What legacy for our children ?

"The fathers eat green grapes, and the sons' teeth are angry." Ezekiel 18. 2

When he gives the Law to Moses, God says that the faults of the fathers have repercussions on their children (Exodus 20. 5). Eight hundred years later, the contemporaries of the prophet Ezekiel accuse God of punishing them for the sin of previous generations, and not because of theirs. God shows them that he holds each responsible for his actions (Eze 18: 10-18). Nevertheless, according to the verse of the day, it is often found that the faults of the parents have consequences for their children.

In a family, when there is alcoholism, occultism, lies, theft, the same behavior is often observed in children. Let's take the example of the number of divorces : it has increased significantly in the last thirty years. Divorces are the consequence of disagreement between parents ; children suffer from this type of relationship, but they are often impregnated to the point of reproducing it when they themselves become parents.

As adults, they find it difficult to avoid the parental reference that is naturally the strongest : "they lived before us" ; the most valid one : "I look like them". This mimicry can be unconscious. One is surprised to want to look like his father, his mother, in his reactions, in his tastes, and this comparison is not to displease. Sometimes, the memory of the loved one will be anchored in us by this means, even if the resemblance is not flattering. Similarly, the influence of the surrounding environment can be decisive.

All of us, as grown-up children, must therefore take a critical look at our behavior, our habits, our personality, because they can be a brake on our spiritual progress.

In the same way, as parents, we are called to progress in the spiritual life, not only for ourselves, but for those whom God entrusts to us, our children and those who are placed in our path.

"We will not do wrong" (Isa 65, 25). This prophecy of Isaiah announces future times when there will be a reign of justice and peace. It is already today the will of God for everyone : a new heart, a new spirit, absolute reference to cultivate my spiritual garden and guide me in my life, in my relations with my parents, in the education that I give to my children.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)