Scripture Scouts:
The Real MVPs of Motherhood
On this particular day of honour for mothers, let's celebrate the women who lovingly serve every day as Scripture Scouts in their homes, Sunday schools, and beyond. You might wonder, "What is a Scripture Scout?" Allow me to take you on a journey.
As my beloved mother was, a Scripture Scout is a devoted seeker of truth in God's Word. They don't just read the scriptures; they dig deep, dissect, and discover the gems of wisdom hidden within. Not content with surface knowledge, those mothers may even delve into the language nuances, the historical context, and the real-life applications of biblical truths.
My mother was a Scripture Scout par excellence—as I'm sure many of your mothers are or were. Through her influence, I've understood the significance of mothers' pivotal role in imparting faith to their children. A biblical example is Timothy, a young man his mother and grandmother profoundly influenced.
As a tribute to Anne Gray, I'd like to reflect on the power of her spiritual legacy on Mother's Day. Her love for Scripture was infectious, inspiring me to develop her curriculum, "The Scripture Scout's Sleuth for the Truth." This passion led me to promote Biblical literacy across the globe, all the way to New Zealand and back to the US. Like my mother, I became a Scripture Scout, venturing into the vast landscape of God's Word, eager to share my discoveries with others.
Alright, let's drop a couple of biblical gems that jive with this whole Scripture Scout vibe. First up, we've got Proverbs 22:6, hitting us with old-school wisdom,
"Point your kids in the right direction—
when they're old, they won't be lost." (MSG)
That verse is the blueprint for all the mamas and classroom commanders shaping the next generation.
Your roles are significant for all mothers and Sunday school teachers. You are the first line of defence in building a spiritual foundation for your children and students. You are Scripture Scouts, seeking God's wisdom in the Bible and guiding your loved ones to understand His truth.
Throughout history, numerous mothers have had an indelible impact on the world, both as inspiration and evidence of mothers' decisive role. One such example is Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism. Despite facing hardship and financial strain, Susanna dedicated herself to her children's education and spiritual formation. She exemplified Proverbs 31:28,
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
Her disciplined approach to parenting, emphasizing Scripture and ethical living, shaped her children and countless others through their ministry.
Another remarkable mother is Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Her steadfast faith and prayers for her son, who strayed into a life of hedonism before converting to Christianity, highlight the significant spiritual influence a mother can have. Augustine himself references Monica's impact in his confessions, echoing the sentiments of 2 Timothy 1:5,
"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."
Monica's dedication to her son's spiritual well-being eventually led to him becoming one of the most influential Christian theologians.
These examples, among countless others, underscore the profound role mothers play in shaping the faith and destiny of their children. They remind us that a mother's prayers, teachings, and love can leave a legacy that far surpasses her lifetime, impacting future generations.
That's why I want to encourage you today. Mothers and Sunday school teachers, you have a mission of eternal significance. The seeds you're planting today through your prayers, teaching, and nurturing matter more than words can express. I know from experience that the lessons you instil will not return void but will accomplish what you hope and desire for those kids.
I know it can be challenging. There will be those challenges and obstacles. There might even be days when you question whether your actions are making any difference. On those days, remember this: you are not alone. You're part of an extraordinary fellowship of Scripture Scouts, a beautiful lineage of faith that spans back to Genesis.
My mother may have passed, leaving a noticeable absence, but her spiritual influence lives on, and her curriculum is an enduring testament to her dedication. And that's what I wish for each of you - that your spiritual influence, teaching, and love for the Scriptures would leave an indelible mark on your children and/or students.
I add this video to these thoughts not to make you cry (it will), but to give an example of how children can "rise up and call her blessed,"
Now that you've wiped some tears, please consider 2 Timothy 3:14-17, dropping truth like it's hot (and it sure IS!):
"But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and helpful, showing us the truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, and training us to live God's way. We are put together and shaped through the Word for God's tasks." (MSG)
Talk about the ultimate co-sign for all Scripture Scouts! Pure mic-drop material. 🎤✨
Remember, the road of a Scripture Scout, like motherhood, isn't always filled with grand moments and incredible revelations. Sometimes, it's about simple, everyday faithfulness, like the story of the dinner rolls, which will stay with me forever.
So, here's to you, Mothers and Sunday school teachers - our Scripture Scouts. Your work is a priceless gift, an irresistible invitation to experience God's love through His Word. Keep scouting, teaching, and loving, and know that you're appreciated and admired for your unwavering commitment to raising the next generation of faith-filled believers. Happy Mother's Day!