Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Here we are about to celebrate another Mother’s Day. Twelve months have come and gone so quickly that it amazes us. No doubt several of you said goodbye to your mother this year while others have doubts about whether there will even be another celebration as age takes its inevitable toll on our elderly loved ones. If you have your mother with you please visit, call or reach out in some manner this Mother’s Day while it still matters.

Paul gave instructions to a young pastor to teach his followers concerning successful homes and marriages. For an older widow to be fully respected and received into the church’s care program she had to have obeyed the church’s teaching which included the following: “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work” (I Tim. 5:10). Paul gave specific guidelines for younger women also. “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully” (I Timothy 5:14). If you have been blessed to have such a mother or wife you should be thankful everyday of your life.

We live in a world where many women have no desire to even be a mother. You see, it would interrupt their career, or cramp their social life. No wonder we have so many abortions in this country. Just remember, the greatest role of any woman is to be a mother. It is probably the most challenging and most rewarding position anyone could have. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:28). Nothing compares to this!