What Generation Are You?
I am not talking about the code names boomer, millennial, or gen z. I am referring to which generation you are in your family now that you are saved by Christ.
Generational Follower or Generational Leader
In the Old Testament, the actions of one person in your family would affect the generations after.
8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Deuteronomy 5:8-10.
Thankfully, Jesus came and saved us, and we are each made new in Him.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2
There are families who never speak of Jesus.
My family, for example, never took me to church or spoke about God beyond the Revelation God. You can continue in that path or speak up about your faith. Assist the next generation in knowing who God is. Make it a point in your day to spread the good news about Him!
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Deuteronomy 6:6-8
There are families whose hurt spans generations.
Hurt people hurt people. Healed people heal people. Some families cannot see past the grudge or the pain to start the healing process. Being made new in Christ, we do not have to follow in those footsteps. It may be difficult to break those chains but at least we are not breaking them alone.
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:34-36
There are families who do not love others as themselves.
Everyone succeeds when we work together. We were not made to be alone or try to survive alone. Some families refuse to seek outside help due to pride, anger, or because it is scary. Some families refuse to help others for the same reasons. As someone serving Christ, we must remember that every person you see is someone He loves.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. 21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
Proverbs 14:20-21
Following the ways of Jesus may be difficult after learning for years the ways of your family. Never stop praying, hoping, or learning.
A word of warning:
One of the hardest parts of changing what generation you will be is knowing that just because you changed, does not mean that your family will change. You know better now and know what Jesus expects of you in the way you treat others. Your loved ones may not know these things yet, but you cannot force them to change. They must want to change. Let them see the light that is now in you and let them decide for themselves. Everyone must want a relationship with God, He will not force anyone to love Him.
As always, He loves you, I love you, and I am praying for you!