Repeatedly, the same story, straight-faced and without hesitation: their gods, from a generation ago, still protect us. I am not advocating for the story, but there is an element of truth in the myth.
Our decisions affect generations. If their gods can, our God absolutely can!
I lose sight of my potential and purpose in the grind. I don't think often enough about my commitments, habits, and vows. They don't only affect my immediate family; they affect generations of my future family. You don't feel like you have that influence, but you do. The idea should sober you and make you question if you have what it takes to fix your family tree for generations to come.
Pause for a moment, and lock in on this truth:
You have, and you are, everything necessary to bless your family for years to come. I am not saying you are doing everything necessary; I am telling you, you have everything within you to be the type of man that fixes your family tree and blesses generations. Scripture reminds us God has given up everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
We live in a culture that beats men down and tells them they aren't necessary or enough. I am afraid the church hasn't done much better. Even though we try to keep our theology straight about the Christian home and issues of gender, we use guilt and condemnation to motivate. Our practical theology is "work harder to make God happier; He deserves it."
You can be sure of this; God is pleased with you in Jesus. God is happy with you and proud of you. You are enough, and you have what it takes.
That said, some habits will help you experience all the blessings God has for you. You need some intentionality to receive your inheritance.
You need a goal
Take some time, get quiet, and pray about naming your hopes for your family. Most of our stories are about parents who did their best with what they knew and what they had. But regardless, they were sinners and made mistakes. It is time to name and forgive the mistakes so you don't pass them into the future. But don't stop there. Name what you don't want to pass into the future, and name what you intend to pass into the future.
Without vision people stumble all over themselves. (Proverbs 29:18) Get with God and find your footing by naming some goals.
You need a gang
You need men who challenge you, push you, and demand more of you. Nice guys need not apply. When changing my family tree, I need killers around me because losing is not an option when your family and God's glory are at stake.
Find men who are what your goals aspire to be and do whatever is necessary to get them in your life. Bribe, beg, borrow, and steal, but do not take no for an answer. Your future is tied to who you share today with; make it count. Humble yourself and ask for help.
You need guts
Make no mistake. This is going to cost you dearly. There is a reason your family was what you received. Unless you stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30), history will repeat itself.
You need vision from God, and you need men around you to borrow from when you feel weak, borrow their faith, their trust, or their walk with God.
It is worth it. Don't quit.
You need God
You are a son before you are a husband or a dad. A plan is good, but you need supernatural power! Learn from your heavenly Father. Start by trusting. Trust that you are loved, and His way is best. Trust that no matter the family you came from or the mistakes you have made, you can start fresh today.
Trust that you are enough and you have what it takes. Then go get it!
Tim Dunn is the Lead Pastor at Graceway in Kansas City, Missouri. He and his wife Ashley have been married twenty-one years and have three children: Noah, Emma, and Isaiah. Pastor Dunn studied at Kent State University and at Trinity Bible College and Theological Seminary.