Nothing I could write would better express how important the mother’s position is in the family than the Spirit of Prophecy quotations below. I should have included this in the May issue since Mother’s Day is in May, but May had passed before I read this in my morning devotions. While this described my own mother to me, I know that it likely describes your mother, too, or someone to whom you looked for love and guidance.
If there are times when you feel unappreciated or discouraged, remember that God gave mothers the most important work of all, and you can, coupled with His power, raise children who will love God and be happy to work in His service. This can include anyone—grandmother, aunt, sister, teacher, friend, even a single father—who assumes the responsibility for raising or assisting in raising a child.
“There is a God above, and the light and glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. No other work can equal hers in importance. She has not, like the artist, to paint a form of beauty upon canvas, nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in words of power, nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul the likeness of the divine.” The Ministry of Healing, 377, 378
Is it any wonder that the devil works so hard to destroy families?
“The mother who appreciates this will regard her opportunities as priceless. Earnestly will she seek, in her own character and by her methods of training, to present before her children the highest ideal. Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she will endeavor to improve her own abilities, that she may use aright the highest powers of the mind in the training of her children. Earnestly will she inquire at every step, ‘What hath God spoken?’ Diligently, she will study His word. She will keep her eyes fixed upon Christ, that her own daily experience, in the lowly round of care and duty, may be a true reflection of the one true Life.” Ibid., 378
Do not be discouraged, mothers.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28, first part
Dear Lord, please send strength, comfort, satisfaction, and joy to all, especially our mothers, who have the privilege of raising children for You. May they, and their children, reflect You in every circumstance and in every place.