The Mission of Motherhood

1. Embrace the divine calling of motherhood as a mission

"If we want to experience the blessing of God and have a sense of wholeness to our lives, we must seek to understand his original design as clearly as possible."

God's design for motherhood. Motherhood is not just a lifestyle choice, but a divine calling with eternal significance. It involves nurturing, protecting, and instructing children, creating a home environment that enables them to grow, and helping them develop a heart for God and his purposes. This mission requires full commitment and dedication.

Challenges in modern culture. Today's society often devalues traditional motherhood, making it difficult for women to embrace this calling wholeheartedly. Many struggle with balancing career aspirations and family responsibilities. However, understanding God's original design for motherhood can provide clarity and purpose in fulfilling this important role.

Key aspects of the motherhood mission:

• Nurturing children's physical, emotional, and spiritual growth
• Creating a stable and loving home environment
• Passing on faith, values, and life skills
• Preparing children to serve God's purposes in the world

2. Model servant leadership in the home

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."

Jesus' example of servant leadership. Christ modeled servant leadership by washing his disciples' feet and ultimately sacrificing his life. Mothers can follow this example by serving their families with love and humility, even in mundane tasks. This approach to leadership is more effective in reaching children's hearts than harsh authority.

Practical application in motherhood. Servant leadership in motherhood involves:

• Putting children's needs before personal desires
• Showing patience and gentleness in daily interactions
• Teaching through example rather than just words
• Being willing to sacrifice time and energy for the family's well-being

Benefits of servant leadership in the home:

• Builds stronger relationships with children
• Teaches children important values through observation
• Creates a loving and supportive home environment
• Reflects God's love to the family

3. Cultivate children's hearts and minds for Christ

"If we want to train our children to think biblically, we must go back to the Word of God to examine his original design for mothers and families—and to some of the ways that our culture makes it difficult for women to live as God intended."

Biblical literacy and worldview. Teaching children Scripture and helping them develop a biblical worldview is crucial. This involves more than just memorizing Bible verses; it requires helping children understand and apply God's Word to their lives.

Practical strategies for cultivation:

• Regular family devotions and discussions
• Encouraging personal Bible study habits
• Applying biblical principles to everyday situations
• Exposing children to Christian literature and resources

Areas to focus on in cultivating children's hearts and minds:

• Biblical literacy: Knowledge of Scripture
• Christian morality: Understanding right and wrong
• Theology: Knowledge of God's nature and character
• Wisdom: Applying God's truth to life situations
• Faith: Trusting in God and His promises

4. Build strong, loving relationships with your children

"What is my sacrifice compared to the one Jesus made? I have often asked myself, How was Jesus able to make the choice to sacrifice his own life for us?"

Importance of intentional relationship-building. Strong, loving relationships with children provide the foundation for effective parenting and spiritual influence. These relationships require time, attention, and intentional effort.

Key principles for building relationships:

1. Time and availability: Be present and accessible to your children
2. Acceptance and unconditional love: Love children for who they are, not what they do
3. Affirmation and encouragement: Regularly express love and appreciation
4. Grace: Extend forgiveness and second chances
5. Relationship training: Teach children how to build and maintain healthy relationships

Practical ways to strengthen relationships:

• One-on-one time with each child
• Active listening and open communication
• Shared experiences and adventures
• Expressing physical affection (hugs, kisses, etc.)
• Praying together and sharing spiritual insights

5. Create a nurturing home environment

"Home—it's such a beautiful word! It's the center of our lives, the place that holds us with invisible strings of love within its walls."

Elements of a nurturing home. A nurturing home environment provides security, comfort, and opportunities for growth. It should be a place where children feel loved, accepted, and encouraged to develop their God-given potential.

Practical aspects of creating a nurturing home:

• Physical comfort: Clean, organized, and welcoming spaces
• Emotional safety: Atmosphere of love, acceptance, and grace
• Intellectual stimulation: Access to books, educational materials, and meaningful conversations
• Spiritual nourishment: Regular prayer, Bible study, and discussions about faith

Specific ideas for enhancing the home environment:

• Create cozy reading nooks
• Display children's artwork and achievements
• Incorporate natural elements (plants, flowers, etc.)
• Use soft lighting and soothing colors
• Play uplifting music
• Establish family traditions and rituals

6. Encourage creativity and appreciation for God's artistry

"The Lord has indeed given us an array of visual feasts to enjoy in his natural world. And he has also inspired the creative work of men and women through the ages who sought to respond to the beauty they saw around them with beauty of their own."

God's creativity and human response. Recognizing and appreciating God's creativity in nature and human achievements can inspire children to develop their own creative abilities. This appreciation also deepens their understanding of God's character and power.

Ways to foster creativity and appreciation:

• Exposure to nature: Regular outdoor activities and nature study
• Appreciation of art and music: Visits to museums, concerts, and cultural events
• Encouragement of creative expression: Providing art supplies, musical instruments, and opportunities for creative writing
• Cultivation of wonder: Asking questions and exploring the world together

Specific activities to encourage creativity:

• Nature walks and scavenger hunts
• Art projects inspired by famous artists or nature
• Family music-making or sing-alongs
• Creative storytelling or writing prompts
• DIY craft projects or home improvements

7. Teach children to serve others and share their faith

"Sharing this reality with others is the most important act of stewardship to which we are called. Yet for many of us, modeling this type of service for our children seems to be the most difficult task of all."

The importance of service and evangelism. Teaching children to serve others and share their faith helps them understand their role in God's kingdom and develop compassion for others. It also prepares them to fulfill the Great Commission in their own lives.

Practical ways to teach service and evangelism:

• Model serving others in daily life
• Involve children in family service projects
• Teach children how to share their faith naturally
• Encourage children to pray for others and look for opportunities to serve

Ideas for family service and outreach:

• Volunteering at local charities
• Participating in church ministries
• Hosting international students or missionaries
• Supporting a child through a sponsorship program
• Reaching out to neighbors in need

8. Balance protection and exposure in raising children

"We have to risk being exploited or having our service misused as we obey Christ in reaching out and trust him for the outcome."

The protection-exposure dilemma. Parents must balance protecting their children from harmful influences with exposing them to the realities of the world. This balance helps children develop discernment and resilience while maintaining their innocence and faith.

Strategies for balancing protection and exposure:

• Age-appropriate exposure to different worldviews and ideas
• Guided discussions about challenging topics
• Controlled exposure to media and technology
• Opportunities for supervised interactions with diverse people and cultures

Areas to consider in balancing protection and exposure:

• Media consumption
• Peer relationships
• Cultural experiences
• Challenging ideas and philosophies
• Real-world problems and issues

9. Establish routines and traditions for family stability

"Family routines, of course, easily become family traditions—those things that 'we always do'—and such traditions are essential to maintaining a secure sense of family identity."

The power of routines and traditions. Consistent routines and meaningful traditions provide stability, security, and a sense of belonging for children. They also create opportunities for bonding and passing on values and faith.

Types of routines and traditions to establish:

• Daily routines: Mealtimes, bedtime rituals, family devotions
• Weekly traditions: Family game nights, Sunday dinners
• Seasonal celebrations: Holiday rituals, birthday customs
• Annual events: Family vacations, special outings

Benefits of routines and traditions:

• Create a sense of security and predictability
• Strengthen family bonds
• Provide opportunities for teaching and sharing values
• Create lasting memories
• Establish a unique family identity

10. Manage the home with wisdom and grace

"If we want to build strong homes, we must think ahead and do what is necessary to lay a strong, stable foundation."

The importance of home management. Effective home management creates a peaceful environment and teaches children responsibility and life skills. It requires planning, organization, and flexibility.

Key areas of home management:

• Time management: Balancing family activities and commitments
• Space organization: Creating functional and inviting living areas
• Resource stewardship: Budgeting, meal planning, and wise use of resources
• Task delegation: Involving children in age-appropriate chores

Practical tips for home management:

• Develop simple systems for organizing belongings
• Create and maintain a family calendar
• Establish regular cleaning and decluttering routines
• Teach children basic life skills (cooking, laundry, etc.)
• Practice flexibility and grace when plans go awry

11. Embrace the challenges and joys of full-time motherhood

"I decided to go on a college trip for young adults. We traveled to Mexico for the two-week retreat, which was in a beautiful resort area. A gifted teacher taught us from the Bible each morning, and we were free to spend the afternoons as we wanted."

The value of full-time motherhood. While challenging, full-time motherhood offers unique opportunities for influencing children's lives and shaping their character. It allows for deep relationships, consistent training, and the creation of a stable home environment.

Addressing common challenges:

• Feelings of isolation or loss of identity
• Financial sacrifices and career concerns
• Exhaustion and burnout
• Societal pressure and criticism

Joys and rewards of full-time motherhood:

• Witnessing children's growth and development firsthand
• Building strong, lasting relationships with children
• Having the flexibility to meet children's needs
• Creating a stable, nurturing home environment
• Influencing the next generation for Christ

Last updated: January 24, 2025