Mother: A Woman of Influence, Part 3

Continuing with the areas that are important to mothers who want to exercise godly influence:

2. A Mother Needs to Develop an Understanding Heart.

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (I Kings 3:9)

This scripture is actually a prayer of Solomon after he became king, as he sought direction from the Lord in leading the nation of Israel. But I felt it appropriate to use here, because mothers lead their children, and each of us needs a discerning heart to do so—a heart that can understand spiritual things.  That can only come from the Lord. 

When I became a mother, I realized I was in way over my head.  I needed (and still need) understanding and discernment from the Lord.  Raising a child can be a bewildering experience.  We are in a battle for the souls of our children, a spiritual battle.  And we need to be able to discern spirits.  We need insight about the spiritual enemies our children are facing.  Our human feelings and our motherly instincts are not enough against the onslaught of spiritual forces!  We need the power of the Spirit!  “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6)

3. A Mother Needs to Cultivate Wisdom.

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Colossians 1:9) 

We need wisdom from God in dealing with situations in our children’s lives, or giving advice to our adult children.  Wisdom is more than knowledge.  It is the God-given ability to apply knowledge to a given situation.  In other words, it is the ability to use the knowledge we have received to make correct decisions about the future. 

Human wisdom is not enough.  We need God’s wisdom.  We need to know His will.  He knows the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10), and He can direct us in making correct decisions. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

Father, I pray, give each of us an understanding heart and fill us with wisdom, that we may lead our children in a way that is pleasing to You.