Moms have influence over their sons. How we choose to wield this influence is powerful. Just this week I read in 2 Chronicles 22:2-3 about a king in Judah by the name of Ahaziah. “Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king … he too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.”
Contrast this with Proverbs 31 which is touted as a proverb for women. Did you know that it was written by a mother to her son? Encouraging him to be a man of valor in the first nine verses and placing before him a picture of a godly wife in the last 22 verses. (Somehow it helps me to know this was written by a future mother-in-law, although I have the best one around.)
The day my son was born was one of the BEST days of my life, and I am grateful the Lord chose me to be his mom. I do not take my role as a mother lightly because I have been entrusted with the power of influence over his life. My words hold weight and they must be full of life, affecting him for good and not for evil.
I say, “Amen!” to John’s words in 3 John 3-4.
“It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
There is no greater joy than to see our children walking out their faith.
There is no greater sorrow than to see our children walk where they should not be walking.
The Lord loves His children so much that He provides people along their path to nurture them in the truth. Perhaps the Lord wants to use you and me to nurture truth in someone’s life. May our eyes and hearts be open to those who need encouragement and counsel along the way – whether they are our natural children or not. May we busy ourselves with the task of feeding the TRUTH of Jesus to others rather than the uncertainty and disappointment of these times to others.
Some of Jesus’ last words to Simon Peter were:
“… Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” … “Take care of my sheep.” … “Feed my sheep.”
John 21:15-17
Not only did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved Him but He also instructed Peter three times to feed and take care of His sheep. Jesus, the good shepherd, wants His sheep to be well cared for!
24 years ago my biggest concern was how to nourish and take care of my newborn son. He knows how to take care of himself now but my role is still vital – mostly behind the scenes in prayer these days.
- I pray for him to hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
- To grow in the gifts and talents that were fashioned in him within my womb (Psalm 139:13-18)
- To honor and respect others (Romans 12:10)
- To lead others well (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
- To be a man of wisdom and discernment (Proverbs 1:7)
- To thrive (John 10:10)
- To be an amazing husband and future father (1 Timothy 3:1-4)
- To choose daily to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
- To fight the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
There are moments of my mothering I wish I could take back – especially when my ugly nature came flying out of my mouth. To be honest, I came up short at times. Not because I didn’t love him but maybe because I tried to be the Holy Spirit in his life. Most of the ugly moments were the times I tried to control his behavior. Such a fine line in mothering!
We must be attentive and intentional without defaulting to control.
There are also MANY mothering moments I will cherish forever. One of my greatest joys now is the honor of having my son as a brother in the Lord. He encourages me! He listens when I pour my heart out to him. He cheers me on. He has learned well from his earthly father and from his Heavenly Father.
I am not as savvy in today’s culture as my kids and their friends are, but I do have something they need. A mother’s heart. A listening ear. A kind word of encouragement. A nudge along the path of truth.
Jesus’ command to Peter to feed His sheep started with:
“Do you love me?”
If we love Jesus we must love His kids. When we love His kids we must be willing to feed them from the milk and meat of God’s Word. When we serve up TRUTH, it is a superfood. Better than blueberries, kale, or acai!
Our words to our children and the next generation matter! Pray. Encourage. Speak the truth in love. Let’s be the voice of influence we needed to hear in our young adult years. Let’s use our influence wisely.
