“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom. 12:2, NLT).
“Actions have consequences.” We know this on a scientific level and on a spiritual level. Many of us have suffered or celebrated as a result of our choices. It’s one thing to take on the task of putting out our self-started fires, but suffering the results of someone else’s mischief, mayhem and misdeeds is a messy other thing altogether, especially if that someone is family.
For two generations, King Josiah had no godly examples in his life. His father and grandfather, Manasseh, were both corrupt kings. 2 Kings 21 details Granddad’s wickedness — raising altars and wooden images to Baal in the house of the Lord, sacrificing his own son in fire and practicing witchcraft. But the Spirit of God planned a different path for Josiah. Instead of following in his family’s idolatrous footsteps, the Lord made King Josiah responsible for cleaning up their messes and turning Judah back to God’s Word (2 Kings 22:8-13).
Have you ever been tempted to excuse your behavior and choices by blaming the cards you were dealt? Do you get stuck on a loop, feeling destined to repeat the same unhealthy, ungodly lifestyle you grew up around? The “sins of the fathers” can become a crutch, a justification, a set-up for failure. Or you can identify the problems, see the consequences as warnings of worse to come and accept that not being responsible for the chaos does not mean you are not accountable for the clean-up. {eoa}
Carlos Rivera is director of Frontline Men’s Ministry and, with his wife Rosalinda, serves the body of Christ as associate pastors at New Life Outreach Church in Richmond, Virginia. They work side by side as executive directors of New Life for Adults and Youth, helping young men and women get free from substance abuse and other life-controlling problems. The Riveras have been happily married since 1995 and have three children. Together with his family, Carlos ministers worldwide, including Africa, Peru, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. He also speaks at church conferences and is motivated to help inspire people to reach their God-given potential. Pastor Carlos is passionate about inspiring and equipping a generation to get out of the four walls of the church and into our communities to win the lost for Christ.
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