The Mission of Motherhood

Okay readers, I know I mentioned this book a few months ago, but, at the time I hadn't read a single page. Now, a few months later, and half way through it, I must say that this is one of the best mothering books I have ever read (and I have read quite a few). Not only is it full of biblically based principles, but it's also very practical to every day mothering.

I am so thankful that the Lord brought this "tool" into my life. God has been teaching me so much. But not only has He been faithful to teach me, He has also been convicting me of my sin! I thought I was a pretty good mother until reading this book:-)

I highly recommend!!!

Below are the key notes from this weeks chapter. I want to give you a little dose of the goodness!

Chapter Five: "The Discipling Mother" Reaching Children's Hearts For Christ

"I don't just want my kids to be moral. I don't just want them to know all of the biblical rules for behavior. I don't just want them to make it through my home with good grades, no drug addiction, and no premarital sex."

"I want them to leave my home with a hunger and passion to know God personally and to be used by Him to accomplish great things for His kingdom. I want them to personally hear God's voice and have His Spirit's gentle touch and impression on their hearts as they read the Scriptures and struggle with the issues of their lives."

"Christians are like people who are trying to straighten the picture on the wall while the house is burning down!" (This is in reference to mothers who worry too much about the perishable, instead of their children's hearts.)

"Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercised lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for I delight in these things, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24

We try to control external factors, but do they measure true success? (Intellect, Power, Status, Riches)

"The reality is that no matter how we try to control these external factors, each of us will fall short. No matter how we try to control life, we cannot make it behave. And pursuing only these worldly goals has a diminishing effect on us as mothers as well as on our children. Comparing ourselves to others and all they have will almost inevitably cause us to focus on the shortcomings of our families instead of progressing in truly important areas."

"Any parent in any station of life has the ability to reach his or her child's heart for Christ and His purposes."

"The Lord cares most about the state of the heart: (the mental/emotional core of a person)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27

"It simply makes sense that our primary job as parents is to focus on developing their hearts--their passions, loyalties, convictions, and commitments."

"...so they will be equipped to reach the world and their families and friends with the message of Christ after I'm gone...."

Several simple aspect of Jesus' life with His disciples give us a simple plan for our homes. What will make them 'deep' and spiritually alive?

1. Being "with" our children. Jesus did not sign the disciples up for programs and activities! He gave them His whole life. A relationship with Christ is best taught through a long-term personal relationship with someone who knows the Master...

"I know the real work of digging deep wells in my children's hearts with Scripture, a biblical worldview, issues of prayer and faith, and Christian convictions is a job for which God will hold Clay and I responsible..."

2) Intentional Instruction. Jesus covered every possible subject with His disciples. Our attitude and example are crucial!

3) Training Our Children -- the practical applications of learned truth to actual life...

Confront sin and selfishness. James 4:1

Discipline!
"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11

"A gentle answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1

Training in relationships, work habits, integrity, leadership, manners, thinking skills, proper self-image, service...BELIEVE that children will learn the way of excellence in every area of life.

4. Guarding Ou Children's Influences - Children tend to take in all information as truth.

"He who walks with the wise will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20

"Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33

"We must see that the people who are models for our children--their parents, teachers, friends, peers, even heroes in history--are those who undergird what we are teaching instead of undermining it."

"They need time to grow their roots in love, innocence, kindness, truth, morality, and trust."

Authority figures, peers, heart attachments....
"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the sprigs of life." Proverbs 4:23

Rish of pharisaical attitudes...However..."Protecting them from harmful influences has not produced in them a superior attitude toward others or a lack of social skills. Instead, our children have compassion for kids their age who have had lots of trouble in their lives."

A pure conscience and a mind with no scars or regrets is a great treasure to take into young adulthood.

Not only guarding negative influences, but exposing children to positive influences.

"I have noticed that all of us would love to have a formula for producing godly kids. "Just tell me exactly which rules to follow and I will do it to the letter!" is the desire of our hearts. And yet parenting, just like every other area of the Christian life, is to be done in faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, I find myself constantly coming to the Lord and seeking His counsel about many issues in my children's lives. I must follow what I think are the biblical principles, apply them to my life, and step out in faith, which means I must study the Word regularly!"