In 1 Corinthians11:1 the Apostle Paul encourages the Christians at Corinth to “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” Whether we believe it to be true, it is unmistakable that we are all examples to those who observe us. While we should endeavor to be godly examples, sometimes we fail. This should not discourage us, because we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). Yet, as a person of faith we should learn from our failures and grow from them (1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 6:1-3).
Christ calls us all to be godly examples to those around us in Matthew 5:13-16, telling His disciples “13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world when we are godly examples to those around us.
As a Christian, being the salt and light, is a natural expression of our faith. As a Christian parent, being a godly example to our children is also a natural expression of our faith. God calls upon fathers and mothers to be Christ-like examples to their children (Ephesians 6:4; Titus 2:4).
We often attribute many Christ-like characteristics to mothers. Some of those traits include: being loving, merciful, caring, and self-sacrificing. The most important trait a mother can have is faithfulness. There are a few ways we can understand a mother’s faithfulness.
One way a mother is faithful is to her husband. Ephesians 5:22-24 calls for a wife to be faithful to her husband, “22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Being a faithful wife sets a godly example to her husband, other women, and her children.
Another way a mother is faithful is to her children. Again, Titus 2:4 tells mothers to love their children. In general, society acknowledges the importance of a mother’s faithfulness to her children. An unfaithful mother to her children is an anomaly. We can observe this truth whenever the mother of abused or neglected children makes the news. This happens because, Christian or not, we all know that something is wrong with a mother who does not faithfully care for her children. Being a faithful mother is a godly example for her sons as the kind of woman they should marry. She also is a godly example to her daughters as the kind of wife and mother they should be. Of course, she is also a Christ-like example to others as the kind of mother a woman of faith is to be.
The most important way that a mother is faithful is to the Lord. Such faithfulness creates an impactful image upon all who see her, especially her family. While faith is necessary to please God (Hebrews 11:6), remaining faithful is essential to receive the reward promised to us by God (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).
Mothers who keep their “eyes on the heavenly prize” and demonstrate persistence and perseverance in their faith are examples we all can appreciate. Like Paul, such a faithful mother can call upon others to “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
