Spiritual Motherhood

Must a woman have children in order to be a mother?

Some people, reading my question might respond with a “Duh, Rich”; but you might be surprised to learn what the Bible says about the question. The Apostle Paul, writing to a young apprentice in the ministry named Titus gave instruction concerning the older men and women of the church, these were not necessarily parents or even couples in the church but just the elder (both physically and spiritually); concerning the women he wrote:

“But as for you (Titus), speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine…to the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” (Titus 2 : 1, 3–5)

Obviously, a certain kind of motherhood involves childbirth and child rearing and it is that understanding which keeps some women (who have never had children) from church on a day set aside in many places to honor mothers via a message on one of a handful of mothers mentioned in the scriptures. Mothers like Hannah, Samuel’s mother (1 Samuel 1:1-2:11), Mary, the mother of Jesus and Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5) – mentioned for their exceptional heroism, self-sacrifice and devotion to both their children and their God. But there is another type of mothering to which every spiritually mature woman of faith is called:

Spiritual motherhood is that calling.

Such a woman lives a consecrated life, a life set apart for God and His plan. Their consecration is evident in their behavior – a tongue which is under control, a life free from bondage to worldly things and integrity which is evident to all as she practices what she preaches. Her life is characterized by a real conviction concerning God’s word and a genuine trust in the Lord’s will; a genuine and godly love for others and a patient confidence in the Lord. Her lifestyle naturally draws other women to her (women younger in life or in the faith) and makes it possible to pour into them her experience on a number of women’s issues and especially on family and marital issues, bringing spiritual wisdom derived from the Bible to bear on their lives. In this way, a woman who may never have raised up a family herself may raise up spiritual children to the Lord.

The 97 year old Holocaust survivor, Alice Von Hildebrand herself outspoken on the subject, made the following statement concerning Spiritual Motherhood to women who desired to be natural mothers but for whatever reason, had not or could not have children:

“It may very well be that in your beautiful desire to be a biological mother you have missed, ignored or overlooked the opportunity from God to be a spiritual mother.”

For years, some of the women reading this may have wished for children – wished to be a mother – wished to have someone into whom you could pour your heart of love for God, someone you could nurture and grow in the faith. God has called the elder women of the faith to be such a mother to the younger women in the church. A generation of women is in need of your experience – could you be a mentor , will you be a spiritual mother to them?

Happy Mother’s Day to all!