I am a biological mom of three amazing daughters. But over the years I have been a spiritual momma of many! As an inter-generational ministry, Heart of Womanhood Bible Studies are designed to encourage and equip us as mothers (and grandmothers) to lead our daughters in creative biblical discipleship in our homes. In our families. But if we “zoom out,” God’s greater call includes MORE. Our faithful Father is calling us to “spiritual mothering” for the many daughters He places in our spheres of influence. This month’s blog is written by one of my own dear spiritual moms in ministry, Debbie Scheller. The discipleship Bible Study resources God has birthed through her are life-changing. Why? Because daughters (of all ages) who are deeply rooted in His truth will in turn have holy confidence to “mother” others. We are all “mommas” who are “Made for MORE!”
More.
One of the sweetest and most predictable hand motions that little ones use before they ever have real words is the sign language for the word “more.” Mommas teach their little ones simple sign language to help their kiddos communicate early on what they want and what they need. It’s predictable in that “more” is what we all want. Not just little ones but us big people too. We have insatiable appetites for more of the things of this life. All of us want more and as Christian women, I believe we were made for more, but what kind of more?
Made for More.
When you read the words “made for more,” I wonder what you think. Does it inspire you to chase after your dreams or to explore your unique giftings? Does it create a desire within you to reach a goal or go after that new position in your current workplace or church? Or maybe it causes you to wonder what is missing in your life or why you have that gnawing lack in your heart? I am not sure what thoughts come to mind, but as Christian women, I pray that we consider deeply what it means to be “made for more” and embrace a more biblically sound understanding.
In recent years, the idea of being “made for more” has been thrust into the influencer and social media world by storm. Books, conferences, and beautifully crafted Instagram posts scream,
Women! You are Made for More!
Both secular and Christian circles seemingly grabbed this idea and ran with it. But what was their message? What was it that they were communicating that made it so attractive? As I jumped in to understand it, I shook my head. Don’t get me wrong, at first glance, their message sounded okay. It even sounded right to a certain extent, but it left me longing. It was a lot of me, my or mine. I think some messages can sound good and yet they are incomplete. I couldn’t get rid of the question, is that really it? I don’t need more of me. In fact, the more I thought of me, the more disturbing it sounded.
Several years ago, I launched into an intensive discipleship curriculum called MADE for MORE. It was birthed out a familiar passage in Ephesians.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably MORE than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
In Ephesians 1-3, Paul, the author of the letter of Ephesians, begins by exhorting the church in Ephesus to remember all that Christ has done for them. He sets up beautifully the gospel of Jesus Christ by reminding them of their status apart from Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. We are dead in our transgressions. By his Spirit, he makes us alive. Glorious riches are theirs and they are also ours because of Christ and his bride, the church.
No other reason.
He is our More.
By the time we get to Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul’s words strongly yet perfectly remind us that it is God who is able. He is the one who saves us. It is through the blood of Christ that we are saved and it by the Spirit of God that He sanctifies us. I am not able, and neither are you. It is Him who is able. This is where the secular and sometimes Christian use of “made for more” get it all wrong. I don’t have what it takes and neither do you. At least, not without the power of Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our lives submitted to Him and His Word.
So, what do we need more of? If we understand that as Christians, our purpose is to bring glory to God than what we need is more Bible not less, more deep discipleship, and ultimately, more spiritual mothering. Women, our “more” is not the superficial things of this life but it is thoughtful, deep and meaningful connections, generationally diverse digging into God’s word with each other.
Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of meeting weekly with a number of young women to open the Bible and consider God’s grand plan. We haven’t looked for a quick fix to fill an immediate emotional need. Instead, we have looked at God. His good and perfect plan to choose a people for himself. We have considered the whole of Scripture, God’s compassion, grace, and mercy to save a people who are rebellious and needy. When we see God rightly through more Bible, not less, we are encouraged beyond measure.
We have also rejoiced in sharing life in a new and deep way. We dig deep into how we can pray for one another and how Scripture guides the current of life. We don’t deny the hardship, but we point each other to the gospel. God’s grace, his forgiveness and the sanctification that comes through holding each other accountable to God’s word. Deep discipleship is far more than filling in a Bible study workbook. It is rich and it satisfies because it points us to Jesus, his work on the cross and his resurrection. Because he lives, those who have put their hope in Christ, will live also.
What else do we need? We need more spiritual mothering.
More Spiritual Mothering.
The Lord did not see fit to give my husband and I biological children of our own. Although it was not what my heart would have desired, the Lord is kind and faithful. He saw fit to bring more young women into our lives than we could have ever imagined. I have learned through having young women in our lives the increased need for more spiritual mothering. Women who are not the biological mother but who fill a need to spur young women on to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Many times, I have had the privilege of reinforcing the very truths that their biological mother taught them. I don’t dare try to replace their biological mothers but instead come alongside of them to say, yes, your mother is good and right.
In Titus 2:3-5, Paul tells the church in Crete that the older women are to teach the younger women. Why does Paul do that? Because the church in Crete had issues and I think today’s church has issues too. The modern church is divided into needs-based groups or generational segments which automatically inhibits spiritual mothering. When we divide into age-based groups, or stage of life groups, we look more like the world than we do the blood-bought gospel preaching hope of the world.
My greatest joy is sharing Jesus with young women. Churches are full of young women who are desperate for older women who will love them unconditionally by sharing Jesus with them. Once again, weekly I walk with young women, grab coffee with them, open the Bible with them, eat dinner with them and share gospel truths with them. If you are reading this, you are more than likely a mom. A mom who is or has poured into your children and discipled them and for that, I applaud you. And although I applaud you, I also implore you. The church is desperate for spiritual mothers. When we understand what it means to be made for more we will be committed to the bride of Christ, God’s glory, and his gospel to save sinners. Women of every age and stage of women gathering together to make much more of Jesus.
From Generation to Generation.
In Ephesians 3:20-21, Paul speaks of the glory that is from generation to generation. It is immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. It’s not about you, me or any other person but about Christ crucified and glorified. When we seek more Bible not less, deep discipleship and spiritual mothering, the church is strengthened. Marriages are strengthened. Daughters are strengthened and God is brought much glory.
If you are interested in learning more about the MADE for MORE curriculum, please don’t hesitate to email me at debbie@schellers.com.
Made for His More,
Debbie Scheller and the Heart of Womanhood Ministry Team
If you are ready to answer God’s call to “spiritual mothering” through inter-generational Bible Study, check out our downloadable Portraits of Womanhood series @ heartofwomanhood.org Together—God’s Word and godly “mommas” will “bring many…daughters to glory.” (Hebrews 2:10)
