Introduction:

This morning we are taking a break from our sermon series on Genesis in recognition of Mother's Day. Mother's Day is not a Christian holiday; it officially began in the U.S. in 1910 in West Virginia and was later recognized nationally in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson. Still, Christian motherhood is one of God's great gifts and is worthy of celebration. While most people pay lip service to the importance of motherhood, there are pressures put upon many mothers that might cause us to question if our society values mothers as much as it claims. 

Our society often sends confusing and contradictory messages to mothers. For example, mothers who choose to leave the workforce and stay home with their children may feel they need to contribute more. Many have testified to feeling guilty about not using their skills and abilities to contribute to the family finances. Meanwhile, mothers who hold a job while raising kids often feel guilty about not being able to spend more time with their little ones. Many report that they do not think they have the time, energy, or patience they need to be a good mom. 

One issue that gets me hot under the collar is how single mothers in our society are often villainized when they should be lauded as heroes who are selflessly doing a two-person job purely out of love for their children. I'll never forget talking to a young woman who came to my former church for assistance with groceries. When I learned that she was a single mother, I told her what I tell all single mothers, that I appreciate her for the hard work that goes into raising a child on her own and that her efforts here and now will be a crown in reward in heaven one day. She cried for at least ten minutes. Her son was probably around ten years old, and she told me that not one person in her life ever acknowledged her hard work or thanked her for doing her best in raising her child. I find that shameful. 

Even in the best circumstances, mothers often report feeling exhausted and frustrated. It feels like their responsibilities are never-ending, and motherhood does not come with sick days or vacation time. There is never a point where the work is finished; there is always more to do. It can all be overwhelming, and far too many mothers say they are simply trying to make it through one day after another. 

Combine all of these internal and external pressures with the well-intended (but rarely helpful) criticisms and critiques mothers receive from friends, family, and sometimes even strangers about their parenting style or their kid's behavior, and we have a perfect recipe for stress, burnout, and self-doubt. However, in spite of anyone or anything that might say otherwise, I want to reaffirm what God's Word tells us. Motherhood matters. 

Scripture Reading:

Proverbs 31:28-31 ESV: Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Opening Prayer:

Father God, we thank you for mothers. Without mothers, none of us would be here today. We thank you for the women who gave birth to us, the women who raised us, and the women who continue to love us and pray for us daily. Help us celebrate the mothers with us and remember those who have gone before us to be with You in paradise. I pray that you would encourage those among us who are still working to raise children in faith, and I pray that you comfort any here today who might have mixed feelings towards their mother. I pray that any bridges between mothers and children that are broken today will find healing in the days to come. I pray for any here who were not given the opportunity or ability to bear children of their own. Help them not to feel any lesser on a day like today, but instead, help them to see that they, too, have played a part in the nurturing and spiritual development of many. Lastly, I pray that you would help us as a church to rally around the mothers in our lives, to encourage and support them, not just today but every day. We ask these things in your son's holy and precious name. Amen. 

Introduction:

This morning's central passage is taken from the end of the book of Proverbs. One thing I always find interesting when I study Proverbs is how frequently wisdom is personified as a woman. The book of Proverbs begins with King Solomon seeking to impart wisdom to his son. He describes wisdom as a beautiful and wise woman to be desired and foolishness as an adultress who tries to lure you away from your true love. Likewise, the book of Proverbs ends with a chapter written by King Lemuel but taken from his mother's wisdom. The wise mother of Lemuel gives her son many wise teachings about how to live well, but most of the chapter is devoted to describing the virtuous and wise woman that Lemuel should marry. In summary, if men want to be wise, according to the book of Proverbs, they ought to fear the Lord and marry a wise woman. 

Mothers are Worthy of Praise

Much could be said about the Proverbs 31 woman. We are told in Proverbs 31:10 that a godly woman is more valuable than precious jewels. We are told that she works hard and loves deeply. She makes wise decisions and protects her family while demonstrating what it means to be compassionate, kind, and hopeful. Her virtue is reflected in both her character and actions. What's even more remarkable is that she's motivated by her faith, living in constant awareness of and serving the Lord even in everyday tasks. As Christians, our ultimate goal should be to please the God who saved us in everything we do. Regardless of your gender, age, marital status, or any other factor, there are specific qualities of the virtuous woman that we should strive to emulate. Each of these truths could be a sermon unto itself, but seeing as it is Mother's Day, I want to focus specifically on the last few verses of Proverbs 31, beginning with verses 28 and 29:

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also and praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." 

Proverbs 31:28-29, ESV

Motherhood is not just a demanding job but also often thankless. I have not yet met a mother who expects her children to pay her back for all the sacrifices she made for them, but I have known many who want their efforts to be acknowledged occasionally. It is a sad reality that we often only pay attention to mothers when their children are acting up, in which case we tend to look down upon the mother. We assume the children only act up because their mother isn't disciplining or raising them right. 

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from a Children's minister who told me, "Always assume that parents are doing their best." More often than not, what mothers need is not advice but encouragement. She doesn't need a disapproving glance but rather an affirming smile that lets her know that her presence is appreciated and welcomed. More than anything, mothers need to hear appreciation from their children. You can assume your mother knows you love her, but why not tell her so? Why not try to do things for her to show your appreciation and your gratitude? I love that Mother's Day exists, but let's try to show our appreciation more than once a year. 

Children, however, can only learn to show appreciation if taught by example. Husbands, this is where we come in. How husbands appreciate and honor their spouses is a model for how our children learn to honor and respect their mothers. It actually goes further than that. Sons will learn how to treat women by looking to the way their father treated their mother, just as daughters will learn how they deserve to be treated by looking to their father. I know I am far from a perfect husband and father, but I want my wife to see that she is more valuable to me than all treasures of the earth. I also want to raise the bar of expectation so high for my daughter that only the best men stand a chance of winning her heart. 

Notice the husband's words to his wife, "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Husbands, let your wife know that, as far as you are concerned, you married the most extraordinary woman God has ever placed on this green earth. Tell her often, and tell her in front of your children so they know that their father loves and cherishes their mother, and they should too. 

The Gift of A Godly Mother

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30, ESV

It's clear from this verse that a mother's relationship with God is her most essential attribute. Our society often bombards us with messages that say a woman's beauty can only be measured physically. The beauty industry is a one-hundred-billion-dollar industry that works hard to sell (mostly women) the idea that beauty can be bought and youth can be preserved forever at the right price. 

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with physical beauty. The author of Proverbs wrote: 

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Proverbs 15:18, ESV

At the same time, youth will always fade, no matter how hard we fight against it. In contrast, we can always grow in love and godliness. Charm and beauty may be fleeting qualities, but they can't hold a candle to the true value of a woman who lives her life according to the Lord's teachings. A woman who does so is genuinely deserving of our respect and admiration.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his partner in ministry, he reminded acknowledged that Timothy's faith was taught to him by his grandmother and his mother:

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

2 Timothy 1:5, ESV

A mother who lives out her Christian faith is an invaluable role model for her children. Paul references Lois, a faithful woman who imparted her beliefs to her daughter and grandson, instilling in them a deep trust in God. Lois and her daughter Eunice were both devoted followers of Jesus, and their teachings and example inspired Timothy to become a prominent leader in the early Christian church. This shows us that the impact of a godly mother not only provides a solid base for her children's faith to build upon, but her impact can ripple outward, leaving a lasting impact for many generations.

Many of the most influential figures in Christian history attribute their early success to the devout prayers of their mothers. These women played a pivotal role in nurturing their children's spirituality, leading to a profound spiritual awakening and a lifelong commitment to their faith, highlighting the crucial role that mothers play in shaping the spiritual lives of their children.

Augustine of Hippo, a bishop, theologian, and philosopher who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries AD, is arguably the most significant theologian to have walked the earth since the Apostle Paul. His writings on Christian doctrine have stood the test of time and continue to be studied by Christians all these centuries later. It is almost impossible to overstate Augustine's impact on the Christian faith, and anyone who studies church history will inevitably encounter his name repeatedly. Lesser known is the fact that Augustine might never have become a Christian if not for his mother, Monica, who prayed for his salvation for years before eventually sailing from North Africa to Italy to beg her son to attend church. He honored her wishes and was saved when he heard the gospel under the preaching of Ambrose of Milan. Without Monnica, we would never have had Augustine. 

You may be familiar with John and Charles Wesley, two remarkable figures who left an indelible mark on the Christian faith. John led countless thousands to Christ, and his legacy endures through the Methodist Church, which was founded upon his ministry. Meanwhile, Charles composed over 6,000 hymns, many of which are found in the hymnals in the pews in front of you. A name you may need to become more familiar with is Susanna Wesley, their mother. While her husband was often away from home for long periods, Susanna dedicated herself to the spiritual and educational development of her 19 children. I can not imagine how hectic her life must have been, but somehow she made time for each of her children to have special time with her for conversation and prayer. To further their education, she wrote commentaries on essential teachings such as the Apostles Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. Susanna's unwavering dedication to her children is a powerful reminder of a mother's influence in shaping a child's beliefs and values. Despite facing difficult circumstances, she remained strong and resilient, managing her home with grace and tenacity. Her inspiring story is a testament to the power of a mother's love and devotion. Little did Susanna know that her efforts would inadvertently lead to the salvation of thousands. 

As Southern Baptists, you are familiar with Lottie Moon. She was one of the first Southern Baptist missionaries to China. She devoted her life to missionary work, and today, around Christmas time, SBC churches collect an offering in her name to fund missionaries worldwide through the International Mission Board. The IMB is, without a doubt, the largest and most effective missions organization on earth, and countless millions have heard the gospel for the first time because of the missionaries trained and sent through the IMB. You likely didn't know that Lottie Moon's mother, Anna Moon, raised Lottie and three other children by herself while managing the family plantation after her husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Even though most would not have seen a woman's education as a priority in this day and age, Anna Moon believed Lottie should have the best Christian education possible. She worked to send Lottie to the Baptist-affiliated Virginia Female Institute, where she became the first woman in the South to earn a Master's Degree. She also attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she experienced a spiritual awakening during a revival led by the renowned John Broadus, which led her to feel God's calling to foreign missions in China. 

I have many other accounts that I cannot include for the sake of time, but the point I am making in these stories is that you can never underestimate the power of a Christian mother's influence. While I am no hero of the faith, I count myself truly blessed to have been raised by a mother who loved the Lord. To this day, I have yet to meet another person who loved God's Word more than my mother. I can remember many times looking for my mother and finding her on the back porch, in the living room, or in her bedroom with her Bible open, a notebook in hand, and a pen in her fingers that she used to fill notebook after notebook with thoughts, questions, prayers, and insights she gleaned from the scriptures. When she found something in scripture that inspired her, she would love to tell me about it, and her excitement was contagious. She was a great prayer warrior and an undeniably gifted bible teacher, but most of all, she loved the lord in a way that could not be questioned. Looking back, the most important thing my mother ever gave me was the unwavering faith I saw in her daily. I know many people of faith experience periods of doubt, but I never did. I think one of the reasons why was that when my mother talked about God, she was undeniably talking about someone she knew in an intimate and personal way. When my mother prayed, you could tell she believed with absolute certainty that someone was listening. God was as real to her as the ground beneath our feet, and seeing her faith helped to set a foundation of faith upon which I am still standing today. Motherhood matters. 

Motherhood Through Heavenly Eyes 

Now I understand that not all mothers are ideal mothers. Unfortunately, in our imperfect world, some mothers may be absent, neglectful, or even opposed to faith. If this applies to you, I want to offer a word of encouragement. The fact that you are here with us today shows me that you are a chain breaker. Even if you didn't have a solid foundation, you have found your way to God and can now be a positive example for others. The Apostle Paul once wrote to another ministry partner, offering encouragement to the women of the church in a similar situation:

Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be reviled.

Titus 2:3-5, ESV

I sincerely hope that every woman in this church had a Godly woman's guidance in her life, even if that woman was not her earthly mother. I also hope every woman in this church will realize she can inspire and support younger women striving for godliness. Women can play a motherly role in the spiritual lives of others, even if they have not raised children of their own. Just imagine how much healing could occur in our society if those without godly mothers could find spiritual mothers within the church to fill that void in their hearts. The local church is a family of faith, and we should embrace our calling to love, encourage, and guide one another as we journey through life together.  

Our passage this morning, as well as the book of Proverbs itself, concludes with the following verse: 

"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:31, ESV.

A good society acknowledges, appreciates, and celebrates godly mothers. Such women deserve to be celebrated publicly for their unwavering love and selfless dedication toward their families and community. The author of this proverb tells us to "give her of the fruit of her hands." This statement is a poetic way of saying we should show her the results of her loving sacrifices. 

Fruit trees do not grow overnight, and when they are young saplings, they often require a lot of care and protection. As they grow older and stronger, they may need pruning, but they eventually learn to stand on their own. Ultimately, they produce fruit of their own, and when they do, the one who planted it can look with pride upon the fruit of her hands and see that it was all worth it in the end. 

Sadly, some mothers only get to see the fruit of their hands from heaven. One of our most bitter truths is that mothers are not with us forever. None of us know how long we have had our mothers, and sometimes we need days like this to remind us to thank the women who gave us so much. Mothers do not do what they do for applause, and no amount of words will ever do justice to the love they shared and continue to give. Still, while they are with us, let's never miss an opportunity to tell them how much we love them and how grateful we are that God chose them to be our mothers. 

Closing Prayer:

Father God, as we conclude this sermon on Mother's Day, we are reminded of mothers' special role in our lives. We humbly ask for your continued blessings upon all mothers, granting them the strength, wisdom, and patience they need to carry out their essential work. May they find happiness in the little moments and know that their efforts are not in vain. Furthermore, we pray for those struggling on this Mother's Day. Whether they have lost a mother, are facing difficulties in becoming a mother, or are struggling with other challenges, we ask that you comfort them and bring them peace.

We thank you for the love and care mothers provide and their daily sacrifices to ensure their families are cared for and nurtured. In many ways, a mother's love is one of the strongest earthly reflections we have of the sacrificial love you showed for us. If anyone here needs to learn more about the salvation you made possible through Jesus Christ, I pray that they would reach out to me during this time of decision or after the service so we can begin a conversation of faith. 

Finally, we ask that you help us honor our mothers on this special day and every day. May we show them love and appreciation and seek to emulate their selflessness and devotion. We pray all of these things in your holy name. Amen