Having the right mindset (3)

Every family has generational “issues” they struggle with. These are things our parents and grandparents passed to us like addiction, abuse, anger, anxiety, lust, fear, etc. Often we say, “It just runs in my family, I can’t do anything about it.” Yes, you can! You may not be able to do anything about your family’s past, but by God’s grace, you can change the future for yourself and your children. The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV). Note the words “in Christ.” By yourself you can’t change your family’s dysfunction, but “in Christ” you receive the power needed to go in a new direction. If your computer can be reprogrammed, your mind can too. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NKJV). You say, “How do I renew my mind?” By saturating it in the scriptures! Just like soaking your body in water removes sweat and grime, soaking your mind in the scriptures cleanses and corrects your thinking. The old saying goes: “Watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Watch your words, for they become your deeds. Watch your deeds, for they become your habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” God told Gideon, “Tear down the [old] altar of Baal that your father has” (Judges 6:25 NKJV). In its place Gideon built a new altar to the Lord, and the lives of him and his family were changed forever. And by programming your mind with God’s Word, you can do the same!