A mother is a lot of things but one thing she definitely is . . . and that’s influence! Remember the phrase, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”? And do you remember your own mother and not only all she did for you but her influence in your life? There is no greater influence than a mother’s. Read carefully these two scriptures regarding two different kings of Judah:
(2 Ki 21:1-2) Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. 2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
(2 Ki 22:1-2) Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Did you notice something about these verses? It mentions the mother of the king before it mentioned whether the king was good or evil. Isn’t that incredible? Just to feel the weight and gravity of the influence you have over your children for good or for ill. Wow!
And what does a mother do when she feels this immeasurable responsibility to raise children to do right in the sight of the Lord? She’s going to go to the Lord because as God influences her she can influence her children. We give out what God puts in our hearts. And what is the greatest thing we can give to our kids? That one thing that you can’t put a dollar amount on because it can’t be bought or sold? It’s the love of Jesus that is poured out in our hearts so we can pour it into the hearts of our children:
(Rom 5:5) . . . the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(Psa 23:5) . . . My cup runs over.
A godly woman will raise godly children. Why? It’s all about influence. May the Lord bless you mothers as you seek the Lord in bringing that influence of righteousness into your child’s life.
Louie