Mom, Your Faith in God Matters to Your Kids
Inside: Our faith in God as mothers shows our devotion to Christ, what we think is the best isn’t always God’s best and our legacy of faith extends farther into the future than we can imagine. Following the example of Salome, a Biblical woman of influence, we can make our faith matter.
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Today, I have the honor of sharing at Angel’s site, Experience His Freedom, and in her series “Biblical Women of Influence” running the month of May. You will find the highlights and lessons from these Biblical Beauties of the Bible.
Do you know who Salome is from the Bible?
You might have first thought of Herod’s daughter who danced for him and then requested the head of John the Baptist.
I’m not talking about that Salome.
The Salome I have in mind is the mother of Zebedee’s sons, also known as the mother of James and John, two important disciples of Jesus Christ.
Zebedee, who was a fisherman, was Salome’s husband. The Bible alludes to the fact that Zebedee was a prosperous fisherman, so the family relied on James and John to help out in the family’s business.
What We Believe is Important to Our Kids
In the chapters of Matthew and Mark, we read that Jesus approached James and John and asked them to follow Him.
Following Jesus meant: to leave behind their family, their possession of a successful family business, and live a life of ministry.
21 A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too.
22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
The Bible says the boys immediately followed Jesus, so we need to assume; God had been working in the hearts of Zebedee and his wife well before Jesus called them.
Salome nor her husband interfered or tried to talk their sons out of it.
None of the parties involved had excuses nor offered delays.
This tells me that their faith in God was important because they already knew and found Jesus’ ministry important.
What We Can Learn From This Biblical Woman of Influence
Our Devotion to Christ is Important to Our Kids
As we can see from their respective books in the Bible, we know Salome raised godly boys.
She was devoted to Jesus and allowed her children to leave their family’s business and participate in a low-paying, sacrificial lifestyle.
I surmise this had been talked about ahead of time and both parents gave their blessings to James and John joining in this ministry.
Salome was a devoted follower, as she was part of the crowds of listeners, and she was present at the cross.
Many of Jesus’ followers and disciples fled in fear during the events of the crucifixion, but Salome was present with Mary in allegiance to her Lord.
Once Jesus was in the tomb, Salome was a part of the group of ladies who brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus.
Her faith in God was evident to those around her!
She was also present at the empty tomb on Easter and was one of the first to share with the disciples and other followers about the Resurrection.
Where we spend our time is a direct sign of what we think is important. #lifepriorities #yourchoicesreflectyourpriorities Share on XIt’s crucial that we seek first the Kingdom of God. Salome clearly demonstrates Who was important.
To read the rest, follow me to Angel Penn’s series “Biblical Women of Influence”
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your FamilyShepherding a Child’s Heart
Grace Based Parenting: Set Your Familiy Free
The Christian Parenting Handbook: 50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child’s Life
Grace Based Discipline: How to Be at Your Best When Your Kids Are at Their Worst
The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ’s Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children
Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men
Raising Boys by Design: What the Bible and Brain Science Reveal About What Your Son Needs to Thrive
Praying the Scriptures for Your Children: Discover How to Pray God’s Purpose for Their Lives
It’s amazing to me the sheer number of women who influenced our faith… even when we never knew their names!
Tiffany- I agree! I hadn’t read Salome’s story from the vantage point of being a mom. It really got me thinking!
This is such a great reminder that while some people may not play a starring role in the bible (or in our current life) that doesn’t mean they don’t play a significant supporting role in the major cast!
Melissa- You’re right! God can use anyone!
Sometimes when we get older and our children are grown, we see the choices they make and wonder if anything we said or did, made a difference in their lives, but as you say in your post, we have to trust that God will have His way in their lives and that He is at work, even when we don’t see it. Thanks for the encouragement. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Amy- trust is so important as Christians!
I love when anyone highlights the women in the New Testament! They were as anointed and important as the men. After all, the first evangelistic moment was Mary after finding Jesus risen!
Alice- I love hearing about them too!
Your quote at the end reminded me of something I heard recently: How you spend your days is how you are spending your life.
That’s a great quote, Amy!
Over the years I have tried to be a mother,a mentor and a model to my children,but somewhere along the line I failed because I was pursueing a career in the bank.Though I took my time to pray for them,yet I was not always there when they needed me.I thank God for turning my disapoointment into blessing when I was laid off from work in 2012.The few years have made a difference in the lives of my chikdren.
While it is good for us to seek earthly wealth, seeking God‘s kingdom first is foremost.
Thank you for this reminder；I pray that mothers would read this post and apply it .
Sarah- thank you for sharing your experience!
Our role as a mom is so important. Heading over to Angel Penn’s site to read more…
Thank you!
So cool to learn about Salome! Thanks for looking into this Julie and showing us how small acts of faithfulness speak of strong faith, especially as mothers!
Heading to Angel’s place next, Julie! Great and relevant topic, my friend!
Thanks, Beth!
Interesting perspective on how she released her sons for ministry.
Then again, Salome also set a different example for her sons with her request to Jesus in Matthew 20:21. An example to me that just when I think I have it together spiritually, I need to pay attention to the exhortation in I Corinthians 10:12.
🙂
We never know who we are influencing. We must show God’s love always. 🙂
You have shared such an important truth in your blog today. Our children learn so much about faith by watching our actions as well as listening to our words. We need to demonstrate faith to them daily.
I’d never thought of Salome’s example in this way, but you are right — her actions were quite powerful and a good testament to what we can do as moms.
I’ve never thought about this Salome before and the influence she had on her boys’ lives. It really drives home the point that our devotion to Christ is important to our kids.