THE STEPS OF A MOTHER OF PURPOSE

In most parts of the world, today is known as MOTHER'S DAY. In recognition, and honor of all mothers this day in May has been set aside to celebrate them. 

But did you know that God had given recognition and honor to all mothers years before this day was set aside as a spacial day to celebrate them? In His original plan God didn't set aside a special day for one parent over the other as it is commonly celebrated today. But He encouraged and celebrated both parents at the same time. It is said, "What the parents are, that, to a great extent, the children will be." What a powerful statement! 

According to the estimate figures by the UNITED Nations, there were about a billion people born in 1800, 2 billion in 1927, 5 billion in 1987 and just over 7.5 billion today. There are on average about 250 babies born every minute – more than 130 million in a year. Although today is the day set aside to celebrate mothers, I am taking the liberty to speak to both parents. 

Today like never before, it is a time for both parents to look at their physical conditions before thinking about having children. It is also time for them to pull their dispositions, appetites, mental and moral tendencies into line with GOD'S plan before they think about having children. Because their habits and dispositions, to a greater or less degree will be reproduced in their children.

Remember as it has been said by them of old, "The nobler the aims, the higher the mental and spiritual endowments, and the better developed the physical powers of the parents, the better will be the life equipment they give their children. In cultivating that which is best in themselves, parents are exerting an influence to mold society and to uplift future generations.”

It is time for fathers and mothers to understand their responsibility. Can we not see that world is full of snares for the feet of the children and youth that already live among us, and those who will be soon born! “Multitudes are attracted by a life of selfish and sensual pleasure. They cannot discern the hidden dangers or the fearful ending of the path that seems to them the way of happiness. Through the indulgence of appetite and passion, their energies are wasted, and millions are ruined for this world and for the world to come.

Parents should remember that their children must encounter these temptations. Even before the birth of the child, the preparation should begin that will enable them to fight successfully the battle against evil. Especially does (this) responsibility rest upon the mother. She, by whose lifeblood the child is nourished and its physical frame built up, imparts to it also mental and spiritual influences that tend to the shaping of mind and character. 

Look at Jochebed, the Hebrew mother, who, strong in faith, was "not afraid of the king's commandment in Hebrews 11:23, of whom was born Moses, the deliverer of Israel.

Look at Hannah, the woman of prayer and self-sacrifice and heavenly inspiration, who gave birth to Samuel, the miracle heavenly-instructed child, 

the incorruptible first of the prophets, priest from the tribe of Levi, the last judge and the founder of Israel’s sacred schools.

Look at Elizabeth the kinswoman and kindred spirit of Mary of Nazareth and cousin, who was the mother of the Saviour's herald.

Consider the carefulness these mothers guarded their habits of life in raising  their children. No drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing." Judges 13:13, 7. Today in comparison to then, prenatal influences is by many parents looked upon as a matter of little moment; but heaven does not so regard it. The message sent by an angel of God, and twice given in the most solemn manner, shows it to be deserving of our most careful thought.

In the words spoken to the Hebrew mother, God speaks to all mothers in every age. "Let her beware," the angel said; "all that I commanded her let her observe." Judges 13:14

The well-being of the child will be affected by the habits of the mother. Her appetites and passions are to be controlled by principle. There is something for her to shun, something for her to work against, if she fulfills God's purpose for her in giving her a child. If before the birth of her child she is self-indulgent, if she is selfish, impatient, drinks strong drink, gratify appetite, endangers the physical, mental, and moral health. These traits will be reflected in the disposition of the child. Thus many children have received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil, and their child is a direct sin against the Creator.

“But if the mother unswervingly adheres to right principles, if she is temperate and self-denying, if she is kind, gentle, and unselfish, she may give her child these same precious traits of character. Many advisers urge that every wish of the mother should be gratified; that if she desires any article of food, however harmful, she should freely indulge her appetite. Such advice is false and mischievous. The mother's physical needs should in no case be neglected. Two lives are depending upon her, and her wishes should be tenderly regarded, her needs generously supplied.”

There are some cultures that believe that a mother should work to the bone. But let all remember that the strength of the mother should be tenderly cherished. Instead of spending her precious strength in exhausting labor, her care and burdens should be lessened while she raises the children. Many a husband and father might learn a helpful lesson from the carefulness of the faithful shepherd. Jacob, when urged to undertake a rapid and difficult journey, made answer: "The children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. . . . I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure." Genesis 33:13, 14. Amidst the world's eager rush for wealth and power, let the father learn to stay his steps, to comfort and support the mother of the children who is called to walk by his side.

By doing this, the mother will cultivate a cheerful, contented, happy disposition. Every effort in this direction will be abundantly repaid in both the physical well-being and the moral character of their children. A cheerful spirit will promote the happiness of the family and in a very great degree improve the mothers health. The father should offer sympathy and unfailing affection to the mother of their children. Fathers keep the mother of your children fresh and gladsome. This will bring sunshine in the home. Fathers never think that there is a lessening of your manhood to help the mother of your children / child bear her burdens. Your kindness and loving courtesy will be to her a precious encouragement, and the happiness you impart will bring joy and peace to your  own heart.

“The husband and father who is morose, selfish, and overbearing, is not only unhappy himself, but he casts gloom upon all the inmates of his home. He will reap the result in seeing his wife dispirited and sickly, and his children marred with his own unlovely temper. If the mother is deprived of the care and comforts she should have, if she is allowed to exhaust her strength through overwork or through anxiety and gloom, her children will be robbed of the vital force and of the mental elasticity and cheerful buoyancy they should inherit. Far better will it be to make the mother's life bright and cheerful, to shield her from want, wearing labor, and depressing care, and let the children inherit good constitutions, so that they may battle their way through life with their own energetic strength.

Great is the honor and the responsibility placed upon fathers and mothers, in that they are to stand in the place of God to their children. Their character, their daily life, their methods of training, will interpret His words to the little ones. Their influence will win or repel the child's confidence in the Lord's assurances.

“Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and long-suffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God; and who, by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching them to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to their child such a gift have endowed them with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages—a treasure as enduring as eternity.

To many today the work of a mother often seems an unimportant service. It is a work that is rarely appreciated. Little do we take into consideration her many cares and burdens. Her days are occupied with a round of little duties, all calling for patient effort, for self-control, for tact, wisdom, and self-sacrificing love.  She keeps things in the home running smoothly; but often weary and perplexed, she tries to speak kindly to the children, to keep them busy and happy, and to guide their feet into the right path. Although she may feel that she has accomplished nothing. Heavenly angels watch the care-worn mother, attending to the burdens she carries day by day. Today we celebrate these mothers who have not been heard in the world, but it is written in the Lamb's book of life.

Mothers, know that there is a God above, and the light and glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. No other work can equal, hers in importance. She has not, like the artist, to paint a form of beauty upon canvas, nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in words of power, nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul the likeness of the divine.

The mother who appreciates this will regard her opportunities as priceless. Earnestly will she seek, in her own character and by her methods of training, to present before her children the highest ideal. Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she will endeavor to improve her own abilities, that she may use aright the highest powers of the mind in the training of her children. Earnestly will she inquire at every step, "What hath God spoken?" Diligently she will study His word. She will keep her eyes fixed upon God, that her own daily experience, in the lowly round of care and duty, may be a true reflection of the one true Life.

The call today is for the mother fill the position which God originally designed for her, as her husband's equal. The world needs mothers who agre mothers not merely in name but in every sense of the word. We may safely say that the distinctive duties of woman are more sacred, more holy, than those of fathers. Today it is time for mothers to recognize the sacredness of their work and in the strength and fear of God take up their life mission. Learn to educate your children for usefulness in this world and for a home in the better world to come. May GOD bless all mothers around the world today. 

If you need further help on this subject, or would like for me to come and speak to you on this subject. Contact me at my email on the bottom.

A prayerful moment: Heavenly Father, I ask your blessings and wisdom on all mothers as they train their children to love and respect your way in rearing their children.

A prayerful moment: Dear Lord, Bless all mothers today i your Name, Amen.

Song of the day: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - I Surrender 

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