Returning to Our Calling: Biblical Motherhood vs. Today’s Modern Mom
In today’s fast-paced world, motherhood has become a juggling act — filled with to-do lists, career goals, social media pressure, and the constant pursuit of “balance.” While none of these things are inherently wrong, they can distract us from what motherhood was originally designed to be: a sacred calling rooted in purpose, faith, and legacy.
The Bible paints a clear and powerful picture of motherhood. But somewhere along the way, modern culture has redefined it — often reducing it to a side hustle, a burden, or a badge of busyness. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the biblical foundation of motherhood and how far we've drifted from it.
Biblical Motherhood: A Divine Design
In Scripture, motherhood is more than a role — it’s a divine assignment. Mothers are seen as:
Nurturers of both the body and the spirit
Teachers of God’s Word and moral wisdom
Stewards of their children’s lives, entrusted by God
Prayer warriors and women of faith who guide future generations
Proverbs 31 describes a mother who is wise, hardworking, and God-fearing — not because she’s doing everything perfectly, but because her priorities are in order. She serves her family, fears the Lord, and teaches her children by example.
Biblical motherhood is counter-cultural. It’s not about perfection or performance — it’s about purpose.
Modern Motherhood: Drifting from the Call
Today’s version of motherhood often puts pressure on women to be everything to everyone — but without anchoring that role in faith or purpose. Instead of being celebrated as a calling, motherhood is often seen as:
A limitation to personal freedom or ambition
A side role that competes with career success
A chaotic season to “get through” rather than embrace
A task we’re supposed to “balance” instead of prioritize
We’re told to “do it all” — but rarely are we reminded of why we do it. And if we’re not careful, we start raising children based on trends and convenience rather than biblical values and God’s design.
Even moms who are strong in their faith can unknowingly adopt the world’s view of motherhood — feeling guilty for being “just a mom,” undervaluing their influence, or outsourcing the spiritual development of their children.
A Personal Reflection: When Everything Shifted
I was never the live-to-work type of gal. In fact, I often dreaded Mondays and used to daydream about winning the lottery just to escape the grind. But after I had my first son, Caden, something in me shifted.
It wasn’t just the typical new-mom emotions — it was deeper. I didn't just dread going back to work after maternity leave; I suddenly saw my job for what it was — something that once took up 40+ hours of my week now felt so small compared to the sacred responsibility of raising this tiny human who depended on me for everything.
Now that I’m on maternity leave with my second child, that feeling is back — only stronger. But this time, it’s not just about wanting to be a “kept woman” (though let’s be honest — never having to work again with an unlimited pool of money does sound amazing, lol). It’s something spiritual.
As a mother, I feel deeply called to guide my sons not just to become kind, capable people — but to become men of faith, grounded in their walk with God. And that’s no small task. If I’m being honest, I don’t know how I can do that while also working a full-time job.
I want to be the one with my babies for the majority of their day — not daycare, not a nanny. And I want to homeschool them as they grow older. But with only 24 hours in a day, something has to give. Society might say the first thing to let go of is the homeschooling or the “24/7 parenting,” but in my heart, I believe the thing that should go is the career. Jobs can come and go — but I only get one chance to raise my babies.
Reclaiming Biblical Motherhood Today
So how do we return to the biblical vision of motherhood in a modern world?
Prioritize Spiritual Formation Over Performance
Your child’s soul is more important than their achievements. Biblical motherhood focuses on heart transformation, not just good behavior or impressive resumes.Reject the “Do It All” Mentality
You weren’t called to be everything. You were called to be faithful. Let go of the pressure to prove your worth, and instead root your identity in God.Make Your Home a Ministry
The home is a sacred space. It’s where values are shaped, faith is modeled, and love is taught. Your kitchen table might be the most impactful pulpit you’ll ever have.Stay Rooted in the Word
Biblical mothers knew the power of Scripture. Read it. Live it. Pass it down. Your children will learn more from watching your walk with God than any sermon they hear.
Final Thoughts: The Call Hasn’t Changed
Culture may change, but God’s design for motherhood has not. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, working full-time or staying at home, your influence as a mother is eternal.
Let’s return to the biblical model — not out of guilt, but out of joy and reverence for the high calling we've been given.
As it says in Proverbs 1:8-9:
"Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."
You’re not “just” a mom. You are a kingdom-builder.
