Breaking Bad Generational Habits

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 

  

  I have heard it called “generational curses”. Some simply label it “bad genes”. However you say it, there is no doubt certain traits and habits can be carried down from one generation to the next. For instance, I have alcoholics on both sides of my family and my own experiences from my youth with alcohol were quite negative. I decided by the time I was in my mid-twenties that I would not drink alcohol again, the only exceptions being communion or a simple toast at a wedding. I have avoided alcohol for nearly thirty years. I broke that “curse” in my life with the Lord’s help. 

  Another example is divorce. There are divorces on both sides of my family tree. My mother was married and divorced four times. Having experienced what that can do to a family I promised myself that with God’s help I would never get a divorce. And with God’s help my one and only marriage is thirty-three years young this June.  

  I share these things with you not to pat myself on the back, but as evidence that with God we can avoid and overcome the bad habits of previous generations. We need never be defined by the bad choices, mistakes, and weaknesses of those who have gone before us. 

  Though we do not pass judgment on our family members, we must judge for ourselves the kind of people we wish to be and ask God to help us fulfill those desires. With faith we can overcome the challenges previous generations failed at. We are not better than they, but we are more blessed and have privileges in Christ they did not know about or fully comprehend. 

  You must make choices and decisions based upon the knowledge God has given you through His word and the counsel of godly people. You are not destined to make the same mistakes your parents and other relatives have made. You can set new levels of success in your walk with Christ. You can be an example to your children and other relatives. You can be the success story someone else needs to help them along in their walk through life. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to stand in faith, overcoming the obstacles that have tripped up those who came before us. Enable us to be good examples to those who come after us. Amen.