In
Matthew 19:19 Jesus quotes from the Ten Commandments about several things,
among which is the theme for today’s pen pulpit. He says to honor your mother.
Jesus was speaking directly to a rich man, but this command extends to
every one of us.
To begin with a mother should be worthy of honor. In a sense every mother is worthy of honor because she brought us into this world and, with some exceptions, mothers care for their children. Most children spend more time with their mother than with their father.
How do we honor mother? First of all, you place great value (which is what honor means) on mother as your earthly life giver. You value her as someone who teaches you the basic principals of life. If she is a Christian, you value her as one who instructs you in the things of God (II Timothy 1:5).
You value mother as one to whom you can come in times of doubt and fear. Mother can’t take the place of God in your life but, as a very wise Bible teacher once said, “To little ones growing up, their parents are God.” We parents represent God to our little ones (what a responsibility!) We should display the love, kindness, and the righteousness of God to our children.
God has established this truth as stated in Ephesians 6:1ff.
“Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the
first commandment with promise) so that it may be well with you and that you
may live long on the earth.”
Proverbs is filled with instructions relating to parents and children.
Question: How does this relate to children who have left the parent’s home?
Honoring your mother and father still applies. Mother continues to be a source of good advice. We will apply this principle to fathers later on in the year. So children, regardless of your age, place the highest value upon your mother. God will bless you for it.
I lost my mother many years ago but every Mother’s Day I think back to childhood and the days in which mother guided me through those formative years of my life. I’m quite certain I wouldn’t be where I am today if it was not for my mom’s sensitive guidance in my life. So folks, regardless of your age, make this Mother’s Day a special day. Honor your mother. Thank God for her and for her input in your life. God bless!
In Christ’s love,