A Mother’s Sacrifice

For those of us who have been blessed and fortunate enough to have great mothers and then marry women who became great mothers, God has shown His grace and kindness to us in unforgettable ways. My mom is incredible, and my amazing wife is an outstanding mother to our five children. Furthermore, I have an awesome mother-in-law and three grandmothers who are not only still alive but who are also awesome. How much do I take all of these blessings for granted? Far too much, I am ashamed to say.

On Sunday morning, Lord willing, I will be preaching through 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 on “The Answer (to Christian Division): Love of the Gospel.” While this passage of Scripture is not about mothers, and my message is not a Mother’s Day message, I cannot help but consider the incredible, sacrificial love of mothers and how that is used of God to point us to the gospel.

Paul’s teaching and example in 1 Corinthians 9 are a challenge for all of us to have a passion for the gospel that proves itself in and through a growing love for others. Great mothers teach us what that looks like, do they not? Their commitment to the healthy formation and development of their children causes them to lovingly sacrifice themselves for the sake of that commitment.

Likewise, faithful followers of Jesus care about the healthy formation and development of other followers of Jesus. Disciples make disciples who make disciples who make disciples who make disciples… Thus, the love of the gospel – Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for our salvation – is the answer to the problem of division in the body of Christ. The more we love the gospel, the more united we will be. The more we love the gospel, the more we will care about one another. The more we love the gospel, the more we will fulfill Jesus’ calling on our lives – to make disciples of all nations.

Do you love the gospel? How is that love evident in the way you are committed to Jesus’ church and Jesus’ mission?

A good mother’s sacrifice can help us better understand God’s love. To truly experience that love, though, we must fully surrender ourselves daily to follow Jesus and help others to follow Jesus. How are you doing?

My mom (“Grandma Jo”) with her eight grandchildren this past Christmas