Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers. May 14 celebrated in America
Posted : 7 May, 2023 02:34 PM
What does it mean to be a woman of God?
A woman of God is first and foremost a daughter of God. Becoming a child of God happens through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16–18, 36). When we trust in Jesus for salvation, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). God gives us His Holy Spirit who works in us and transforms us to become more like Christ (John 14:15–17; 1 John 4:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Most simply, a woman of God is a woman who has been saved by Jesus Christ and who submits to the work of the Holy Spirit in her. What does this look like practically?
A woman of God will seek to know God more through reading His Word, communing with Him in prayer, fellowshipping with other believers, and listening to sound teaching. She knows that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17), so she seeks to know what God’s Word says. She does her “best to present [her]self to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). She also heeds James warning: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
Part of doing what the Word says is having an active prayer life. Paul instructs us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” A woman of God approaches God with a grateful heart and casts her worries on God (1 Peter 5:7). She trusts in God’s ability and His love, and so she brings her worship and her concerns to His throne (Hebrews 4:14–16).
A woman of God obeys God’s commands to love others well. Her speech is edifying and encouraging to others, not slanderous or filled with gossip or ill intent (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Peter 2:1–3). She is kind, compassionate, and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). She helps to bear the burdens of other believers (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15). As she has opportunity, she tries to do good to all, especially those also in the family of God (Galatians 6:10). She is not conceited but lives with a spirit of humility (Romans 12:10, 16; Philippians 2:5–11). She does not grumble or needlessly argue or cause dissension, but rather tries to live in harmony with others (Romans 12:16, 18; Philippians 2:14).
A woman of God follows Peter’s teaching to “in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15–16). She attempts to “abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:11–12).
A woman of God eagerly does the work God has given to her (Romans 12:11). If she is an older woman, she lives as an example to younger women (Titus 2:3–5). She spends time with other believers, encouraging them and being encouraged by them (Hebrews 10:24–25). She is submissive, meaning she takes a “you before me” posture, as all Christians are called to (Ephesians 5:21). She heeds Peter’s command to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority. . . . For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13–17). She knows that she is highly valued in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and chooses to imitate Him by laying down her own self-will. If she is married, she allows her husband to lead the family (Ephesians 5:21–33; 1 Peter 3:1–2). She honors her parents (Ephesians 6:1–3), and, if she has children, she cares for them (Titus 2:3–5; 1 Timothy 5:14). She manages her home well and according to godly principles (Titus 2:3–5; Proverbs 14:1; 31).
A woman of God’s beauty is of her “inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3–4). Ultimately, the woman of God is a work in progress, a masterpiece of God’s, saved by His grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–10), and becoming more like Jesus as she seeks to know Him and obey Him.
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers. May 14 celebrated in America
Posted : 7 May, 2023 02:39 PM
What does it mean to be a godly mother?
A godly mother is a woman who represents the heart of Christ to her children. She is continually aware of her influence over their lives and futures and makes sacrifices whenever necessary for their welfare. Godly mothers are first godly women. They are not one way at home and another way in public. Even when her children do not have a godly father, a mother can have a great impact on her children’s spiritual future. The following are some characteristics of a godly mother:
1. She knows God. A godly mother wants her children to be godly, and she leads the way. A mother cannot pass on to her children values and qualities that she does not possess. So the first step in becoming a godly mother is surrendering to the lordship of Jesus. Only then is her soul restored (Psalm 23:3), her life recreated (2 Corinthians 5:17), and her mind renewed (Romans 12:2).
2. She understands her role in marriage and the family. As part of sin’s curse, women struggle with wanting to control their husbands (Genesis 3:16). But God decreed that husbands and fathers should carry the weight of responsibility for their families (1 Corinthians 11:3). A godly wife will gracefully bow to that leadership and model for her children godly submission to authority. Even when husbands and fathers are not worthy of such respect, godly mothers do not bad-mouth them to the children. Divorced or single mothers can be godly mothers as they teach their children of God’s plan for marriage and demonstrate purity and wisdom in their own dating relationships.
3. She does not neglect her own health and well-being. Often, we equate personal martyrdom with humility and service, but it need not be that way. Godly mothers model for their children healthy self-respect and boundaries. A godly mother knows that wearing herself out acting as a slave to her children is not good for anyone. She will give selflessly to her children, but she will also carve out time to rejuvenate herself because she knows that, if she is not healthy, her children will also suffer.
4. She seizes teachable moments to instill biblical truths. A godly mother is not so focused on meeting physical needs that she neglects her real calling, which is to raise future disciples of Christ (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6). Because she walks in close harmony with God, she easily directs her children’s attention to His work in their lives. She may say to the three-year-old, “See that beautiful robin? God, who loves us, made that bird for us to enjoy. Thank you, God, for your beautiful birds.” She may say to her pre-teen, “Honey, I’m sorry you didn’t make the team. I know it hurts, but remember that God has something bigger in store for you as you trust Him with even this disappointment.”
5. She models service to God and others. Children need reminders that they were created for God, and serving Him is their highest calling (Colossians 1:16). A godly mother will demonstrate this in her own life as she involves her children in serving others. “Let’s finish this so we can make dinner for the Smith family. They’re going through a hard time, and we want to remind them that Jesus has not forgotten about them.” Acts 9:36–41 gives us a glimpse into the life of Tabitha, who was known for her good deeds. When she died, many townspeople brought out the garments she had made for them as evidence of her kindness. A godly mother leaves evidence of her kindness, and her children are proud of her reputation (see Matthew 5:16).
6. She has a healthy self-image. Many women in our culture struggle with low self-worth due to childhood wounds or comparison with others. A godly mother has learned to see herself as God sees her. Because of this, she can demonstrate to her children the way a godly woman should present herself. Godly mothers see themselves as active participants in God’s work; they don’t try to gain attention or a sense of worth through dress or behavior or relational status. First Peter 3:3–4 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” A godly mother acts and dresses modestly. She models proper, God-honoring behavior to her children.
The Proverbs 31 woman is a picture of a godly mother. Although she puts her children and husband first, they are not her entire world. She develops her gifts and uses them to benefit her family and her community. She is a credit to her husband and a role model for her children. She lives with integrity at home and in public, and she presents herself honorably. Verse 28 gives us the result of her years of faithful mothering. After she has poured her life into them, “her children rise up and call her blessed.”
