Parenting is an important skill to learn and God has a lot to say regarding children and parenting.  The title of this devotion refers to the promise made to moms found in Proverbs 31:28.  Mothers should reap a harvest of honor from her husband and children.  After reading the verses that describe the “virtuous woman”, it is very evident that honor comes to the woman who unselfishly loves her family. (Proverbs 31:10-31) This kind of love comes from the heart.  It is supernatural in origin and the wisdom that comes with it brings honor to her and blessing to her family.  Exodus 20:12 reveals a command to all children to honor their fathers and mothers.  It also contains a promise of long life for those who obey.  

 Children will not automatically honor their parents.  They must be taught how to honor them.  This responsibility falls first to the mother who lays the foundation for honor as she shapes, guides and defines the actions of her children. Research has shown the greatest impact in a child’s life occurs within the first 5 years and it shapes their identities.  References to the degree of impact are found in quotations of great men and women throughout the ages.  George Washington states, “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw.  All I am I owe to my mother.  I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.”  Maya Angelou says, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.  Winston Churchill responded to a journalist who wrote to him asking him to comment on a list of people who had input into his life by writing, “You have omitted the greatest of my teachers – my mother!”  These quotes are fulfillments of the promise made in Proverbs 31:28.

 What do you remember about your mom?  Her cooking, the time she knelt by your bed or took care of you when you were sick?  I believe the greatest thing that someone can remember about their mom is not homemaking skills or professional achievement or even social achievement but her faith in God.  From her faith in God comes the strength and wisdom to unconditionally love her children and instill within them a foundation for truth.

 Based upon this truth, there are three principles that insure her a mom’s success. The first principle is to make sure that her children have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and instill in them a faith in God.  Spiritual sensitivity is imparted to her children from the anointing in her life to mother them.  We see from the Bible that association brings about a transfer of spiritual qualities.  Read the story of Hannah and Samuel found in the book of 1 Samuel, chapters 1 and 2. Hannah had long prayed for Samuel and her devout behavior was behind his greatness.  She had promised even before his birth to give him back into God’s service.  Look at the results!  True and lasting fulfillment is found here.  She accomplishes this impartation by precept and example.  She models and trains her children as the previous quotes confirm.

 The second principle is to teach her children to have faith in the Bible – God’s holy written Word.  The Bible should not become a book but The Book.  They should learn to turn to the Word when they are facing the challenges of life.  If they are taught to go to the Word for answers when they are young, they will keep going to it when they are old.  (Proverbs 22:6)  They should see in their parents how God’s principles are applied to everyday living.  Their parents should help them to apply these principles in their life experiences.

 The third principle is to teach her children how to pray.  Moms pray with your children to instill in them the value of prayer so that no matter what happens they will know to how to pray successfully and receive answers from God. If we teach our children natural lessons by example, why do we merely tell our children how to live for God?  
You may be reading this and not be a Mom yourself.  You may even be a Dad.  These principles will work for you too.  No matter what your gender, you have a Mom.  Spend some time thinking about your mom’s impact upon you.  Thank her.  If she has already moved to heaven, then take a moment to thank God for her and remember the wonderful memories you have of her time with you.  

 Fathers love your children’s mother. It is the most important thing you can do for them. Here is a suggestion sure to bring positive results. Make a list of 31 things she has done for you that you seldom thank her for and specifically thank her for one each day of the following month.  Be prepared for a better relationship than you have enjoyed in quite a while.

 A mom must daily show her children an example of living for God in all situations.  Then, she must teach them to follow her example.  Setting a right example is what causes them to rise up and call you blessed.  A Mom’s loving example will cause her to become more than a memory; she will become a living presence in their hearts.