Mothers of the BibleНамуна

Herodias: Modeling Godly Values

She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”

“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. —Mark 6:24, NIV

I remember the day my daughter came home with tears in her eyes after fighting with her best friend. “What should I do, Mom?” she asked. In that moment, I realized how important my response was: My answer would shape how she approached conflict and relationships in the future.

In Mark 6:24, we see a tragic example of a mother’s influence. Herodias, angry at John the Baptist for speaking truth about her sinful choices, instills her bitterness in her daughter. After pleasing King Herod with her dancing at his birthday banquet, Herodias’ daughter is given the chance to ask the king for anything. He tells her, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom” (Mark 6:23, NIV).

Enthralled with such an opportunity, Herodias’ daughter seeks her mother’s advice. Instead of choosing something life-giving, Herodias tells her to request John the Baptist’s death. This story is a sobering reminder that our choices and attitudes shape the values of our children, often in ways we may not fully intend or realize.

As mothers, we have the incredible privilege and responsibility of molding our children’s hearts. The values we model—whether godly or worldly—take root in their lives. Herodias’ story challenges us to reflect on what we’reteaching our children through our words and actions. Do they see us seeking God in prayer when problems arise? Do they hear us speaking in an uplifting way? Do they see us standing up for injustice in our society? Are we modeling a heart of gratitude or one of negativity?

The good news is that we don’t have to be perfect. God’s grace covers our shortcomings, and his spirit empowers us to lead our children in ways that will bring him glory. By consistently turning to him, we can point our children toward the values that matter most.

Challenge: Take a moment to reflect on the values you are modeling for your children. Then, spend time in prayer, asking God to guide you in demonstrating godly character and wisdom. Write down one specific way to model a godly value for your children today, such as demonstrating thankfulness, prioritizing acts of service or sharing with your family how God has been faithful in your life. Trust that your tenacity will guide your children and that your devotion is steadily shaping them into who God is calling them to be.