The Joy of Mothers

This weekend our nation celebrates a holiday that is officially just over one hundred years old: Mother’s Day. Church attendance will see a slight bump, and restaurants will be packed as families gather to honor “the hand that rocks the cradle.” Since the beginning of time, mothers have had an important place in the home and in society by God’s design. Paul writes that the command to honor father and mother is “the first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:1-4).

When God gave the Ten Commandments, this command was preceded by four that were focused solely on man’s response to God, yet this was the first one with a promise attached to it. The promise was “that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). The implication here is that your mother, with the experience and wisdom of the life she has lived, has your best interests at heart. Even in our adult years, giving the respect that is due to our mothers, and listening to their wisdom and advice can add length and fullness to life.

While flowers and a nice meal at a restaurant are certainly good things to give to your mother, the greatest joy that you can ever give her is a life that is lived based on wisdom and truth.

“Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice.” (Proverbs 23:22-25)