Family looking into the distance in the mountains

It’s Time to Reconsider Generational Impact

It’s Time to Reconsider Generational Impact

by Bill High

When we consider the idea of family, the idea of generational impact should be a bigger topic.

What do I mean?

In our world today, we tend to think about having two or three kids maybe, raising them, getting them to their activities, getting through high school and paying for college. We hope to enjoy grandkids too.

But we tend not to think about how our parenting might affect generations up ahead.

Consider this illustration from the life of King Solomon. Solomon was reported to be one of the all-time wealthiest men in the world. Some have estimated his wealth, in modern-day terms, to be in the trillions of dollars. Part of that wealth came from Solomon’s trade with surrounding countries.

But that wealth came at a cost. Solomon entered into many marriage alliances. Of course, not all these were alliances—Solomon was attracted to women and sex. The Bible tells us that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines! In the moment, Solomon’s marriages might have seemed wise, even fun, but what about the impact on his children?

We learn that his son Rehoboam, who succeeded him as king, had 18 wives and 60 concubines. Rehoboam’s son, Abijah, reigned in his place and he in turn had 14 wives.

Like father. Like son. For three generations. We learn from our elders.

In our very disconnected world many of us do not even know our grandparents, let alone our great-grandparents. In my wife’s family, for instance, we know that there was a tendency towards bipolar disorder. But it was covered up. The tendency for cover-up carried into three generations.

The generations matter, but it takes a different type of long-term thinking. The decisions we make today will impact future generations far more than we would think.

If we truly parented with the generations in mind, how do you think this would impact you?

 

 

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

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Published August 18, 2021

Topics: Family Legacy

ChildrenFamily LegacyGenerationsGrandchildrenImpact

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