Raising Children Of Influence Series

The children had a special program at church and a little girl was to recite the Scripture she had memorized for the occasion. When she got in front of the crowd, the sight of hundreds of eyes peering at her caused her to forget her memory work.

Every line that she had so carefully rehearsed faded from her mind, and she stood there unable to utter a single word. In the front row, her mother was almost as frantic as the little girl. The mother gestured, moved her lips, trying to form the words for the girl, but it did no good.

Finally, the mother, in desperation, whispered the opening phrase of the memorized Scripture: “I am the light of the world.”

Immediately the child’s face lit up and a smile appeared as she said with supreme confidence: “My mother is the light of the world!” (James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, p. 381)

Do you know? That little girl wasn’t too far off. Even though Jesus Christ Himself is THE light of the world, mothers in many ways reflect that light. They can be a tremendous influence not only on their own children and grandchildren, but on the world through their children.

The question is how? How can mothers (and grandmothers) impact the world for Jesus Christ? How can they make a significant difference in a world that seems hell-bent for destruction? Timothy’s mother and grandmother show us how. So if you have your Bibles, I invite you to turn with me to 2 Timothy 1, 2 Timothy 1, where we see how these two great ladies influenced their world for Christ.

2 Timothy 1:3-5 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well (ESV).

Paul writes this from a Roman dungeon, and he’s about to be beheaded. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he says, I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. Paul is about to lose his life, but he finds comfort and joy in a young man raised by a godly mother and grandmother. He thanks God constantly for Timothy, and he longs to see him. Timothy gave Paul joy. When everybody else had deserted him (4:16), only Timothy and one or two other close friends remained.

Timothy gave Paul joy, and your children can give people joy, as well. You can raise godly children that other people will appreciate.

A little boy on his fifth birthday, looked at his hand, counted on his fingers, and said, “Mom, first I was one, then I was two, then three, yesterday I was four. Now I’m a whole handful” (Julia Chapman, Tennessee. Today’s Christian Woman, “Small Talk;” www.PreachingToday.com).

Some children, even when they’re grown up, are a handful. Others are a real blessing to be around. Mom’s and dad’s, don’t raise your children to be a “handful.” Instead…

RAISE YOUR CHILDREN TO BLESS OTHERS.

Raise them to give people joy and cause others to praise God.

Frederick Wertham once said, “A child’s mind is like a bank—whatever you put in, you get back in 10 years, with interest.” What are you putting into your child’s mind these days?

Dr. Ben Carson, renowned surgeon at Johns Hopkins and former HUD director, tells a moving story about his mother. Mrs. Carson insisted that Ben and his brother Curtis write a book report every couple of weeks. This wasn't for school—this was for their mom.

Ben and Curtis dutifully obeyed.

About the time he was in junior high, Ben finally realized something quite shocking. His mom couldn't read. For years Ben had read books and scratched out reports, assuming that his mom was checking every word. But she didn't have a clue what he was writing.

Think about it. An illiterate mother raised Ben, who grew up to be a world-famous surgeon, who was featured in many articles, who was the author of several books, and who became a cabinet level secretary under President Trump. His illiterate mom didn't wring her hands over her lack of learning and give up hope of raising intelligent boys. Instead, she gave her boys what she had—interest, accountability, and the courage to demand extra work.

And it paid off.

Years later, someone asked Ben why his mother still lived with him, even after he was married and had a family of his own. “You don't understand,” Ben answered. “If it weren't for that woman, I wouldn't be living here. She earned this” (Kevin Leman, What a Difference a Daddy Makes, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, pp.57-58; www.PreachingToday.com).