First Step in a Long, Life-Changing Journey

A student receives a letter of acceptance from the college of choice. Hooray! The easy part is done; the hard work now begins. The job applicant receives a phone call from human resources saying, “You’re hired!” All right! Now all that’s necessary is to prove capable of doing the job – and to keep doing it. The prospective groom goes to one knee and proposes to his beloved. She says, “Yes!” Then the difficult part starts – first the wedding, followed by the reality of building a marriage.

 

It’s like this spiritually as well. Over the weekend our church held a spiritual retreat for nearly 800 young people during which they sang lots of songs, heard powerful biblically based messages, met in small groups and played games. To close the weekend, a number of them went forward to be baptized. Praise the Lord! There were choruses of joyful shouts after each baptism, sharing in the excitement of the milestone moments.

 

But for each of those adolescents and teens, that was just the beginning, the first step of a long, life-changing journey with Jesus Christ. That’s the hard part – studying, learning and applying the Scriptures, being obedient to what they teach, and discovering the Christian life is an impossibility apart from God’s Spirit and His indwelling power.

 

Years ago, I attended a church where every service ended with a lengthy altar call. I used to quip that we sang “Just as I Am” so long that by the end we were singing, “Just as I Was.” Inevitably, someone – often a number of people – would walk forward to commit their lives to Christ, or recommit themselves to Him, whichever was the case. But over time I’d notice that some of the same people would go forward again, and again, and again. 

 

I heard someone describe this as “rededicating until their re-dedicator wore out.” This isn’t to belittle the sincerity of those returning for a “do over,” since apparently it didn’t take the last time. It’s just recognizing that the lifelong journey with Jesus isn’t easy. It’s not a straight path, and sometimes it’s the proverbial two steps forward and three steps back. We may “reckon ourselves dead to sin” (Romans 6:11), but alas, sin isn’t dead to us. We’ll continue to wrestle with it until the day we take our last earthly breath.

 

A Chinese proverb states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This is true of the Christian walk – or trek, if you will. That single step might be getting baptized, walking a church aisle, raising a hand or signing a card to indicate having prayed to receive Christ, His forgiveness for our sins, and the promise of new life that lasts forever. But after that step countless others must follow.

 

How do we do that successfully? Many books have been written about this, but one thing is certain: It’s not a journey that’s intended to be undertaken alone. One of my favorite passages about this is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which says:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

 

Another Old Testament verse declares, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). From the beginning, God’s intention for the life of faith has been for it to be a partnership, whether a husband and wife in marriage, people sharing abilities and experience at work, members of an athletic team joining together for the common goal of victory, or most important, addressing the challenge of becoming “ambassadors of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

 

When Jesus sent His disciples out for their first missionary assignments, He didn’t send them out alone. “Calling the Twelve to Him, He began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits” (Mark 6:7).

 

When we read the story and writings of the apostle Paul, we find he wasn’t some super-Christian singing, “I Did It My Way.” He always was in the company of others, starting with Barnabas, who sought him out (then still known as Saul) after his dramatic Damascus Road experience with Jesus. After Barnabas, Paul traveled with a succession of others – Silas, Priscilla and Aquila, Sosthenes, Timothy, Tychicus, and even John Mark, the once-wayward cousin of Barnabas.

 

We in the Church of Jesus Christ do a disservice to new believers – and even lukewarm ones – when we fail to come alongside and help them in understanding how to follow the Lord. Hebrews 10:24-25 describes this so well: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

That “Day” – the promised return of Christ – is nearing. At the very least, we’re one day closer to it than we were yesterday. We should all desire to follow Paul’s admonition to, “stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord….” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The best way to succeed in this is to be certain no one has to undertake the journey alone. 

Managing the Marriage Marathon

Every year people stand before an altar and say “I do” to each other. Then some morning one of them wakes up and says in wonderment, “I did?” Or, after trying this institution called “marriage” for a time, decides, “I don’t!” Roughly 50 percent of marriages end up on the scrap heap. A sad fact.

 

In one respect, it’s understandable. It’s trite to say, but true – opposites attract. Two people from totally different backgrounds, along with diverse interests, skills and values, and often unlike personalities, are drawn together and attempt to build a permanent, happy relationship. Not to mention neither is perfect or anywhere close; how can you create a “perfect union” out of imperfection? Too often, once the honeymoon ends, rather than attract, opposites choose to attack.

 

Maybe part of the problem is what I’d call the “rom-com syndrome.” Romantic comedies make love seem so simple, such a splendid thing. There’s the “meet cute” when man and woman have a serendipitous encounter. There’s almost always instant chemistry. Then, a week or so later, they decide even though they’re as different as water and fire, they’ve found true love.

 

We never get to see the sequel, where the neat freak loses patience with the slob, or the homebody faces constant friction with the partner who likes to flit from place to place. Introverts tend to marry extroverts, and spenders are inclined to link up with savers, so conflict is inevitable. 

 

But there’s good news! Marriages can – and do – last, some for many years. We just attended a celebration for a couple married for 50 years. My wife and I just celebrated a milestone of our own, being married for 52 years. More than half a century!

 

I’m not being self-congratulatory. Because the credit doesn’t go to us. It totally goes to our Lord who has kept us together despite the many hurdles we’ve had to overcome through those years: Old baggage. Financial problems. Health challenges. Difficult family issues. Dealing with major course corrections God provided during our adventure of life together.

 

It’s been said the best model for marriage should be a triangle, with husband and wife at opposite ends of the base and Jesus Christ at the top. The closer the couple grows toward Christ, the closer they grow toward each other. That’s been our experience. 

 

Early in our marriage, even though we met at a church, Jesus wasn’t a significant part of our lives. We kept Him at an arm’s length, disinclined to let Him interfere with life the way we wanted to pursue it. The problem was we had no idea about how to forge a strong marriage and build a healthy family. By God’s grace, He put us in churches and surrounded us with friends that taught and modeled for us what a Christ-honoring home looked like.

 

There’s no “secret” to marital longevity. They say that life isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. The same holds true for marriage. But it shouldn’t be simply a matter of endurance, of trying to “grin and bear it.” It should be a demonstration of teamwork and partnership, grounded in mutual love and respect – two different people complementing one another, carrying out differing roles but sharing the same goals.

 

Over the years the Lord has taught me many lessons about what it takes to make a marriage work. Even now I’m hardly an expert, but here are just a handful of the things I’ve learned:

 

I’d have to start with principles from 1 Corinthians 13, often recited during wedding ceremonies but too quickly forgotten even before the reception. That doesn’t mean they’re not valid or worth applying. The passage tells us that love, the kind God designed: 

“…is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

 

Every failing marriage, I’m certain, lacks some of those traits. When ‘self’ is on the throne, insisting on always having its own way, it’s hard to cultivate marital unity.

 

Teamwork is important on an athletic field, in workplace settings, and especially in marriage. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 affirms, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

 

I especially like the “cord of three strands.” If Jesus is one of the ‘strands,’ being a central part of the marriage, chances for success rise exponentially.

 

For me, it’s been critically important learning to tame my tongue. Proverbs 10:19 says it well: “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Much of my adult life, especially when angry, I had a distressing tendency to put my tongue into gear while my mind was still in park. Putting it another way, to give someone a piece of my mind I couldn’t afford to lose.

 

The destructive power of uncontrolled anger is so common that Proverbs offers numerous warnings. For instance: “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29).

 

Proverbs 17:28 states, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent.” Perhaps that’s been the inspiration for a quote attributed to various people, including Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain: “It is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

 

Why’s it not a good idea to just say whatever’s on our mind? Proverbs 26:21 suggests the answer: “As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” As I learned and still strive to practice, rather than spouting words in the heat of the moment, wait a little while. Many times, once emotion has calmed down, you won’t even remember what you were mad about!

Bottom line: If we follow God’s guidelines and submit to His authority, He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). As they say, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it! 

Having Achieved Independence, Let’s Revisit Dependence

We’ve just concluded celebrations of Independence Day and the 250^th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Independence, in many ways, has been a marvelous thing, not only for us as a country but also as individuals. Freedom is truly a blessing. However, as we enter the 251^st year of the United States, with no certainty about what the future may hold, it might be wise to recognize in some respects dependence isn’t a bad thing.

 

I’m not suggesting that we restore a dependent relationship with Great Britain. (My fake British accent is terrible.) But even though a “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” philosophy has provided great motivation for many of our nation’s great achievers – whether explorers, settlers, farmers, inventors or entrepreneurs – we’re still dependent on others for our success.

 

This isn’t a message we often hear in our society. Napoleon Hill, in his 1937 book, Think and Grow Rich, emphasized individuality and independence in a statement that has shown amazing endurance over the decades since: “Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” That declaration epitomized the so-called “American Dream,” that if a person works hard, he or she can achieve their wildest dreams. But tell that to a six-foot-five man who weighs 250 pounds. His dream of being the winning jockey in the Kentucky Derby is as probable as seeing a hippopotamus fly.

 

A corollary to Hill’s slogan is, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” It sounds clever, it rhymes, and it resonates with our natural bent toward self-centeredness. But in truth it’s not that simple. Every achievement requires some level of dependency.

 

Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Abbott had Costello. The best race car driver can’t win without the pit crew. The best wide receiver in football can’t do anything without the quarterback throwing him the ball. The best chef in the world can’t create a world-class meal without the people that grow, raise and produce the necessary ingredients. And the old song reminded us, “It takes two to tango.”

 

Nowhere is dependency more essential than in growing spiritually. Yet this is exactly where some of us insist on trying to demonstrate our independence. I know, because I’ve tried it – and failed miserably. People say, “You just have to have faith,” and then proceed as if there’s no God at all, as if everything weighs on their own shoulders.

 

But Jesus Christ said just the opposite: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). He was evoking the image of two oxen yoked together, pulling a wagon or a plow. They share a load neither could pull on its own. The same is true spiritually. When the Lord calls us to do something, we’re to do our part but He doesn’t ask or expect us to operate independently from Him.

 

Elsewhere Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The apostle Paul, in reviewing the various circumstances he had experienced in life – good and bad – affirmed that truth: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

 

There have been times when I thought I knew exactly what God wanted me to do and set out to do it – without consulting Him or seeking His direction. Only after spinning my wheels or finding myself at a dead-end did I remember, “Oh, yeah. I can’t do this without the Lord!”

 

To live the so-called “Christian life” also requires that we learn to value and utilize the strength of other believers. One of the best passages about this is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which says:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;

If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered; two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

 

Everything is easier when the workload is shared, whether it’s cooking a meal, making a bed, handling finances, or navigating through the many challenges of life. And growing in our faith isn’t intended to be pursued in solitude. As Proverbs 27:17 observes, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” A good friend used to say, “We should all be mentored mentors.”

 

There are those who think they can survive and thrive in their journey of faith without the aid of others, but from the beginning that wasn’t God’s intent. After creating the first man, Adam, the Lord concluded, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). That remains true today.

 

The writer of Hebrews recognized the importance of having support from others as we strive to know and serve God and His people: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

“The Day” is the promised second coming of Christ. No one knows when that will be, but each day we’re closer to it. Independence has its benefits, but when Jesus returns we want to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). To accomplish that, we need to depend on one another – and especially on Him. 

Fathers – a Vital Foundation for the Family

Sunday marks an important day for our society. Father’s Day celebrates the men who arrive home after a long day at work and are greeted by toddlers screaming, “Daddy, Daddy!” It honors those guys who take their sons or daughters to the park, fishing, or toss the baseball or football with them in the back yard. It commemorates the individual whose appearance evokes little attention from teen-aged children, that is until, “Dad, can I borrow the car?” or “Can I have $20 for my date tonight?” 

 

Unfortunately, Father’s Day has little or no meaning in many homes. The United States, according to studies, has the dubious distinction of having the highest rate in the world of children living in single-parent homes, with nearly 25 percent – about 23 million kids – living in these families.

 

The vast majority of these are father-absent homes, with single mothers having to carry the full responsibility of providing care for their children economically, physically and emotionally. In 2022, for example, 40 percent of all births in the U.S. were to unmarried women, four times the rate of 1970. The percentage is much higher in African-American homes, nearly 70 percent.

 

We rightly commend the strength, resolve and courage of single mothers, but what are the consequences for children growing up in single-parent homes? Research has shown that regardless of parents’ race or educational background, their kids are nearly four times more likely to live in poverty, have more difficulty academically, score poorly on tests – especially reading and math – and are more likely to drop out of school, dimming their prospects in adulthood.

 

Boys living in these environments are more likely to engage in negative social behaviors, and girls often lack confidence and struggle with decision-making. Factions in society might deny or ignore the negative impact of not having both father and mother in the home, but objective consideration of the facts tells us children growing up in intact, two-parent homes have a far greater likelihood of succeeding, enjoying fulfilling lives – and of being able to stay out of trouble.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says it well: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.” This applies to finishing a project at work, achieving success in sports, and especially for trying to handle the daunting challenges of raising children in our complex world.

 

One might argue that not all fathers are people we’d want to emulate. That’s true. But the same can be said of both men and women in any field of endeavor. There are glowing examples – and woeful failures. But this phenomenon of single-parent homes, largely led by moms, has been escalating since the mid-1960s. Starting with those years, divorces became more easily granted. In addition, government regulations and policies, intended or not, in effect encouraged fathers not to remain in the home with their wives and children.

 

As a result, we have multiple generations of children who have grown up without the influence of an in-home father. It follows that if a boy doesn’t have the example of a caring, devoted father growing up, it’s likely he won’t have a clue about how to become an effective father himself. And girls will have no idea what to seek in a man who is loving, faithful and willing to share the load of parenthood.

 

The Scriptures commend both fathers and mothers. But God, whom the Bible refers to as Father, indicates fathers have a divinely ordained role for the family. Speaking through Moses to the nation of Israel, a patriarchal society, the Lord commanded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).

 

Without a father in the home, it can be very difficult for a boy to understand what it means to become a godly man, or for a girl to discover what a godly husband and father should look like. If  fortunate, they might find a father figure – an uncle, grandfather, good family friend – to provide that example. But from the start, God’s design has been for both father and mother to be present and involved to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

 

Writing to believers in ancient Thessalonica, the apostle Paul pointed to both fathers and mothers to illustrate his love and concern for them: “…we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us…. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8,11-12).

The Lord has given me the privilege of being the father of three daughters, a stepson and a stepdaughter, as well as being a grandfather and great-grandfather. I’ve been far from perfect, and if dads were given a “mulligan,” I’d certainly take one in some areas. But together, my wife and I have strived to provide a consistent example of love, commitment, and faith. I would hope and pray that everyone reading this would aim for that as well. Happy Father’s Day! 

Even the Lone Ranger Had Tonto

Growing up, one of my favorite television shows was “The Lone Ranger.” Every Saturday morning I’d sit in front of the TV to watch the latest exploits of the masked, mysterious champion of justice. He’d ride into town unannounced, take care of the bad guys, and ride off into the sunset on his trusty white steed, Silver, shouting, “Hi-yo, Silver, away!” 

However, Baby Boomers like me will remember the Lone Ranger wasn’t alone. Somewhere along the way he’d picked up a companion named Tonto, an Indian. (Today, the correct term is native American.) Tonto never had much to say but was always there to help whenever needed. In fact, Tonto had a nickname for the Lone Ranger, “Kemosabe,” one meaning of which is “faithful friend.”

 

One of the challenges in effectively living a life of faith is the temptation to be a “lone ranger” Christian. We might attend church, maybe even read the Bible with some consistency, but don’t have other believers we engage with on a regular basis. We haven’t made a point of developing some “faithful friends” to stand by us.

 

Perhaps this is a product of the pervasive messaging from the “Me Generation,” focusing on individual needs and wants. Or maybe it’s because of our American culture, which has long promoted individualism, a “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” mentality. Reading the Scriptures, however, we don’t find any endorsement for an independent, ‘I can do it all by myself’ mindset.

 

To the contrary, we see an emphasis on community, providing mutual support and encouragement along the arduous path of what we can call our spiritual journey. For instance, Hebrew 10:24-25 instructs, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 

Many a one-time zealous believer has been derailed because he or she did not have caring Christian friends to ‘spur them on toward love and good deeds.’ The walk of faith with Jesus Christ is wonderful, but whoever said it’s easy either hadn't been a believer very long or wasn’t being truthful. Because being made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) doesn’t make us immune to the problems, pain and pitfalls of living in a sin-broken world.

 

Another passage speaks of the benefits of not living an isolated life, but rather partnering with others in whatever we’re endeavoring to do: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

 

There’s a lot packed into those verses, but they underscore the power and synergy of teaming up with others in striving to achieve common goals. It includes being able to accomplish far more by working together than operating independently; being available to assist when we stumble along the way – which we’re all prone to do; finding warmth and comfort; and joining in defense against dangers and formidable obstacles. Sometimes pride causes us to want to declare, “I did it my way – without any help,” but there’s great joy and satisfaction in collaborating to achieve something worthwhile.

 

We can find our ‘faithful friends’ in many settings. It could be a small group at church, where we slowly build close, genuine relationships. An accountability group in which members can help one another in atmospheres of trust and mutual concern. A discipling or mentoring relationship that can foster spiritual, personal and/or professional growth. As Proverbs 27:17 points out, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man [person] sharpens another.”

 

When we hear of a prominent Christian leader falling into sin, it’s very likely failure to maintain open, honest, accountable relationships with other believers was a contributing cause. The same is true of once ardent Christ followers who suddenly stop attending church, taking part in opportunities for spiritual growth and support, or even associating with other believers. At some point they decided they could go it alone as ‘lone Christian rangers,’ only to tragically discover that it doesn’t work.

 

The human body is a wondrous machine. It consists of a variety of organs, limbs, bones and other critical elements. When they’re all working together, we’re healthy. But when one or more of them isn’t operating properly, we become ill or diseased. The apostle Paul used the body as a metaphor to underscore how much we need each other.

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…. God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

 

The Lord created the human body – and the body of Christ. Both work best when all the members are united in a common purpose, supporting and strengthening one another for the opportunities and challenges of each day. If you find yourself trying to follow Jesus as a ‘lone ranger,’ pray for God to bring at least one ‘Tonto’ who can come alongside you. 

Applying the Remedy for Discouragement

Do you ever feel discouraged? Maybe the special meal you planned didn’t turn out as expected. Or the diet you’ve tried hasn’t produced the results you wanted. Or just when you thought you were getting your finances in order, an emergency threw your budget out of whack. 

Perhaps the source of your discouragement is more profound: After years of striving to be the perfect parent, following advice from all the ‘experts,’ a headstrong teenager has you worrying well into the night. Where did you go wrong? Or after watching too much news on TV, the current state of the world has your head spinning, knowing there’s absolutely nothing you can do to fix it.

 

Reasons for being discouraged come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes no matter how hard we try we can’t seem to overcome those feelings. By definition, discouragement means to lack encouragement. This is where we can step up to help one another. 

 

The anonymous writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews understood this, because he wrote one of the Bible’s most powerful passages about applying the remedy for discouragement: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:23-25). 

 

There’s a lot packed into those three verses. We find it’s not a matter of, “Suck it up! Things will get better. Just be positive.” No, the primary reason we can feel encouraged – to have hope – is because of God and His character. He’s ever-faithful, doesn’t fall asleep on the job, and is busily at work, even when we can’t see exactly what He’s doing. He’s the source of confident hope, no ‘hope-so,’ wishful thinking.

 

Next, I like the phrase, “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” When I was a boy, I spent many hours watching cowboy shows – Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, Wild Bill Hickok, the Long Ranger. They’d ride about proudly on their “trusty steeds,” and when immediate action was required, would spur their horses into action.

 

Encouragement should work the same way. It’s not about engaging in a mutual self-pity party, commiserating about how bad things are. It’s prodding or ‘spurring’ one another into action, acting on the hope and trust we have in the God who in Jeremiah 29:11 says, “… I know the plans I have for you…plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”

 

Circumstances might not change or improve immediately, but instead of acting like turtles and retreating into our shells we can continue moving forward, assured the Lord hasn’t forgotten about us.

 

Then there’s the part about “meeting together” to encourage one another. This life, as I’ve stated before, isn’t about mimicking the aforementioned Lone Ranger, living a life of isolation. We need one another, one day being the recipient of encouragement and another day being the one who offers it.

 

While it doesn’t use the word ‘encouragement,’ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 addresses this strongly: 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

 

Where do we find encouragement? Where can we give it? It might be a close friendship in which two people are always there for each other; whenever there’s a need the other promises, “I’ve got your back.” It might be a personal accountability group, a handful of folks who don’t exchange pleasantries but are willing to ask tough questions when needed, along with offering timely help and support. Or it could be colleagues at work, ready to assist one another when workloads become too heavy or demanding.

 

One of my favorite people in the Bible is Barnabas, who’s introduced in the 4^th chapter of the book of Acts. His given name, we’re told, was Joseph. But he earned the nickname Barnabas, literally Bar-Nabas – “son of encouragement.” 

 

His very first act in the Scriptures was to sell a field and donate the entire proceeds to the work of the apostles, who had been commissioned to carry on Jesus’ work after He ascended to heaven. What a way to let the Lord’s closest followers know he believed in them and wanted to support what they were doing.

 

But his greatest moment of encouragement was when he came alongside Saul of Tarsus, after the one-time persecutor of Christians had encountered Jesus Christ while heading to Damascus, planning to carry out more mayhem. Saul – later renamed Paul – experienced a miraculous transformation, but the apostles weren’t buying it. We’re told, “…he tried to join the disciples, but they were afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).

 

In stepped Barnabas, who obviously spent considerable time with Saul to hear him out. Barnabas boldly stood up for the new believer, knowing his own reputation was on the line. Probably with reluctance the apostles allowed Saul to remain with them, and he proved to be a bold witness for Christ. Can you imagine how encouraging it must have been for Saul to have Barnabas vouch for his transformed life?

 

Their story doesn’t end there, but it’s a glowing example of the powerful impact of one person offering encouragement to another. Through the power of Christ, we can do the same. God might not send another apostle Paul our way, but even a brief time spent with a person needing a kind word or a generous gesture can have more impact than we could imagine. And we’ll discover that by encouraging others, we’ll be encouraging ourselves.

We Shouldn’t Underestimate the Importance of the Father

We’re on the cusp of another Father’s Day, a holiday which in the minds of many ranks a distant second to Mother’s Day. And this might be fitting, I suppose, because unless a child is adopted, the mom has had a nine-month head start in building a relationship with young Buddy or Bunny.

When a youngster falls and skins his or her knee, the first word from their mouth is usually, “Mommy!” Also, even though I haven’t seen it as much lately, I recall many televised college football games when, as the camera panned the sideline, players would turn to say, “Hi, Mom!” I can’t remember a single “Hi, Dad!” If Mom and Dad were both running for President, Mom would probably win in a landslide.

 

Nevertheless, Father’s Day is a noteworthy holiday, perhaps one that deserves more attention. I did a little research and found that more than 23 million children in the United States live in single-parent families. And of those, more than 14 million are living in mother-only households. I also learned that one out of every 14 children being raised by grandparents, meaning neither the mother or father is actively involved in the child’s daily life.

 

I have every respect for single moms, most of whom do an incredible job in trying to earn money for food, clothes, someplace to live and other necessities, along with trying to do a job of parenting that was intended from the start to be handled by two people. 

 

As King Solomon wisely observed, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). And sometimes stumbling and falling, making mistakes, is one of the literal pitfalls of parenting.

 

Some factions in society today would minimize the importance of the father, citing glowing examples of single moms who are doing quite well by themselves. But studies have shown children growing up in single-parent homes face a number of disadvantages. They’re far more likely to grow up in poverty, which typically leads to a host of physical, mental and behavioral health problems. Many children have to cope with the stresses of family instability, and the list of challenges could go on. 

 

But most important is the emphasis God in the Scriptures places on the importance of the father. While the Bible teaches both father and mother have equal value, it calls for the father to serve in primary teaching and disciplinary roles. For instance, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:12).

 

This idea is carried into the New Testament, where we read, “Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).

 

At the same time, fathers are warned against being harsh or too demanding. The apostle Paul expresses this in several instances, including Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Also in Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not embitter [provoke or aggravate] your children, or they will become discouraged.” 

 

Paul affirms the roles of both mother and father in the second of his letters to the ancient church of Thessalonica, drawing examples from parenting to describe his own relationship to the believers there: “…but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children…. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:7,11-12).

 

We find the father’s responsibility as teacher underscored in Deuteronomy 6:5-7. The head of the family is instructed, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” We simply can’t ignore the importance given to fathers in the Scriptures as being fundamental to the family and social structure. 

 

In the Bible, God is always referred to as Father, including in Jesus’ model prayer (also known as the Lord’s prayer): “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…” (Matthew 6:9). Paul also wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort…” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

 

I hope this serves as an encouragement to all who read this, especially for dads, fully knowing their job isn’t easy. The way God created men and women, mothers as a rule are more nurturing, perhaps more sensitive and emotionally supportive. I know it’s been a stretch for me at times in helping to raise our children. I’ve made many mistakes and even now I struggle to get things right with our adult children – and their children. But we’re an important part of the overall equation; our role didn’t end with the moment of conception.

 

So, this Father’s Day, let’s give a shout out to all the dads out there, sometimes stumbling and fumbling along, but invaluable to the process of raising children to become responsible, productive, God-fearing adults.

Overcoming the Fear of Aloneness

There’s a small minority of folks who are true “loners,” who prefer life totally apart from other people. But most of us, to one extent or another, need to be with people. Being alone can be a troubling, even fearful place. 

 

That’s understandable, because from the start we were designed for relationships. “The Lord said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helper for him’” (Genesis 2:18).

 

No matter how young or old we are,
we all have need for relationships,
to not be alone.

So, when times of aloneness come, regardless of their cause, we can feel desperately isolated. We might have thousands of “friends” on social media, but that’s not what genuine relationships are about. There’s nothing like someone nearby “with skin on.” What can we do at times like that, when no one’s around? 

We might try repeating the mantra, “if it’s to be, it’s up to me,” but in most cases it’s better to be in tandem with someone else, whether it’s in marriage, parenting, playing sports, at work, traveling, or any other meaningful pursuit. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

 

We’re tempted to venerate the central characters in the Bible, as if they were super men and women who could take on any challenge without flinching. But not a single one of them was a ‘lone ranger.’ They had their anxious, fearful moments just as we all have. Especially when they felt alone.

 

After 40 years of leading the often rebellious, stiff-necked Israelites around the wilderness, the time had come for Moses to step aside. He would be permitted to view the Promised Land from afar, but because of earlier disobedience was prohibited by God from actually entering it. Joshua had been chosen as his successor. 

 

Can you imagine how Joshua must have felt, having to replace ‘the man, the myth, the legend’ who had always guided the people of Israel? After walking side by side with Moses for so many years, he would be alone. He might not have coined the phrase, but Joshua probably found himself often reciting, “It’s lonely at the top.”

 

Moses recognized this. Before passing the metaphorical baton, he told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give them…. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

 

To reinforce this admonition, God later spoke to Joshua Himself: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them…. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:2-5).

 

Then, having assured Joshua of His constant presence, the Lord exhorted him several times to “be strong and courageous.” The third time He elaborated, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6,7,9).

 

In our everyday walk of faith, there are times for all of us when we too must be “strong and courageous.” Whether it’s opposition from people who believe differently from us, circumstances testing our convictions and values, conflict with family members and friends, or warding off temptations, we’re called to be strong and courageous in standing up for what we know is right.

 

The good news is we’re not alone. As God promised Moses, then Joshua, and many others throughout the Scriptures, we have the assurance that “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

 

This was one reason, moments before His ascension to heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). After the confusion of His trial, His scourging and crucifixion, and then the euphoria of seeing Jesus resurrected from the dead, the disciples weren’t thrilled with the prospect of seeing Him leave them again. As God had promised the Old Testament patriarchs, Jesus was assuring His followers of being with them always, through His Spirit.

 

How else could they – and others who later would become stalwart followers of Christ and leaders of the early Church – have dealt with strong opposition, ridicule, beatings and stoning, and even death, unless the Lord had been with them, providing strength, comfort and hope in the midst of tribulation?

 

The apostle Paul acknowledged this in a very personal and honest letter to his protégé, Timothy: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me….” Can you imagine how alone and isolated he must have felt? However, Paul then added, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (2 Timothy 4:16-17).

 

What does this have to say for us today? It should give us the assurance and confidence that no matter what circumstances we face, whatever trials and obstacles we might confront, the Lord is with us. We can take heart in the words repeated in Hebrews 13:5 and other places in the Bible, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Even in our lowest, most feeling-alone moments, the Lord has promised that He is with us.

It Takes Two to Tango – and Many Other Things

Our society places a high premium on individuality and independence. We’ve had the “Me Generation”; slogans like “be true to yourself” and “look out for No. 1”; and a popular old-time cowboy TV show called “The Lone Ranger.” Hooray for Numero Uno, right?

However, many people have discovered that going solo isn’t everything it’s purported to be. The life of a hermit can be a lonely existence. Even the 1960s British pop band called Herman’s Hermits consisted of five “hermits.”

 

Back in 1969, a rock group called “Three Dog Night” recorded a hit tune called, “One.” But its lyrics didn’t exalt the virtues of oneness. See for yourself:

“One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do

Two can be as bad as one

It’s the loneliest number since the number one….

 

‘Cause one is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do

One is the loneliest number…worse than two.”

 

Kind of a mournful message, but it seems to be reminding us that if you want to get the best out of life, don’t try doing it on your own. Long before “One” hit the airwaves, a very different song by jazz musician Louis Armstrong called “It Takes Two to Tango” agreed. Its lyrics observed:

“You can sail on a ship by yourself

Take a nap or a nip by yourself

You can get into debt on your own.

There’s a lot of things that you can do alone!  

 

But…Takes two to tango, two to tango

Two to really get the feeling of romance…do the dance of love.”

 

Indeed, we need two to accomplish many things. Take sports, for example. You can go fishing by yourself, yes. And you can play golf alone, but where’s the fun in that – unless you enjoy rewarding yourself with multiple mulligans? Try playing tennis, ping-pong or pickleball without a partner.

 

Some people seem to enjoy dining alone, but eating out usually is more enjoyable when it’s a shared experience. When traveling, the sights seem more enjoyable with someone else. An exception might be riding with a chronic ‘backseat driver,’ who thinks a car should have two steering wheels and two brake pedals. But that’s a different matter.

 

In the workplace, some things can be accomplished successfully alone, but in most cases, more can be done with two or more people collaborating. They can pool their collective talents and resources, bounce ideas off one another, see problems from different perspectives, encourage and challenge one another.

 

Most of all, during difficult times, two or more people can provide needed support that one person might lack. As the Old Testament says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up?... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

 

Then there’s the value of ‘creative friction,’ working past disagreements to arrive at solutions that individual members of a team might not have discovered on their own. I’ve always appreciated Proverbs 27:17, which says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” I’ve seen this principle in action not only vocationally but also spiritually.

 

We should never forget the last thing Jesus Christ told His followers before He ascended to heaven after His resurrection. He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Out of His small band of followers who spent time with Him 24/7 for three years, Jesus wanted to see multitudes of disciples – growing, learning and reproducing believers who would turn the world upside down. This indeed has happened, but it wasn’t an individual pursuit then – and it’s not now. 

 

Although we all are uniquely created by God, He has always intended for us to function together as the “body of Christ.” As the apostle Paul told believers in first-century Corinth, “Now the body is not made up of one part but of many…. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

There’s a lot more to that passage, but the point is we’re not here to live for ourselves. We’re here first of all to honor and serve God, and second, to join with other devoted followers of Christ to be and to share His Good News to a lost world that desperately needs to know about it. 

‘Keep On Keepin’ On’ – Easier Said Than Done

Have you ever started an ambitious endeavor with great enthusiasm and high expectations, only to experience the excitement fading as your goals took much longer to achieve than you had imagined? 

 

That has happened to me a number of times – a project at work that proved more complex than anticipated; a book I intended to write until some unexpected hurdles got in the way; even taking drum lessons and becoming dissatisfied with my progress.

 

It’s easy to utter the cliché, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” but when days turn into weeks and weeks become months, we can find discouragement lurking right around the next bend. Perseverance and patience are noble virtues, but unlike coffee and pudding, they don’t come in instant form. They require time and determination.

 

Kind of like the little boy who opened a door and discovered a room filled with horse manure. Rather than being repelled, he started digging and digging. “With all this manure,” he reasoned, “there must be a pony in here somewhere!”

 

Sometimes well-conceived projects turn out to be just stinky, without a pony in sight. As time drags on, the work gets harder, and the objectives remain beyond reach, it’s very tempting to become disheartened and entertain thoughts of giving up. ‘What’s the use?’ “I knew I couldn’t do it.’ 

 

What if inventors like Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, Alexander Graham Bell, and many other inventors had thrown in the towel after failing time after time? Who knows? We might still be sitting in the dark at night, telling each other than human flight is a fantasy, and believing that talking to someone long distance is just a crazy idea.

 

How can we “keep on keepin’ on” despite setbacks, obstacles, and the expending of much blood, sweat and tears that cause our confidence to waver? Especially in a spiritual sense, when familiar sins continue to trip us up, prayers seem to go unanswered, and God-shaped dreams seem unrealistic?

 

Much could be written about this and already has, from many perspectives. But a few simple tips might help to keep us going during the tough times. For instance, don’t attempt important, even daunting initiatives alone. I love the admonition from the author of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, whom many scholars identify as King Solomon of Israel:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friends can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

 

We find similar wisdom in the New Testament: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25). As a friend of mine has often said, “Not one of us is as strong or as smart as all of us together.”

 

Another helpful tip is to maintain a clear vision, remaining focused on the intended outcome. One verse that quickly comes to mind in that respect is 1 Corinthians 15:58, in which the apostle Paul admonished first-century believers, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 

 

For those of us involved in seeking to advance God’s kingdom in one way or another, we can easily fall into the trap of discouragement when desired results seem slow in coming. Paul was acutely aware of this, because he wrote elsewhere, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9)

 

If anyone’s entitled to become discouraged or disillusioned, it would be the Lord Himself as He surveys what’s going on in the world right now. I can’t help thinking of Jesus Christ, who following His crucifixion, burial and resurrection reconnected with His disciples and commissioned them just before His ascension. We find His final instructions in Mathew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

 

Even though disciples surely are being made in many places, and the Gospel is being preached in more nations and languages than ever, the cause of Christ seems to have so far yet to go. Do you think the Lord is wringing His hands in frustration or feeling disheartened? I don’t think so.

 

If anything, we need to continue looking to Jesus for unwavering hope. Hebrews 12:1-3 amounts to one incredible pep talk, an exhortation for us not to give up:

     “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

More Connected Than Ever, But Desperately Alone

Being a career journalist and writer, I’ve always been fascinated by communications. I often marvel in thinking about how much the art of communicating has changed just in my lifetime.

 

For instance, my first memories of the telephone: it was the old-fashioned kind, with receiver cradled on its base, a rotating dial for placing a call, and a simple combination of letters and digits for a phone number. The first one I remember was CH (for Charter) followed by five numbers. We didn’t have an area code yet.

 

For a while we had a “party line,” sharing the same phone line with one or more neighbors. Occasionally we’d pick up the receiver to make a call and hear someone else’s voices on the same line. We’d have to wait for them to hang up before we could use the phone ourselves. When our phone did ring, we had to pick up the receiver and hear the voice to find out who was calling. Can you believe it? 

We’d fret over missing a phone call because there were no answering machines – and nothing vaguely resembling voicemail. Printed telephone books contained the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone in our town. If the city was large, the phone books were huge. The alternative was to dial ‘0’ and get a real person called an “operator” who could provide needed information and phone numbers. Social media? The only thing remotely akin to that was secretively listening in on a party line conversation.

 

Fast forward to today: Never in the history of civilization have people been more connected. We’ve got phones, email, texting, the Internet, hundreds of TV and cable networks, streaming services, and video communications platforms. Everything literally at our fingertips. And yet, people have never been more isolated.

 

Why do we, surrounded by such a vast communications jungle, sometimes feel so desperately alone? Because no matter how many “friends” we may have on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or any other social medium, there’s no substitute for eye-to-eye contact and a human touch.

 

We were created for relationship, first with God and then with one another. In the creation account given in the opening chapter of Genesis, after He created animals, birds, fish and other living things “according to their kinds,” the Lord decided to create humankind. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…’” (Genesis 1:26).

 

God clearly desired relationships with His foremost creations – man and woman. After all the wondrous but non-speaking living things He designed, the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit wanted a mutual love relationship with mankind. But after “the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7), the Lord understood the man needed companionship. We might say, someone with skin on.

 

“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’” (Genesis 2:18). After introducing Adam to “all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air,” God determined “for Adam no suitable helper was found…. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh….’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife…” (Genesis 2:19,22-24).

 

Ever since that time, human history has been an unending saga of relationships, good and bad, healthy and unhealthy. As we were designed, God wanted us to yearn for eye contact, touch, conversation, and even the scent of other human beings.

 

Despite its many benefits, technology can provide no substitute for these needs. That’s why we read declarations such as Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” – as we interact and rub shoulders with one another, we can help each other become better people. 

 

In relationship we can support one another and help in carrying each other’s burdens: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

 

During the pandemic, many churches were closed, ostensibly for health reasons. But those closures didn’t enhance spiritual vitality. We need one another – followers of Jesus Christ aren’t intended to function in desperate aloneness. This is why we’re admonished in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another….”

Relationships are hard. It’s easier to press “Like” on social media or type a quick reply to someone’s post. But relationships are vital. We need to be intentional, to look up (from our smartphones) not only to smell the roses but also to enjoy and engage in the real relationships all around us. 

Every Day Should Be Mother’s Day

As I write my posts a couple weeks in advance, I try to look ahead to special events and annual holiday observances. However, this year’s Mother’s Day has already come and gone – I failed to address it in advance. Not by intention. Truth be told, I think every day should be Mother’s Day.

 

In our extended family we now have 10 women who are mothers: My wife, four daughters, one daughter-in-law, three granddaughters and a granddaughter-in-law. As I observe each of these ladies in action, I can’t help but marvel in admiration, how devoted they are to those God has entrusted to their care. 

A mom’s mission begins about nine months before baby is ready to make its initial public appearance. Being a male, there’s no way I can understand or relate to the childbearing process. The excitement and anticipation are great, I know, but so are the discomfort and pain. What makes it all worthwhile is the magical moment when the doctor or nurse declares, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” and the contractions come to an end. But then the real work begins.

 

The roles of mother and father are equally important, but they’re not the same. Moms have unique relationships with their children, as they should. After all, they did get that nine-month head start on dad. When a child falls and suffers a scratch, they typically cry, “I want my mommy!” When cameras pan the sidelines of college football games, players often turn and shout, “Hi, Mom!” Some dads might wonder, “What am I, chopped liver?”

 

In today’s society, the responsibilities of motherhood in many cases are greater than ever. In the vast majority of single-parent homes, it’s the mother who carries the load, serving as housekeeper, chef, breadwinner, money manager, chauffeur, nurse and many other duties. I frankly don’t know how single moms do it. 

 

We could talk about the tragedy of broken homes and why an intact family with both mother and father present is preferable. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up….” This is true for practically any pursuit, whether starting a business, undertaking a project – or raising a family. But that doesn’t diminish in the slightest the invaluable role of being a mother.

 

We see many positive references to motherhood in the Bible. Eve was the first mother and experienced great sorrow with her first two sons, Cain and Abel, the former becoming a murderer and the latter his victim. But she had a third son, Seth, who apparently lived a good, long life and established a long line of descendants.

 

The Old Testament book of Genesis also gives us the stories of women like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Hannah, who prayed many years for children before God fulfilled their desires. The first chapter in the New Testament tells us about Mary, the first person to receive the announcement that she would become the earthly mother of the promised Messiah. Her cousin Elizabeth, another woman who was barren until her later years, became the mother of the child who became John the Baptist, the herald of Jesus Christ.

 

In the Scriptures we see the mission of motherhood as being much more than managing the household and nurturing their offspring. Mothers also help to lay the spiritual foundation for their children. As the apostle Paul acknowledged to his protégé, Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

 

The apostle also referred to the role of mothers as he described the process of teaching and discipling young believers: “…we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

 

I hope every mother reading this enjoyed celebrating Mother’s Day and that fathers honored their wives appropriately. But the moms in our lives deserve such recognition every day of the year, not just a single appointed holiday. We couldn’t do without them!