"A MOTHERS JOB..."
One Sunday morning, as I extended the "invitation" following a forceful sermon on the importance of personal evangelism, a distraught young mother responded. Through her tears, she told me how guilty and unworthy she felt as a Christian. She explained that rearing her children at home required most of her energy and time, thus she was unable to be as involved in church activities as she wanted. Moreover, strong sermons on Christian duty (such as the one I had just preached) made her feel particularly guilty.
It was then that I realized that I was guilty of overlooking the crucial role that mothers have at home. Although Jesus made it clear that His followers have the responsibility of sharing the gospel with the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), it never occurred to me that Christian mothers actually comply with that command when they teach their children about Jesus Christ. I dare say that some of the most effective soul winning likely occurs in Christian homes during the daily interactions that occur between mothers and their children.
I then informed this mother that she had nothing to feel guilty or inadequate about. She was already doing one of the most important jobs on earth - teaching her children about God and His precious Son, Jesus Christ. If anything, it was I that was guilty of overlooking the tremendous work that dedicated Christian mothers do at home daily!
I once read a story in which another preacher related a similar experience. Following a strong sermon on Christian duty, he was invited to have lunch with a young Christian family. Although the husband had a job that routinely required working overtime, he managed to be active in a few church programs. His wife, however, spent the majority of her time caring for their three young children, including an infant.
During the meal the wife asked the preacher if he was familiar with the following scripture, "But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike." (1 Samuel 30:24). She explained that King David had insisted that the "home guard" be rewarded equally with those who were occupied with fighting in the front lines. She went on to say that, although she was not very active in church activities and programs, she felt that her priority was to take care of her children and teach them about God and His divine Son, Jesus. "Perhaps my work is not as glorious as others, but I feel that I'm serving the Lord in an important way."
The only reply the preacher could utter was, "AMEN!"
Mothers - do not allow me or anyone else make you feel guilty for not doing more "in the church" when you are busy rearing your children to know the Lord! In many ways, YOURS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT "JOB" IN THE WORLD!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
One Sunday morning, as I extended the "invitation" following a forceful sermon on the importance of personal evangelism, a distraught young mother responded. Through her tears, she told me how guilty and unworthy she felt as a Christian. She explained that rearing her children at home required most of her energy and time, thus she was unable to be as involved in church activities as she wanted. Moreover, strong sermons on Christian duty (such as the one I had just preached) made her feel particularly guilty.
It was then that I realized that I was guilty of overlooking the crucial role that mothers have at home. Although Jesus made it clear that His followers have the responsibility of sharing the gospel with the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), it never occurred to me that Christian mothers actually comply with that command when they teach their children about Jesus Christ. I dare say that some of the most effective soul winning likely occurs in Christian homes during the daily interactions that occur between mothers and their children.
I then informed this mother that she had nothing to feel guilty or inadequate about. She was already doing one of the most important jobs on earth - teaching her children about God and His precious Son, Jesus Christ. If anything, it was I that was guilty of overlooking the tremendous work that dedicated Christian mothers do at home daily!
I once read a story in which another preacher related a similar experience. Following a strong sermon on Christian duty, he was invited to have lunch with a young Christian family. Although the husband had a job that routinely required working overtime, he managed to be active in a few church programs. His wife, however, spent the majority of her time caring for their three young children, including an infant.
During the meal the wife asked the preacher if he was familiar with the following scripture, "But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike." (1 Samuel 30:24). She explained that King David had insisted that the "home guard" be rewarded equally with those who were occupied with fighting in the front lines. She went on to say that, although she was not very active in church activities and programs, she felt that her priority was to take care of her children and teach them about God and His divine Son, Jesus. "Perhaps my work is not as glorious as others, but I feel that I'm serving the Lord in an important way."
The only reply the preacher could utter was, "AMEN!"
Mothers - do not allow me or anyone else make you feel guilty for not doing more "in the church" when you are busy rearing your children to know the Lord! In many ways, YOURS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT "JOB" IN THE WORLD!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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