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When I was in primary school a band called Ugly Kid Joe released a song call "Cats in the Cradle" (I later found out it was a cover of a song originally released in '74). I loved the song, not for any deep reasons, it just sounded good. The song is a story told form the perspective of a father. He is reflecting on his relationship with his son. As a young boy, his son says:
"I'm gonna be like you, Dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."
As the song progresses, the father sees that his son did, in fact, grow up just like him. But the traits echoed by his son aren't good ones. This is a tale as old as time. All of us catch ourselves exhibiting a trait that we used to hate in our parents. Some are funny idiosyncrasies, others are disappointing or even frightening.
I've been reading Genesis recently and have observed this pattern in Abraham's family. Abraham has a cowardly habit of telling powerful Kings that his super attractive wife is his sister. We see it twice, and on both occasions she ends up being taken into the king's harem (Gen 12 and 20). Fast forward a couple of decades. In Genesis 26 Isaac, Abraham's son, does the exact same thing (with the exact same outcome, mind you).
This is worth reflecting on.
- What poor decisions and habits have you inherited from your family of origin?
- What sinful choices and attitudes are you passing on to your kids?
Think and pray these things through. Repent and ask our good God to do a work of transformation and healing in you. Remember, we follow a God who forgives, renews and breaks destructive cycles. In Ezekiel 36:26, speaking of the new covenant, God says: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you." Ask that for yourself, and your kids.
I consider it my job and my pleasure to walk with the people of NBC through tough journeys like this. Please let me know how I can help and pray.
Peace...
Kieran Degan
(0422 734 830)
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