The Holy Calling of Redeemed Motherhood ~ A Study on Colossians 3
Updated: Aug 7
Motherhood is trending right now. '90s Butter Mom content has gone viral and women everywhere are yearning to return to simpler times and give their children a memorable, wholesome childhood.
Let’s take a moment to imagine a '90s butter mom. What does she look like? Maybe she has a cute, bouncy bob or hair pulled back in a scrunchie. She’s probably fresh faced and wearing something comfy and cute while making a snack for her kids. Flowers are arranged in a thrifted vase that sits on the windowsill overlooking her backyard where her kids are happily playing.
Now, take a moment to imagine a homemaker. Maybe she’s wearing an apron over a flowy dress. Her long waves cascade over her apron straps as she heads out the back door to tend to her garden or collect eggs from her chicken coop. Freshly baked bread sits on her countertop.
Can you see how much we’re influenced by stylized ideals and aesthetics on social media? As mothers, we try to fit ourselves into these categories and stereotypes thinking that if we can just be like “them” somehow we’ll become the mothers we’ve always dreamed we’d be.
Being that I was a young child in the '90s with a mom who was home full-time, I too yearn for a more slow-paced, unplugged sort of lifestyle for my family. And while I'm all for more families gathering around tables laden with home-cooked meals and less time spent in front of screens, I also believe that lifestyle changes alone aren't going to solve the dilemma that most parents face today. That's because behavior modification and daily rituals don't touch the heart of a person or the heart of a family. These external tools act as simple band-aids, when instead, healing requires a cure.
That's where Redeemed Motherhood comes in. The cure is a heart transplant performed by the Great Physician - Jesus Christ. A spiritual rebirth that touches the entire person: spirit, soul, and body. Regardless of how you choose to dress or the aesthetic that fits you best, we are all called by God to "wear" His nature so that we function as a kingdom of priests within our homes and communities.
Being a Christian woman is less about being influenced by trending aesthetics and more about embodying the heart and ideals behind biblical motherhood and homemaking. God’s Word transcends trends and brings real transformation that comes from a redeemed heart and renewed mind through faith in Christ.
Redeemed Motherhood is a heavenly calling. It drips with divine purpose. It has the power to impact generations for Christ. Raising disciples who have wholehearted devotion to the Gospel is something Heaven cheers over. Nothing about it is menial or less than. It is a ministry that pulses with eternal influence.
The holy calling of redeemed motherhood is a gift from the Father because it's not about us and what we can do. It's about Him and, therefore, empowered by Him. We, as mothers, don't have to strive to fit into some trending aesthetic or live by some impossible standard. Instead, we get to surrender to His power and allow Him to work in us so that transformation can come through us.
Let's take a look at some verses from Colossians 3...
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” -Colossians 3:10
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” -Colossians 3:12
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” -Colossians 3:14-15
“Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus…” -Colossians 3:16
Your motherhood flows directly from your intimacy with the Father. That's because motherhood is designed to be simply faith lived out or life in action. Your child’s first glimpse of Jesus is through you as their mother.
“Somebody is learning by watching you.”
As mothers, we are called to be Christ’s representatives on earth to our families. We have been set apart by Him to love and raise our children with a divine calling and purpose that is unique to each child. The Father has chosen you for this specific task. In order for us to fulfill this task properly, we need to know how to activate and access His nature within us.
First things first - Perspective
"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing " -Stephen Covey
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of this earth…And when Christ who is your life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.” -Colossians 3:1-4
Redeemed motherhood will never strive for worldly recognition, wealth, success, status, or accolades. In fact, it's often overlooked and disregarded in many ways.
“One of the greatest lies ever whispered into the ears of humanity is that the life of a faithful woman who prioritizes her home and her family above the world is a wasted life.”
The faithful woman is okay with being misunderstood because she has her sights set on the things of heaven where an everlasting reward awaits her faithfulness. When the Lord returns, she will share in His glory.
Her identity flows from intimacy.
In order for us to model Christ to our families, we must, first, know our identity as His beloved daughters and learn to become like Him through relationship with Him.
What daily rhythms do you have where you can continually experience the love of the Father?
Learn to know your Creator and become like Him. (Colossians 3:10)
Word
Prayer
Worship
Praise
Above are four ways you can grow and nurture your relationship with the Father. These daily choices create space for intimacy. Studying the Bible will reveal to you the nature of God, His Truth, His unceasing love, His promises, and your new identity. Spending time in prayer builds conversation with Him and increases your ability to discern what it is that He's speaking to you. Worship allows you to soak in His Presence and respond with devotion. Praise exalts His name and credits Him with your testimonies of victory.
Here are some simple, daily rhythms I encourage you to engage in:
•Wake up, brew a fresh cup of coffee, and sit in a favorite, cozy corner with your Bible, journal, pen, and comfy blanket. Allow the Lord to guide your reading choice or use a simple reading plan that breaks up the Bible by month and day.
(It’s okay if your children are already awake. Turn on their favorite low-stimulation show {We love The Berenstain Bears, Little Bear, Curious George, and Daniel Tiger in our household.} Have some toys available for them to play with or books for them to read. The Lord doesn’t need a perfect, quiet environment to speak to you. He just needs your availability.)
Before you begin your Bible study, pray and ask the Father to give you wisdom through the Spirit to understand His Word. Ask for a fresh, rhema word for that particular day, circumstance, or child. Journal your thoughts, notes, or revelations from the Lord.
•Take 20-30 minutes to listen to an encouraging teaching while you get ready for the day. I like to listen to teachers, pastors, and ministries who exalt the New Covenant that Jesus ushered in.
•Use time in the car, washing dishes, cooking meals, folding laundry, cleaning, etc. to simply talk to God. Prayer doesn't have to be lengthy or extravagant. View it like calling your husband to talk about your day or ask for advice about a certain situation. Don’t forget to leave space for God to talk back to you.
•Worship anywhere. Hum your favorite hymn while tidying the house or turn on a worship playlist as you go about your day. You can also listen to the Bible on audiobook through apps like YouVersion.
•Praise Him and thank Him for little things throughout the day. You can also start a Gratitude Journal. Before bed, write down a few things you are thankful for that day, as well as any answered prayer requests. Don't forget to share these victories with your husband and children.
These daily rhythms with the Father will shape your interactions with your children. When you put Him first, you’ll begin to supernaturally overflow with His Spirit. This creates a ripple effect in your marriage and home. The goal is not perfection or checking off boxes. Rather, it’s learning about your Creator and becoming like Him.
“Lord, parent me so I can parent them.”
Let's transition now into how this effects parenting your children.
“Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus… -Colossians 3:16
You have a new nature, empowered by the Spirit, that produces tenderhearted compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience within you (Colossians 3:12). We are called to lead our children from a place of the same deep, committed love the Father extends to us.
You are empowered to make allowance for your children’s faults and extend forgiveness in moments of anger by responding gently just as you have been forgiven by your Father (Colossians 3:14-15).
“Jesus changed hearts, not just behavior.”
Here are some daily rhythms to implement with your children:
•Ask questions.
•Lead with connection before correction.
•Model the behavior you want to see in your children.
•Use a story (parable) instead of lecturing.
Ask yourself:
What is happening in my child’s heart to cause them to behave this way?
Who am I helping them become?
As mothers, our primary role is to extend the love of the Father to our children. To be His hands and feet, just as Jesus was the express image of the Father. We are His representatives on earth in everything we do and say. We are called to disciple our children with His wisdom and counsel. However, we must receive these things first before we can extend them to our families. Discipleship flows from our own relationship with God.
In Colossians 3, Paul imparts wisdom on how to allow the Word of Christ to fill our homes in all its richness -
He instructs believers to sing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs with thankful hearts.
We can include our children in worship! Here is a list of some easy songs you can teach your children and make part of your daily rhythm…
Songs to teach your children:
Jesus Loves Me
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
The B-I-B-L-E
God Made Me
My God Is So Great
I’ve Got the Joy
(Also, check out the Hidden In My Heart - Scripture Lullabies album. It’s so comforting and uplifting for little ones.)
Paul also instructs us to teach and counsel with all wisdom. A simple way to make space for this is by implementing a fun, little idea I saw on Pinterest - starting the day together with a special bonding time called Coffee with Jesus + Mommy.
Coffee with Jesus + Mommy
Pour the drinks. Coffee for mom and milk, cocoa, chocolate milk or juice for the kids.
Read one short Bible verse. Just one verse is enough to begin.
Ask one simple question. Try, "What does this tell us about God?" or "What do you think this means?"
Say a short prayer together. Keep it natural and simple.
Send them into the day with encouragement - a kind word or blessing can stay with them all day long.
Encourage yourself by remembering that your children are looking to you as their first real example of who Jesus is and what He is like. Model the character traits you would like to see in them.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” -Colossians 3:12
Model compassion when you’d rather choose indifference or scolding.
Model kindness by carrying an encouraging attitude and meeting their needs throughout the day with a warm smile.
Model humility by serving with purpose in the mundane. Do the dishes, laundry, cooking, tidying, etc. - all for the glory of Jesus.
Model gentleness by staying soft, nurturing, whimsical, caring, and loving. Offer loving, nurturing touches like a kiss on the head, a warm hug, an arm around the shoulder, a ruffle of the hair. Offer words of affirmation, affection, and encouragement. Give them direct eye contact. Have a secret handshake or a silly nickname to help them feel extra special and connected to you.
Model patience by being self-controlled. Don’t allow little spills, messes, mistakes, or minor inconveniences to ruffle your feathers. Stay steadfast in your kindhearted, long suffering temperament.
It is by knowing God’s Word, believing His truth, accepting His gifts of grace, and yielding to His power that we have the ability to be “clothed in Christ.” Conforming to His image and reflecting His glory are (super)natural by-products of intimately knowing Jesus and being yielded to His Spirit. It is not our works or performance that empowers us to live out our holy calling of redeemed motherhood. Instead, it’s expressly produced by the Lord’s Spirit actively working in our redeemed hearts - as our minds are renewed to the knowledge of His good and pleasing, and perfect will through Christ.
His revelation brings transformation.
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. These good works include discipling our young children and providing them with a home that goes beyond viral trends and pleasing aesthetics. One that offers them the transformative, all-consuming power of the Gospel lived out in the context of family and community. It has the power to impact generations and create an eternal legacy that endures forever.
Thank you for reading, sweet friends! I hope this post has encouraged you in your holy calling of motherhood. Please see below for bonus content that includes cross references and a deeper study on both the Greek and Hebrew words found in Colossians 3:12. 🤍
With love from my home to yours,
Kate
Cross References:
"...and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
"Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh."
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!"
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
"...to be renewed in the spirit of your minds…"
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image…"
"For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…"
"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."
The characteristics of our new nature found in Colossians 3:12:
•tenderhearted mercy: oiktirmos meaning hearts of compassion, mercy, heartfelt compassion that moves one to action
>Hebrew - רחמים (rachamim, pronounced rah-hah-MEEM); refers to deep, visceral compassion, mercy, or tender pity that comes from the "gut" or womb
•kindness: chréstotés meaning well-fit for use (for what is really needed); kindness that is also serviceable; meeting real needs, Spirit-produced goodness
>Hebrew - חסד (Chesed): Often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "mercy;” representing active, loyal, and relational goodness
•humility: tapeinophrosune meaning lowliness of mind, sacrificial in nature; living in complete dependence on the Lord, i.e. with no reliance on self (the flesh)
>Hebrew - anavah (עֲנָוָה) dealing with others patiently, without arrogance or a lust for control; self-restraint: holding back from asserting dominance, even when you have the power to do so
•gentleness: prautés meaning expresses power with reserve and gentleness
>Hebrew - anavah (עַנְוָה, pronounced ah-nah-VAH) describes power and strength under control, coupled with a humble, teachable spirit
•patience: makrothumia meaning longsuffering; waiting sufficient time before expressing anger; this avoids the premature use of force (retribution) that rises out of improper anger (a personal reaction)
>Hebrew - Erek Apayim (אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם), which translates literally to "long of nose" or "slow to anger;” In ancient Hebrew thought, ap refers to the nostrils, which flare when breathing heavily in frustration or anger; being "long of nose" means it takes a long time for those breaths to build up to the point of wrath
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