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The top ten temptations of motherhood

Robert L. Tauber

Thinking less highly of yourself than you ought to think. Many mothers struggle with feelings of insignificance at the thought of being “just a mother.” But being a parent is the most important job in the world. Trading time with your children for unnecessary monetary gain. Many parents are preoccupied with upgrading homes, cars and wardrobes while their children express disappointment and their teachers discuss increased anti-social behaviour and declining grades. Totally immersing yourself in child-rearing at the expense of personal, marital and spiritual growth. Some parents give themselves unselfishly to the constant care of their babies, even though help is available, neglecting time for personal renewal. Transfering too much love and affection from your husband to your children. Children express great delight in seeing displays of warmth and affection between their parents, and their security comes from knowing how much their parents care for each other. Tolerating disobedience, insubordination and rebellion. When violation of simple instructions brings no consequences, parents’ lives will soon be controlled by their children’s selfish demands and disregard for authority. Lack of respect at home will soon be transferred to school and other authorities. Taking the blame for your child’s waywardness in later life. If you did make mistakes – and what parent does not? – ask forgiveness from God and your child. Then, forgive yourself. Tying the apron strings too tightly, for too long. An over-protective mom with compliant children leaves them little opportunity for social development with other leaders and peers. Even when such children make the break at perhaps age 30 and get married, they feel compelled to spend an inappropriate time with their mother. Such a mother can send signals of resentment to a daughter-in-law, who can become tired of the competition and abandon the marriage. Cuddle but don’t coddle. Taking off when the going gets rough. No doubt many moms have felt like doing this from time to time. Sadly, more and more are yielding to the temptation. Terminating an unwanted pregnancy. Preoccupation with rapidly climbing the ladder of success or conflict with a long planned vacation are common reasons today for killing an unborn child. Unfortunately, the decision to abort continues – a million times a year in North America. Turning your back on the claims of Christ and the call of God to receive forgiveness and salvation. The Word of Christ to all – not just moms – is: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Robert Tauber is pastor of Riverbend Church of God in Saskatoon, Sask.

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Last modified October 15, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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