Messy Motherhood - Proverbs 14:4

Mother’s Day has come and gone. While it’s a helpful day to have on the calendar, it’s still but a day. The gifts have been opened, the flowers will soon begin to wilt, and the kind sentiments written on Mother’s Day cards may already be getting tested. The hard work of mothers continues.

On Sunday, Pastor Michael encouraged mothers by preaching on Proverbs 14:4. This verse contains a timeless truth that can be clearly applied to motherhood. The verse reads, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” (ESV).

This verse teaches us that a harvest comes with a cost. 

In the sermon, Michael helped us see how this truth applies to spiritual growth, the local church, and motherhood in particular.

All believers, regardless of life stage, can apply this principle to their sanctification. In order to grow in godliness, it is vital that we obey Christ’s commands. This, of course, can be quite hard; it is no coincidence the Lord likened discipleship to crucifixion. Matthew 16:24-25 records, “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Jesus commands our total allegiance. We should remember that our obedience to His commands is both for His glory and our good.

Obedience to Christ’s commands places us in the path of sanctification. If we desire to experience the joy of growing in Christlikeness, it’s important that we walk in His chosen means of sanctifying us. These include Bible reading, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, fasting, and, of course, obedience to His other commands. When we walk in obedience to God in these ways, we position ourselves to enjoy a harvest of growth in Christlikeness!

Truly, a harvest comes with a cost. The joyful and God-glorifying blessing of Christian growth takes place as we walk the hard path of discipleship. Likewise, enjoying the manifold blessings of Christian community requires that we endure one another’s sins and mistakes. Finally, this past Mother’s Day, Michael reminded us that this truth is clearly evident in motherhood.

Motherhood is one of the most difficult responsibilities with which one can be entrusted. Mothers often make sacrifices that are unseen and unappreciated, pouring themselves out for children who are often unaware of the challenges they endure. Motherhood requires perseverance through an ongoing stream of various demands. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.

And yet, motherhood is one of the most rewarding blessings one can receive. A mother is a nurturer, a protector, an advocate, a safe haven, a friend, and more. Motherhood is a profound blessing in which to be greatly delighted. Though not without many challenges, it is a special gift from the Lord, well worth all that it requires. As Michael reminded us, “Shaping the souls of your children for eternity and pointing them to Jesus is worth the cost of motherhood.”

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean — and in some ways, we might find ourselves tempted to take the path of least resistance. Let’s be faithful, though, to press on. After all, any hardworking farmer will take a bountiful harvest at the expense of a dirty manger. 

Resources:


Reflection Questions:

  • How does the principle of Proverbs 14:4 encourage you?

  • Can you think of any other areas in life in which this principle applies?

  • Look back at the list of spiritual disciplines provided. In which of these do you most need to grow, and how can you walk in greater obedience in that discipline?


Listen to the Sermon:

Delight in the WordJohn Giuliani