A Worthy Calling
- Michelle Stepp
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
“One could argue there is no greater calling than that of a mother. But this calling is not meant to be a burden, but rather carried out by grace and to be a source of great joy.”
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 (ESV)
Paul is writing to the church at Philippi and passing along the gospel and its implications for daily living. The verse for today is from the last chapter where Paul is wrapping up the letter. Paul is reminding the Philippian church to model their life after his own. We can consider his life to be a worthy example because Paul is following Christ. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul is reminding us to live as disciples and to be disciple-makers. He is reminding us to live out the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20.
There should be two types of relationships in the life of a disciple. First, they should have people they are discipling. That is, those they are helping grow in their own discipleship. Second, they should have someone who is farther along in their faith, discipling and mentoring them. With these relationships we are able to practice what we’ve learned from others, and to teach others what is worthy to practice.
As mothers we are key in the discipleship of our children. In fact, the primary role of a parent is to disciple their children. Deuteronomy 4:4-5 says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Jesus himself references this verse when He is asked what the greatest commandment is (Mark 12:29-31). Deuteronomy 4:6-7 continues, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, 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.” A parent is to teach their children, to disciple them, to love and know the Lord. It is something a parent is to be fully devoted to doing at all times.
This is a great responsibility and task. Yet we do not do it under our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. And that Holy Spirit that lives in us is the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). One could argue there is no greater calling than that of a mother. But this calling is not meant to be a burden, but rather carried out by grace and to be a source of great joy. Take heart, moms, knowing your task as a mom is empowered by the Spirit and greatly valued by God.
Take a moment to:
Read Philippians 1:27. Reflect on whether your life is a worthy reflection of the gospel of Christ.
Listen to “Deuteronomy Six” by Preson Phillips.
Written by Michelle, mom of 1