“FAITH OF A MOTHER”

2 Timothy 1:1-12

May 13, 2007

From sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, law enforcement officers, educators, and social workers We are constantly reminded of the importance of the home.)

The twentieth/twenty-first century has created many complex problems for those choosing the career of motherhood. While mothers in past times faced problems that are nonexistent today, modern mothers face problems undreamed of a short time ago.

What is it that really makes for fulfillment in a family.

More than a century ago a boy got into a terrible argument with his father. The father lost his temper and slapped the boy’s face. The boy ran from the house and climbed some rocks above a lake, saying he was going to drown himself. They knew he meant it. The father ran after him, still screaming. All the family and half the town became involved. Finally, they got the boy to come back home, but terrible bitterness remained between father and son. The bitter son grew into a surly man. In fact, he reached a point where he was considered one of the most dangerous men in the world. His name was Mao Tse-tung, the former Communist leader of Red China.

Would a Christian home have made a difference? Does a Christian home make a difference? It made a difference in Timothy's life. He was born, reared, and instructed in a godly home. His grandmother and mother's faith became his personal faith. It was not a proxy, impersonal, meaningless faith; it was so vital that it overflowed his life. (Notice the absence of mention of Timothy’s father.) I believe in a Christian home.

Something is distinctively different about a Christian home. The first difference is love! Not a sentimental, selfish love, but a growing maturing attitude of thoughtfulness and consideration for others. It is the love that seeks to give to another's basic needs without looking for anything in return. This is God’s kind of love; it is self-giving love; it is Christian love; it is the Bible's description of love; and it is the love of 1 Corinthians 13, where love is personal, patient, selfless, and lasting.

Another distinctive is happiness. Joy is a mark of the Christian life. Jesus said, 'These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11). The Christian home exudes with joy and laughter. Those who live there know the meaning and ministry of a smile and practice it. The happiest homes I know are Christian homes.

A third distinctive is forgiveness. Some homes know about quarrels, fusses, feuds, and friction - strife and selfishness - but the members of a Christian home practice forgiveness. Sometimes unkind words are said in haste. Later forgiveness is asked for and received and fellowship resumes. That is the spirit of Jesus Christ in a home! We cannot exist joyfully without it. Ephesians 4 reminds us of this necessity.

If you wish to be a Christian mother for your children, consider motherhood as a Christian calling.

There is a call to the ministry of preaching. There is a call to the ministry of religious education. There is a call to the ministry of sacred music. And there is a call to the ministry of missions at home and abroad.

There is a very high calling to the Ministry of Christian motherhood - the fulfilling of God's plan and purpose. With Paul, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).

Eunice and Lois are models of Christian parenting. Their names became immortal because they did an outstanding job in training a son and grandson.

In our times when the home is attacked by improper emphasis on such things as wealth, status, and sex, there is an inner dynamic that will save the home - the dynamic of faith, a believing relationship toward Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; we cannot possibly experience a dynamic relationship with God apart from him (John 14:6). In Him is life - abundant, overflowing, dynamic life (John 10:10).

For Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, Jesus was the dynamic of their lives (John 11). At the time of Lazarus' death Jesus, knowing what he would do, came to them with the question, "Do you believe?” (v. 26 RSV). The answer was, "Lord; I believe" (v. 27 RSV). He is the source of hope, and he makes the difference for life and home.

Accompanying that dynamic faith is dynamic worship. That comes through an awesome, personal, living, daily relationship with the Lord - life filled with praise and victory. I am not referring only to corporate worship with like-minded people, but to the lifestyle of worship that sets a joyful example for children in the home. Children need to experience the power of God’s Word and prayer at home.

The Christian mother can be a professor of biblical knowledge. ''And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).

The Christian mother should be a teacher of Christian ideals. She must live them.

The Christian mother should be an example of Christian graces. "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it” (2 Tim. 3:14).

If you would provide a Christian mother for your children, recognize your need for help. A Christian mother needs the help of God. The Bible must be an important part of your life. Be familiar with the closet of prayer. "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you'' (Matt. 6:6).

Follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

A Christian mother needs the help of her husband. He should be a Christian. He should be a good steward. He should be a servant of Jesus Christ.

A Christian mother needs the help of the church. There is no substitute for public worship.

To be all that you should be dedicate yourself to God. Eunice and Lois obviously were dedicated to God. Young Timothy caught the same dedication. Eunice and Lois sent Timothy forth as a servant of Jesus Christ.

A man of immeasurable unselfishness, he had the capacity for gentle devotion. He was warm-hearted and loyal (1 Cor. 4:17). He possessed charm and gentleness with tenderness and patience. He was willing to sacrifice himself to the cause of Christ without any reservation (1 Cor. 16:10). These qualities are such that only a consecrated mother and grandmother could bestow them upon a son.

Not everyone can become president or an all-American athlete or financially rich, but all young people who marry can do something creative about building a Christian home. It is questionable whether there is any other field in which so many can make a contribution and whose contribution will bear such great dividends.

Some years ago there was a humble Christian home in England, a home that had few of the luxuries and comforts of life but that stayed close to the church and welcomed the church into all its relationships.

Three daughters were born to the parents of the home. These three daughters grew to young womanhood and were married. One of these girls became the mother of Burne-Jones, the celebrated artist. Another became the mother of Rudyard Kipling, the famous author whose writings have blessed so many people. The third girl became the mother of Stanley Baldwin, who became Prime Minister of England. The parents kept the home in the church and the church in the home. In return God gave beauty to inspire us, books to thrill us, and freedom that liberates us.

We can have Christian homes if we really desire them. We can have Christ in our hearts and homes if we invite him. We can have his daily leadership, life, and love as we make ourselves available to him. But we must make up our minds to do so!

Without question a mother needs Christ as Savior. If you have not trusted Him, today would be a good day to allow Jesus into your life.

Without question to be the best possible mother, her husband must be a devout Christian. As the husband of your wife, you are the only man that can bestow this blessing upon her and upon your children. If you are not already doing so, then let today be the beginning.

There may be some here today who have forsaken the devout teachings of a godly mother. The best way that you could honor either your living mother or your departed mother is by renewing your vows to her Lord and begin serving Him. Today would be a good time to begin.

Perhaps the greatest contribution that you as a parent will make to the kingdom of God will be in the children you raise to His glory. May God bless you with the faith and grace that you need for serving Him day by day through the years at this post of duty.

If you were fortunate enough to have a mother who raised you according to God's Word, count your blessings, for the Bible says that a godly mother's teachings "will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck" (Proverbs 1:9). It is a privilege and an honor to be trained up by a mother who knows how to instill lifelong godly principles in her child's heart.
There are many, though, who were raised in non-Christian homes or in broken families who never experienced the loving prayers or godly instruction of their mother. Still, God gave each mother the unique ability to teach her children what is right; and if we search our hearts, most of us can probably find some words of wisdom that our mothers gave us. Cling to those words and honor your mother by following her advice.
George Washington certainly never forgot the teachings of his dear mother. He said "I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her." Clinging to her words, Washington led a nation.
Whatever mother God gave you, bless her by echoing her good teachings in your own life.
I remember my mother's prayers… They have clung to me all my life. –A. Lincoln
© 2007, Spring Creek Church of the Brethren