Mom’s Spiritual Influence
Parents possess an incredible privilege and responsibility to be the primary influence of God in the next generation’s lives. Yet Mom’s prayers and input seem to be the most common denominator in a high percentage of the children persuaded to embrace Christianity.
The Apostle Paul was a spiritual father to young Pastor Timothy. Paul called him “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Nonetheless, Paul primarily credited Timothy’s mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) with passing along the legacy of “genuine faith”—as Paul put it—that Timothy received.
We can only imagine what the New Testament would have been like without Paul’s letters to Timothy. And consider how it may have negatively affected the gospel’s spread and growth of the early church had Timothy never come to faith in Christ! Likewise, it’s impossible to imagine how different Paul’s ministry would have been without the spiritual influence of Timothy’s mom and grandmother on the young pastor-to-be. Paul didn’t take it lightly: “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Many moms played significant roles in Scripture; Moms like:
• Eve (the first mother of humanity)
• Sarah (Isaac’s mom)
• Rebecca (Mom of Jacob and Esau)
• Jochebed (Moses’ mother)
• Mary (the mother of Jesus).
Entrusted with God’s greatest treasures, our kids, moms must tap into God’s power to pull it off. And they deserve the honor and recognition that comes with a job well done.
If taken seriously and carried out thoroughly, the task of being a mom should play a primary role in the spiritual development of the kids under their care. Dads’ role in Scripture is to be the spiritual leaders of the household, which has unique responsibilities of its own. But moms, whether single moms or working outside the home, are often a more consistent spiritual presence to the family. In most cases, the mom is there, having the bulk of daily contact with the children.
Since moms have this built-in chance to offer spiritual input, they have a God-ordained opportunity to be intentional about it. Professionals can’t take responsibility for the spiritual nurture of children. It cannot be relegated to the Children’s Director or Youth Pastor. A Spanish proverb rightly states, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.”
So, let me suggest three items that should be prominent in the job descriptions of every parent, especially moms, to impart faith to the next generation:
First, introduce your kids to the Savior. This is a blessing to any parent whose kids know Christ. Two of our three children were led to Christ by their mother, my wife, Wendi. The third met Jesus due to an invitation from a pastor other than me! I wish I could take credit for my kids’ decisions for Jesus. The maternal influence has been a big part of the spiritual legacy in our kids’ lives.
Second, instruct your kids in the Scriptures. Eunice taught her son the Scriptures starting at a very young age. Jewish boys begin formal biblical instruction at age 5; younger than that is not too soon.
Susannah Wesley reportedly had 19 children! This mother of Charles and John Wesley took each child aside for an hour every week to discuss and teach them the principles of spiritual living. Those two sons touched two continents for Christ!
Third, inspire them to serve. There is no question that moms are the quintessential servants. Moms serve their kids like no other human on the planet could ever do. However, moms must be careful not to serve the kids so that the youngsters become entitled, self-centered takers, consuming, and not giving back. Of course, as a mom, you’re a servant, so it might not come as naturally to require your once-helpless little offspring to do their part. But you’re not doing them favors by only doing them favors!
So, moms, introduce, instruct, and inspire to impart faith to the next generation. Then enjoy your special day. Let your kids do something memorable for you! Happy Mother’s Day!
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. ─Proverbs 31:30