Mothers have a natural inclination to love and care for their children. Since the dawn of creation the woman was meant to have the greater purpose of child-bearing.
With this blessing comes a tremendous amount of responsibility, and even sometimes guilt and doubt.
Are we doing the best for our children, are we making God smile down on our efforts as a mother, or are we in need of assistance?
The Bible tells us that “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” but it also generously offers guidance on how we can fulfill our God-given role completely, and without fail.
Let’s look at 7 steps that will make you flaunt that super-mom shirt proudly:
- Embrace Your Role
Eve was the first woman, and thus the first mother. Genesis 3:20 reads, “The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Earlier in the chapter we are told that Eve’s children are to “fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28).
It has always been God’s plan that women become mothers, that we are to be fruitful and multiply. Seeing this directive as an incredible blessing, rather than a crushing responsibility gives you perspective that will enrich your life to no end.
A woman is distinctly endowed with the traits necessary to carry out motherhood with grace and strength. We are reminded of such strength in Proverbs 31:25-28:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her”
- Raise Godly Children
Having our children grow to love the Lord is the primary goal for any Christian mother, so that when they part from us they will not forsake what they have learned. The best way to do this is to instill the Bible into all that you do, as Christian Life Daily has previously reported.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 tell us:
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
The Bible should be first and foremost in a child’s education, because all other things can build on the teachings within. Don’t let the demands of being a modern mom overpower your drive to see God shine in the home.
- Love Your Children Like God Loves Israel
One of the most prominent examples throughout Scripture that we have of a parent/child relationship is God’s continuous and unfailing love for His people of Israel. Hosea 11:1 reads, “When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.”
Time and time again God showed compassion, mercy and affection on Israel. He forgave them when they sinned, punished them when they steered from righteousness, and blessed them abundantly as they fought to make a home they could call their own.
Deuteronomy 10:15 tells us:
“Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.”
In this manner we are to address sinful actions and love our children unconditionally as we prepare them to have a home of their own.
- Mimic Jesus’ Character
Jesus is a perfect (literally!) example of how we should act in this world, and when we strive to emulate His character in our own life our children notice. Kids learn best by mimicking, so give them something worth copying to be an exceptional mother.
One of the most relevant Scripture verses to a mother is James 1:19, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Nobody mastered this better than Jesus.
His patience and purposeful speech displayed, even in His final days through persecution, gives us a bar we can strive to reach daily. He also forgave easily, not letting yesterday’s transactions affect tomorrow’s outcome.
Every day is a blessing with our children, and they should know that. It’s easy to hold on to the week’s trials when we are amidst challenge with children, but forgiving and moving on allows everyone to have the opportunity to be better.
- Don’t Forget Your Child’s Role
Some would say that children should be treated like little adults- talked to like one and held accountable like one- but that just isn’t supported in the Biblical model of parenting.
Matthew 18:1-5 reads:
“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.’”
It is apparent in this passage that children are by nature different than adults; they are vulnerable, impressionable, and trusting. It is our job to nurture them, and to guide them toward righteousness.
The only other role a child needs is to obey their parents (Colossians 3:20). They are born with a sinful nature, and will not do this without direction. To help our children fulfill the role they were given we have to correct them; and this will make you a God-fearing mother.
- Trust in the Lord
Any mom knows that each day offers unique surprises. One day may go smoothly, where your children listen well, eat all their vegetables, and go to bed without whining. Then the next day you may struggle to get your toddler to wear clothes, your son doesn’t want to do his homework, and all the kids rebel for an hour before bed.
Being an amazing mom means not stressing about how each day is going to go, but trusting in God’s will for your life while you do your best.
Reading Proverbs 3:5 every day before you start your day is a great way to set the tone for the day’s events. We all learn something new every day, and mothers are no exception. We don’t know it all, but we do know that if we trust Jesus to give us strength when we are weak and pray for wisdom where we fall short, things will work out.
Proverbs 3:5 reads:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Trust in the Lord.”
- Give More Hugs Than Reprimands
As a mother you have your good days and your bad days, but they are all counted as blessings, because you get to spend them with your family. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.”
When we are given such precious and priceless gifts, we are not to squander them, or take them for granted. Each child should be told daily that they are valued, and your actions should reflect that same sentiment.
Make a point to do something fun or affectionate with your children throughout the day regardless if you are upset with them for disobeying you, disrespecting you, or doing any other rebellious act children do to test their boundaries.
A mother’s love should be unconditional, and if our hugs are only handed out when things are good, the children will notice, and feel that our love is performance-based. After a child is reprimanded for a behavior there should always be affection shown after so they know that your love for them has no bounds.
The last tip to being an amazing mom is prayer. No woman will make it through motherhood unscathed without the power of prayer. Incorporate your children into some of your prayer life so they can witness the strength and trust that you derive from spending time with God.
Being an amazing mother doesn’t mean that you won’t make mistakes, or that your children won’t occasionally be mad at you, but that you are doing your best to seek out the Father and His Word to direct you on this journey.
So, it’s okay to put on your cape today, start this day anew, and be the amazing mom you were designed to be.
