Mother: A Woman of Influence, Part 4

This is the final in my series of articles about mothers becoming women of godly influence.

It burdens my heart that some women seem to think they have found a better way, that without God they can successfully raise their children.  Some women have become so “sophisticated,” so haughty because of their blessings that they feel they have need of nothing.  But Revelation 3:17 reveals to us that when we think we “have it made” and have everything we need, without God we really have nothing:  “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked”

We need Him!  We need the Lord’s help!  And the most important lesson we can teach our children is: They need the Lord!  Not that they need a job making a lot of money, not worldly prestige—although these things are fine if they are serving the Lord.  But it is most important that they become a success in God’s eyes.  It is imperative for them to seek God’s face and learn His will for their lives.  Otherwise they can flounder for years in the wrong profession, or in the wrong way of life, unhappy and confused!

Example of a Mother Who Exercised Godly Influence:  Moses’ mother, Jochebed

In Exodus chapter 2, we find the account of Moses whose mother hid him for three months when Pharoah had said the Hebrew babies were to be killed; then she placed him in a basket at the edge of the river, and he was found by the daughter of Pharoah. 

Even though he was raised by Pharoah’s daughter, Moses’ real mother was given the privilege of nursing him when he was young, possibly until he was five years old, and during that time she was able to instill in Him the importance of loving the Lord and living to please Him.

When he grew up, he chose to live as a Hebrew, rather than a privileged life as Pharoah’s grandson.  “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.  (Hebrews 11:24-27)

"Really examine this passage. See all that it reveals. As a result of the few early years of training that Moses had before he was five years old, when he grew up, he…knew who the people of God were --- knew that while sin offers pleasure it only lasts ‘for a season’ --- knew and believed about the coming Messiah (Christ) --- correctly evaluated that heavenly rewards are of greater value than earthly treasures --- knew that the invisible God could protect him from the anger of an all-powerful earthly king --- and had the character to do what was right no matter what it cost him."  —Dr. John Stormer

The early influence of Moses’ mother helped him to make the decision to serve the Lord later in life.  He truly was a success in God’s eyes, and so was his mother!  I want to be that kind of success as a mother.  The most important thing to me concerning my child is that she lives for the Lord, and that we spend eternity together in His presence.