2. Introduction Women are under pressure to think they can only be happy in life if they pursue a career, are financially independent, or have status. In 2010, 65.4% of mothers were in the labor force with children ages 6-17 (up from 55% in 1975), while 58.9% of those with preschool children under age 6 were employed. (up from 39% in 1975) (Bureau of Labor Statistics- 2010) But this has not led to contentment as 56% of working mothers are not satisfied with their career according to a recent study in 2011. http://spherion.mediaroom.com/pressroom/index.php?s=43&item=1045.

3. Introduction It is not sinful for women to work outside the home and maybe a necessity as 35% are now the sole provider of their household’s income. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Working-Moms-Who-Are-Sole-prnews- 502841518.html?x=0&.v=1 But because they are preoccupied with work they may neglect training their children to be godly and leave them in day care instead. Children are a blessing of the Lord, not a curse. (Psalms 127:3-4) Women need to learn their responsibilities from godly mothers and children need to imitate godly examples (Titus 2:3-5).

4. Mothers- Set Godly Examples for Them Hannah prayed for a son, devoted him to God, and kept her promise. (1 Samuel 1:11, 28; 2:18-20) For what did you pray for before you had children? Samuel became a great prophet, priest, and judge of God’s people which began because of a woman’s devotion to God in extremely difficult circumstances!

5. Mothers- Set Godly Examples for Them Eunice and Lois taught Timothy from his youth the Old Testament which gave him the wisdom leading to salvation. (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15; Acts 16:1) The apostle Paul saw his faithfulness, took him on preaching journeys and sent him to various churches. (Acts 16:2-3; 1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 2:19ff) How many souls have obeyed the gospel and/or stayed faithful to the Lord because of their mother and grandmother’s godliness?

6. Mothers- Set Godly Examples for Them She has many responsibilities (wife, housekeeper, cook, nurse, counselor, taxi) (1 Tim. 5:14) How can she do it all? She must be unselfish having the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:3ff). What kind of example are you setting for your children/grandchildren? Do you talk to your children about God in your everyday life (Deut. 6:6ff)? Do they see you helping others in need? (Proverbs 31:20; 1 John 3:16-18)

7. Children are to Obey, Honor, and Take Care of their Parents/Mother when they are Old Jesus obeyed his parents and made sure his mother was taken care of even while dying on the cross. (Luke 2:51; John 19:25-27) If you obey your parents, you are more likely to live a long life because you would avoid sins that lead to an early grave (Pr. 1:7ff; Eph. 6:1-3). Do not despise what your mother says or you will give her much grief. Make her happy instead! (Pr. 10:1; 15:20; 17:25; 19:26; 23:22, 25) But how many desire to get rich from their parents instead of taking care of them (1 Timothy 6:9ff)?

8. You Must Love Jesus Above Your Parents Your first allegiance is to Christ (Mt. 6:33; 28:20) If your mother tells you to do something sinful, don’t do it (Matt. 10:34-39; 2 John 1:9-11). Jesus taught that the spiritual ties are more important than family ties (Luke 8:19-21). If you had to leave your mother for the kingdom’s sake, you will blessed 100X as much with spiritual mothers to replace them, and in the end you will have eternal life. (Mark 10:28-30)

9. Conclusion Mothers- set godly examples for your children. Be a Hannah, Lois, or Eunice in this generation. Children obey, honor, and take care of your parents when they are old. But you must obey the Lord above your parents if they tell you to do something wrong. Jesus said, “Who is My mother and My brothers! And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50)