Passion can be an overused word these days. It is usually used to describe a deep longing that fuels you to accomplish great things with your given time, treasures and talents. It conjures up images of the super successful person who relentlessly does not give up in achieving supernatural success. It is rarely used in the context of the duties of life. This inequality saddens my heart. My God-given role as a mother requires that God’s passion for my children fuels my heart.
Take some quiet time to ponder these scriptures and thoughts.
The passion for investing in and blessing a child’s life
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.” Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16
Thoughts to think on: Any time love, affection and blessings are invested into a child’s life it is a highly valued task in the kingdom of God. Prayer-Lord help me shower my children with a holy blessings and like the mothers in scripture bring them to you.
A passion for teaching children God’s word
Attention, Israel! GOD, our God! GOD the one and only! Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you; love him with all you’ve got! Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Thoughts to think on: We can’t share what we don’t possess. We cannot help children learn, study, discuss, memorize, or recite the Bible if we aren’t doing it ourselves. We need to ask ourselves,”Where am I missing opportunities to teach my children about God’s word?” Prayer-Lord, help me to share your word with my children. Open my eyes to the depths of your word so that I may share with them.
A passion for teaching children God’s Wisdom
My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:1-6
Thoughts to think on: We first must treasure God’s wisdom above all else. Our heart must cry out to understand, discern and be attentive to His voice. Do our children see us searching for God’s wisdom in the face of circumstances? Prayer- Lord, help me to seek you in every aspect of my life. Teach me that every circumstance is an opportunity for your grace.
A passion for training children in Godly habits
Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Thoughts to think on: The word training means to teach a skill or type of behavior. This takes a lot of time and patience. Charlotte Mason, an educator in the 1800’s wisely stated that habits rule most of our lives. It does a mother well to train honorable behaviors or useful life skills one at a time. Training involves practicing the skill or behavior over a long period of time, with lots of review, lots of love, and lots of encouragement.
Lord, help me be patient, filled with love and grace on the 100th time of instruction and training as the first time.
A passion for relentless prayer for our children
Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this illustration: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You would say to him, `A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ He would call out from his bedroom, `Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and we are all in bed. I can’t help you this time.’ But I tell you this–though he won’t do it as a friend, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you what you want so his reputation won’t be damaged.
“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.
“You fathers (or mothers)–if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” Luke 11:5-13
Thoughts to think on: If we are not praying for our children, who on this planet will? The spiritual battle for our children is very real. Keep praying! Lord, please help me to bring each of my children before you in prayer every day. Please open the eyes of their heart to the wonders of you.
Mothers, you are profoundly valued by God, not for what you do but for who you are, daughters of the King who have been given an amazing calling.
Know that the myriad of countless loving tasks and kindness that no one sees is cherished by God.
Let us passionately embrace the role God has placed us in as mothers.
From Our House to Yours,
Beth
