A Godly Mother's Influence

A seven-year-old boy, separated from his mother in a supermarket, began to call, “Martha! Martha! Martha!”

That was his mother’s name and she came running to him quickly. “But, honey,” she admonished, “You shouldn’t call me ‘Martha’, I’m ‘Mother’ to you.” “Yes, I know,” he answered, “but there are a lot of mothers here.”

The world is full of Mothers. While it’s true, that there is only one mother who gave us birth and life, perhaps you were raised by another mother. In any case, the command “Honor your father and mother” still holds.

Mothers are teachers. One fellow put it this way.

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

My mother taught me about RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me LOGIC.

"Because I said so, that’s why."

My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident."

My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

"One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

But far better it is to say, “My mother taught me about JESUS and how to obey Him.”

Timothy could make that claim. “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. For this reason, I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.” 2 Timothy 1:5-11 (NASB).

We honor mothers today, especially those who are consistently godly. You just can’t overstate, and should not underrate, the worth of a Godly mother’s influence. John Quincy Adams said, “All that I am my mother made me.” Lincoln said, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Dwight Moody said, “All that I have ever accomplished in life, I owe to my mother.” The influence of a Godly mother over her children cannot be overstated and ought not be undervalued! Paul noted the influence of two Godly mothers in the text for today. To illuminate the great influence of a Godly mother, let me tell you about one such mother.

Her husband and daughter had gone out in their fishing boat and were overtaken by a dense fog. This mother knew how dangerous the coast was and that in the fog her beloved would not be able to find their way. So she took a lamp and put it in the attic window, hoping its rays would serve as a beacon to direct her family home. As we consider mother and her influence over her family, let’s consider how she exerts that influence.

I. A GODLY MOTHER SETS OUT A LIGHT FOR HER FAMILY:

A. You can be sure there was a lot of light shining in Timothy’s home. Grandmother Lois had given light to her daughter Eunice and then in turn that light had illuminated young Timothy. Darkness didn’t stand a chance in that home.

B. These are dark times, spiritually, morally, and ethically speaking and the Gospel Light is in demand.

1. Violence increases. Daily we hear of shootings or abuses or terrorist activities.

2. Consumption of addictive substances abound. Meth production and distribution is at an all-time high.

3. Occultic doctrines proliferate as the New Age Movement and psychic hotlines lead many astray.

4. Evolution is taught as established fact and Creationism is scoffed at as religious poppycock.

5. Sexual immorality is not only condoned but is encouraged on every hand.

6. The breakdown of the home is pandemic.

7. The abandonment of Judeo-Christian values is widespread.

8. Liberal views are openly espoused and endorsed and conservative ideas are silenced.

C. The days are dark and evil, but mothers, there is light! Let yours shine!

1. The light of good deeds, benevolence, and unselfish service. Jesus said, “let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT).