Walking with the Wise: Practical Tips for Discerning Resources in Motherhood
Shopping for peaches is surprisingly challenging. As you survey the bin of fruit, you’ll notice a wide array of options. Some will be shriveled and rotten-looking. Some will look good overall, with a few bruises that you’ll have to cut off. Some will be near-perfect, and you’ll eagerly drop them into your bag. And some will look awesome, but when you get them home and dig in, they will be brown and flavorless inside.
While this experience rings true at the grocery store, it also somewhat rings true as we pick through Christian resources for motherhood. Some books, blogs, and articles are obviously not true or healthy. Many are going to be a mixture—helpful truths that apply in some situations alongside other things that aren’t helpful or true for every mom. Some are going to be wonderful (but not perfect), and you’ll pass those around to your friends as trusted resources. And unfortunately, some will come highly recommended, but once you read them, you discover they aren’t helpful at all.
As you pick and choose what resources to give your time and attention to, here are some practical things to look for:
Check Credentials
Who is this person? Were they educated in their field, and if so, where? How are they getting their information and who else endorses it? What is their reputation? Are they a self-proclaimed expert or do they have years of first-hand experience, knowledge, and training?
Check Agendas
What type of theology are they hoping their audience adopts? Is there an underlying ideology that influences their ideas? Sometimes you can tell this by seeing who endorses or loves their work.
Check Associations
Who do they "buddy up" with? Are they involved in any questionable or unethical organizations, ministries or "tribes"? One or two odd associations are probably not concerning, but consider the overall picture of who they spend time with.
Check for the Gospel
What is their worldview? Is it gospel-centered or coming from a different perspective completely? Who or what are they asking you to put your hope and trust in for joy and fulfillment? Is the goal of their message about turning you to Christ or to something else?
Check for False Teaching
Are they sharing the prosperity gospel or a cheap grace mentality? Do they encourage people to hope in something/someone other than Christ (lifestyle, relationship, parenting method, finding the "perfect" balance, etc.)? Do they adhere to cultural relativism: "Whatever seems good and true to me must be right”?
Testing Resources in Light of the Gospel
CREATION - Does this person/resource acknowledge God as the creator/sustainer of all things and as sovereign over all things?
FALL - Does this person/resource have the perspective that humans are sinners in need of a Savior?
REDEMPTION - Does this person/resource encourage you or your children to place your hope in something or someone other than Jesus? (a method, a strategy, a lifestyle, etc.)
GREAT COMMISSION - Does this person/resource affirm God’s main purpose for motherhood - that you are to raise your children in the fear/admonition of the Lord, make disciples, and view the Bible as the final authority for truth?
It’s good to remember these things as we sift through the “peach bin” of resources for motherhood. We can spur one another on toward godliness and good works in Christ as we become literate in biblical truth and have great conversations about how those truths apply to our lives.
Don’t avoid shopping for peaches just because you might get a dud—do your best to discern truth, live in community with other women who can help you figure it out, and never stop growing in your own knowledge of God’s Word.
This article contains adapted excerpts from Gospel Mom (copyright © 2024) and A Million Tiny Moments (copyright © 2025) by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler. Used with permission from Harvest House Publishers.
