There is a phenomenon in the world, called the three-generation curse. This is where a first generation will have the vision, drive and purpose to generate tremendous wealth. The second generation, although having seen the way in which the wealth was generated by the previous generation, grow up in comfort, and lacking the vision, passion and drive, only manage those inherited riches. The third generation following, only manages to spend the wealth until it is gone. Something similar is unfortunately true of the Kingdom of God. Looking at the Church, it is recorded that there have been many revivals which would end up fading away, causing gaps or breaches. Our task is to be the healers of these breaches because God’s purpose is for revival to be continuous, flowing from one generation to the next. This generational phenomenon is seen right throughout the Old Testament as well as in the Church where we see that the first generation following a meeting with God in the Old Testament, or a revival in New Testament times, has a living, vital, dedicated and faith-filled relationship with God. They are involved, and passionate. The second generation is characterised by the word ‘compromise’ because the vital living faith of their parents has somehow not been communicated to them. The third generation is then characterised by the words ‘conflict’ or ‘indifference’ because all they have seen in their parents is a form of Godliness, lacking the power. In the Bible we also see what is called the Hezekiah syndrome, where people are only concerned about what happens during their lifetime, which is wrong. God is working intentionally, with a purpose and a plan spanning over all of the generations. We, as a church, must take responsibility to walk with God in such a way that we can impart to those younger than us that living vital faith by which we are living, to the point where they will have their own relationship with Jesus, living with the same faith in him. There does not have to be this three-generation phenomenon in the Church. The question is, how do we impact the generations following us? We need to constantly and actively be speaking about the vision as well as live it, live our faith and relationship with Jesus, communicating it to our children. Model authentic faith inside, as well as outside of church. We need to speak, prophesy and declare to our children their destiny and purpose to counter the confusion of this age, instead of criticizing them. Teach them the faith and engage in discipleship and mentorship. Adopt a member of the youth and commit to pray for them. Cultivate a culture of prayer in yourself as well as in the next generations. Challenge worldly morals and cultural conformity. Involve the youth in service and missions, as well as having them praying for- and prophesying over each other. Lastly, let us focus on a relationship with Jesus, and not religion.
