We give all sorts of gifts which range from the extravagant to the simple, from store-bought to the homemade, from fancy flowers to fattening foods. We should shower Mother with gifts, for indeed she needs to be reminded of our love and gratitude for all she has done. My chief concern is that this gift-giving not be relegated to just one day a year. We should give to Mother each day.
I want to suggest several gifts of a non-materialistic, noncommercial nature, which are necessary in the Christian family and should be given each day.
Children - these are two gifts you should offer your mother every day.
Honor- A child's life-style reflects on his parents. Children, if you want to give honor to your mother, then live an honorable life. When you're out with your friends, having the time of your life, far from your parents' eyes, ask yourself, "Would my mother be proud of what I am doing? Are my actions honoring her?" The way you go about your school work, the way you conduct yourself in your profession, how faithfully you exercise your spiritual life - all those things can bring honor or shame to your parents.
Obedience- As long as you live in the household of your parents, you have an obligation to obey them - provided they don't demand that you act contrary to God's word and will. For the Bible says in Ephesians 6:11 (and Colossians 3:20), "Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for that is the right thing to do." I realize that there are times when you think that your mother knows absolutely nothing about the way life is in the twenty-first century. I am aware that there are many times you think you know what is best for you, much more than your mom does. But let me tell you something that may come as a surprise to you in your youth: Your mother is much wiser than you are. She has a wisdom that can only be gained through years of living.
Mothers - two gifts you can give to your family include...
An Exemplary Life- The first gift you must present to your children is to be the kind of person you want them to be! You must give them a Christian example in what you say and do. Notice how a little girl mimics her mother. If Mom wears high heels, she will slip into them also. She will stand before the mirror and pretend to put on makeup. The child wants to be like Mother in every way. For this reason, Mother, it is your sacred duty to live an exemplary life in word and deed. Mother, you are one of the most powerful influences on your child's life through your words and deeds. Are you giving them a Christian example? Do they see you pray and read the Scripture? Do they hear you witness to your love for Christ? Do they see you serve him in the way you live? If they do, your children will grow up to call you "blessed," as we read in Proverbs 31.
Your Time- The second thing you must give your child is your time! Each one of us knows how hectic life is these days. There are more demands on us and our time than ever before. And the sad result of all the time-consuming activity in our society is that we leave such precious little time for our children.
As Psalm 127 says, "Children are a gift from the Lord." They are a gift which must be nourished, cared for, trained, and disciplined. And that takes time - lots of time. Children must take priority over social engagements, clubs, adult activities, and in some cases, even work. Your children need you more than they need clothes. They need you more than they need a new bicycle or more toys. They need you - your time, your attention, and your affection - more than they need any other thing on earth.
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