Read 2 Chronicles 22:1-9.
“He [Ahaziah] also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly.” (2 Chronicles 22:3)
One should not underestimate the impact of a mother’s influence upon her child. In Ahaziah’s case, from a young age he was trained in wickedness because “his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly.” As a result, he walked in the ways of the house of Ahab (Israel’s wicked king). They too were his counselors. It comes as no surprise, then, that he ended his life badly. An abundance of evil counselors made sure of that, beginning with his mother.
Happily, the Bible also provides a counter-example to Ahaziah’s mother in the person of Timothy’s mother, Eunice. Paul says of Timothy, “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.” (2 Timothy 1:5) The faithfulness of Eunice – and her mother’s before her – bore fruit in the life of her son Timothy: He became a stalwart soldier of Jesus Christ, a preacher of his gospel, and a shepherd of his flock.
Mothers, by your influence you are a force to reckon with – either for good or for ill. May your influence be for good!
Lord, bless our mothers who have committed themselves to training up their children in your ways. May their hearts rejoice when they see their efforts bear fruit. Amen.
Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash
