Mothers: Instruments Of God's Grace

Mothers you are God’s instruments through whom he creates saving faith in your children. Don’t ever take that responsibility lightly. As mothers you have been given many great blessings, but with those blessings come responsibilities. So thank God for the blessings by fulfilling your responsibilities.

III. But now let’s talk a little bit about us as children.

How did Ruth treat her mother-in-law? Out of love for God and for her mother-in-law she provided for her in her old age. She respected her. She obeyed her when Naomi gave her advice about Boaz.

You know, God has given us incredible blessings as children. He has given us the same blessing of salvation that he gave our mothers. Even though we think we know everything, even though we don’t show respect and appreciation as we should...we have forgiveness through Jesus and are perfect children of God in his eyes.

God also has given us the blessing of mothers who have dedicated a large portion of their lives to us. They gave birth to us. They changed our stinky diapers. They stayed up with us when we had a fever. They worried about us and guided us as we took steps into adulthood. They helped us overcome the errors of our youth. They showered us with love.

So how do we respond to these blessings? You know it’s so easy to say thanks and make breakfast in bed or send a card once a year. But we see that Ruth lived her thanksgiving and love for her mother-in-law. For her it was an every day thing.

You know, there once was a man who never showed his affection or appreciation for his wife. After 20 years of marriage, it finally hit him and he felt terrible. So he went out and bought some flowers and candy and showed up at the door of his home. When his wife came to the door he gave her the flowers and candy and told her that he loved her and appreciated all the things that she had done for him and for their family. She began to cry. She told him, “The car broke down today. The bank called to say that some of our checks have bounced. The children’s teacher called to say that they have been acting up. And then you show up here on the doorstep...drunk.”

How sincere does our thanks and appreciation seem when it’s just a card once a year? Let’s show our love, respect and appreciation to our mother’s every day. Let’s thank God often for the blessings that he gives us through our mothers. Because they truly are a blessing from him.

So this week, I encourage you to read the book of Ruth in it’s entirety (and don’t worry, it’s actually very short). In that story I want you to see how God works all things for our good. Also think about what you as mother’s can learn from Naomi about the blessings and responsibilities of being a mom. Let’s all of us learn from Ruth to appreciate, respect and obey our mother’s every day. For they truly are a blessing from God. Happy Mother’s Day. Amen.