If you were to stand my Bible on its spine and let the pages fall open, chances are you'd find yourself in Matthew 28. The page has been highlighted, dog-eared, and written around so many times, it's difficult to read the actual text amid all the pencil markings stating my childhood dream of being a missionary.
Then I met the love of my life, married, and soon found myself a mother of two children. Sometimes I still think about what it would be like to be a missionary. Then I re-read Matthew 28:18-20 and realize I already am one.
Then I met the love of my life, married, and soon found myself a mother of two children. Sometimes I still think about what it would be like to be a missionary. Then I re-read Matthew 28:18-20 and realize I already am one.
Occasionally mothering can seem like an isolated job, unrelated to anything beyond changing diapers, breaking up squabbles, endless laundry, and making dinner. In reality, there is no greater way for a mother to impact the world than through investing time into the lives of her own children.
Titus 2: 3-5 and Matthew 28:18-20 are not opposed to each other. However difficult it may be to lead a Bible study with a toddler hanging on your skirt, our primary disciples are not obstacles to Kingdom work. Rather, it is by God's grace and with his blessing that the faithful instruction of our children will result in a generational legacy of profound impact on the rest of the world.
John Abbott says, "When our land is filled with pious and patriotic mothers, then will it be filled with pious and patriotic man. The world's redeeming influence, under the blessing of the Holy Spirit, must come from a mother's lips. She who was first in the transgression, must be the principal earthly instrument in the restoration.
O mothers! Reflect upon the power your Maker has placed within your hands! There is no earthly influence to be compared with yours. There is no combination of causes so powerful in promoting the happiness or misery of our race, as the instructions of home."
Titus 2: 3-5 and Matthew 28:18-20 are not opposed to each other. However difficult it may be to lead a Bible study with a toddler hanging on your skirt, our primary disciples are not obstacles to Kingdom work. Rather, it is by God's grace and with his blessing that the faithful instruction of our children will result in a generational legacy of profound impact on the rest of the world.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:6,7
Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ Deuteronomy 4:6
John Abbott says, "When our land is filled with pious and patriotic mothers, then will it be filled with pious and patriotic man. The world's redeeming influence, under the blessing of the Holy Spirit, must come from a mother's lips. She who was first in the transgression, must be the principal earthly instrument in the restoration.
O mothers! Reflect upon the power your Maker has placed within your hands! There is no earthly influence to be compared with yours. There is no combination of causes so powerful in promoting the happiness or misery of our race, as the instructions of home."
Amen! We cannot use our children as an excuse not to be about our given tasks. Rather, they should be a wonderful excuse to throw ourselves into those tasks with fervor!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jacinda! Your blog always re-energizes me when I need it most. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!! It's so freeing to realize that we can accomplish our calling as women when we embrace our roles as wives and mothers.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an excellent post, Jacinda. I had joined your blog about a month or so ago , and have been quietly reading, but enjoying much of what you have to say.
ReplyDeleteEvangelism is something that is always on my heart, and when I am out and about, I have a genuine burden for the lost and often pray that God will use me to share His message of love and salvation.
But this is spot on-all of it!It ALWAYS begins at home, and if it doesn't, then are we not being hypocrites?!
Have a blessed week!
This reminds me of the book I'm reading now, The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. :) Excellent post and a wonderful reminder! Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteWOW! wonderful quote! This part stuck out to me: "She who was first in the transgression, must be the principal earthly instrument in the restoration."
ReplyDeletethanks!
Ok, this kinda made me cry. Thanks so much :)
ReplyDeleteLove this, Jacinda! I remember about a year ago having a man who is passion for missions speak at our church, urging people to commit to going on a missions trip in the next year. We came home and part of me felt guilty for not going, and then I realized the same thing. I have my own mission right here. I have 5 disciples who need my leading right in my own home! I don't even have to go anywhere! I understand that everyone needs to hear about Jesus, however, that includes the ones in my care! Thank you for this wonderful reminder! :) Blessings, Gail
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on your dream! I know many moms who go away on mission trips, with or without their children, actually I know a family who lives on the mission field, a mom, dad and 2 lil girls. God gives dreams for a reason. The nations are waiting for you!
ReplyDeleteYou can evangelize anywhere too! The grocery store, department store, (standing in those long lines), traffic anywhere. :-)
What a beautiful reminder today! I am not a mom yet but I NEED to keep this in mind. Thanks so much for sharing this today!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more! *applause* Who knows what my children may grow up to be -- pastors, missionaries, politicians (the good ones!), mothers and fathers who raise world-changers. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteHome is a beautiful MISSION field!!!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent! thanks for posting! (as always :) I love your posts!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you should post this, because my mother and I were just recently have a VERY similar conversation...Great minds think alike? or God's providence is amazing.. :D He moves in mysterious ways!