Whether or not your child attends a public school, a private school or is a homeschool student, parents are key figures in their child’s education either formally or informally. In everything from eating vegetables to tying shoes to imparting spiritual truth, parents play a significant role in their children’s growth and development, and much of this training happens at home.

This is especially true of mothers because moms have a tremendous influence on their children.

Often, moms spend more time with their children than the father does. There are situations when some moms are called upon to be the sole spiritual influence in the home because dad is not a Christ follower or he fails to fulfill his responsibilities in this area with his children.

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we see the influence of a mother and grandmother on a young boy. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul says the following about his son in the faith: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

In the absence of a Christian father, Timothy was greatly influenced by both a devout Christian mother and a devout Christian grandmother. These two women did not let an unbelieving father paralyze them from teaching Timothy the Word of God, and it made an eternal difference in his life. Thousands of years later, we are reaping the benefits of their influence through what is recorded and preserved about them and Timothy in the pages of Scripture.

Moms and grandmothers, obey God’s leadership in your life by making sure you are giving a spiritual heritage to your children. Teach them the spiritual truths that other women taught you. Kids today are growing up in a complicated culture with many anti-Christian influences that attempt to pull your kids away from Christian values. Ask God to help you recognize and combat those demonic influences by teaching your children truth from God’s Word. Instill within your children a Christian worldview.

In my own life, I am thankful for the spiritual influence that my grandmother had on my own father even though she died at an early age. I also well remember when my preacher father was away from home on mission trips or preaching revivals, our mother took responsibility for reading the Bible to us and praying with my sisters, our brother and me. Now, in this season of my life, I’m grateful for the influence my wife, Gloria, has had on our son, our wonderful daughter-in-law and our two grandsons.

As you approach Mother’s Day, please don’t take for granted the influence and impact of godly mothers or spiritual mothers that God ushered into your life. On this coming Mother’s Day, express your love and appreciation to the women who made an eternal impact on you. It may have been your mom, your grandmother, another relative, a children’s leader or a youth leader in your church. If that special woman is still living, it’s not too late to thank her for the godly spiritual influence she had on you.

“Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’” — John 19:27a