For me, being a mom is not difficult. Being a good mom, on the other hand, is extremely challenging and seems to require constant self-sacrifice on my part. The inherent problem with this is that I have an above-average propensity toward selfishness. Do I want to hear another detailed description about how my son’s favorite YouTuber managed to conquer his arch nemesis? No. Do I want to abandon the comfort of my sunny pool chair to get into the ice-cold, hyper-chlorinated water with my daughter so we can be mermaids together? Absolutely not. Honestly, I don’t even want to cook dinner most nights.
And yet, I do these things and many other acts of service for my kids not because I am a particularly good person, but because I try to remember that they are not my children. They are God’s.
Jesus tells His disciples in Luke 12:48b (NIV), “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” When I became a mother, I enthusiastically and excitedly promised God that I would be a good steward of this gift and that I’d work tirelessly to be the best mother I could be for the rest of my life. I figured that meant I would love and care for my kids, raise them in a Christian home, and send them to good schools. I did not fully comprehend that it also meant I would have to live each day for someone other than myself.
In many ways, all good stewardship efforts start with selflessness. In a world where it is often tempting to try to meet my own needs first, I know that God has called me to serve my family before myself.
I believe that good stewardship as a mother also requires keeping my eyes on the “big picture” – so I try to remember, even when I feel exhausted, that I am raising a man and woman of God and my influence in their lives is unmatched. It’s a big responsibility, but I am their only mother and God entrusted me with their care.
Being a good mother is sometimes a thankless job, so I try to remember to remain faithful and stay the course, even when my extra efforts seem to go unnoticed. God sees me and that’s enough.
I’d be lying if I mentioned there was nothing in it for me, but the reward doesn’t have anything to do with a direct outcome. When I serve Him well, I know my Father is proud of me and I feel a true sense of unity with Him. I worry less. I have more energy. I accept His love more readily which, in turn, seems to make me a more loving person in my daily life. My cup overflows.
Do you have an area of your life in which you’ve been abundantly blessed? Finances? Professional success? Social influence? Remember that good stewardship in all aspects of our lives requires healthy portions of selflessness, “big picture” thinking, and faithfulness. Next time you are thanking God for a blessing in your life, ask Him to show you how you can serve Him better by improving your stewardship in that area.
Faithful stewardship is the perfect way to thank God for a blessing and pass it on.
Emma Reynolds
Southeast Field Director