THE INFLUENCE OF A GODLY MOTHER

"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." - 2 Timothy 1:5

This Sunday, Americans will be observing Mother's Day.  It is a special day when we honor mothers.  Historically, the modern observance of Mother's Day began in Grafton, West Virginia in 1908. A few years later, our nation began to observe this day as a holiday.

Most of us are very sentimental about our mothers --- and for good reason.  A mother has the opportunity to greatly impact the lives of her children.  Those of us who were blessed with a Christian mother have much to be grateful for.  Our mothers have been used of God to shape our lives.

Never underestimate the influence of a godly mother.  When the Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, he reminded him of the godly heritage of his grandmother and mother:  "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."  Notice that the strong faith that Timothy had, "dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice."  In other words, his grandmother and mother were Christians before Timothy became a believer.

The Apostle Paul recognized the influence that these two ladies had in the life of Timothy.  It is apparent that his grandfather and father did not share in this faith.  In spite of this, the faith of his grandmother and mother had impacted Timothy's life.  Now this young man was serving the Lord, preaching the Gospel. 

As we consider Timothy's Christian heritage, I want to share just a few thoughts with you.

1.  MINISTRY BEGINS AT HOME

There are great preachers and ministries in our country.  They are used of God to reach millions of souls.  But I believe that real ministry begins at home.  Christian fathers and mothers can do more to reach their children than all the preachers in our land.  While I believe in Christian education at church, it is wrong to leave all the Christian instruction to your local church.  As a parent, it is YOUR job to teach your children about Jesus and the Bible.  It is YOUR job to demonstrate and declare the Gospel to them.  It is YOUR job to model Christian living in your home.  The influence this will leave on your children is incalculable.

2.  THE TIME TO BEGIN IS NOW

Many Christian parents acknowledge the need for ministry in their home, but they fail to change.  The time to begin is right now.  Even if you have already wasted precious years, begin investing in your children right now.  Perhaps your children are grown and have moved away, still begin right now.  When they visit, make sure they are struck with the reality that their parents' home is a Christian home.

3.  DON'T OVERLOOK THE SMALL THINGS

Most people look for big ministry opportunities.  They tend to overlook or neglect the small things of life.  God often uses these small things to accomplish great things in the lives of people.  Be faithful in the small things.  Ultimately, you'll be glad you did.

4.  BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO CHURCH

It is one thing to take your children to church ... and drop them off.  It is a much better thing to bring your children to church with you.  They need to see that public worship & fellowship are significant to you.  They need to see that baptism and communion are important to you.  They need to realize that the church is more than just a building to you.  Go to church every time the doors are open and bring your children with you.  Furthermore, stay in church.  Don't let petty differences, outside distractions, or difficult circumstances keep you out of church.  Once you start missing church, it becomes easier and easier to miss.  Your actions speak louder than words.  Be a faithful, active member of your church.

5.  TEACH THE BIBLE TO YOUR CHILDREN

The first way to teach your children about the Bible is to show them the Bible is important to you.  They should catch you reading the Bible alone at times.  Furthermore, read the Bible with them & give them the freedom to ask questions from the Bible. 

6.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO PRAY

Teach your children to pray.  Teach them by example.  They should identify you as a person of prayer.  Pray over each meal.  Pray privately yourself.  Pray with your children.  Pray with them when they have problems.  When your children get older, they will cherish the memory of a praying home.

7.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO TRUST GOD

Children are quick to sense a parent's fear or frustration.  They need to see faith in action.  It is a powerful thing for them to behold their parents trusting God when times get tough.  It is one thing to sing, "Living By Faith," it is another thing to actually live by faith when times are hard. 

8.  BE FAITHFUL EVEN IF YOUR SPOUSE IS NOT

Perhaps your spouse is not a Christian, or perhaps your spouse is spiritually weak.  Don't let that hinder your faith.  Be faithful to the Lord whether your spouse is or not.  Perhaps your Christian influence will not only impact your children, but your spouse also.

9.  BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR OWN HERITAGE

If your parents were godly Christian parents, be grateful.  If they are still living, honor them.  Love them.  Show them that you love & appreciate them.  If they are no longer living, remember their Christian influence and example.  Share stories of their faith with your own family.  Honor them by continuing the Christian example they set for you.

The devil is working hard to destroy families, including Christian families.  Keeping your marriage and home strong in the faith is critical as the enemy attacks.  It is not easy to be faithful in these faithless times.  Your family is facing ungodly attacks through school, work, entertainment, social media and society as a whole.  While you may try to limit the influence of the ungodly culture, you can't keep it completely away from your family.  Instead, remain faithful to the Lord and trust Him to use you to impact each member of your family.

Who knows --- it could be that one of your children may be just like young Timothy & impact millions of lives himself.   Perhaps your children will influence their children for Jesus.  Maybe generations to come will be impacted because of your godly influence.  I'm sure the Christian influence of William & Morrow was great in the life of their eldest son.  They probably had no clue that God will raise him up to be a great man of God.  We know their eldest son as one of the great Christians of our generation ... Billy Graham.

Never underestimate the influence of a godly parent.