The Ministry of Motherhood - The Word About Women

The Ministry of Motherhood

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.

Read 2 Timothy 1:5

Sometimes being a mom is hard. We pour so much of ourselves into our children but it takes so long to see the fruits of our labor. Some days we wonder if we are making any difference at all. It might seem like we could make a bigger difference for the Kingdom outside of the home. And some women are called to do just that. But, whether we work outside of our homes or stay home full-time, all moms are called to a ministry inside our own homes. And that is the ministry of raising our children in the Lord.

That’s why I find the story of Lois and Eunice so encouraging. In today’s verse, Paul is writing to Timothy, who he considered to be his son in the faith. Paul was counting on Timothy to carry on his work as Paul was in prison and his execution was looming. As Paul was longing to see Timothy again, he was reminded of and grateful for Timothy’s faith. A faith that he credits Timothy’s mother and grandmother for instilling in him.

2 Timothy 3:15 makes it clear that Timothy knew the Old Testament Scriptures since childhood. Timothy’s father was a Greek but his mother and his grandmother were Jewish. They were the ones who made sure that Timothy knew the foundations of their faith. And because of this, Timothy was well-prepared to accept Jesus as the Messiah when the time came.

Lois and Eunice were faithful to pass on the most important legacy that mothers can leave for their kids. They were faithful to pass on their faith. And as a result, their son/grandson, Timothy, grew up to follow in the footsteps of the great Apostle Paul. Because of their dedication to their ministry inside their home, Timothy was prepared for an effective ministry outside of his home.

The WORD about Women in the story of Lois and Eunice is that motherhood is an opportunity for ministry. The work that mothers and grandmothers do inside of their homes and in their own families is just as important as ministry work done outside of the home. Sister, if you are a mom, whether you spend all day in an office or all day at home, it is your responsibility and your great honor and privilege to pass your faith down to your kids. Mothers and grandmothers can read the Bible to our kids, teach them the songs of the faith, and teach them how to pray and talk to God. It might seem like our greatest opportunities for impact are outside the walls of our home. But consider Lois and Eunice. Think about how much God worked through two women who were faithful in the ministry of motherhood.

Reflect

If you are a mom, how are you passing your faith on to your children or grandchildren? If you aren’t a mom, how can you support other moms or help minister to young families?

Pray