-7). Discipline is also involved in this training process. We shared some verses today regarding biblical discipline and want to encourage you to seek God's way in this. A resource that has been a benefit to us is Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip. You can find this from their website: http://www.shepherdpress.com/ . For discussion here: why is it hard to be an authentic example to your children? How can you do this better?

Raising Children

As we look to be specific in our study of 1 John 2:16, the study of raising our children is one that we have chosen. Because the eyes are a gateway into the mind, then what we read or observe from others in this area affect what we think, what we believe and what we do. There are many secular views of "how to" raise children, and we want to challenge you to search out what God's will is regarding this area. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, godparent, or have any influence over children at church - you can take these biblical principles and apply them to your situation. I appreciated what Carolyn Mahaney had to say regarding a biblical view of motherhood. What follows in our discussion over the next several days has been taken from her thoughts. You can find her complete message titled "A Mother's Responsibility" here. http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1175-01-51 It is a free MP3 download and I encourage you to listen to it. Carolyn Mahaney gives this biblical "job description" of a mother. "As a mother, I am called by God to provide for my children an authentic example and biblical training with a tender love, so they might receive and accept the gospel." As we discuss this topic of raising children, we will break down the parts of her job description. First, a mother is called by God. It was God's idea in the first place. This gives encouragement to us as mothers (or grandmothers, godmothers, teachers, etc...) that what God has called us to do, He will equip us to fulfill! Children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and yet sometimes as parents we do not see them as blessings. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the demands of motherhood that we do not remember to see our children as blessings. But God's Word reminds us that our children are blessings! Take to heart the truth that God will give you strength to fulfill your calling as 2 Corinthians 12:9 so clearly shares - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."