More Precious than Jewels
Thank you, God, for the “mother’s” you put in our lives, whether they gave birth to us or not, who we celebrate today on Mother’s Day! Thank you, God, for those special women in our lives who have gone on to live with you. Thank you, God, that you are there for those who did not have a godly mom. Thank you, God, for the “mother” who helped us come to know you! And God please be especially with those today who are going through a “first” Mother’s Day without a special someone in their life. Please be with those who have lost a child or a grandchild, who have lost a mother or a grandmother, who could not have children, who have no relationship with their children or their grandchildren, and those who are hurting.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to buy my mom a very special Mother’s Day gift and with a weekly allowance of fifty cents that was tough! But, she was worth it so I saved for a month and bought her a “diamond” ring. I went to Goldings, our local toy store, and picked the most beautiful “diamond” ring for her. As I thought of that today, I thought of the gift Mom has given me! She passed down her faith! I wanted to buy her a precious jewel, not realizing what a precious jewel she was! Proverbs 3:15-18, “She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”
Timothy had this kind of spiritual heritage! His mother and grandmother sowed the seed of faith in his heart as a young child and it grew to maturity. In a personal letter from Paul, his father recalls “the sincere faith” within Timothy which came through his grandmother, Lois, and through his mother, Eunice. 2 Timothy 1:3-5, “I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
I had a godly mother and grandmother who were intentional about bringing us up in the faith. Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Oh, I got off track! I departed! She never gave up on me. Every time I went home I knew where I would be on Sunday morning. Joshua 24:15, “...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” My mother not only trained us but trained, equipped, and cared for herself in a way that benefited our family, She influenced me by her commitments to keep herself spiritually healthy, through prayer, study and action.
2 Timothy 3:14-15, “...because you know those from whom you learned it,... and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures…” points to those special “Mother’s” who have influenced our spiritual journeys. The Bible stories that were told to me, the songs that were sung to me, going to Bible school, going to Sunday school, family devotions every morning, all influenced my life.
Just like us, our children will face many battles that will threaten their souls. They need mothers who have a Biblical influence. One of life’s greatest blessings is to have a godly mother. Another one of life’s greatest blessings is to be a godly mother. Or a grandmother. Or an aunt. Or a friend. Someone needs your godly influence! Proverbs 31:28-31, “Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, 'Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Think about the special “mother” in your life. Think about her support, her example, her counsel, her sacrifice, her humility, her patience, her understanding. Think about her faith. Her hope. Her love. As Abraham Lincoln said, “He is not poor who has had a godly mother.” Thank you, Mom and “Mom’s”, for letting us feel God’s love radiate through you! I give praise and gratitude to God for giving us Christian “mothers” who sowed the seeds of faith in our lives. No calling is greater! I like the way Lysa TerKeurst said it, “Motherhood is a million little moments that God weaves together with grace, redemption, laughter, tears and most of all, love.” You are truly more precious than jewels! Happy Mother’s Day!