Some things in life come and go, but the role of motherhood endures. If anyone believes that motherhood ends when her child reaches 18, they have not yet come to fully understand the lasting position that mothers surrender their lives to. Responsibilities certainly change as the children pass through the various phases of life, yet loving and devoted mothers continually find their place in their growing and developing family.

Our children are grown and out of our home now, yet I still see the beauty of Gale’s mothering abilities being called upon by them and patiently given by her. And turning the clock back even further, I see that perpetual role of motherhood still being fulfilled in my mother’s life. As I talked with her on the telephone a few days ago, I heard her, even though she is elderly now, still expressing love and concern for her family.

The most lasting investment that godly mothers make is giving of their time and effort to guide their children toward God. While each person has to make a personal choice to accept or reject Jesus Christ, the influence of a godly mother can go a long way toward encouraging the child to choose to follow Christ. In too many homes, fathers are failing to be the spiritual leaders that they should be, leaving it up to the mother to take the responsibility to teach the children godly values. Thank God for mothers who are willing to fulfill this role.

The Bible records that the faith of the mother and grandmother of Timothy encouraged him to become a man of faith. Paul wrote to Timothy: “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5, New International Version). That faith did not come to Timothy through physical inheritance, but through consistent Christian living and teaching on the part of his mother and grandmother.

As a result of what those two godly women instilled into young Timothy, he was encouraged to continue to boldly remain true to Christ. Paul instructed him to “not be ashamed to testify about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8). What a reward for a mother when she sees her children taking a bold stand for Christ!

It is tragic that the importance of motherhood is not always recognized in our day. Instead, success is often measured in dollars and cents. Thankfully God has a higher standard of acknowledging value. Since He places great importance on motherhood, we should too.

If you are the mother of young children, there might be moments of frustration and discouragement when you question the value of the investment you are making in your children. Be of good courage! God has called you to be an instrument to help shape young lives and teach them eternal truths. Just as Timothy’s mother and grandmother played a vital role in his decision to follow Christ, you have the same opportunity to help shape a life that could someday impact the world for Christ. Proverbs 31:30 puts it well: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Thank God for mothers of sincere faith! May He bless each of you mothers richly as you fulfill your godly role of motherhood.