Mothers wanted

It is undisputed that a mother has a different role in the family than a father. It is just as undisputed that “mothers in Christ” are not “fathers in Christ.” But both “roles” and the related “services” are important in the people of God.

In the Book of Judges, Deborah calls herself a “mother in Israel” in her remarkable song in chapter 5. This is far more than a biographical side note. It is a spiritual distinction. It is also a challenge for sisters in every age.
The people of God still need such mothers today. This is not only in a literal sense. It is especially in a spiritual sense. “Mothers in Christ” are being sought. They are needed and required. Spiritual disorientation is increasing. Weariness and resignation are also growing. Sisters are needed who see themselves as mothers in the faith. They must be ready to fulfill this task with love, faithfulness, and wisdom.

Deborah’s Example

What characterizes such a “mother” among the people of God? Deborah provides good instruction. She was a prophetess and a judge (see Judges 4:4). Yet the Holy Spirit does not place the emphasis first on her public services. The focus is on her heart. She was a mother for the people of God. Her service was shaped by qualities that still guide sisters today. This is for those who want to be used among the people of God.

What Spiritual Mothers Are Marked By

• Fellowship with God:

  Deborah “lived under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim” (Judges 4:5). One may assume this was a place of retreat for her. There she experienced God’s nearness. Spiritual mothers are women who first live with the Lord in seclusion. There they are shaped. Their influence begins in fellowship with God. It begins in reading His Word and in prayer. It does not begin in public.

• Insight into God’s thoughts:

  As a prophetess, Deborah had spiritual discernment. She saw the negative development among the people of God. She wanted to do something about it. Like other prophetesses in the Old Testament, she shared in God’s plans. Examples include Miriam, Huldah, and Isaiah’s wife. Women who live with God have biblical insight. Through counsel and experience, they can help others gain a divine perspective.

• Spiritual judgment:

  Deborah judged the people. She had the trust of others to render justice and settle disputes. Such discernment does not develop overnight. It is the result of close fellowship with God. It also comes from insight into His thoughts. Women grounded in God’s Word can give others direction. This is especially true for the younger ones (see Titus 2:3–5), but it is not limited to them.

• An eye for spiritual necessities:

  Deborah could not save Israel herself. That was not her task as a woman. But she saw that Barak was called to be a tool in God’s hand. Yet he needed encouragement. Deborah allowed herself to be used for that very purpose. Mothers in Christ see where another person’s service must be supported. They strengthen such people through their words and prayers.

• Motivation for spiritual battle:

  Deborah herself did not go into battle. But she motivated others to take responsibility. Women are not tasked with public preaching ministry. God has appointed the brothers for that. Nor do they assume a leadership role in the local assembly. But they can strengthen men of God in faith. They can remind them of their calling and responsibilities.

• A heart full of praise and thanks:

  Judges 5 is a unique song. It shows that Deborah had deep insight. It also shows that she knew the praise of God. Spiritual mothers live from a thankful heart. They help others keep their gaze fixed on the Lord. They help them not to forget His praise.

• Clarity about their role:

  Deborah did take on tasks in a special situation among God’s people. These were tasks that men should have carried out. This is similar to the prophetess Huldah in Josiah’s time. But Deborah did not overstep her position as a woman. She did not take on tasks God assigned exclusively to men. Yet she did what she could. She did so with full devotion.

Mothers in the New Testament

The New Testament also knows spiritual mothers. Some are mentioned by name. They are examples for today:

• Phoebe was a faithful servant of the assembly in Cenchrea (see Romans 16:1). She was helpful and responsible. Paul commended her with great respect. He testified that she had been “a helper” to many. This included him as well. What this care consisted of is not stated in more detail.
• Prisca (Priscilla) served together with her husband Aquila. She practiced hospitality. She was also a spiritual help to others (see Acts 18:26). This was through teaching and hospitality. As a couple, the two were a “haven” for other believers.
• The daughters of Philip prophesied (see Acts 21:9). This does not mean they did so in the local assembly. But they also did not do it in a vacuum. Even today, sisters may pass on spiritual insight. This must be within the framework of biblical order. It is especially toward other women.
• The (biological) mother of Rufus was a (spiritual) “mother” to Paul (see Romans 16:13). This is a special testimony and a special praise! It shows how much sisters can help brothers in faith. They do so through motherly care, hospitality, and kindness.

Motherly Service, a Task for Everyone

Paul writes an interesting sentence to the Thessalonians. It reads, “We proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). Of course, Paul did not take on the role of a woman. But he uses an image from the world of motherhood for his own service. In verse 11, he then uses the image of the father. It is about gentleness, nourishment, and care. This shows something important. Motherly traits are not only a matter of gender. They are a matter of spiritual formation. In this sense, men can also serve “motherly.”

A Word of Encouragement

The call to spiritual motherhood among the people of God should not go unheard. We need spiritual sisters more than ever. They should live out this service in their own way and role. Above all, this requires devotion. It means a heart for the Lord and for the brothers and sisters. Whoever lives with the Lord will be used by Him. This may be entirely hidden. Yet it will have results that will be honored one day. This will happen before the judgment seat of Christ.
Therefore: Where are the “mothers in Christ”? Where are those who pray, comfort, counsel wisely, spur on, listen, serve, and love?