Dave’s Monday Blast – May 13, 2019
My mother passed away nearly twenty years ago. She had suffered a series of heart attacks and strokes and was “sickly” twelve years prior to her passing. As a result, many memories of her have faded somewhat over the years. I must say however, I will never forget how consistently her character reflected our Savior. She was a remarkable woman; supportive wife of an “old school” pastor, loving mother of six, compelling story teller and Bible teacher. I NEVER heard her utter an unkind word.
I know many of you had/have mothers just like mine. Regardless of any challenges you may have faced in your relationship with your mother over the years, she was very INTENTIONALLY given to you by God and played an essential role in your life.
2 Timothy 1:1-7 informs us that Timothy had a remarkable female heritage that shaped his faith. Dr. Charles Stanley shares some poignant thoughts concerning the characteristics of a Godly Mother. The key idea is Godly. Not perfection of course, but a quality that serves as an important model for her children. An ideal, godly woman is one who is growing in the following ways:
A Godly Mother:
1. Prays and reads the Word of God as a habit of life. Her conversation, character and conduct are rooted in the Word and her children are a reflection of this.
2. Has learned to trust God for every need. She can do so BECAUSE she is praying, reading and meditating upon Scripture…in it she has discovered a God who can be trusted.
3. Is generous. Even with little to share, she is willing to offer it to others. Often times, as with my mother, this generosity came in the form of encouragement.
4. Is obedient to God. Her goal is to obey the Lord and leave the consequences to Him. He can handle every situation, so she does not need to worry.
5. Is forgiving. Forgiveness is a vital part of family life because close relationships inevitably result in misunderstandings and conflicts. Forgiveness can restore peace and eliminate stress and tension in the home.
6. Has an attitude of persistence. When something needs to be accomplished, she knows what’s required and keeps working until it is finished.
7. Is a servant. A mother with a servant attitude doesn’t live for herself, but for others. She understands that in serving her family, she is serving the Lord.
8. Lives an orderly life. Without order in a family, there is confusion, frustration, anxiety, tension and stress. Children pick up attitudes and habits from parents.
9. Is an encourager. We need encouragement to feel valued and loved.
10. Her love is not conditionally based on the behavior of her children or husband but is given without reservation.
If you were blessed with a godly mother, what qualities do you admire in her? How has she shaped who you are today? If you are a parent, what godly character traits do you want to develop in your own life and model for your children?
