Sermon Central
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Mom On A Mission
Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 3, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: Encouraging those women who are hardworking and pursuing to become HIS women, regardless of their status quo. These women who are serious about their life, family and community and desire to set a godly example for those who follow.
Opening illustration: Watch a video clip on ‘more than rubies.’
Let us turn to Proverbs 31 and see what Lemuel the wise has written pertaining to a wife and mother.
Introduction: In the final chapter of Proverbs we have the character of a king according to wisdom, and that of the woman in her own house-the king who does not allow himself that which, by darkening his moral discernment through the indulgence of his lusts, would make him unfit to govern. In the woman we see the persevering and devoted industry which fills the house with riches, brings honor to its inhabitants, and removes all the cares and anxieties produced by sloth. The typical application of these two specific characters is too evident to need explanation. The example of the woman is very useful, as to the spirit of the thing, to one who labors in the assembly. This is the description of a virtuous woman of those days, but the general outlines equally suit every age and nation. She is very careful to recommend herself to her husband’s esteem and affection, to know his mind, and is willing that he rule over her.
If you were to look at various women’s magazines you would soon find out what qualities are being promoted for the “ideal” woman of the 21st century.
• Relaxed in manner, attitude and dress.
• Healthy (body, skin, hair, etc.) – Strong in mind.
• Independent – even if she is married.
• Aware and involved in what is going on.
• She’s making a place for herself in the world.
These are the “catchwords” of today’s contemporary woman.
What is the MISSION of a godly mom?
1. Exhibit strength and honor (v. 25)
• Strength - Strength of mind, magnanimity, courage, activity.
• Her clothing - Her ornament and glory.
• Rejoice - She lives in constant tranquility of mind, from a just confidence in God’s gracious providence.
• James tells us that benevolence to the poor and homeless is the sign of true piety – James 1: 27
• She is truly a spiritual woman with a Godly character.
• She is not afraid of the future (near or far) because her faith and good works cover her with honor and power.
• She is a person who is at ease in her conscience because her heart and hands are busy doing what is right.
• She is not guilt ridden or depressed because she is busy giving herself away to others she loves.
2. Impart wisdom (v. 26)
• Opens her mouth - She is neither sullenly silent, nor full of impertinent talk, but speaks discreetly and piously, as occasion offers.
• In her tongue - Her speeches are guided by wisdom and grace, and not by inordinate passions.
• And this practice is called a law in her tongue, because it is constant and customary, and proceeds from an inward and powerful principle of true wisdom.
• Her tongue is not for gossip but rather for edification.
• This is one of my own grandma’s qualities and one I have also found in my wife.
• Both never use their words to destroy but always to build others up beginning with myself and others.
• This is wisdom from above and the woman of the poem demonstrates that she has this.
3. Care for her family (vs. 27-28)
• She is a moral manager: she takes care that all shall behave themselves well; that none of them shall keep bad company or contract vicious habits.
• She can instruct them the Christian faith and the fear of the Lord, as well as she can teach them in their labor.
• In her house, diligence in business, and fervency of spirit, serving the Lord, go hand in hand.
• It is not that she isn’t concerned with the problems of her society (She does help the poor etc.) but the concerns of her home are first.
• When we take care of our own home first there are usually less problems in the world.
• She is aware of the needs of her family and the community and concerned about fulfilling them using all of her skills and qualities refined through years of service and practice.
• Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11: 3 that the man is the head of woman and consequently the head of the home but the writer balances out this picture by showing us that the woman is the heart of the home. When the head and the heart are in union with Christ as the Lord of the home, what a wonderful place that home is.
• She has this trustworthiness demonstrated by Good stewardship of her home and a Godly character and these bring her rewards:
