I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)
When I looked up the definition of influencer in Google, the first hit was: A social media influencer has access to a large audience and can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach. I’m not looking to make a splash on Instagram or Facebook. The audience I am thinking of is usually just one, maybe a few more. I prefer the more general definition of: one who exerts influence : a person who inspires or guides the actions of others.
I have been reading through the Bible and following the story of the children of Israel in the stories of the Old Testament. On the pages of 1 and 2 Chronicles, you encounter many lists, genealogies, and summaries of the entire story. Sometimes, I skim it to see if I recognize anyone in particular, an interesting tidbit about their vocation, or family members, any acts of heroism or defeat…the Bible is good to give both sides.
When Samuel anointed the first King, Saul, it began a long history of good and bad kings for the nations of Israel and Judah. Unfortunately, there were more bad than good. God had been very specific about following His instructions to ensure that His blessing would continue and the people would be secure in the land that He had given to them. But so many did not get the picture. It saddened me to read about the sons of good and godly fathers who took over the throne and seemed to compete as to who could be more evil. Was there any thread that would make some sense of this?
Yes, I found one…their mother.
Ahaziah followed the ways of Ahab’s family, because his mother encouraged him to do wrong. 2 Chronicles 22:3 (NCV)
Mothers have a huge impact on their sons. Those days of toddlerhood spent teaching the basics of life are the foundation for that boy. Kindness, good manners, and obedience are just a few of the lessons learned at a mother’s knee. And it’s not easy. It takes discipline, patience, perseverance, and love to instill these lessons into the heart of a son. Boys seem to naturally strain at the rules, be curious, boisterous, and find the best mud hole to play in. They are loud, single-minded, and mischievous. Naptime is a waste of time. Make sure the refrigerator has food…all the time.
But mothers are often the ones that can listen, hug, make a favorite dessert, and ask them their spelling words. They can teach them to be gentle without losing their toughness.
If Mom is determined to teach her son the most evil and vile way to live, she has a lot of time to instill those ideas into his brain, heart, and character as she raises him..
However, Timothy is an example of a young man who grew up to be a godly young man, a personal aide to the Apostle Paul, and helpful in the ministry of the young churches
What was the difference? A godly mother and in his circumstance, a godly grandmother. One who was not silent about her faith in God. One who taught him the scriptures from an early age so that he would know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil.
For years, I worked in the political arena in an effort to make a difference. After one too many elections that upended all my work, I decided it was time to find something else to do. That was my beginning as a Mentor Mom for an organization called MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers. I realized that, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” Mothers make a difference, a huge one. My time encouraging and loving on moms would have a much more lasting affect.
So, whether your son is four, fourteen, or forty-four, I encourage you, Mom, to leave a legacy of your faith in God, praying that it will pass down from generation to generation, changing hearts and lives for good.