What is a Mother - Part 2

Below is part two in the Godly Mother series. This article has made me stop and question my life. Am I an honorable woman? Are you an honorable woman?

What is a Mother? part #2 by Sue C.
Characteristics of a godly mother:
A godly, virtuous mother is an honorable woman. Proverbs 31:28 says, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." A mother should cause her children to honor her by being honorable, that is, by living a life deserving of honor.
The Bible gives many characteristics of an honorable woman. Following are some of them:
1. An honorable woman deserves a place of dignity or distinction. Psalm 45:9 says, "Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir." I realize that this passage is partly allegorical. However, all true believers are children of the King of Kings, and a godly mother is one of God's honorable women, decked out in God's riches.
2. An honorable woman seeks to live holy. She is not focused on fulfilling her own pleasures and her own desires; rather her heart longs to honour God. "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD." (Isaiah 58:13,14a)
3. An honorable woman is humble; humility brings her honor. Proverbs 15:33 says, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."
4. An honorable woman is content. Humility and a contented heart go together. In I Corinthians 12:23-25 God's word says, "And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
These verses are specifically talking about Christian members which serve in the church. They make reference to both the physical and spiritual body. Some members of the church body are women. Women are also members of a family unit. A body part or member that is humble does not adorn herself in gaudy apparel or go about looking for attention. She is quiet and content, doing her job faithfully and without complaint. When others see this, they look upon her with respect and honour.
I Peter 3:7 says that the wife is the weaker vessel in the home. She is a body part that has need. Therefore more abundant honor is bestowed upon her, and respect and care is given her which makes her more comely.
5. A honorable woman is highly esteemed by others. In Proverbs 31:31, God says, "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
6. An honorable woman is gracious. The first part of Proverbs 11:16 says, "A gracious woman retaineth honour." According to Strongs Concordance, to be gracious means to be kind and pleasant. Proverbs 31:26 says this about an honorable woman, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." A kind, pleasant woman is able to maintain honor. People remember her for her godly example and for her helpful words and works.
7. An honorable woman does not cause strife or contention and does not meddle in the affairs of others. Proverbs 17:14 says, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." When a woman shows thoughtful concern for others without trying to interfere in their lives, others respect and honor her. They know that she truly cares about them.
8. An honorable woman is righteous and merciful. According to Proverbs 21:21, a person "...that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." Honor comes from an upright life and merciful kindness to others even when they don't deserve kindness.
There are several more characteristics of a godly, honorable mother; and these will be enumerated in part #3. What a tremendous responsibility it is for a mother to be a godly woman. But a godly woman reaps the honor of others, the respect of her husband and children, and a life that leaves an example for others to follow. A godly mother lives a life that causes others to see how great and good God is.
(All Scripture verses quoted from KJV)
by Sue C.
About the Author
I was born to missionary parents in the country of Papua New Guinea. Because my parents faithfully taught me God's word, I accepted Jesus as Saviour at an early age. The Lord gave me a godly mother, and her life helped me to see the things described in this article. May this article encourage you.