Instructions for Moms - Part 8

Here is the final installment of this series on instructions to moms from truths found in God's Word. I know God has used these truths to help remind me of his purpose for me on those days when motherhood is challenging. I hope this has been helpful to you too.

-Part 8-

-And finally, do not grow weary in doing good-

It’s hard to always do the right thing, to explain the rules for the quadrillionth time in a gentle way, to discipline without anger, to go all the way downstairs to correct naughty mouths, to make a nutritious meal when you are tired, to get up out of bed when they cry…..remember that godly motherhood in this season is all about the hard work of nurturing and cultivating, and if you are diligent at spotting and pulling the weeds and watering and caring for your kids now you will someday reap the rewards of all your hard work if you do not give up!

James 1 is full of great advice to moms.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers [or mothers], when you meet trials of various kinds [mundane tasks, disobedient kids, long-hard days, sleepless nights], 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. [motherhood is for sanctifying us to be like Jesus]

5 If any of you lacks wisdom [who doesn't?], let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. [are you asking God for help in mothering?] 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. [do you believe He will help?]

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, [doesn't blow up at the kids or the hubby] for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire [my own little kingdom has been upset by messy, ungrateful, little people] . 15 Then desire [why can't they just remember what I've taught them?] when it has conceived gives birth to sin [anger], and sin [they won't be able to sit down for a week!] when it is fully grown brings forth death [lack of fellowship and love with each other].

19 Know this, my beloved brothers [mothers] : let every person be quick to hear [your children's needs in their disobedience], slow to speak [before correcting them. 1st words that come to mind aren't usually the most helpful!], slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man [mom] does not produce the righteousness of God [dang it!]. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word [oh, I need it!], which is able to save your souls [Praise God!].

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word [has God showed you any area you need to work on?] and not a doer [are you going to make any changes?] , he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law [looks to the Bible for help], the law of liberty, and perseveres [don't give up even when its hard], being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

You will be blessed for your hard work.

Proverbs 31:31 – Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Your kids are the fruit of your hands. You will be known by your fruit. What kind of fruit are you raising?

So be humble, you can’t do this on your own. But, you can through Christ, because He is sufficient. So seek Him with all of your heart, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Then be content, and thankful, and pray and do not grow weary in doing good!