A Mother's Mission Field

I've mentioned before, and I'll never tire of saying it, that I believe that the calling of being a mother is the greatest and highest calling on earth.  Perhaps you'll recognize in this conviction the description that Lloyd-Jones gave to preaching: the greatest and highest calling.  I think he was almost right.

Well, I've come across this brief article by Jani Ortlund: For the Young Mother: Ministry, Guilt, and Seasons of Life.  It's full of sober wisdom (which evangelicalism needs amid the short supply these days).  It's biblically balanced (a rare virtue among us). 

So often women with small children feel guilty that they are not more involved in "ministry."  Whatever they mean by "ministry," it's obvious that they don't think their children are a significant part of this.  Shameful.  Tragic.  And I fear that evangelical leadership oftentimes unwittingly fosters this in two ways: first, by regularly encouraging mothers to be more involved in "ministry" (usually this means programs); second, by not regularly encouraging mothers in their primary, God-given task of discipling their children for the sake of the Name among the nations in the next generation.  Please note well that I did not say: spending lots of "quality" family time together bowing before American idols.  Regarding that there is only one word: repent!  Yes, that's a problem.  So we should call families to keep themselves from idols.  But it does not follow that because some are idolaters when it comes to family that others should forget how God actually calls families to do family: God and his Word at the center, governing all of life. 

The Lord Jesus purchased with his blood families from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.  They belong to him.  He is Lord of all.  Yes, all includes the family.  Since we are so thick on this point: all means all, including the family.  Jesus wants mothers to disciple their children as their primary, God-given responsibility.  And exalt in this high and holy calling! 

HT: Justin Taylor (I still do not know what HT means, but as this seems to be the convention, so I use it.  If someone would be so merciful as to illuminate my benighted condition, I'd greatly appreciate it.)