Hey mamas, sisters, and friends! I write to you today to talk about motherhood; after all, that’s how this blog got started. Making Motherhood–my little corner on the Internet to share about this beautiful thing that God has called many of us to. (If you’re not a mother in this season, then feel free to check out some other helpful posts on my blog like Seeking God’s Truth or No Social Media and…Thriving? May God comfort you in this season if you are struggling with infertility, a miscarriage, or still waiting to find your husband). When I created Making Motherhood, I knew I wanted everything to be centered around Christ to bring glory to Him through this platform. Let’s start there at point number one in motherhood from a Christian perspective.
1. Yes, one will say that my identity lies in being a mama and a homemaker–but first and foremost, my identity is found in Christ. My life is surrendered to Him and I unapologetically live for His will for mine and my family’s life. That may seem radical to some out there, but scripture backs this up. Living for Jesus means we will have a more abundant life than what the world has, and that’s because there is freedom in Christ. See John 10:10, John 8:32, Galatians 5:1. The world does not ‘see’ how followers of Christ see. If you read Revelation, there are many times when the churches are being warned with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear” –and that is also my plea to nonbelievers, or those claiming Christ but not developing a personal relationship with their Savior. So bringing this point back to motherhood…knowing I can go to my Lord and Savior any and all times in this journey of motherhood is what gives me peace (Philippians 4:6-7). It gives me assurance and keeps me afloat even when I’m struggling. Just because I’m a God-fearing, bible-believing mama doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days or struggles. Those are very much a part of the Christian walk (John 16:33). The difference is that I lean into Christ during those trying times, fill my mind with scripture, and keep on persevering (Read Romans 5:3-4 and James 1:2-4) . We’re continuously being sanctified as believers.
2. Our goal is to raise godly children, not just ‘good’ children. Wow, have you ever heard that before, mama? The world puts so much emphasis on being a ‘good’ person and having ‘good’ children, when in reality, we will never be righteous in the sight of God without Christ. See point number one. As a Christian mama, I want my children to go out into this world putting their faith, hope, desires, and dreams into following and living for Jesus Christ. Raising godly children sets a different standard compared to only setting the bar at a ‘good’ child because we make the authority of our lives God. Scripture tells us that we are sinners from the time we are conceived (Psalm 51:5). Sin will never be apart from us without claiming the blood of Jesus Christ over your life, and because of that, being ‘good’ is not enough for God. Romans 3:23 says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our good deeds are an effect of living for Christ; it doesn’t give us salvation. Being good on your own, without surrendering your life to Christ, isn’t good news. Christ died for our sins so that none would perish, but that all would have everlasting life (John 3:16). That’s the good news, my friends! As a Christian mama, having the attitude of raising godly children will always trump raising ‘good’ children.
3. Christian mothers make their homes a haven. What do I mean by this? A haven is a place of safety and refuge. I’m sure all mothers can relate to this, whether you are a Christian or not. All women want their homes to feel safe and secure for their children, but I believe mothers with a Christian perspective take this point to the next level by having Christ saturate our homes. If you read that post, I list ten things anyone can start doing to fill their homes with Christ! With the Christian perspective about making our homes a haven–we seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), which in turn allows us to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and then disciple our children up in the Lord (Colossians 3:16-17, Ephesians 6:4). Reading the word of God and living out what the scriptures teach us is how our home becomes a haven. Without the word of God to stand on…we’d be standing for nothing.
4. Motherhood from a Christian perspective can look radical to the world’s view. There are so many things believers are in tune with that the average nominal “Christian” won’t understand. To my sisters in Christ, let us not forget that we were once in darkness too (Ephesians 5:8). The world chooses to live one way, but living for Christ and putting down our fleshly desires is straight up radical to most–as it should be! Jesus tells us in Luke 12:26, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” This is not literally saying to hate your family. Jesus is using a parable to share that in order to follow Christ, you must be willing to leave everything else–even a spouse, child, parent, etc. Jesus Christ must be number one above everyone and everything in your life. He sums that up in verse 33 saying, “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Wow. Talk about radical! If you don’t feel like you have this kind of faith or surrender to Christ yet, then pray with me right now: “Lord, help me to love you, Jesus, with all that I am. Help me to completely surrender my life to You. Teach me to live by Your Word and follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus name, Amen.”
I pray these four points I shared can open your eyes to the reality of being a follower of Christ with the perspective of motherhood in mind. Viewing motherhood from the Christian perspective is truly all about Jesus Christ. I hope these practical points help you grow in your personal relationship with our Lord. I once used to live my life without Christ being the center of it, so I understand if you didn’t always grow up without Jesus. But let me tell you something friend, it is by the grace of God through faith that I am saved! (Ephesians 2:8). Hallelujah! I wish I would have known of this good news in my life way earlier…but God’s plans reign and He appointed me for such a time as this. Thank you, Lord! I leave you with this scripture to encourage you in motherhood from a Christian perspective:
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Titus 2:11-13 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared in all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
I’m choosing to make my journey of motherhood a blessing–and that, without a doubt, is a gift from the Lord. Peace be with you mamas, sisters, and friends! Talk to you in the next one.
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