LIGHT FOR HARMONIOUS HOMES (2)

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” – 2 Timothy 1:5a

Mothers have unique roles in manifesting LIGHT for HARMONIOUS HOMES: “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Tim.1:5). Mothers are Home Builders (Pro.14:1). Paul’s testimonies concerning Lois and Eunice eloquently buttress this reality. No one has more influence than a mother in permanently impacting her child’s life, for better or worse. Tough and tender, wise and warm, cleaning, comforting, and correcting, a mother must be all things to all her family – at all times. There is no career more demanding, yet more endangered in contemporary society!

Proverbs 24: 3-4 reveal three relational tools that are vital for solid-rock homes: “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Mothers must be rich in these primary tools by which homes are built. Wisdom is the ability to see with discernment, to view life through God’s eyes. Understanding is the skill of responding with insight, reading between the lines. Knowledge is the trait of going beyond the facts – perceiving, discovering and growing with one’s child.

With God-given wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, the godly mother can fill the rooms of her home with rich heritage of godly character traits, deep relationships, and lasting memories. Today’s meditation text portrays a mother and grandmother who used these tools to rear a rare son, Timothy, making such invaluable investments in his spiritual life, that Paul, the apostle, was drawn to the young man, forging a 15-year friendship with him. As Paul lay in a Roman dungeon, Timothy was the friend he sought out (vv.1-4a). Reflecting on their friendship, Paul was filled with gratitude and pleasant memories.

Here are five distinct contributions of a mother to the family, filling each room with her motherly touch until her house becomes a home:

Transparent Tenderness: “...Being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy” (v.4b). The mother’s warm embrace, eager smile, and soft reply is a safe harbour for the child who is tossed and battered by life’s stormy seas.

Authentic Spirituality: “...the genuine faith that is in you...” (v.5). Timothy had his roots in sincere, unhypocritical, lived-out faith, modeled in Mama Eunice and Grandma Lois (2 Tim.3: 14-15). The truth of God’s Word is best translated at home!

Inner Confidence: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power...” (v.7a). In the Greek, “power” infers “inherent strength” and “inner might” – the opposite is timidity, insecurity or inferiority.

Unselfish Love: “...of love...” (v.7b). The agape kind of love seeks the highest good of others (1 Cor.13: 1-13).

Self-control: “...of a sound mind” (v.7c). “Sound mind” means discipline or self-control. Mothers balance tenderness and love with discipline.