Priority Of MotherhoodToday we honor our mothers and motherhood. I am aware that some have said their final "good-bye" to their mother. We would all do good if we would stop and reflect on how our mothers have influenced our lives. It is healthy for us to take time to honor those to whom honor is due.
Certainly our mothers have gone beyond the call of duty in fulfilling their role as mother. We admire and respect the mother who has had to do more than her duty in order to train her children. Many mothers have had to cover for a negligent father. Too many have had to take a lot of abuse and we need to recognize their efforts. Moms, I admire you and respect you and your job. Often, I pray for you. I feel for you and the weight of your responsibility.
In our time together today, I want to talk about training our children. I am aware that fathers have a responsibility in this task as well. I hope you mothers don't feel that I am picking on you. I have heard some Mother's day messages that were more discouraging than uplifting for mothers. Really, I am talking to both moms and dads.
Proverbs 22:6 (TLB) "Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it."
1. THE PRIORITY IS THE CHILD
This should obvious, the priority of motherhood is the child. Our motivation must be the best interest of the child. There may not be immediate gratification, but character development. We don't train them for our convenience. Discipline should not be because we are inconveniences or embarrassed. All must be done with the goal of developing the child. The young tree is easily bent, the old tree will not bend!! Character development must start early! Regularly, I have parents tell me that the can't handle their teenage child.
THE TIME TO START IS YESTERDAY!! Start early with the welfare of the child uppermost.
2. THE PROJECT IS TO TRAIN
Dictionary: 1) To guide the growth. 2) Exercise in order to bring a desired result. 3) To guide or control the mental, moral development. 4) To administer or undergo training.
Someone said:
"To put something into the mouth, to give to be tasted, to create
a desire for, or a taste for."
We are to develop the mental capacity of the child. This involves teaching and imparting facts. It involves mental exercises to bring the desired result. We are to train the whole child! Mental - Physical - Spiritual
Moral training
We must teach and train so that the actions are right and moral. We need
to train in holy things. OUR actions must be right! Parents must train their
youngster to act properly.
Attitudes:
If we can instill the proper attitude, the rest of the job is easier. Our
children need the right moral base so that his attitudes and actions are
right.
Divine gifting: God has gifted each of us! We do our child a tremendous injustice if we neglect to allow for their gift to develop! We can't force everyone into the same mold! We must be sensitive to each child and guide them to develop their individual gift. This is part of "the way we should go." That does not mean the child should do only what they want!
3. THE PROCEDURE FOR TRAINING
Discipline is not just punishment. It is more that keeping them from getting
on our nerves!! We discipline in order to bring our their best character.
Do you feel guilty when you discipline your child? You need to examine your
feelings.
Remember God has given clear instruction for child training and discipline. The Bible is clear that discipline is a necessary part of growth and development.
God disciplines: Hebrews 12:5-8 (NIV) "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, {6} because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." {7} Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? {8} If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
Listen to this!! DISCIPLINE IS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND WE NEED NEVER FEEL GUILTY WHEN WE LOVE!!!
If you don't abuse, don't feel guilty.
INSTRUCTION: The child (student) needs to learn details. Scripture says: "Line upon Line" "Precept upon Precept" Truth needs to be given bit-by-bit. At first the child needs to be feed often and in small quantities. As we grow we are able to handle bigger portions.
EXAMPLE: Examples go with instruction. LIVE WHAT WE TEACH. The parent must live by his own teachings. This is the method that Jesus used. Jesus called the disciple to hear His words and watch His example. John 8:2 "...He sat down and taught them." Mark 10:1 "...He once more began to teach them." His teaching was informal and by example.
It was SHOW AND TELL. Training is more that taking your children to church and youth meetings. We must be living what we teach at home behind closed doors.
A REMINDER: You can't blame the church of the Pastor for the way your children turn out! There are only two kids who can blame this Pastor - his own children!
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
4. THE PROMISE OF TRAINING
"..When He (she) is old he (she) will not depart from it" God's
word is true!! God's word will not return Void (useless) Joel 2:28 (NIV)
"'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons
and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young
men will see visions."
Our youth will have a ministry! Mothers and fathers will be blessed as
they observe the ministry of their well trained children. Timothy is a New
Testament example:
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV) "But as for you, continue in what you have
learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you
learned it, {15} and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
God help our mothers to be like the mother of Timothy.
Ask God to help you be the Mother you want to be!!