Faithfulness over Productivity
The pressure moms carry to “do more”|Faith-filled Motherhood
As we embark on the excitement of a new year—many women will begin a vision board because well that’s the norm. The hustle culture we live in pressures us to think that we need to create a checklist of to-dos, and that productivity and constantly being busy is how to reach our next milestones to reach fulfillment. Let’s review the story of Martha and Mary.
Martha & Mary Bible Story| Luke 10:38-42
Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha.
Martha is busy with preparations—cooking, cleaning, serving. She is “working hard” to make everything perfect
Mary, however, sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him and resting in HIs presence
Martha complains to Jesus saying she is left to do all the work and to tell her sister to help her
Jesus gently response reminds us that what' matters most is not productivity but faithfulness.
What this means for Moms
Martha represents busyness and productivity
Mary represents presence and faithfulness
Choosing to sit, rest, and prioritize relationship over output
Jesus doesn’t scold Martha, he points out that presence with Him matter over working
Productivity is not a Fruit of the Spirit
Let’s talk about vision boards and setting goals, whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned mom, hope this reflection touches your heart and mind.
In Galatians 5:22-23, scripture tells us exactly what the fruit of the spirit looks like:
Love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
Notice there’s no mention of productivity.
No mention of efficiency, no praise for hustle, and no requirement to maximize output.
God doesn’t measure our lives the way the world does. While culture celebrates results, and constant productivity, and reaching the next goal—God values who we are becoming.
When productivity becomes a burden
While dreaming and planning are not wrong, new and seasoned mothers with babies, can easily feel pressure to believe they should already be working toward the next goal, the next version of themselves, or the next accomplishment.
Productivity isn’t wrong, but it becomes harmful when it:
Defines our worth
Steals our peace
Fuels comparison
Keeps us from resting
Distracts us from presence
Motherhood has a way of revealing when productivity has become something we rely on for validation instead of grace.
Your calling in this season is not small
If you’re a new mother, or have a small baby your ministry right now may look like:
Feeding a baby
Rocking them to sleep
Learning their cries
Healing your own body
Showing up when exhausted
This is not a pause in your purpose, this is your purpose right now. You don’t need to rush into fulfilling goals to prove your worth or rush into productivity to remain faithful.
Faithfulness often looks quiet:
Choosing patience when you’re exhausted
Showing gentleness when you feel overstimulated
Remaining loving when no one is watching
While postpartum is not easy, rushing into fulfilling a goal board may cause or increase any already built stress, overstimulation, or deny you the opportunity to rest.
A Gentler Way to Measure This Season
Instead of doing a vision board, switch your focus to creating a prayer board.
Write prayers instead of goals: examples–pray for patience, faithfulness, peace, and growth of you as a mother, strength in support from your husband, and your babies growth and development
Focus on spiritual fruit, not tasks: place scriptures, encouraging words, or reminders of God’s promises
Celebrate God’s glory, not your to-do list: reflect on how he is shaping your heart this season
If you choose not to do a prayer board try:
Instead of asking: What goals should I be working toward?
Ask: How can I be faithful where God has placed me today?
Instead of feeling pressure to fulfill goals
Remind yourself: Caring for my baby is my ministry in this season
Rest is not laziness, presence with family and God is not wasted time.
Encouragement for Christian Moms
You are not failing because your days feel slow.
You are not behind because your season feels quiet.
You are not missing your calling because your life feels simple.
God is not asking you to be like Martha adding to a to-do list. Be like Mary and allow time to rest, lay at his feet and be in His presence. God is inviting you to be fruitful and faithful in this season.
And fruit takes time to grow, so take your time. No need to bounce back, or get to the next goal. Enjoy this season of motherhood, time flies by babies don’t stay tiny forever, take in all the cuddles, and hugs, and love on them as much as you can.
Short Prayer to add to your routine
Lord help me release the pressure to prove my worth through productivity. Teach me to value faithfulness, presence, and the sacred work you’ve given me in this season. Let your Spirit bear fruit in me, and guide me even through the exhaustion you are my strength in weakness. Guide me to be the mother and wife you have meant for me to be. Amen.
