Mothers of Influence
Being a mother is such a blessing from the Lord! A woman can be a mother figure to many, her own biological children, children in a blended family, adoptive or foster children and even to grandchildren, nieces or nephews. It is amazing to comprehend that God has placed you in this world to be a Mother of Godly Influence to a specifically assigned child or children! God has placed children in your home, at your school, at your church, in your family, for a purpose and opportunity to influence. Every time you encounter someone of a younger generation it is an opportunity to influence them as a spiritual leader. But it is not always easy. Sometimes we women become weary! Sometimes we become impatient, irritable, stressed, angry and may lose sight of the influence we have on those around us especially the younger generation. I am here today to empower you and encourage you through scripture on how crucial it is to be a Mother of Godly Influence!
“Memorize these laws and think about them…Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time - whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to be at night, or getting up in the morning.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Sometimes as mothers we underestimate the power of influence we have on our child or the younger generation. I am a mother of three amazing children, two teenage girls and one ten year old boy. There are days when I am spiritually connected to God and I am loving them and speaking life into them. On these days, I encourage them and praise them individually for their own unique God given abilities. But there are days that I do not. These are the days that I underestimate the negative influence that I can have over them or on anyone around me.
When I’m stressed, anxious, tired or in a hurry the way I speak to someone can come out in a not so loving way. The way I feel about myself may influence how I treat others around me. Should it? Of course not? Influence can be very destructive. It reminds me of how second hand smoke can affect the inside of someone without them actually smoking or “committing that sin” sorta speak. According to the American Cancer Society, as many as 20 percent of people in the United States who died from lung cancer in 2018—a total of roughly 30,000 people—never smoked. These people were directly affected, losing their lives due to exposure or “influence” from someone else. How many of us are destroying people around us? It may not be physically but emotionally and mentally destroying the young generation's dreams, visions and aspirations. “Mom I want to be a doctor when I grow up.” “Well, how are you going to go to school for 10 years if you're having trouble in school now?” Talk about squashing someone's dream and motivation.
These are the days that we need conviction of the Holy Spirit! Sometimes children see and hear us labeling others. Sometimes children see and hear us fussing, arguing and losing our patience. Sometimes children see and hear us treating others with bias. Sometimes children witness violence, drug and alcohol abuse. The younger generation learn from the older generation by seeing and hearing those around them. If they are lost and making negative decisions... I wonder what Mother of Godly Influence do they have in their lives? Let us pray together for our lost and dying generations. Let us love on those who are looked upon as “unlovable”. Let us become Mothers of Godly Influence regardless if they are our biological children or not. Let us lead and guide the younger generations with the truth of God’s word! Let us lead the hurting generations to the knowledge of Jesus Christ! As Mothers of Godly Influence we need to watch how we speak to others and how we treat others especially in front of the most influential young people of all...our own children.
As a mother, your child looks up to you, watching everything you do at a very young age. As your child grows into the toddler stages your child starts to pick up words to learn how to communicate. Mothers of Godly Influence should be speaking words of wisdom, words of life, words that encourage and build up on another. Mother’s of Godly Influence should be declaring and decreeing scripture over the young generation rebuking the strongholds of the enemy over their lives. Mothers of Godly Influence spiritually fight for their loved ones through the power of prayer! “Ok sweetie, you want to be a doctor, let’s pray about it.” “Dear Lord Jesus I pray that the will of God for this child’s life come to fruition, allow this child to walk in the calling and purpose you have for them, I declare and decree the favor of the lord over them, protect them from the plans of the enemy. God I pray that you give them the strength, knowledge and wisdom to be a doctor in Jesus name.” Wow the power and influence of this prayer can plant a seed in that young person's heart to believe that God WILL give them the strength to be a doctor one day. This is a very different influence from the first negative response! Ladies, pick up your bible, study the scriptures, believe in the mighty power of the Holy Spirit and start to declare and decree over your children! Be a Mother of Godly Influence!
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” Proverbs 12:25
Let’s take a look at an example of a Mother of Godly Influence in the Bible! Timothy became a pastor at a very young age at a church in Ephesus after joining the Apostle Paul’s evangelical ministry. His mother, Eunice and his grandmother Lois passed on their deep and steadfast Christian faith. They helped mold Timothy into a spiritual leader. They had a Godly influence. Eunice was seen as a spiritual role model for her child, instructing him in the ways of faith. Paul refers to Eunice and Lois in the following scripture:
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5
Even though Eunice’s husband was an unbeliever at the time, regardless of the circumstances going on in the home, she was able to be a Mother of Godly Influence! Eunice took her responsibility seriously, she instilled a love for God and his word in her son. Lois inspired her grandson through faith and knowledge of scripture. Timothy became one of the most influential pastors of his time! Timothy overcame many giants and held on to his faith through the tough times.
Don’t underestimate the influence you have on the younger generation. Don’t underestimate the life-changing influence you have simply with an encouraging word or Godly advice. Every interaction you have is an opportunity to instruct, encourage and lead them to the powerful word of God! Ladies let’s make today an opportunity to be Women of Godly Influence, our kids need us to lead them to Jesus!
