Like Father Like Son
There is a trap that I think we all fall into, one that we aren’t even aware of when we’ve been snared; and that is the trap of generational curses. Our Jewels for Christ ministry just had a day conference about inherited weaknesses, which in the end became more about inherited blessings.
What is an inherited weakness, or generational curse? It is a hinderance believed to be passed down from previous generations due to sin or rebellion towards God. Just as we inherit physical and personality traits from our parents, we can also inherit patterns of sin which affect us and those around us. I also believe that although our sicknesses may not be related to sin, we assume that because our parents had a genetic disease that we are destined to also have the same disease in our future. But the bible tells us that we have a choice! Deuteronomy 30:19 (TLB) “I call heaven and earth to witness against you that today I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Oh, that you would choose life; that you and your children might live!” James 3:10 tells us that blessing and cursing comes out of our mouth, but that it shouldn’t be that way. How can we praise God for His goodness or the things He’s done for us and then curse ourselves or others by believing we’re doomed to be angry, lazy, sick, or addicted, just because our parents were?
There are many verses in the bible that tell us that we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but Jesus Christ came as atonement, so that we can break the cycle. Romans 5:18 (NLT) “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” We can whine and say it’s unfair that we are punished for what Adam did in the garden, but then we need to consider that Christ died unfairly on the cross, punished for my sin and yours, so that we could be saved, through no act of our own.
Satan thrives on our belief in generational curses. He loves it when we are determined that we’re destined for destruction, because it makes his job a lot easier. But it doesn’t have to be “like father like son.” We have choices. We should first recognize that we don’t have to accept any negative consequences from our parents or ancestors. We have authority, through Jesus Christ, to break those chains that bind us to their sin, breaking the curse forever. Next, we need to acknowledge the need to live in such a way that our kindness, integrity, and generosity can and will affect many generations to come. Instead of dwelling on generational curses, be mindful of generational blessings that can shape and influence future generations, which leave a Godly inheritance for your children and their children.
We are all only one capital letter away from either a curse or a blessing…like father like son, or…like Father like son. Your choice.