Between the time I write this and when you read it TIME will have released its annual “TIME 100,” their list of the 100 most influential people in the world. One media outlet

There were a lot of nominees; hey, it’s a “top 100,” so you have to have a lot just to whittle it down 100. But there was one name conspicuously absent: your mom’s (unless you’re Malia or Sasha Obama, anyway). I looked down the list and her name was nowhere to be found. Nor was my mom’s. 

And that’s just sad. Because moms—especially Christian moms—have an influence that lasts for eternity. Moms shape their children’s worldview—the perspective they take as they live life. Worldview determines the way you treat others and approach the everyday challenges and obstacles you face. If a child is taught that he’s the center of the universe and deserves to have others cater to his needs he becomes selfish, demanding and obnoxious. Other people are seen as being there to serve him or as obstructions to him getting what he wants. Possessions become his pursuit because they’re believed to bring happiness. And a job is something someone owes him so he can get the things that will make him happy. 

But when a child is taught to have a Christ-centered worldview, it has a deep and lasting positive influence. People are seen as children of God, created in His image— not as objects or as obstacles to our pursuits. Material possessions are a means, not an end. And a job is a blessing from God that allows us to use the abilities He gave us to support our families and serve others. 

When we have Christian moms who’ve helped shape a Christ-centered worldview in us, our entire approach to life changes—and it changes others too. And that influence goes well beyond the span of a few years—it has an eternal impact. 

As the old saying goes, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” And while singers, athletes and political figures may hold the reins of power for a while, there isn’t a queen or a president who can have the influence of a Godly mom.