A most appropriate national celebration and holiday held every year on the second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day. Established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, it recognizes the completion of God’s design for the home. God created man and then woman (Gen. 1:26–2). She was created to help the man, who certainly needed help! The woman complements the man in every way and makes God’s design for the home complete.
It has been observed that the world is not the same without mothers. It is through them that children are brought into the world. The woman was designed by the Creator to be the nurturer, and in most cases she is. It is mom who adds compassion to the family, and she is usually the one consulted first in times of crisis, pain, or sorrow. While some have tried to destroy God’s design for mothers and the home, nature itself continues to show that women are called to be mothers in the sense of being the primary caregivers to the children in the family. It is mom who is the day-to-day enforcer of the rules of the home. No work is greater and no work more demanding than being a mother as God designed. So important is her responsibility in the home that God said her salvation is connected with childbearing and caring for them (I Tim. 2:15).
The woman was first to sin in the Garden of Eden long ago (Gen. 3), but in being faithful as a mother she is redeemed. She has a great responsibility in training her children in faith, love, holiness, and self-control by the spoken word and by her example (I Tim. 2:15).
Many attribute their success in life to their mothers. Gospel preachers will often speak of the encouragement received from a godly mother. Remember Hannah: she prayed fervently for a son, Samuel, whom she would in turn give to the service of God (I Sam. 1). Great statesmen have told of the influence of their mothers. Have you not seen exceptional athletes who, when interviewed, most often say hello to mom?
It was through the seed of the woman that God brought His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world (Luke 3), and entrusted His care to a wonderful mother, Mary. The devotion of a mother is seen in Mary as she went all the way to the cross with her Son Jesus. No doubt confused at that moment, hearing the evil things said about Him and witnessing His cruel suffering, she stood at the foot of that Roman cross in support of the Son given to her care by the Father of heaven and earth. Of what value is a virtuous woman? Priceless (Prov. 31).
We need more virtuous, Christian mothers—keepers of the home and family—doing the work of the Lord. It is not easy work, but nothing of such value comes easily. The church and the world are better when godly moms are in their place of service, doing that which God designed and desires them to do. Thank you, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!
David Hill
President
Tennessee Bible College
To hear more on this theme, listen to this week’s One Gospel Minute with David Hill, reflecting on the role and influence of mothers. One minute. One message. One Gospel.