This weekend we’ll honor mothers and all that they contribute to making this world a better place. Sure, you could buy your mom a card and some flowers to show your appreciation for all she does, but does that truly honor her? It’s part of The Ten Commandments and then repeated for us in Ephesians 6, where Paul reminds us, it is the “first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth'” So, what are some ways we can honor our mothers—not just for one day—as a part of our lives and our obedience to Jesus?

1 // Thank her

Mothering can be a nearly thankless job. There’s little reprieve from the litany of tasks to accomplish, lessons to teach, and things to clean…and re-clean. Mothers often do all of these things—day in and day out—without much notice from those they’re serving. Thank her in a myriad of ways on Sunday, but make sure not to forget to thank her on an ordinary Tuesday when you find clean laundry in your closet and food prepared for your lunch. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Honor your mother and be sweet her by offering her gracious words of thanks.

2 // Serve her

Maybe you plan on making her breakfast on Sunday morning or cleaning the house for her. That’s a good gift for Mother’s Day, but why stop on that day or only wait for a special occasion? In Philippians 2, Paul writes, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” and explains how, in humility, Jesus chose to serve. This exhortation includes our relationship with our mom. Volunteer to grocery shop for her. Ask her how you can help around the house. Figure out how you can take something off of her to-do list and remember that in serving her, you’re becoming more like Jesus.

3 // Obey heR

Particularly if you’re a kid still living at home, this is an important one. Parents—who are called to have their children’s best interest in mind—are authorities placed over us by God that we’re called to obey. Exceptions exist when our parents wishes conflict with God’s word, but those will be exceptions and not the rule. This relationship of obedience will change over time, but the basis for respect of her wisdom and care should always remain even as we become adult children or as we begin caring for our parents as they age.

4 // Advance her legacy

No mother is perfect, but consider the good things your mother instilled in you. Maybe it was an example of faith or compassion for others. Even if your mother didn’t give you an example of faith, maybe she taught you how to be thrifty, how to make the best chocolate cake you’ve ever had, or how to write “thank you” notes so others feel appreciated. Bless the world with those gifts. Honor her investment in you by cultivating the skills, and talents that she began to grow in you.

Don’t skip the handmade craft or the refreshing spa package, but make sure you don’t stop there in your efforts to honor your mother. 

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