Honoring our Mothers
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The command “honor your father and mother” was one of the Ten Commandments given by God (Exodus 20:12). It includes both the concepts of obedience of children and caring for wizened parents. Jesus made this latter point in Mark 7:9-13. The Pharisees thought that by giving their money to the temple, they would be excused from taking care of their parents. They were wrong. Jesus taught that the commandment applied just as much to our elderly parents.
On mothers’ day, we show respect for our mothers by praising their role as child bearers. For those who have reared children, we acknowledge their dedication and sacrifices, but mothers are not perfect. Even the most saintly sins. The first mother brought sin into the world, yet she was honored with the title: the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20). Jesus died for his own mother’s sins, but He honored her by appointing the apostle John as her guardian (John 19:26-27). We should honor our mothers despite their faults; Jesus certainly did.
Some are fortunate to have their mothers nearby where they are available to have an everyday relationship. Other mothers are not so near and are celebrated when opportunity arises. Yet other mothers have passed on and are no longer with us, but their life and memories may yet be honored. God’s command to honor our father and mother, however, isn’t about superficialities, but a manner of living that extends to every day of the week. May God bless our mothers, and may our mothers be godly.
God bless you and I love you.
Kevin Cauley