A Godly Mother Part 4

#4) A godly mother sees life in light of eternity. A worldly mother sees life in light of the temporary.

2 Cor. 4:16-18 says: “Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

These are some of my very favorite verses. I cling to them. It’s easy to lose heart as a mom. It takes great INTENTION to look at this life through the eyes of the Lord. That is how we will not lose heart. A godly mother keeps things in an eternal perspective. I have to look at my life, my circumstances in light of eternity in order to not lose heart. When we fix our eyes on what is seen we get discouraged. From God’s perspective our troubles are light and best of all MOMENTARY. He is renewing us. Even through trials and tribulations. No matter your troubles. No matter your sadness. They are temporary. God is outside of time and His plan is working in our lives. How will you respond? How will you view your mothering? Your tribulations? Your children? Your marriage? View them all from an eternal perspective and I guarantee your life will be filled with more peace and joy! Always keep the cross in the forefront of your mind! He accomplished everything for you on that cross. There awaits us a greater home than this! While you are here, focus on Him and not them. Focus on Christ and not your fleeting trials. Fix your eyes and your heart on Him. In the midst of dishes...in the midst of squabbles...in the midst of tantrums...in the midst of potty training, things breaking, disobedience... keep your eyes on Him.

"let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Col. 3:1-4)

I will conclude with a few simple, practical ways to do this. Watch less t.v. and read more of your bible. Talk less about the things of the world and more about the things God. Talk less and pray more. Listen to less secular music and listen to more of the bible (biblegateway.com has a great audio bible selection). Sing to Him, again I will say this one, sing to Him!!! Singing always turns my heart away from here and turns it toward Him. These are all ways for us to "put off the old" and "put on the new" (which is absolutely essential for us to keep that eternal perspective we so desperately need!)

"when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:20-24)