"...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things - that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5 (NKJV)
...to love their children...these four simple words have twirled in my everyday thoughts this past year.
Children are the fruit of the womb, a gift from the Lord, and a blessing of His covenant with His people. They are to be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Sons are described as arrows and daughters as lovely pillars. They are like olive shoots around the table. Happy is the man whose quiver is full of them. On and on the scriptures speak of the blessedness of covenant children. Here women are reminded not only to love them but to carry themselves in a productive, good, discreet, and chaste way that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
The Word of God directs us as Christian women. It should be read, memorized, and cherished in your home. Prayer is the means of grace that we women use to communicate to the one who fashioned us and made us. The one who opened each womb and brought forth His children for His glory. We are not left to our own wisdom and strength when it comes to raising a godly seed. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He knows our frame and remembers we are dust. It is through His tender patience and all knowing wisdom that Christian women are guided each day in the tasks laid before Him.
When there is a feverish brow, a limited pantry, a worry about your future financial state, a move to a new region, a suffering condition, a painful loss, a misunderstanding friend, a spread of falsehoods, or any other disruption to your attempt to press on you go to the throne of grace. Always take the time to pray to the one who knows your thoughts before you even speak.
Godly love for your children includes a foundation in your home that uses the ordinary means of grace. This is prayer, the sacraments, and the Word of God. Catechize your children and read with and to them the scriptures. Teach them the sweet truths of who God is and what He has done for His people. Speak of His eternal mercies and His providential care.
Be a women who confesses and seeks forgiveness. Be one who loves her husband first and who seeks the support of her elders if there is a need. Be a women who honors the Lord's day and delights in it. Foster a delight that is a pattern for your children. Order your week in a way that looks forward to the day of worship.
Be one who seeks to show hospitality and involve your children. Let them know the benefit of serving others and the unity among believers in the church. Look for the simple ways they can show care whether it is a simple task, a picture, a note, or a small token for those in need of comfort and care. Teach them to address others properly and show respect among the body of believers. Teach them to serve without grumbling and prepare them to use their gifts for God's glory.
Be one who brings order and care to each child. Discipline and nurture them. Teach each one and model a heart of obedience to the Lord. Patiently order your thoughts and concerns and speak accordingly. Show grace and seek their forgiveness when you need to confess to them your neglect, your impatience, or your inconsistency.
Love your children with the love of God for He first loved us. We are His children and we all will one day see Christ face to face. We who belong to Him have this eternal hope in glory. Till then the task before us of raising children is a temporary blessed one that brings Him glory. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ as you serve the ones given to you in your home each day. Pray that their hearts would be changed, that their eyes would be fixed on Christ, that they would be not only hearers of the Word but doers, that they would be humble stewards and use their gifts for His glory, that they would love the church and those who are a part of it, that they would understand the Lord's sanctifying work in their life, that they be patient and long suffering, and that they would honor their parents that it may go well with them.
To love our children is to love them in the Lord. Press on each day, quiet your hearts before Him, confess your sins, know His grace, and pray for a gentle and quiet spirit that you may be blessed in your calling as a mother. Our hope is in the Lord. Our great Shepherd of the sheep blesses us and equips us to do that which is good. He is our helper and guide and redeemer. He knows our every need. Find that sweet strength in Him and call on Him each day for His love, mercy, and grace as you love each child in your care. May the Lord bless each of you sweet mothers as you raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
