As moms, it is so easy to view our role in a negative light. I sometimes even find myself thinking phrases like, “I don’t contribute much” or “I’m just a mom.”
Thinking like this is easy to fall into because of what the world tells us, but it is nonetheless dangerous and unbiblical. This is why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10 that we are to “take our thoughts captive” to obey Christ. The only way to defeat the lies of the world and the evil one is to know the truth of Scripture.
The truth is that God has a high view of those who claim to be “just moms.”
- Motherhood is a Gift
In a culture that treats children as burdens, distractions, and overwhelming disturbances, Scripture’s view of motherhood is overwhelmingly positive. C.S. Lewis is famously quoted as saying,
“Children are not a distraction from the most important work. They are the most important work.”
Along this same line of thinking, Psalm 127:3 describes children as a “heritage” and a “reward.” Meaning, when we think of getting gifts on Christmas morning, children are viewed as the actual gift we are being given from God.
- Motherhood is Discipleship
As moms, it is very easy to view our work as mundane. Every morning, we make breakfast, clean up breakfast, change clothes, change diapers, put on shoes, cook meals, and the list goes on. And tomorrow? We do the exact same thing all over again. It’s easy to feel like our work has no meaning.
Yet, God’s Word says differently. Every diaper you change has meaning. Every tear you wipe has meaning. Every attitude you correct has meaning. Why? Because your children are not mindless cogs in a wheel.
Your children are eternal human beings that will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. The love and care that you give to your children on a daily basis has deep spiritual meaning and significance.
Every interaction with your children, no matter how mundane, is an opportunity for discipleship. Remember Paul’s second letter to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul tells Timothy that he is often reminded of his faith which was first in his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois.
Both of these women probably experienced similar thoughts regarding the mundane, daily grind of motherhood. Yet, look at the legacy their faithfulness led to. The faithful instruction and sacrifice of Lois influenced her daughter, Eunice, in the faith. In turn, Eunice influenced Timothy in the faith who was a great help to the Apostle Paul and a great influence in the early church.
Moms, you have no idea what your faithful, daily discipleship of your children will lead to and you have more influence that you realize.
- Motherhood is Faithful Work
In a culture that asks, “what do you do for work?,” it’s easy for us as moms to say “I don’t work. I’m a stay-at-home mom.”
The Proverbs 31 woman blows that response away. Motherhood is not an escape from work. It is one of the hardest yet most fulfilling work.
In Proverbs 31, we are given a snapshot into what faithfulness looks like in the life of a woman, a wife, and a mom. And what we see is astounding. The very work that she might view as her mundane, daily grind is highly praised in Scripture. Why?
Her work directly relates to the health and vitality of her family. Her work ensures their clothing, their bodily welfare, their warmth in winter, their full bellies, their financial stability, her husband’s reputation, and so much more.
Moms, your work is not meaningless. Your work is directly contributing to the health and welfare of your family. Don’t scoff at that. Don’t be embarrassed by that.
Take pride in who you are as a mom and God’s calling on your motherhood. Because in a culture that says your work is less than, remember that you are not “just a mom.”
You have the highest calling to “train up a child in the way he should go” with a follow up on your knees to pray that “when he is old he will not depart from it.” ~Proverbs 22:6
