Why do many believers continue in the sins of their fathers and why are these sins passed
down to the children? Can sins be passed down from family genetics, from the environment and spiritually as well? The answer is yes; all three are involved.
Our genetics
We all have genetic traits that are passed down through the family. Some we like and some we dislike. Athletic ability is a good trait to have from a father or mother, but alcoholism is not. Children are more prone to drink if the grandparents and parents were alcoholics. They can become more easily addictive to drugs and alcohol if the parents struggle in this area. The cycle of abuse is another trait that is widely seen today. I encounter so many people who were abused by family members and the abuse continues. Health issues such as heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and weight problems are just a few examples of genetics that can be passed down to the children.
Our environment
Our environment plays a major role in our past and present. Our environment teaches us about God, church and relationships. I came from a Christian home with loving parents who took care of me and provided for my physical and spiritual needs. Many other believers come from a childhood of negative attitudes about marriage, church and those in authority. Children who are raised in a home where anything can be watched on TV, including pornography, or violent video games will often struggle with lust, anger and submission to authority. I often talk with women who saw abuse at home as a child between their parents and they now are dealing with the same problem in their marriage. Values and attitudes that are seen are taken to the heart of a child.
Our environment we grew up in is a big factor in how we view God and others.
Our spiritual heritage
Spiritual problems occur when we open the door to the enemy. An example of this is the occult. Families who are involved in occultic activity will often struggle with fear, anxiety and other health problems. Just after arriving in Mississippi, I met a family who was concerned with their son and wanted me to help them. Come to find out the mother had been involved in playing “Dungeons and Dragons” an occult video game, since she was a child. Her son was now involved, and they were dealing with spiritual problems. The son confessed to being a Christian, but struggled with his salvation. I encouraged them to remove the game and renounce their involvement, but they were not willing to give the game up. Any occult activity will open the door to spiritual problems.
Believers who were raised around a false religion or a church that did not believe Jesus is the Son of God may struggle with faith and assurance of salvation. Just recently, I met with a young lady whose mother attends a church that teaches Jesus is not the Son of God. Now she is struggling with assurance and faith in Christ. Spiritual problems occur when we open ourselves up to lies and demonic activity.
Remember the enemy will enter into any open door that we open or our family opens.
Mark Keyes
Vice-President of Infusion Ministries
Dave Park
