Influence

AS SINGLE MOMS WE ARE THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF OUR HOMES.

First, we need to accept this responsibility.

We should ask ourselves: What kind of influence are we having on our children, and how can we be more purposeful in helping our children love God and develop Godly character?

Mothering includes meeting our children's physical needs, but what about their spiritual ones? Feeding their bodies is very important, but how are we feeding their souls? How are we involving God in this process?

When Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy Chapter 1, he mentioned it was Timothy's mom Lois and grandmother Eunice who exerted Godly influence on him. So, as women, we can become successful in raising Godly children, even when a man is not playing that role in our children's lives.

One thing we can do is ask God to bring a "Paul" into our children's lives, or a godly male influence and mentor. However, we must still work on the influence we are having on them.

What are Godly children? I love the fact that God chose David to be the next king of Israel because God saw that David was "a man after God's own heart." I would love for God to be able to say that about me and my children.

Let's grow in our relationship with God so we can help our children to do so, too. We can grow through obedience, prayer, seeking God's truth in the Bible, and developing close relationships with other people who love God, too.

As we reflect on the type of influence that we have on our children, let's ask ourselves these questions:

1. What is the quality of my relationship with God? Am I in tune with Him? How can I help my children be in tune with him?

2. What role does God's Word play in our home?

3. Are my actions, attitudes and habits ones that I would want my children to imitate? (they're watching!)

4. Is there anything I need to change and ask God for help?

This message is not intended to overwhelm you. Ladies, we can make it, and we're not alone. God is with us, and we can find help in our families and friendships. I just want to encourage us to be purposeful and faithful in the spiritual influence we have on our children so they can grow up to be God-loving men and women of character.

I don't know exactly what Lois and Eunice said when Timothy was a young boy, but I can imagine that they lived right and they taught Timothy to learn God's Word and to trust and obey Him.

I chose this funny video because I know that as a mom I often sound like this! Pray for me to be a more effective godly influence on my children. Leave me a message so I know you're out there, and I'll pray for you, too!

Enjoy the video!