Why Real Men Don’t Ignore Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day can be intimidating. It can seem like a no-win situation. But with a little attitude adjustment, we can see it for what it really is—a chance to exercise more of the character of Christ.

Yes, the Mother’s Day cards and sentiments can be a bit sappy. (Some mothers and wives like that sort of thing; some don’t.) And something always goes wrong if you try to make her breakfast in bed. But the underlying motivation and purpose for Mother’s Day makes logical and practical sense. When we think it through and consider the related biblical principles, we can see the rational rationale for what can seem to be a touchy-feely holiday.

Vainly searching the web

A quick web search of “Mother’s Day ideas for men” reveals what most websites think men are looking for (and what they think of men!). You’ll find phrases like “fool proof,” “last minute,” “intimidated” and “perfect gift.” (How would that website know what is the “perfect” gift for my wife? After all these years I’ve never figured it out!)

Some of the ideas might be somewhat helpful, but many aren’t. Like Men’s Health suggestion: “Get a fake Mom tattooto amuse—and horrify—her.”

Searching the Bible

What does the Bible say about how we should treat our mothers? There is a clear command that is repeated several times in both Old and New Testaments. Let’s look at Paul’s writings for one of them:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

Learning within the family setting to honor and obey gives us a good foundation for dealing with authority throughout life. On that good foundation can be built many other good things, like success and longevity. Learning to honor your mother in the family setting also lays the foundation for honoring your wife and daughters later on; and even teaches a man how to treat women outside the family.

Proverbs has a lot to say about how to treat our moms too. Suffice it to say, don’t be a Proverbs 17:25 son. Be a Proverbs 6:20 son instead.

Our wives, the mothers of our children

What about wives? Paul also wrote about how we should treat them:

“‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:31-33).

We are to cling to our wives and to love them as ourselves. We try to do that, but maybe the tool set or the golf clubs aren’t the best gift—for her. If you were in her shoes, what would you want? It takes some research, some thinking—and maybe even some plain and simple asking: Dear, what would you like for Mother’s Day?

Or at least buy a sappy card and some flowers. I’d suggest skipping the breakfast in bed thing—unless, of course, you are 100 percent sure you can (and will) clean it all up to her satisfaction!

Happy Mother’s Day (May 8)! 

Mike Bennett lost his mother a couple years ago, but hopes to honor her memory as well as honor his mother-in-law and wife this Mother's Day.