Articles
Mothers Like Mary
Mothers Like Mary
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be the mother of God’s offspring? Do you ever wonder what it would have been like raising God in the flesh, the Savior of the world? That can’t have been easy.
But there was one key in Mary’s life that made her a great mother. If all mothers (and fathers, and children, and all Christians for that matter) would let this key govern their lives, our homes would we filled with peace, harmony, growth, and glory to God.
In Luke 1:38, Mary responded to the shocking news from Gabriel by saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (ESV). What faith. What trust. What surrender.
Mary didn’t back away because the idea was too unbelievable. She didn’t back away because the job sounded too hard. She didn’t back away because it seemed like so much work. She didn’t back away because it was going to hinder her happiness. She didn’t back away because it was going to inconvenience her or hinder her plans. She didn’t back away because of the potential reputation she would get as the mother of a child out of wedlock. She didn’t back away. She stepped up.
If this is what God said would happen, she would believe it. If this is what God said He wanted, she would accept it. If this is how God wanted to get the job done, she would follow. If God had chosen her to do a job, for better or worse, in good times and bad, through highs and lows, she would surrender.
Mothers, follow in Mary’s footsteps.
No, God hasn’t chosen you to mother the Messiah. But He has chosen you to mother the children in your home. Whether they grow up to a fame and significance that changes the world or to a quiet service that only influences those around your home, God has selected you to be the nurturing hand that helps lead them to adulthood.
Consider how Paul describes motherhood in I Thessalonians 2:7-8: “We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (ESV).
Gentleness and meekness are the traits of motherhood, especially when the child is in infancy. It may be harder to maintain that as they get older and start to chaff against your parenting. However, firm gentleness goes much farther than manipulative, harsh control.
Paul saw a natural desire and longing for children. Children are dear to a mother, or should be. That may be tough when the children are going against the rules of the home, testing their independence, arguing for their own way. But even then, there is part of a mother’s love that always wants what is best for the children.
Finally, because of this gentleness coupled with desirous affection, the mother gives not only good instruction but herself on behalf of the child. Mothering is a sacrifice. Sadly, it is a sacrifice many women want to avoid these days, but if you have children, make the sacrifice. Of course, as you increase your affection for your children, the less giving yourself on their behalf will seem like sacrifice.
Mary mothered at great cost, but also with great reward. You can have a similar reward if you will pursue a similar cost.
- May_10_2015-Mothers_Like_Mary.pdf (29.65 kB)
