The internet can be a helpful tool, can’t it? In seconds, we can find and save recipes, connect with friends across the world, and have all our odd questions answered by Google. Part of the internet we engage with most is social media. Though I enjoy it, one of its downfalls is the temptation to replace in-person relationships with online ones. The Lord calls us to disciple and be discipled by people who know us in real life.
Lately, the Lord has shown me how blessed I am to be surrounded by wonderful women. Both my job and our church have allowed me the opportunity to build relationships with ladies a season or so ahead of me. They’ve discipled me in ways they don’t even know. It’s an honor to watch them continue discipling their children through the middle school, high school, and even college. For today’s Tuesday Truth (and next week’s), I wanted you to hear from these real-life Mentor Moms. I asked them, “What’s one Truth from God’s Word young moms need to hear today?” and here are their responses…
In your home, be an example of submission to God. Allow your children, spouse, and family see your excitement and fulfillment in being obedient to God’s Word and following Christ Jesus.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.’ Ephesians 5:1-2, and ‘So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. “Colossians 2:6-7
In Exodus 33:11, the Lord spoke to Moses “as one speaks to a friend.” Would you rather be called a servant of God or a friend of God? It almost seems like a trick question. Can’t we be both? Moses and Abraham, the two most revered servants of the Lord in the Old Testament, were both called God’s friends.
So, it seems we can be both! But, here is the deal-Jesus told the disciples, “You are my friends, if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15).
Being called “friend” is an upgrade from being a “servant”. This is obvious or Jesus would not have said they are “no longer”called servants. And yet, Jesus stipulated that they were friends if they do what He commands. That is what servants do-obey (John 13:30).
Many mothers want to be their children’s friend. I know, it is hard not to befriend your young children. I mean, aren’t they the best? Aren’t they adorable? Are they not interesting, creative and hilarious? Yes-they are all of these things and more. So, I get it. It is hard not to consider them friends.
Jesus models the proper way to become friends with our children. First, we must follow the Lord as he instructs us to serve our families, and this includes our children. We must show them how to follow Christ. When we discipline them, we must show them in God’s word exactly the place(s) where He records what we should not do. This is a great chance to show evidence for whatever they are being disciplined for. Not only should we use the bible to discipline, we should use it as our guide to show them how to do life. We did not say it, God did. Not our word, but His. This holds us accountable as we lead our children to not only follow God and his Word, but also to be a productive citizen of our society. The sweetest pay off is that not only will they learn to be a servant and a disciple, they will eventually become a friend of God and our friends.
I am entering into this “friend” stage of my parenting, and I can testify that it is worth all the years of the hard servant work!”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
One Truth from God’s word that I know is very important to me, is prayer. The verse above tells us to pray about everything and not to be anxious about anything. As a Mom, that can be so hard sometimes because we naturally feel like we have everything under control, but we have to give it all to the Lord and have HIM lead us. I think of relationships…. And how important they are to us as Moms….. Pray for your relationship with Christ, your relationship with your spouse and your relationship with your children! As a young mom I remember praying specifically for our children by name and listing their name in a journal, I would pray for their salvation (relationship with Christ), that they would all acknowledge they are sinners and give their life to Christ, I would pray that the Lord would guide me and my husband to lead them and teach by example, pray for Christian friends (again relationships) and I would pray that one day Christ would send them a Godly husband. And now as an older Mom, I still pray for them and as they are getting older, I am so glad that they have all accepted Christ and have great friends AND I am still praying that God in his timing will prepare their hearts for a Godly man/husband. There are so many other things to pray for and present to God, but these are just somethings as a Mom, that I know is dear to my heart. But we have to always remember, he tells us to pray about everything, so many times as a Mom, my answer to my kids when they come to me with a problem, my response is pray, give it to God….EVERYTHING!!
Mamas, we need the counsel of these women in our lives. Next time we have a question, whether it be about parenting, marriage, grocery shopping, etc., let’s not use a Facebook post as our go-to, but let’s reach out to these ladies instead. If you don’t have relationships with women a stage ahead of you, I urge you to seek these out. The Lord designed the local church to be multigenerational, and this is one reason why.
Don’t forget, this is just part 1! These ladies were so kind to take time out of their busy schedules to minister to us. I’ve been richly encouraged and challenged as I read their responses. Their words are so important, so I’m dividing this Tuesday Truth up into 2 posts. Come back next week to hear from even more of these wonderful Mentor Moms (in the mean time, reach out to a Mentor Mom in your life and ask this question!).
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