"Hear my son, your father's instruction; And do not forsake your mother's teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, And ornaments about your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9 And, "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

Here in Proverbs we see that it is the responsibility of both parents to teach their children. Most importantly and not to be neglected, they are to instruct them in the way they should go. Scripture tells us, "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Today secular culture is bent on capturing our children's attention, manipulating them with things, information, responsibilities and fears, far beyond their age to even understand or deal with. Therefore from the earliest age, we as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, Christian brethren must be in daily prayer for our children.

Not only must we keep them in prayer, but our lives must be a good example; our lives must express a difference. The question is, does my conduct, my Christian walk reflect Christ?

*Do I walk in newness of life?
"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

2 Corinthians 5:17 says I am different -- I am a new creation, "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed way, behold new things have come."

*Do I walk in a way sensitive to the indwelling Holy Spirit?
"...walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh..." Galatians 5:16-17

*Is my walk consistent?
"...walk in a manor worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3

*Do I walk in selfless love?
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2

*Do I walk with caution?
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise."
Ephesians 5:15

*Is my walk Christ like; does it express Christ?
"...Whoever keeps His (Jesus) word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked."
1 John 2:5-6

If our walk is not consistent with our words, how then will our words be perceived by our children or anyone else for that matter? Oh parents, instruct you children in the Word. Pray that through God's Word and your conduct, they will develop the wisdom, understanding and discernment to resist the pull of the secular lifestyle away from our most Holy God. Truly, their lives are dependent on it!

God bless each of you mothers on your special day! Thank You Lord for that special mother that you chose for each of us. We bless, honor and thank you Lord for Your loving-kindness and tender mercies. Amen

This message is in part a repeat of an earlier one, but greatly needs repeating from time to time to remind us that we need to continually pray for our precious children and live godly lives before them.

Happy Mothers' Day dear sisters in Christ!