I'll be honest with you: The thought of my kids sinning in the same areas that I sin has bolstered my obedience to God. I'm reminded of the piercing statement by C. H. Spurgeon, "Sin would have fewer takers if its consequences occurred immediately." Just think for a moment of the sins that could be visited upon your children. What do you struggle with? Lust? Selfishness? Anger? Lack of discipline? Jealousy? Pride? How about deceit? Broken promises? A gossiping tongue?
The twenty-first century could be a scary time to be alive. I wonder how the sins of adultery, divorce and addictions will affect future generations?
So what are we to do? Wallow in guilt because we are far from perfect? Are we enslaved to our ancestors' wrong choices and, thus, permanently under the punishment of God?
No, we can stop the chain reaction by our repentance and confession. God in His grace stands ready to forgive us and grant us favor. You can, by faith, stop even the most tyrannical control of a sin that has beset your family for generations.
The good news is that God also gives us a wonderful promise: Your righteousness can still be influencing others a thousand generations from now. That's encouraging!
One of our FamilyLife staff members is committed to breaking the chains from his past. When speaking to individuals considering vocational Christian ministry, he always says, "I grew up in a broken home and I don't want to end up like my father. He lived his life for himself, and at his funeral there were only 10 people in attendance. I want a packed funeral-full of people my life has impacted. I want to leave a heritage that would outlast me."
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