Conquering Egypt

Yesterday, we talked about the mother of Moses. This was a woman who lived surrounded by a pagan Egyptian culture, one that threatened the well-being of her family--spiritually, socially, financially, physically, and relationally. The Bible makes it clear that the king was greatly concerned by the growing population of the Israelites. They were a people who were viewed as dangerous and threatening by the Egyptian "powers-that-be" of the time.

Here was a woman who, when under orders to throw her infant son into the Nile River, found a way to save his life. Was it risky? Oh yeah! She took a chance when she placed him in a basket made of reeds and tar and put the basket in the Nile River. She did not know if he would be found, nor did she know what would happen if he was found. Yes, she sent the baby's sister to watch and see what would happen, but ultimately she placed her infant son in the hands of the Lord her God. She "did the right thing" in the face of adversity, obstacles, opposition, and persecution.

How much this is like what we face today! As I pray for the precious people God has brought to The Sanctuary,
I am often led to pray for the families with children and grandchildren. Today, my prayer is especially for all the mothers. Mothers (and fathers, of course) are charged with "doing the right thing" in an increasingly difficult culture, one where people of faith are seen as weak and stupid and the Lord we serve is mocked openly. Parents are literally teaching their children to go against the current when they teach these young ones to follow the ways of the Lord.

Moms, here is what I want you to know.

1) Remember that you are on the front line in the battle for your children's souls. It is important that you make sure that you are nurturing your own soul in things of the faith. How? Reading and meditating on the word of God, talking to God, and (more importantly) listening to Him, keeping your eyes on the prize and not being distracted by the things of this world. Being filled up and in tune with the Lord, you'll have strength for the battle.

Question: Are you nurturing yourself spiritually?

2) You need to "keep your eye on the prize" for your children as well. They will choose or not choose for themselves whether or not to follow Christ, but the choices you make as a mom help to influence them in that direction. You must communicate to them by action and not words only, how important spiritual disciplines are and how important it is that their choices of friends, activities, music, etc. are congruent with Christian living.

Question: Are you guiding your children to make choices that will bring them closer to Christ?

3) You need to help your children to understand that being a follower of Christ means that they might not always fit in and at times they may even be excluded or ridiculed. You will need to help them to deal with the pain of that, but also to learn to have a Christ-like response when that happens. Remember that it is not easy to be a child or adolescent growing up in a culture that is increasingly hostile to people of faith, especially the Christian faith. We must teach our children to "whenever possible live at peace with all people" (Romans 12:18) which is a challenge in a hostile world.

Question: Are you praying with and talking to your children about going against the current in school and with friends?

4) Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." You must realize that they learn a lot more about the things that are important in life by watching you than they do from listening to you. Model for them what matters. Is prayer important? Then let them see you pray or better yet, pray with them. Is scripture important? Then ask God to show you how to incorporate scripture into the conversations you have with your children. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) Is church attendance important? Then make church attendance a top priority for your family. Is the Gospel important? Then let them see you live the Gospel by making Godly choices in entertainment, activities, friends, and music.

Question: Can you comfortably tell your children to follow your example?

Mothers are such an important part of a child's life. How many great men and women have pointed to their mothers for bringing them up in ways that contributed to their success? The way you raise your children will contribute or detract from their spiritual success. It is an awesome responsibility and amazing opportunity!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF YOUR PARENTAL WITNESS!

Okay, now it's your turn! What are your thoughts? Are there things you need to change in raising your children to be people of God? What are the struggles? What have you found important in being successful? What are the biggest obstacles? Talk to me!