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Family matters (2)
'BE HUMBLE, GENTLE AND PATIENT, ACCEPTING EACH OTHER IN LOVE.' EPHESIANS 2:3
We're going on a trip way back in history today; - nearly 4000 years. Nearing the end of his life, the time when, by tradition he should have been blessing his sons, Simeon and Levi, Jacob spoke these sad words to them: 'I...curse...you because of your...anger' (Genesis 49:7 NIVCEV).
But their behaviour should've been no surprise to him, the fact is, Jacob had already shaped them by his own example when he conned his dad (see Genesis 27) and his father-in-law (see Genesis 30). Even worse, his mum (their Grandma) deliberately covered his tracks. Talk about a shady past!
Behavioural patterns are passed from generation to generation, which is why the Bible points out how important it is for parents to 'Train children how to live right, and when they are old, they will not change..' (Proverbs 22:6 NCV).
What are the important things your parents have passed on to you so far that might be stepping-stones onto that 'right path'? Maybe, if you pick the right moment, you could let your mum or dad know; - they'd be well blessed to hear you bigging up their parenting. Do you know that loads of parents are really insecure? They worry loads about whether or not they're doing a good job.
Remember the Jesus way of life;, are you going to be like the stereotypical stroppy teenager who just complains about everything? Take some advice from David who prayed, 'Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.' (Psalm 141:3-4 NIV).
Today you can create a new atmosphere in your family just by opening your mouth and saying something surprising!
written by Bob Gass
'BE HUMBLE, GENTLE AND PATIENT, ACCEPTING EACH OTHER IN LOVE.' EPHESIANS 2:3
We're going on a trip way back in history today; - nearly 4000 years. Nearing the end of his life, the time when, by tradition he should have been blessing his sons, Simeon and Levi, Jacob spoke these sad words to them: 'I...curse...you because of your...anger' (Genesis 49:7 NIVCEV).
But their behaviour should've been no surprise to him, the fact is, Jacob had already shaped them by his own example when he conned his dad (see Genesis 27) and his father-in-law (see Genesis 30). Even worse, his mum (their Grandma) deliberately covered his tracks. Talk about a shady past!
Behavioural patterns are passed from generation to generation, which is why the Bible points out how important it is for parents to 'Train children how to live right, and when they are old, they will not change..' (Proverbs 22:6 NCV).
What are the important things your parents have passed on to you so far that might be stepping-stones onto that 'right path'? Maybe, if you pick the right moment, you could let your mum or dad know; - they'd be well blessed to hear you bigging up their parenting. Do you know that loads of parents are really insecure? They worry loads about whether or not they're doing a good job.
Remember the Jesus way of life;, are you going to be like the stereotypical stroppy teenager who just complains about everything? Take some advice from David who prayed, 'Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.' (Psalm 141:3-4 NIV).
Today you can create a new atmosphere in your family just by opening your mouth and saying something surprising!
written by Bob Gass
