The Mothering Ministry

When I think about the mothering ministry, the duo that comes to mind are Lois and Eunice (2Timothy 1:5). These two were the grandmother and mother of Timothy. 

The genuine faith which Apostle Paul could perceive in Timothy had a source. Even if Timothy was opportuned to get his faith strengthened later, it all started from home. The genuine faith was passed down to him from his mum and grandmum. The challenge then comes to me real hard: 

What exactly are you doing to make sure your children have a sound foundation in Christ? 

What virtues can they see in you?

I believe that Lois and Eunice didn't have to do a very hard job commanding godliness into Timothy's life. He could see it lived out in their lives. It was evident. It wasn't a case of "do what I say" alone. They added "do what I do" too. They were godly examples of mothers. They passed it down to generations after. They were the true seeds of Abraham. God had that huge trust in Abraham to pass down His instructions to his children and generations after. These two did a good job mothering Timothy. 

Maybe I should take a pause here. . . You definitely cannot give what you do not have. Some parents are not even born again. They now expect their children to turn out very well based on what commands they issue to them. What is on the inside of you? What virtues do you exhibit? What fruits do you bear? What seeds do you have in you to sow in the life of your child? 

Some people got the baton of righteousness and godliness from their parents but have thrown it away. Now, there's nothing to hand down to their children. The link is broken. The chain has been severed. Their parents tried their best to see godliness take root in their hearts but they have nothing to offer their own children. They were taught to have family devotions, but in their own home, there's nothing like that. If you are in that category, there is room for repentance. You can start the cycle all over. God can use you as a re-pioneer of the impartation of good things in your generations after you. Let him use you.

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Children are very good at copying. That's what they know to do best in actual fact. Your child notices your nonchalance when it comes to The Kingdom matters. He/she sees how you don't pray at home. He/she sees you as you wipe the dust off your Bible cover on Sunday morning because you don't open it on any other day of the week. He/she sees your reaction towards that neighbour that has come to seek help from you. He/she sees the way you dress. He/she sees your show of lack of faith. He/she sees, . . .and they are inputing these things into their being. 

What are you showing to your children? You will definitely see yourself in your child. If you love what you see, then maybe you are on the right track with him or her. If otherwise, it's time to run back to God to teach you how to train that heritage of God in your custody. 

May God grant us the grace we need to succeed in this sensitive ministry in Jesus' name. 

OMOSEBI, Mary Omolola