Motherhood Matters for Eternity: Priorities vs. Purpose

Motherhood matters for eternity. It echoes into forever not by how much we do or don’t do, but by how we love. Mama, you can impact your child’s eternity every day, but sometimes it’s a matter of doing what we actually need to do vs. what we think we need to do.

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Motherhood Matters for Eternity: Priorities vs. Purpose

One quiet morning while praying to the Lord, I asked for His help to do whatever I needed to do that day.  The morning was quiet so far, with children all nestled in their warm beds. But, I knew that the seconds were ticking away. Soon, I would have to say “Good morning!” to each set of the seven children in their rooms, with a smile on my tired face, and let the noise begin.

Those intimate moments with the Lord, in the quiet of the morning, are vital to my personal sanity. To live abundantly, I know that every day I need to ask God for help. I need Him to equip me and prepare me, mind, body, soul, and spirit. That time is preparation for all the challenges that He already knows are heading my way.  While praying for His help to accomplish what needed to be done that day, I had a realization.

I told the Lord what I thought I needed his help to do that day. My prayer started, “For me, that looks like checklists, chores, and homeschooling, and for You, that probably looks more like loving, nurturing, and speaking life to my children.”  As I prayed the words, I was immediately convicted. I sighed and repented for losing focus of what matters most.

Priorities Vs. Purpose

How true is this scenario for us sometimes?  We tend to focus on the “To-Do” checklists, the brain dumps, the tasks and chores that need to be done, and our jobs or careers. Name your typical priorities of your days here_____________. I’m sure that wasn’t even enough space or time! So, how do we know what matters in motherhood?

Well, all of those things ARE important, sometimes vital to our livelihoods, and are full of purpose. But, we cannot overlook the needs of others, especially when “others” defines our own family.  Sometimes those needs are tangible and obvious responsibilities like feeding, clothing, and educating our families. They are the needs that we already routinely provide, and probably consider priorities that matter most. 

However, sometimes we are oblivious to the less tangible needs of others that matter just as much. Those are the needs to be loved, accepted, respected, protected, nurtured, and encouraged. Serving these needs, just as passionately, serves a deeper purpose. But unfortunately, we too often forget the weight that is carried by the way we respond, or do not respond, to those needs.

As mothers, we are called to build up our households, and families, by meeting these tangible and less tangible needs.

Scriptures to Hide in Your Heart:

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31: 26-27 ESV

“A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 AMP

“The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].” Proverbs 14:1 AMP

Focusing on the Needs of Others

According to Scripture, I definitely get it wrong sometimes.  Maybe you can relate.  Instead of being so self-focused on what “I need to do today”, God tells us in His Word to be more focused on what others need from us today. Why should we focus on what our children need from us each day?

Because it’s what matters in motherhood. Big and small! The things that will make lasting impressions on our children. They are the things that will help build them up and create godly character in them. It will help them learn to live lives of obedience to God. Meeting all the physical and spiritual needs of our children can lead them to an abundant life as part of the Kingdom of Heaven, and a rewarding eternity in the presence of God.

Scriptures to Hide in Your Heart:

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 ESV

“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another– practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP

What Matters in Motherhood for Eternity?

Many things in our daily lives matter for eternity. We may have been focusing on the daily tasks and priorities of the day versus parenting with an eternal mindset. So, what matters in motherhood for eternity? The Bible communicates to us that loving others, taking care of others, and building others up is valuable, and even required of us. So, we can say that those things are more valuable than checking off boxes, making a lot of money, having a pristine, clean home, etc. Coming from the two commands that Jesus gave us to love God and love others, loving and serving our family well matters for eternity! 

One day, we will stand before the Lord. We are accountable to God for how we raise our children because ultimately they belong to Him. He entrusted them to us. We believe that our parenthood will be a part of the reason we will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Some days it may be okay to check off fewer boxes and spend more time playing with our children, and instructing them in godly behavior.  Some days we may have to get a little less work and tasks done, so that we can calmly settle the arguments between our children, tend to hurt hearts, teach them how to cope with their feelings, clean up scraped knees, and help with homework. The list goes on. But know, that it all matters for their eternity. And it matters for yours. 

Things to Think About:

There are not necessarily right or wrong answers here. But, we encourage you to pray as you think through these questions and just let the Lord lead your day.

• What things or tasks did you plan as priorities today?
• Which of those things have to be done today? Which things can wait?
• Which things actually matter for eternity?
• How can you adjust your priorities to honor and glorify God first?
• How can you adjust your priorities to better care for both your family’s physical and spiritual needs? 

Motherhood Matters for Eternity: Final Words of Encouragement

Every decision you make as a mother has the potential to positively impact your children for eternity. That isn’t to add pressure to you, but to encourage you and help you see your daily choices as opportunities to glorify God. I pray that this post encouraged you today, and helped you see your great purpose in motherhood.

As always, we want to equip Christian families to live abundantly in their homesteads and homeschools no matter where they live and with no overwhelm or burn out. So, we try to provide simple solutions, resources, and encouragement to help you on your adventure.

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Resources for you:

• Our favorite Biblical Resources
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• More Christian Living Blog Posts
• Homesteading Blog Posts
• Christian Homeschooling Blog Posts
• Homemaking Blog Posts
• Simple Sewing Series
• Simple Sourdough Series