Generational Curses or Inherited Tendencies?

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GENERATIONAL CURSES OR INHERITED TENDENCIES? – Ray E Horton

[This message generated many comments and shares when first posted on Facebook, revealing and interest and a need among believers.]

So-called “generational curses” are often the explanation given for difficulties in overcoming wrong behaviors. But, can a Born-Again believer have a curse, generational or otherwise? Can what God has blessed be cursed? Clearly not! Our spirits have been perfected to be just like Jesus. And that’s our identity.

Can a Born-Again believer have a curse, generational or otherwise? Can what God has blessed be cursed? Clearly not! Our spirits have been perfected to be just like Jesus. And that’s our identity

Many believers confuse inherited tendencies in the flesh with what they think are generational curses. Sure, I can inherit grandpa’s boastfulness, or great grandma’s worry, or dad’s love for writing. Our inherited DNA has an impact on our flesh, but not on our spirit. The flesh is vulnerable to be influenced by both genetics and environment.

But I am not my flesh. I have a new spirit that is blessed, and nothing can curse it. We are not locked into our fleshly temperament. That natural temperament may make some things easier in life, and others harder to overcome. But we have control, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Battle is in the Mind

While the devil or any person cannot curse what God has blessed, that doesn’t mean we can just write off the dark side. Rather, we focus on Jesus, and don’t listen to the enemy’s lies and accusations. The battle is in the mind and it really isn’t a battle, but a decision to trust the Lord.

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

However, if one does give in to the lies long enough, it is true that strongholds can develop in the mind. Notice, I said the “mind” and not one’s spirit. Even science recognizes that habitual activity causes pathways in the brain that make it harder to overcome. But that doesn’t touch one’s spirit, nor is it a curse.

To overcome these strongholds in the mind requires building better pathways by trusting Jesus and His power within us; by His grace, intentionally walking a different path (which is repentance).

Strongholds Allowed by an Unrenewed Mind

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)

We may not be able to succeed in the natural, but by faith, knowing the promises of God’s Word, we can overcome through prayer and in the power of the Spirit. As we do, the strongholds are broken, replaced by the new, godly pattern, and our freedom is restored. Not freedom from a curse, but from the strongholds allowed by an unrenewed mind.