In the Bible Study I help co-lead I recently spoke on our responsibilities as mothers to our children. While prepping for the talk I asked a dear friend how she reminded herself of her priorities as a mother? She had a few clever little sayings like "Discipline them Diligently," and "Love them Lavishly" that helped her maintain the proper perspective throughout the day. After all, it's so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the day and forget our purpose as mothers! Eventually we came up with the acronym "D.A.R.L.I.N.G.S." My hope and prayer is that it will help to remind other busy moms where our focus needs to be.
Discipline them Diligently
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24
What is preventing me from disciplining them?
Always Appreciate Them
“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Psalm 127:3
Am I viewing them as a blessing or a burden?
Remind Them of the Redeemer
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Have I taught them the Word, to pray, to worship, and to serve?
Love Them Lavishly
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Am I responding to them with love?
Intercede for Them Intently
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
Am I praying for them?
Notice Their needs
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
Am I seeking God’s wisdom moment by moment?
Give Them to God
“Whoever loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have I given them over to God and trusted His will for their lives?
Safeguard Their Souls
“Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
Am I aware of what has influence over my children?
