Each has their own definition of mother or motherhood. No doubt they are all good and speak to the qualities of the great women of our lives. One profound and insightful explanation of a mother was given by Tenneva Jordan, “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”
One of the more familiar narratives in the Bible is where Solomon was called upon to determine the identity of the true mother. As you remember, one mother’s child died and the other was alive. They both claimed the living child to be theirs. Solomon had sought the wisdom of God to govern His people (1 Kgs. 3). God must have answered his request. The two women were brought before him and he proposed to settle the dispute by cutting the living child in half and giving each woman half a child in an effort to satisfy both. When appealing to the instincts of a mother’s love, the real mother forfeited her right to the child to insure the child’s life. A mother’s love is a rally to the “call of duty.” She will risk her own life to protect her offspring.
Love – describes the motive behind a mother’s devotion. This is a love that looks to the best interests of the object of that love. This is the love that God has for His children (Rom. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:10, 19). This love forfeits the last piece of pie, best cuts of meat, or even self-deprivation.
Discipline – is a part of the way a mother expresses her love. Is the pulling of the ear necessary? What about the thump on the head when a child turns mouthy? No restraint causes chaos and declares “hate” for her child (Prov. 13:24).
Wisdom – is a gift from above (Jas. 1:5) and usually comes by means of life’s experiences. The very giving of birth to us reminded her that most of the blessings of life are found in the midst of struggle, pain and opposition. mothers can provide a wealth of wisdom to all with whom she has to do if only given the privilege to benefit. Her wisdom and love came from heaven
Training – is “OJT” or “On the Job Training.” It was mother who taught us to tie our shoe, read the Bible, to pray, eat right things, make our bed, to brush our teeth, and so many more worthwhile behaviors.
If your mother is still living, tell her of your love and say “thanks!” If your mother is dead, activate those principles for which she lived and died in your life and honor her in so doing. Happy mother’s Day!
—Mike King; www.lakesidechurchofchrist.com
