Sunday, June 14, 2009

Pillars in the House of God (pt.5)

Two more pillars.  Hey, we want there to be a good solid church, don't we?  

Today's pillar:  godly moms.  Take Lois and Eunice for example.  We do not know much about Timothy's father, except that he was probably Greek.  It would seem he probably was not a Christian, because Paul gives credit only to Timothy's mother and grandmother for Timothy's christian upbringing.  Paul says to Timothy, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well" (1 Timothy 1:5).

I have observed that some women tend to rely solely on their husband for the spiritual instruction in the home.  When the husband is absent or too busy, or doesn't recognize his spiritual headship in the home, the job doesn't get done.  But there is still MOM.  

There are a couple references in the book of Proverbs that give us insight into God's design for mothers to be teachers: Proverbs 1:8 and Proverbs 6:20.  Proverbs 31 is an oracle (a very wise answer) given by a mother to her son.  Also, throughout Proverbs wisdom is personified with the use of feminine pronouns.  These passages, along with the example of Lois and Eunice, show us how mothers are to be conveyors of truth for their children.

When mothers take their role seriously and teach their children God's Word, they are pillars in the church.  It is wonderful to have such a biblically based and lively Children's Ministry such as we have in Trinity, but the primary responsibility for biblical instruction is to come from father and mother.  

Some women may not know how to do this.  I believe it is something you grow into by doing it.  I would suggest you begin by building a library of  biblically sound books for children.  A couple of weeks ago Tim promoted some titles, (for example, Leading Little Ones to God) to which I'd like to add:  My ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt, Big Truths for Little Kids by Susan Hunt, The King Without a Shadow by RC Sproul, The Priest with the Dirty Clothes by RC Sproul, and  Little Pilgrim's Progress  by Helen L. Taylor (from John Bunyan's classic work, Pilgrim's Progress).  Dangerous Journey  is another excellent adaptation of Bunyan's book.  

Speaking from experience, snuggling up with children to read a good book gives more than spiritual instruction.  There is a connection that is very real, deep and lasting.  Over the years and even now when I am reading with my 14 year old son I think, "It doesn't get much better than this."  I will miss it when this season of my life is over, but yeah for grandkids!!!  

So, my mom friends, be pillars by being pillar builders.  And enjoy the process!! 

PS.  Visit Trinity's bookstore for the books mentioned above and more!!  Happy shopping!  

2 comments:

Mrs. David Hankins said...

Thanks for making these great recommendations! Our family has enjoyed several of these books and has some of the others on our "wish list".

For those who are interested...

A free video (audio reading & video of actual pages) of Dangerous Journey is available at the Answers in Genesis kids site:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/kids/videos

And the first seven chapters of Big Truths For Little Kids is available as a book sample at Google Books:

http://books.google.com/books?id=vfzmbxt2KMcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=susan+hunt

Gayline said...

Thank you for the tips!!

 
Simply Yours DesignsCute Blog Designs