A Worthy Consideration

"Sin has social dimensions. By turning away from the covenant we have entered with God, we form a compact with the enemy by joining in his rebellion, giving him more influence over our lives. Those who have authority draw their dependents into this rebellion, at least by experiencing its effects, and that is partly how we "pass on" the rebellion and disorders of sin. Our children cannot disentangle their lives from ours as parents. If we abide in the covenant, like Adam abided in the garden, we foster a place of peace and protection for them. When we break that covenant, we let the serpent in through the gate to wreak havoc. Soon sons begin to imitate and confirm the sins of their fathers, falling prey to the same vices.

"On the surface, there is much common sense in this reality. Children intuitively pick up the habits and ways of thinking of their parents. A disordered father will pass disorder down to his children. But, since we are also in the middle of a great spiritual war, our sins also expose our children to increased spiritual attack. We are in enfleshed souls, and what we see happening on the surface often mimics what also happens hidden within. A father has a duty to be in a right relationship with the Lord not only for his own good but also for the good of his family."

--Mr. Jared Staudt, PhD., "Generational Warfare," in Sword&Spade, vol. 6, issue 3, p. 13.