My son, observe the commandment
of your father and do not forsake
the teaching of your mother;
bind them continually on your heart;
tie them around your neck.

Proverbs 6:20-21

Proverbs 6:22-23

When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is a light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.

We stay on these verses today because this is really about kids as much as the parents: Dad and Mom. Bubba and Sissy (as we say in the south) need to hear and heed these verses. 

But, since we are talking about mothers, let’s focus on her first and get something straight from the beginning. I know this is painful for some to hear and I pray God will wrap this in the love for which it is intended. At the moment a child is conceived in a woman’s womb, this woman is now a mother even though she doesn’t know it yet. [And the man becomes a father, but that is for next month.] Whatever happens with this child in the womb, whether by God’s design or the world’s rejection of God, does not negate the fact that the pregnant woman is and forever this child’s mother. Just ask a mom who has suffered a miscarriage. 

Psalm 139:13

For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother’s womb.

And every child has a birth mother and some children have other mothers (adoptive moms or “step” moms.) who are also charged in these verses and others in the Bible. So, what are mothers charged to do? One word…TEACH! Lots of detail on this over these 31 Days! 

It doesn’t matter what your formal education is, as a mom, you will teach! Each and every day and in every way, you will teach your children; even while they are in your womb. My guess, 90% of that teaching is informal, even if you homeschool.

And the main thing you will teach is what your child will believe, #1 there is a God…#2 this God loves you…#3 this God died for you…#4 This God desires relationship with you…#5 You need this God as your Savior. Again, most of this will be from Mom’s example rather than from what Mom says. 

And, here’s the thing; if Mom thinks she won’t teach anything about religion so her child can decide for themselves she is, in fact, still teaching and teaching that complete strangers are allowed to teach her child anything and everything and that God and His Truth are not important to this mom. A lesson that is usually learned quite well. 

When does a mom stop being a mom? Never! And when should a child forget and dismiss what has been taught to him or her by their mother? Never! Read our verses again. Mom’s teaching is a light! A light when the child walks about doing daily life. A light when the child sleeps. A light when the child awakes. And no age limit is given as to the effects of Mom’s teaching. Admit it! No matter how old you are, your mom’s light, however dim, is still in your head and in your heart. And whether for good or not-so-good: Mom is always with you. 

So, Mom, be careful how you teach and what you are teaching! And kiddos, remember, God did not make a mistake on who is your mom or moms! And your life will be better if you carefully consider with God’s help all that Mom has taught you.