GENERAL OBSERVATIONS and SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
of
GOD’S GLORIOUS CREATION
WE CALL
MOTHER
(Prov 31:10 KJV) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
(Prov 31:11 KJV) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
(Prov 31:12 KJV) She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
(Prov 31:13 KJV) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
(Prov 31:14 KJV) She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
(Prov 31:15 KJV) She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
(Prov 31:16 KJV) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
(Prov 31:17 KJV) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
(Prov 31:18 KJV) She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
(Prov 31:19 KJV) She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
(Prov 31:20 KJV) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
(Prov 31:21 KJV) She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
(Prov 31:22 KJV) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
(Prov 31:23 KJV) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
(Prov 31:24 KJV) She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
(Prov 31:25 KJV) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
(Prov 31:26 KJV) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
(Prov 31:27 KJV) She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
(Prov 31:28 KJV) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
(Prov 31:29 KJV) Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
(Prov 31:30 KJV) Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
(Prov 31:31 KJV) Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
( THE LIVING BIBLE)
(Prov 31:28 TLB) Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words:
(Prov 31:29 TLB) "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!"
(Prov 31:30 TLB) Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.
(Prov 31:31 TLB) Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance.
INTRODUCTION:
All of us have memories of our mother. Some, like myself, have buried your mother and the memories are locked in the file cabinet of your spirit. Others have mothers who are living and you are presently creating memories which will forever be in your heart.
It is not my purpose or desire to exploit any of your memories, good or bad. I merely want us to examine the expectations (often unrealistic) that we hold concerning mother-hood. Bare in mind, that I will not be talking about a robot, or a mechanical maid, or a hired servant ( ‘tho some mothers may often feel that’s how we think of them.) I will be talking about a real life, flesh and blood, living, breathing person, who has feelings, ambitions, desires, emotions and personality.
The Bible states that a godly mother is to be honored, obeyed and appreciated. Husbands are told to praise her and children are told to honor her.
Let’s see how well we do !
1. We expect our mother to love us.
a. To show no favoritism. ( bratty, disobedient child; loving child)
b. To love us unconditionally. (regardless of our behavior)
c. To love us sacrificially. (always give; never expect anything in return)
2. We expect our mother to nurture us.
a. A
lifetime of bottles and diapers. (never grow up)b. Always pet; never discipline.
c. Feed our ego. (smartest, prettiest, sweetest)
3. We expect our mother to forgive us.
4. We expect our mother to never tire or wear out.
a. We childishly believe her energy and strength is never ending. (our demands are constant)
b. Illustration: Baby birds (robin) outside the office window.
c. We won’t let our mothers grow old in dignity and respect. (aging of parents is a difficult part of life) Perhaps: broken health. Perhaps: poverty. Perhaps: senility.
Closing:
Our expectations are very high and demanding, and I have only named a few of them. How do you think most mothers score on this list of expectation?1. We expect her to love ..... and she does!
2. We expect her to nurture .... and she does!
3. We expect her to forgive .... and she does!
4. We expect her to never wear out, to live forever, to always be there. (Well, she doesn’t have control over this expectation. However, her godly influence will continue to live on!)
IF YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH A GODLY MOTHER, I URGE YOU TO APPRECIATE AND HONOR HER. DON’T TAKE HER FOR GRANTED; DON’T ABUSE HER GODLY NATURE; DON’T FAIL TO BE COURTEOUS AND RESPECTFUL TOWARD HER.
Whose hand caresses my fevered brow
and calms my troubled heart - it is my mother.
Whose words heal my wounded spirit
and assures me that happiness will return - it is my mother.
Whose prayer undergirds me
and strengthens my life - it is my mother.
Whose example teaches me about life
and leads me to my God - it is my mother.
(R. Scroggins)