Top 10 Ways A Mother is Called to Disciple Her Children
I just finished reading a book that was so good, I’ve bumped it up to one of the top three books I’ve ever read! I have no idea what the other two are, but The Devil in Pew Number Seven would definitely be right up there :-).
One of the many gems that struck me most about this book was the strong spiritual foundation that the parents in the story laid in the lives of their two children during the first years of their lives. They would never know how their investment and example would serve their young ones for decades to come!
Having five children of my own, this truth challenged me tremendously. I began to ask myself this question:
Am I acting as my children’s babysitter, or am I nurturing them as a mother should? Click To TweetA babysitter would keep those under her care well fed, protected from physical harm, warm, and entertained. However, while a mother would do well to accomplish all these tasks on behalf of her kiddies, there is infinitely more responsibility and nurture that she has been created by God to impart as part of her position.
As mothers, you and I are called by God to disciple the children He has given us. To disciple simply means to train. We are to train them in the ways of the Lord, by emphasizing God’s standards in all areas of life.
Following are the top 10 ways a mother is called to disciple her children (although there are countless others):
1. Give Glory to God
Mothers are called to teach their children to give glory to God in every situation and circumstance. In all things they are to find ways to exemplify gratitude and the awareness of God’s awesome power.
2. God’s Sovereignty
Mothers are called to lead their children to the realization that God is sovereign over absolutely everything. There are no coincidences, accidents or surprises in His Kingdom. (Romans 8:28)
3. God at Work
Mothers are called to show their children how God is always at work around them. He is guiding their lives, day by day, and His workings can be identified and acknowledged. Even in His beautiful creation, children can tangibly see God actively at work.
4. Treat Others Biblically
Mothers are called to train their children to treat others biblically, humbly viewing them as more important than themselves (Romans 12:3). The Golden Rule of the Word, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14) should be a key truth taught and lived out in their upbringing.
5. Use of Time
Mothers are called to instill into their children the importance of how they spend their time. (Sermon recommendation: The Use of Your Time). Children can be exposed to the fragility of life from an early age, and injected with the inspiration to use every moment they’ve been given as unto the Lord.
6. Practical Skills
Mothers are called to strive to teach their children as many practical skills as possible. Knowing these by the time they leave home will serve them well. These may include cooking, cleaning, gardening, admin and computer skills, etc. The more the better!
7. Use of Money
Mothers are called to direct their children in how to wisely use money. Whether in ways to earn money, spend money, save money, or give money, knowledge of this crucial matter will be invaluable.
8. Healthy Decision Making
Mothers are called to aim to guide their children in the principles of healthy decision-making. The older the child gets, and the more responsibility they are given, the looser the reins can become and decision-making tools can be practiced under the love, care, and direction of the parents while still in the home.
9. Church Attendance
Mothers are called to impart a love for, and belief in attendance of the local congregation. Meeting with other believers is to be a natural part of the life of the family. A great way to keep children looking forward to church services is to have them be actively involved in serving – no matter how small the contribution may be.
10. Using Speech
Mothers are called to convey to their children the priority of using their speech in a way that honours God and others. Children should learn to communicate clearly and kindly.
Be encouraged, dear Mamma! This may sound like a lot, but as a believer in the Lord, you are probably doing more of these than you realize as part of daily life. The responsibility on our part as mothers is great, but so are the blessings, the rewards, the joys, and the fruit of our labour!
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Psalm 128-1-2
