The Spiritual Influence of Mothers

Mothers are incredibly influential.

I am a beneficiary of my mom’s influence in my life. I also get a front row seat in the ways my wife cares for our (soon to be 4) children.

And while a mother’s influence extends to every sphere of a child’s life, I focus on the spiritual impact of mothers in this post. 

I was reminded of this reality when I began reading a biography on Charles Spurgeon (one of my favorite Christian writers and pastors). In the early pages of “Spurgeon” by Arnold Dallimore, I was struck by the intentional presence of Spurgeon’s mother, Eliza. 

While Charles Spurgeon would go on to have an influential ministry career, publicly hailed as “The Prince of Preachers” he would go on to say the following regarding his mother: "I cannot tell you how much I owe to the solemn word of my good mother."

So how did Eliza Spurgeon spiritually influence Charles?

Simply put: She made it clear that Jesus had to be the priority. 

Dallimore, the author, states that while Eliza cared for the academic progress of her children, she was “more concerned about their spiritual welfare.” She would regularly read the Scriptures to him and to his siblings and engage in spiritual conversations.

There are two remarkable stories which exemplify her fiery prioritization: 

1. Pleading in Prayer 

Charles Spurgeon gave this account of his mother praying for him (and his siblings): 

“I remember on one occasion her praying thus, “Now, Lord, if my children go on in their sins, it will not be from ignorance that they perish, and my soul must bear a swift witness against them at the day of judgment if they lay not hold of Christ.”

That thought of my mother’s bearing a swift witness against me pierced my conscience… How can I ever forget when she bowed her knee, and with her arms about my neck, prayed, “Oh, that my son may live before Thee!” 

What an impression it must have made on a young Charles Spurgeon to see his mother plea for his soul before God. 

2. Missional Partnership in Marriage 

Dallimore shares an account where Eliza’s husband (who was a pastor), “while on his way to a church service, began to charge himself with neglecting his family and therefore turned back to his home. Finding no-one in the lower floor, he went upstairs, and there he heard the sound of prayer.” 

Charles Spurgeon recounts:

“He discovered that it was my mother, pleading most earnestly for the salvation of all her children, and praying specifically for Charles, her first-born and strong-willed son.

My father felt that he might safely go about his Master’s business while his dear wife was caring so well for the spiritual interests of the boys and girls at home.” 

This would’ve shaped not just how Charles viewed his parents, but the way he viewed marriage, that marriage was to be angled for the services of the Kingdom, not comfort. 

Conclusion

I find Eliza’s clarity of prioritizing Jesus refreshingly counter-cultural in a day where parent feels the cultural pressure to prioritize opportunities, potential, and memories for their children (which are good gifts to be sure). 

Eliza stewarded her influence towards the greatest object: Christ.

One of Eliza’s children would later say, “She was the starting point of all the greatness and goodness any of us, by the grace of God, have ever enjoyed.”

It’s little surprise that Charles Spurgeon would go on to single-mindedly preach a glorious Christ and gospel. He would go on to preach to thousands of people, influencing generations of Christians who came after him.

Motherhood is a powerful ministry God has given to moms to help shepherd their children in the way of the Jesus: To seek first the Kingdom of God. 

As a dad, I can’t imagine raising my children without the myriad of ways my wife stewards her influence. 

Mothers, you are heroes with incredible influence.

Thank you for stewarding it so well. And please know that God always fills the gaps on difficult days.