Mothers have an incredible opportunity to impact their children’s lives in amazing ways. Perhaps you’ve heard me talk about my own dear mother, Rebecca, and what a great example she was to me. Throughout scripture, we can easily see how mothers have influenced their children in profound ways—some for good and some for ill. In fact, one of my favorite Scripture verses is 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” That is the effect godly mothers and grandmothers have on their children and grandchildren—their faithfulness to God leaves a lasting impression on the generations that follow after them.
Of course, some people do not have the blessing of a godly mother for one reason or another, and it affects their lives deeply. Our challenge as Christians is to reach out to them, providing a loving example to them and always pointing them to Jesus.
You can have a tremendous impact on the people around you. The only qualifications necessary are faithful love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. My mother never taught a Sunday school class, never sang in the choir, and never held an office in church. She was a quiet, unassuming, humble lady. However, she was very wise because her focus was on God, and His Word was central to her life.
So how can you impact the lives of the people you know? First, teach them the importance of studying the Bible and meditating upon its truth. Answer any question asked of you as best as you can, reminding others how important it is to apply the principles of Scripture to their daily lives. Second, show them how to talk to God. You do this by praying with them—not just by telling them how they should pray. Third, demonstrate trust in the Lord for all of your needs, no matter how difficult circumstances become. You do this by not complaining and by being thankful for what you have. Fourth, teach others how to obey God by submitting yourself to Him in everything you do. When others see your faithful obedience and His awesome work in you, they will want to obey Him, too.
And finally, love others unconditionally—just as Christ would love them. No matter what happens or how others treat you, love them, serve them, and encourage them with the truth of God’s Word. Why? Because that is the way the Lord cares for you.
A godly influence is an awesome treasure, and the children in our world need believers to reach out and show them the love of God. You can impact their lives in an amazing way by the way you live, what you say, and how you respond to the trials you face. My prayer is that you will allow the Lord full access to your life so that He can continue to make you into the loving example that will have an awesome influence in others’ lives.
Copyright 2010 In Touch Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org