This mid-month newsletter is an opportunity to learn about sin in the form of marital domination.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8 ESV)
For children who grow up under oppressive authority, the language, customs, and expectations of domination are normal. Whether or not the words are used, they do not experience grace, forgiveness, and goodness. These children are taught by word and example that God uses commands and Scripture to coerce or threaten compliance. These small seeds take root and become fruit that is seen, heard, tasted, touched, smelled, and experienced.
“My dad was god. To this day he has no faults. He never admitted he was wrong. If I made him look bad I was making God look bad. I knew the anger he had and I was afraid. To this day I wonder what my life could have been if someone had valued me.”
“If God is like my dad, then He is Someone to fear. He is prideful, selfish, critical, judgmental, angry, oppressive… uncaring. He does what He wants. I’m alone, unsafe, and unprotected. I’m not good enough and I never will be. I don’t deserve anything. I’m an embarrassment.”
Future generations are affected when a father’s responses are habitually out of proportion to the situation. When unloving, destructive tactics are repeatedly used, it affects not only the marriage and family but also churches and communities.
Although most of us won’t care until it affects us personally, Clarity in Action Ministries is asking God to lay this burden on the hearts of those who shepherd and serve in their local church. We believe it is Jesus’ desire to serve one another through His earthly Body and protect the flock from wolves. Are you willing to see? Do you hear their cries? Are you ready to learn and change redemptively?
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18 ESV)
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