Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 30, "Family Scripts", Page 161.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: Family stories often have recurring theme. Some therapists call them "family scripts". It seems as though unwritten but nevertheless powerful scripts find expression, generation after generation.
Researchers have noted that certain behavioural patterns tend to be repeated in family histories. Alcoholism, suicide, domestic violence, disunity, and other patterns of family pathology are examples of family scripts that can be repeated across generations.
The idea of family scripts is not new. The stories of the ancient biblical patriarchs demonstrate a similar understanding. Take for instance Abraham's response to personal danger. God had called him to leave Ur to go to Canaan. When there was a famine in Canaan, Abraham decided to take refuge in Egypt. Before entering Egypt, however, he told his wife Saria: "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that . . . my life will be sparred because of you" (Genesis 12:11-13).
Notice Abraham's way of self-preservation. He lied to save his own skin. Worse, he was self-centred, willing to sacrifice his wife's safety and honour for his own survival. In that moment of panic and fear for his life, he ignored all that God had promised him - that he and his wife would produce a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Believing that Sarai was Abraham's unmarried sister, Pharaoh had her taken into his palace to be one of his wives. If not for God's intervention, the truth would not have surfaced and the story would have ended in tragedy.
Years later, there was another famine. Abraham's son, Isaac, fled to the land of the Philistines with his wife, Rebekah. There, he repeated his father's error (Genesis 26:1-11). Fearing for his life, he lied that Rebekah was his sister. When the Philistine king found out the truth, he confronted Isaac, who confessed that he had been afraid of losing his life. And as with Abraham, Isaac lied just after God had promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
The details in those two stories have a striking resemblance, as if a script was repeating itself one generation to the next. Other scripts run in this ancient family - favouritism, for example, Isaac favoured his elder son Esau (Genesis 25:28). But Esau's twin, Jacob, plotted with his mother (who favoured him) to deceive his father, who was blind because of old age. He succeeded in diverting Isaac's blessing, meant for Esau, to himself. Years later, Jacob displayed favouritism too, favouring Joseph over his other children (Genesis 37:3).
Further in the Old Testament, family scripts can be identified in the stories of the kings of Israel and Judah. All 19 kings of Israel were judged by Scripture to be evil, guilty of idolatry and other sins. Twelve of the 20 kings of Judah were likewise evil. When the verdict is pronounced on a king, we often find these or similar words "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done" (see for example, 1 Kings 15:3, 26; see also 22:52, where the mother is accused too). Similarly, when a good king is given approval, we find words such as "he did what was right just as his father had done" (see 2 Kings 15:3, 34) or "just as his father [i.e. ancestor] David had done" (2 Kings 18:3).
How are such family scripts passed on? The usual answers are nature (genes), nurture (upbringing), and spirit (spiritual heritage or baggage). All three answers are valid ones.
More importantly, what can be done about family scripts?
As a child, regardless of age, know your family's scripts. Some may be good, others bad. The key thing is to find another script - the one that redeems us. This script is the story of God's redemptive acts in the world, more specifically, the story of Jesus. The script is found in Scripture. We begin living inside it when we put our faith in Jesus and are baptised. For in our baptism we are identified with Christ; we are dead and buried with Christ, we are raised with Christ into new life (Romans 6:4).
In this way, Jesus' script becomes our lives' script. It frees us from bondage to all other scripts that would dictate our lives. It shows us that in the scripts we bring to Him, there are good things that already resonate with His script. We are thankful that the heavenly scriptwriter had been at work in our lives before we came to know Him. Indeed, in Christ, we thank God for the positive things in our family scripts (see 2 Timothy 3:15) and break free from the negative things.
As parent, recognise the influence you have on your children. Be aware of the tremendous power of modelling. As our children tend to mimic our attitudes and actions, you can make a positive difference in their lives. But what if your family script is bad? Will you inevitably pass those negative scripts down to your children and their descendants? Probably, if you are not careful, although the outcome also depends on factors such as your children's own character, experience, and other influences.
Nevertheless, God can rewrite and redeem our family scripts if we allow Him to. In Christ, we have received the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to make Christ's script our own script. The sinful scripts repeated in turn by our forebears can come to an end with us when we are immersed in the script of God's family. And we can leave behind a godly legacy for generations still to come.
Consider, then, the script you have received, the script you are living out, and the script you will pass on.
Picture posted by Captive Photography
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphUImwAnoLzSLjMv43_csJPThEyn5mfBRwGG7tvcd1AgpJnRSMBMWdgfwnJMrZuldFo2ega1pf2Rr62LesT5bh8VLHLiEfn8P0bBGpdZuSG242jBrBKsL5DtsAeTfDDhB1lhlEfMWdVkmFWUKKbZmBqd9RVZG3lxcSyLZSSs7vXBU87YRERZwLIHxr0s/s1920/AntVic-Surrey-Wedding-606.jpg
https://www.captivephoto.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AntVic-Surrey-Wedding-606.jpg
https://www.captivephoto.co.uk/wedding-group-photos/
Family stories often have recurring theme. Some therapists call them "family scripts". It seems as though unwritten but nevertheless powerful scripts find expression, generation after generation.
Researchers have noted that certain behavioural patterns tend to be repeated in family histories. Alcoholism, suicide, domestic violence, disunity, and other patterns of family pathology are examples of family scripts that can be repeated across generations.
Researchers have noted that certain behavioural patterns tend to be repeated in family histories. Alcoholism, suicide, domestic violence, disunity, and other patterns of family pathology are examples of family scripts that can be repeated across generations.
The idea of family scripts is not new. The stories of the ancient biblical patriarchs demonstrate a similar understanding. Take for instance Abraham's response to personal danger. God had called him to leave Ur to go to Canaan. When there was a famine in Canaan, Abraham decided to take refuge in Egypt. Before entering Egypt, however, he told his wife Saria: "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that . . . my life will be sparred because of you" (Genesis 12:11-13).
Notice Abraham's way of self-preservation. He lied to save his own skin. Worse, he was self-centred, willing to sacrifice his wife's safety and honour for his own survival. In that moment of panic and fear for his life, he ignored all that God had promised him - that he and his wife would produce a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Believing that Sarai was Abraham's unmarried sister, Pharaoh had her taken into his palace to be one of his wives. If not for God's intervention, the truth would not have surfaced and the story would have ended in tragedy.
Years later, there was another famine. Abraham's son, Isaac, fled to the land of the Philistines with his wife, Rebekah. There, he repeated his father's error (Genesis 26:1-11). Fearing for his life, he lied that Rebekah was his sister. When the Philistine king found out the truth, he confronted Isaac, who confessed that he had been afraid of losing his life. And as with Abraham, Isaac lied just after God had promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
The details in those two stories have a striking resemblance, as if a script was repeating itself one generation to the next. Other scripts run in this ancient family - favouritism, for example, Isaac favoured his elder son Esau (Genesis 25:28). But Esau's twin, Jacob, plotted with his mother (who favoured him) to deceive his father, who was blind because of old age. He succeeded in diverting Isaac's blessing, meant for Esau, to himself. Years later, Jacob displayed favouritism too, favouring Joseph over his other children (Genesis 37:3).
Further in the Old Testament, family scripts can be identified in the stories of the kings of Israel and Judah. All 19 kings of Israel were judged by Scripture to be evil, guilty of idolatry and other sins. Twelve of the 20 kings of Judah were likewise evil. When the verdict is pronounced on a king, we often find these or similar words "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done" (see for example, 1 Kings 15:3, 26; see also 22:52, where the mother is accused too). Similarly, when a good king is given approval, we find words such as "he did what was right just as his father had done" (see 2 Kings 15:3, 34) or "just as his father [i.e. ancestor] David had done" (2 Kings 18:3).
How are such family scripts passed on? The usual answers are nature (genes), nurture (upbringing), and spirit (spiritual heritage or baggage). All three answers are valid ones.
More importantly, what can be done about family scripts?
As a child, regardless of age, know your family's scripts. Some may be good, others bad. The key thing is to find another script - the one that redeems us. This script is the story of God's redemptive acts in the world, more specifically, the story of Jesus. The script is found in Scripture. We begin living inside it when we put our faith in Jesus and are baptised. For in our baptism we are identified with Christ; we are dead and buried with Christ, we are raised with Christ into new life (Romans 6:4).
In this way, Jesus' script becomes our lives' script. It frees us from bondage to all other scripts that would dictate our lives. It shows us that in the scripts we bring to Him, there are good things that already resonate with His script. We are thankful that the heavenly scriptwriter had been at work in our lives before we came to know Him. Indeed, in Christ, we thank God for the positive things in our family scripts (see 2 Timothy 3:15) and break free from the negative things.
As parent, recognise the influence you have on your children. Be aware of the tremendous power of modelling. As our children tend to mimic our attitudes and actions, you can make a positive difference in their lives. But what if your family script is bad? Will you inevitably pass those negative scripts down to your children and their descendants? Probably, if you are not careful, although the outcome also depends on factors such as your children's own character, experience, and other influences.
Nevertheless, God can rewrite and redeem our family scripts if we allow Him to. In Christ, we have received the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to make Christ's script our own script. The sinful scripts repeated in turn by our forebears can come to an end with us when we are immersed in the script of God's family. And we can leave behind a godly legacy for generations still to come.
Consider, then, the script you have received, the script you are living out, and the script you will pass on.
Picture posted by Captive Photography
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphUImwAnoLzSLjMv43_csJPThEyn5mfBRwGG7tvcd1AgpJnRSMBMWdgfwnJMrZuldFo2ega1pf2Rr62LesT5bh8VLHLiEfn8P0bBGpdZuSG242jBrBKsL5DtsAeTfDDhB1lhlEfMWdVkmFWUKKbZmBqd9RVZG3lxcSyLZSSs7vXBU87YRERZwLIHxr0s/s1920/AntVic-Surrey-Wedding-606.jpg
https://www.captivephoto.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AntVic-Surrey-Wedding-606.jpg
https://www.captivephoto.co.uk/wedding-group-photos/
Family stories often have recurring theme. Some therapists call them "family scripts". It seems as though unwritten but nevertheless powerful scripts find expression, generation after generation.
Researchers have noted that certain behavioural patterns tend to be repeated in family histories. Alcoholism, suicide, domestic violence, disunity, and other patterns of family pathology are examples of family scripts that can be repeated across generations.
PHOTO: Family stories often have recurring theme. Some therapists call them "family scripts". It seems as though unwritten but nevertheless powerful scripts find expression, generation after generation.
Picture posted by Captive Photography
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48HWLFIIjMe_v6cKwdqMF8q2vtg25G1Pe4XRI-G1BWFEe-Olpjy0dnaFIeqU-0LfUoB5CYfxuw2lb5O5MCCDpSDJXw0dw0ZCYtd7OpQAgC14ouEbXbMJ9JZ7P5pbhejYxrVFnp1hViM2gveHE6qTc7OaEQcvZFScoOLv6jgAAzpiiPpp1vPgF5m4ynHc/s1920/ChelseaMatt-Coltsford-Mill-282.jpg
https://www.captivephoto.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ChelseaMatt-Coltsford-Mill-282.jpg
https://www.captivephoto.co.uk/wedding-group-photos/
The idea of family scripts is not new. The stories of the ancient biblical patriarchs demonstrate a similar understanding. Take for instance Abraham's response to personal danger. God had called him to leave Ur to go to Canaan. When there was a famine in Canaan, Abraham decided to take refuge in Egypt. Before entering Egypt, however, he told his wife Saria: "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that . . . my life will be sparred because of you" (Genesis 12:11-13).
PHOTO: The idea of family scripts is not new. The stories of the ancient biblical patriarchs demonstrate a similar understanding. Take for instance Abraham's response to personal danger. God had called him to leave Ur to go to Canaan. When there was a famine in Canaan, Abraham decided to take refuge in Egypt. Before entering Egypt, however, he told his wife Saria: "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that . . . my life will be sparred because of you" (Genesis 12:11-13).
Picture posted by Aijunkie
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavqOHQji50MnTYPlBB0mMOb0T8vyqMXO5F_vxHMw50mHcXmQLDd3Crb6Wgw68VU8DF682wh9jGQukbTXFHt3pG5-ygpZsiLGTjEEnKD86swB89z1QMFqOFagzUQkJOHMSu_5UL7E1vhi81GjWtbiIeqpizBu9VcUP6sat2sKu3ILW3LhkbDFSngNcMgI/s1024/3642b208ac0a4c00ad98a3ebf5527635.jpeg
https://images.playground.com/3642b208ac0a4c00ad98a3ebf5527635.jpeg
https://playground.com/post/now-abraham-and-sarah-were-old-and-well-stricken-in-age-and-clt4ep8xc03ess6012oioerfn
Notice Abraham's way of self-preservation. He lied to save his own skin. Worse, he was self-centred, willing to sacrifice his wife's safety and honour for his own survival. In that moment of panic and fear for his life, he ignored all that God had promised him - that he and his wife would produce a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Believing that Sarai was Abraham's unmarried sister, Pharaoh had her taken into his palace to be one of his wives. If not for God's intervention, the truth would not have surfaced and the story would have ended in tragedy.
Years later, there was another famine. Abraham's son, Isaac, fled to the land of the Philistines with his wife, Rebekah. There, he repeated his father's error (Genesis 26:1-11). Fearing for his life, he lied that Rebekah was his sister. When the Philistine king found out the truth, he confronted Isaac, who confessed that he had been afraid of losing his life. And as with Abraham, Isaac lied just after God had promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
PHOTO: Years later, there was another famine. Abraham's son, Isaac, fled to the land of the Philistines with his wife, Rebekah. There, he repeated his father's error (Genesis 26:1-11). Fearing for his life, he lied that Rebekah was his sister. When the Philistine king found out the truth, he confronted Isaac, who confessed that he had been afraid of losing his life. And as with Abraham, Isaac lied just after God had promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Picture posted by Ladies Drawing Nigh
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5B6lFeATmMuuYSUrg7E3pGL8ViQGqgiHAGQzOR6btP-K8jY0Lg3xZUqIPgKL7AwDw7bM9D9BZ2u-rEcRwZXo4npNFz6H7wrP4W1moajtJbm7YvpPblEyzHrDNF2kYtLQT76q-bsL8OTRcKpdNTot0dewrPp5KZ-HRtdY6zx2vKOrEd2IiRIT5oaMKbU/s900/USE-Blog-post-pics-900-x-533-1.webp
https://www.ladiesdrawingnigh.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USE-Blog-post-pics-900-x-533-1.jpg
https://www.ladiesdrawingnigh.org/true-love-isaac-and-rebekah/
The details in those two stories have a striking resemblance, as if a script was repeating itself one generation to the next. Other scripts run in this ancient family - favouritism, for example, Isaac favoured his elder son Esau (Genesis 25:28). But Esau's twin, Jacob, plotted with his mother (who favoured him) to deceive his father, who was blind because of old age. He succeeded in diverting Isaac's blessing, meant for Esau, to himself. Years later, Jacob displayed favouritism too, favouring Joseph over his other children (Genesis 37:3).
PHOTO: The details in those two stories have a striking resemblance, as if a script was repeating itself one generation to the next. Other scripts run in this ancient family - favouritism, for example, Isaac favoured his elder son Esau (Genesis 25:28). But Esau's twin, Jacob, plotted with his mother (who favoured him) to deceive his father, who was blind because of old age. He succeeded in diverting Isaac's blessing, meant for Esau, to himself.
Picture posted by Bible Art - And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA4mL3lsxg4-Kwqfx8L0o0X1i_5UsUFcP4p1XJPcYhWjK_jVnlhhxCZnG_rPuGNFlYc9zoVE9oyZ1OSebAsXtofGg_fPeidM464QUMT8GzVpv4CUv5XW8s4dJ1LAXCeiAQeLrQmypRWNIyxWdDxajF7T9I3EPa0Wj_pes_a-VqccpgjiuwBQpic_Og2w/s1024/7cbc7e1d-ea21-4787-875e-0942e4faec2f-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/7cbc7e1d-ea21-4787-875e-0942e4faec2f-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/NeuaQMvHuY4qefWr2ngp/genesis-27-30-kjv-and-it-came-to-pass
https://media.bible.art/7cbc7e1d-ea21-4787-875e-0942e4faec2f-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/NeuaQMvHuY4qefWr2ngp/genesis-27-30-kjv-and-it-came-to-pass
PHOTO: Years later,
Jacob displayed favouritism too, favouring Joseph over his other
children (Genesis 37:3).
Picture posted by Bible Art - Genesis 37:3 - "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzap4vvEjosry82QnMinDpwfJNZqGD6Um_hHA0HAofD-vTYzGVE5lpiUdExbZEabKI19M3cfUrETGs1-m89nWenOSgOM2Z-nF_2PF33OxX_3-gybwzDGX984zRqArqGXDYU8792eaJo17Tqj3amzgXLYHVCEiMau0R8TauZLEqNq59xmNot-SSTMMl9Q/s1024/dc6086c8-7f23-492f-814c-01918d2e7116-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/dc6086c8-7f23-492f-814c-01918d2e7116-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/XyaOapgQX6dRAOUmxZkr/genesis-37:3-now-israel-loved-joseph
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzap4vvEjosry82QnMinDpwfJNZqGD6Um_hHA0HAofD-vTYzGVE5lpiUdExbZEabKI19M3cfUrETGs1-m89nWenOSgOM2Z-nF_2PF33OxX_3-gybwzDGX984zRqArqGXDYU8792eaJo17Tqj3amzgXLYHVCEiMau0R8TauZLEqNq59xmNot-SSTMMl9Q/s1024/dc6086c8-7f23-492f-814c-01918d2e7116-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/dc6086c8-7f23-492f-814c-01918d2e7116-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/XyaOapgQX6dRAOUmxZkr/genesis-37:3-now-israel-loved-joseph
Further in the Old Testament, family scripts can be identified in the stories of the kings of Israel and Judah. All 19 kings of Israel were judged by Scripture to be evil, guilty of idolatry and other sins. Twelve of the 20 kings of Judah were likewise evil. When the verdict is pronounced on a king, we often find these or similar words "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done" (see for example, 1 Kings 15:3, 26; see also 22:52, where the mother is accused too). Similarly, when a good king is given approval, we find words such as "he did what was right just as his father had done" (see 2 Kings 15:3, 34) or "just as his father [i.e. ancestor] David had done" (2 Kings 18:3).
PHOTO: Further in the Old Testament, family scripts can be identified in the stories of the kings of Israel and Judah. All 19 kings of Israel were judged by Scripture to be evil, guilty of idolatry and other sins. Twelve of the 20 kings of Judah were likewise evil. When the verdict is pronounced on a king, we often find these or similar words "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his fathers had done" (see for example, 1 Kings 15:3, 26; see also 22:52, where the mother is accused too).
Picture posted by Bible Art
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdQLr2yExaYdfq0iwpk4AUVybGsr9Da4sj2MHocf8dOIdbk4tBz7L_u0iaWWJbFOYfjzKRD71Vt9RDdv6_hxOGXM7g5r9szcoFTyWQloYF6BIJ-pj9EqU3f583cVRQiT56pxShbcsWV74QM3153pmDBpHRCnzv4aTEM9ll5zKifYfPVzUr_SxspMjzxE/s1024/06341ad9-3a9b-4f99-8728-d89ea57604a3-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/06341ad9-3a9b-4f99-8728-d89ea57604a3-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/SmfhADG2iBRg4OYkyYOL
How are such family scripts passed on? The usual answers are nature (genes), nurture (upbringing), and spirit (spiritual heritage or baggage). All three answers are valid ones.
More importantly, what can be done about family scripts?
As a child, regardless of age, know your family's scripts. Some may be good, others bad. The key thing is to find another script - the one that redeems us. This script is the story of God's redemptive acts in the world, more specifically, the story of Jesus. The script is found in Scripture. We begin living inside it when we put our faith in Jesus and are baptised. For in our baptism we are identified with Christ; we are dead and buried with Christ, we are raised with Christ into new life (Romans 6:4).
PHOTO: As a child, regardless of age, know your family's scripts. Some may be good, others bad. The key thing is to find another script - the one that redeems us. This script is the story of God's redemptive acts in the world, more specifically, the story of Jesus. The script is found in Scripture. We begin living inside it when we put our faith in Jesus and are baptised. For in our baptism we are identified with Christ; we are dead and buried with Christ, we are raised with Christ into new life (Romans 6:4).
Picture posted by Bible Art
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcZkZfs8UUnLtSwqtlHTVErtjOzrQsE8EcHPIB7ZgExFh0_ECbn562ggz_5xoMUyDcd4Mgqk9fkRGlDm42zs5TP4FNYkAUX5guY7139gYA7j_b5BIlLrGXj7K4V4sxyle7CW0KgdJVNn8xkmf_EEoFb8ai_yRHP3YMLOtnVemnXY6w16RJmz6chra6hQ/s1024/8feaf301-0e07-4c16-9da8-bb51195de30e-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/8feaf301-0e07-4c16-9da8-bb51195de30e-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/IUsKywHsgbwPQrD3Kcxi/romans-6:4-therefore-we-are-buried
In this way, Jesus' script becomes our lives' script. It frees us from bondage to all other scripts that would dictate our lives. It shows us that in the scripts we bring to Him, there are good things that already resonate with His script. We are thankful that the heavenly scriptwriter had been at work in our lives before we came to know Him. Indeed, in Christ, we thank God for the positive things in our family scripts (see 2 Timothy 3:15) and break free from the negative things.
https://media.bible.art/8feaf301-0e07-4c16-9da8-bb51195de30e-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/IUsKywHsgbwPQrD3Kcxi/romans-6:4-therefore-we-are-buried
In this way, Jesus' script becomes our lives' script. It frees us from bondage to all other scripts that would dictate our lives. It shows us that in the scripts we bring to Him, there are good things that already resonate with His script. We are thankful that the heavenly scriptwriter had been at work in our lives before we came to know Him. Indeed, in Christ, we thank God for the positive things in our family scripts (see 2 Timothy 3:15) and break free from the negative things.
PHOTO: In this way, Jesus' script becomes our lives' script. It frees us from bondage to all other scripts that would dictate our lives. It shows us that in the scripts we bring to Him, there are good things that already resonate with His script. We are thankful that the heavenly scriptwriter had been at work in our lives before we came to know Him. Indeed, in Christ, we thank God for the positive things in our family scripts (see 2 Timothy 3:15) and break free from the negative things.
Picture posted by Bible Art
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqokWZdvArqZ9pzQ6rT2rjWohVBaEc60ppPvyo0uz72I4bwm9OiTx9NNe3FJptVlKlghg0f7D04GDCja5DZTa5C0v7SSZmOfqMAYecDDhvAQO_qLtIvRs8PX5q1UpYztjNElPdmD4dp4kzk4JoVBvUdBTRcS1Z2J6FjQIx25XAPavPqguoLfih53l-0Fs/s512/f8943bf1-ae04-489d-b64b-1212f1324525-thumbnail.jpg
https://media.bible.art/f8943bf1-ae04-489d-b64b-1212f1324525-thumbnail.jpg
https://bible.art/meaning/2-timothy-3%3A15
As parent, recognise the influence you have on your children. Be aware of the tremendous power of modelling. As our children tend to mimic our attitudes and actions, you can make a positive difference in their lives. But what if your family script is bad? Will you inevitably pass those negative scripts down to your children and their descendants? Probably, if you are not careful, although the outcome also depends on factors such as your children's own character, experience, and other influences.
PHOTO: As parent, recognise the influence you have on your children. Be aware of the tremendous power of modelling. As our children tend to mimic our attitudes and actions, you can make a positive difference in their lives. But what if your family script is bad? Will you inevitably pass those negative scripts down to your children and their descendants? Probably, if you are not careful, although the outcome also depends on factors such as your children's own character, experience, and other influences.
Picture posted by Raising Children Network (Australia)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0J1bIlwqWM0lkrxq7OweXvslZSbbv-okEZpG5PuyzWWGnE3hMPagkZ9bUhhyGYvSyV5FMRd0aSravJT0gtFjDGsRZPjbUWlml0xHTRbZiUU9An8mjOUrhi4jmqAtk52KkFryhBS5j1JuVpxYnLP7fTrpzbMk0YoFNxsDC-plEW6lVxx_9mnV3KjPRVs/s1000/role-modellingnarrow.jpg
https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0032/47849/role-modellingnarrow.jpg
https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/behaviour/encouraging-good-behaviour/being-a-role-model
Nevertheless, God can rewrite and redeem our family scripts if we allow Him to. In Christ, we have received the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to make Christ's script our own script. The sinful scripts repeated in turn by our forebears can come to an end with us when we are immersed in the script of God's family. And we can leave behind a godly legacy for generations still to come.
Consider, then, the script you have received, the script you are living out, and the script you will pass on.
PHOTO: Nevertheless, God can rewrite and redeem our family scripts if we allow Him to. In Christ, we have received the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to make Christ's script our own script. The sinful scripts repeated in turn by our forebears can come to an end with us when we are immersed in the script of God's family. And we can leave behind a godly legacy for generations still to come.
Picture posted by Lulu Anggoman
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f8/88/62/f88862c398471dfdf37cb8d99a4cf492.jpg
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/230035493461034181/
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that You rewrite and redeem our family scripts. May we received the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to make Christ's script our own script.
May the sinful scripts repeated in turn by our forebears can come to an end with us when we are immersed in the script of God's family.
Help us to leave behind a godly legacy for generations still to come.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by sairaart | Illustrator on Instagram
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1c/a2/c5/1ca2c53c1dc76b779bd0f434ef17878a.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/45528646226575088/
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 30, "Family Scripts", Page 161.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Other Books (Links)
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.html
Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 30, "Family Scripts", Page 161.
Links
Other Books (Links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1 Kings 15:3, 26; 22:52 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2015%3A3%2C%2026%3B%2022%3A52&version=NIV
2 Kings 15:3, 34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2015%3A3%2C%2034&version=NIV
2 Kings 18:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2018%3A3&version=NIV
2 Timothy 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%202%20Timothy%203%3A15&version=NIV
Genesis 12:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012%3A2&version=NIV
Genesis 12:11-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012%3A11-13&version=NIV
Genesis 25:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025%3A28&version=NIV
Genesis 26:1-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2026%3A1-11&version=NIV
Genesis 37:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037%3A3&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Romans 6:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206%3A4&version=NIV
Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 30, "Family Scripts", Page 161.
Links
Other Books (Links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1 Kings 15:3, 26; 22:52 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2015%3A3%2C%2026%3B%2022%3A52&version=NIV
2 Kings 15:3, 34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2015%3A3%2C%2034&version=NIV
2 Kings 18:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2018%3A3&version=NIV
2 Timothy 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%202%20Timothy%203%3A15&version=NIV
Genesis 12:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012%3A2&version=NIV
Genesis 12:11-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012%3A11-13&version=NIV
Genesis 25:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025%3A28&version=NIV
Genesis 26:1-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2026%3A1-11&version=NIV
Genesis 37:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037%3A3&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Romans 6:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206%3A4&version=NIV
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- https://media.bible.art/8feaf301-0e07-4c16-9da8-bb51195de30e-compressed.jpg
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- https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0032/47849/role-modellingnarrow.jpg
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/behaviour/encouraging-good-behaviour/being-a-role-model
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