Ephesians 4:29 (King James Version)
29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
29Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.
Ephesians 4:29 (New Living Translation)
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
The other night my mom and I were having a conversation about influence and how it is such a powerful tool to have. We were talking about how individuals in leadership have influence, but then she said but one of the greatest influences is a parent.Hmm what a truth and a revelation, as she continued she began to discuss some behaviors that she had seen that had gravely concerned her as a mother, because these were behaviors, characteristics and conversations that were being exhibited by mothers towards their children. As we further discussed the topic of the day and the scenarios that had played out before us both, my mother said that is "corrupting influence," I laughed knowing that those words were to be a devotional.
How often are we entrusted with blessing form God only to misuse our influence over them? Later that night as I pondered our conversation, God let me see that mothers are servants, much like in the Bible who were entrusted with the talents. When the master returned he inquired of his servants what had they done with the talents. One had double, what he was given he other increased by about half and the last one did nothing with the talent he was given, he put it in the ground and hide it. Many of us as mothers are not using our influence over our children to encourage them to grow, or mature, or to have a deeper relationship with God, spouse or their own children. Instead we are hiding them, protecting them, or enabling them in the areas they are wrongs in. Many mothers are letting our children stay right where they are, in a non progressive state.
The one thing that I hope beyond all hope is that my children will progress and do better than I, have. When I give them information, or recipes, or teach them something I rejoice when they take it to the next level, or do better than I have. It is not our job as moms to tear our children down, just because they look to us for affirmation or because they have accomplished more than we have. It is not for us to keep them fearful, because of our need to keep them around or keep control over them. It is not our job to manipulate them with stories or by twisting the truth. It is our job to help them increase and to grow. It is our job to help them find the path that leads to God, so that they can lie in abundance and freedom. It is our job to encourage them to dream and to achieve all of their heart desires. We should want to see our children spread their wings, and take their rightful place in the kingdom of God as well as in society as a whole.
God has given parents, but especially Mother's a special gift of influence, we should use it wisely and to Glorify God. It should not be for selfish gain, or callous manipulation. It should be that our words, actions, and mannerism honor God and encourage the children we have been given to steward to live, achieve, excel and increase. As this is what our Heavenly Father desire for us, so this is what we should desire for our children. Use your powers for good and not evil, to increase and not decrease and to bless and not curse.
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