Family Legacy International
Insights
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (source: U.S. D.H.H.S. Bureau of Census).
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes (source: U.S. D.H.H.S. Bureau of Census).
- 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (source: Center for Disease Control).
- 80% of rapists motivated by displaced anger come from fatherless homes (source: Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 14, pp. 403-426).
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (source: National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools).
- 85% of youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home (source: Fulton County Georgia jail populations, Texas Department of Corrections, 1992).
- 5 times more likely to commit suicide.
- 32 times more likely to run away.
- 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders.
- 14 times more likely to commit rape.
- 9 times more likely to drop out of high school.
- 20 times more likely to end up in prison.
A notable example of how other nations are being impacted by fatherlessness is Japan. In Japan there is a rising divorce rate; juvenile delinquency and as many know a very real problem with suicide. Due to a heavy workload that is demanded from Japanese fathers, they have a minimal amount of time to spend with their family, in particular, with their children. Only 54% of Japanese fathers report communicating with their children daily, and when communication does take place, it hardly exceeds 36 minutes on weekdays and 92 minutes on weekends. 40% of Japanese fathers never help their children with homework. The most shocking fact is that 73% of Japanese fathers report either never or once in awhile playing sports or participating in leisure time activities with their children (source: Fathers For Life)
How will the seemingly insurmountable challenge of fatherlessness be overcome?
It will take a genuine move of God which is mentioned in Malachi 4:5-6 and Psalm 68:5-6: “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families. . .”- The first person of the Trinity (God, the Father).
- A man who has begotten a child (the male parent of an offspring).
- An old man (a term used as a respectful form of address).
- One that originates or institutes something (a founder).
- A forefather (the founder of a family or movement).
- A priest.
- A spiritual leader who labors in love on behalf of his spiritual children, until the character, mission and ministry of Jesus is formed in them.
- A “pioneer;” “inventor;” or “initiator” who breaks new ground for others to follow and leaves a legacy after he is gone.
What are the responsibilities of the everyday “father” who, along with his wife, has brought children into the world?
- To provide income, shelter and clothing for his children.
- To pray blessings over his kids on a weekly basis.
- To protect his children.
- To point out to his children, their God given gifts, talents and in order to encourage them to become what God has called them to be.
- To prepare his children for life by discipling them from the Word of God.
What are the two most important things a father can do for his kids?
- To receive God’s love for himself as a spiritual son!
- To love and serve God with all of his heart!
- When you genuinely relate to God, as a son, you will write faith into your children’s hearts!
- Your children will not become what you say; they will become who you are!
- According to Malachi 4:5-6 He’s turning the hearts of fathers back to their children and vice versa so our land won’t be destroyed!
- He is restoring fathers to their children in order to heal our land! When this critical family relationship is healed our land will be healed!
- He is transforming the church from an orphanage to a family!
- We are all being brought under the “fatherhood” of God through “spiritual fathers” and “earthly fathers.”
- By asking them to forgive him for the sins he has committed against them.
- By restoring trust through restitution.
- By blessing them verbally on a regular basis thus expressing his approval of them.
- By regularly opening his heart to them (sharing about himself so they can get to know him).
- By spending time and having fun with them.
How do I overcome the orphan stronghold?
To overcome the orphan stronghold the orphan must forgive his father’s failure to “father” him. Whether his dad abandoned him; committed adultery; divorced his mother; rejected him or was too busy working to spend time with him the orphan needs to be encouraged to forgive his father and repent to God for any anger, bitterness or unforgiveness in his heart towards him.
Secondly, an orphan must renounce all the lies he has believed about God, himself and others as the result of being orphaned.
Lies such as:- God doesn’t love me!
- I am not worthy to receive from God!
- I don’t belong!
- I am a bad person!
- No one cares about me!
- My feelings don’t matter!
- No one wants to be my friend!
- I don’t have what it takes to be a man!
- As a woman I am not attractive!
- There is no such thing as a happy family!
- I have no future or purpose!
- To best way to avoid more hurt is to isolate myself!
- If you knew the real me you would reject me!
- Significant people in my life are not there for me when I need their help!
- My value is in what I do. I am valuable because I do good for others!
- Even when I do or give my best, it is not good enough!
- I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself!
- I am what I am! I cannot change!
- I will never let anyone in authority, such as a father, hurt me!
- I will never get credit for what I do!
- I will never be accepted for who I really am!
- I will not allow people to get too close to me because in the end they will reject me!
- I will always drift from job to job. I will never be successful!
- I will always be lonely!
- I will always have to figure things out on my own!
- I will never be able to give or receive love or have satisfying relationships with anyone!
- I must be very guarded about what I say or do because it will be used against me!
Finally, an orphan needs the blessing of a “spiritual” father and mother who can identify with the sins of his parents by standing in their place and asking him for forgiveness. The orphan needs fathers and mothers in the family of God to spend time with him because he believes that no one loves him. In essence, the orphan needs to renounce the lie that he is an orphan and be encouraged to receive God’s unconditional love and acceptance for him as a son.
Profile of an orphan |
Profile of a son |
|
| Sees God as master | IMAGE OF GOD | Sees God as a loving father |
| Independant/self-reliant | DEPENDANCY | Interdependant/acknowledges need |
| Lives by the love of law | THEOLOGY | Lives by the law of love |
| Insecure/lacks peace | SECURITY | Feels totally accepted in God's love and justified by His grace |
| Strives for the praise, approval and acceptance of man | NEED FOR APPROVAL | Feels Totally accepted in God's love and justified by His grace |
| Needs to personally achieve and accomplish in order to impress God and others or no motivation to serve at all | MOTIVE FOR SERVICE | Service that is motivated by a deep gratitude for being unconditionally loved and accepted by God |
| Feels like he needs to earn God's favor or no motivation at all | MOTIVE BEHIND CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINES | Pleasure and delight |
| Feels like he "must" be holy to have God's favor thus increasing a sense of shame and guilt | MOTIVE FOR PUTIRY | "Want's to be holy"; does not want anything to hinder his relationship with God |
| Rejects self by comparing himself to others | SELF IMAGE | Positive and affirmed because he knows he is valued by God |
| Seeks comfort in counterfit affections: addictions, compulsions, escapism, busyness and hyper-religious activity | SOURCE OF COMFORT | Seeks times of quietness and solitude to rest in the Father's presence and love |
| Competitive and jealous toward others' success and position | PEER RELATIONSHIPS | Values onthers and is able to rejoice in their blessing and success |
| Accuses others and exposes them in order to make himself look good by making others look bad | HANDLING OTHER'S FAULTS | Seeks to restore others in a spirit of love and gentleness |
| Sees authority as a source of pain: distrustful towards them and lacks a heart attitude of submission | VIEW OF AUTHORITY | Respectful, honoring: Sees authority as from God and good for his life |
| Has difficulty receiving admonition: he must be right so he easily gets his feelings hurt and closes his spirit to discipline | VIEW OF ADMONITION | Sees admonition as a blessing and need in his life so his faults and weeknesses are exposed and put to death |
| Guarded and conditional; love expressed upon by how others perform and he seeks to get his own needs met | EXPRESSION OF LOVE | Open, patient and affectionate as he lays his life and agenda down in order to meet the needs of others |
| Conditional and Distant | SENSE OF GOD'S PRESENCE | Close and intimate |
| Feels like a servant/slave | POSITION | Feels like a son/daughter |
| Spiritually ambitious: Earnestly desires spiritual achievement and distinction and is willing to strive for it; desires to be seen and counted among the mature | VISION | Daliy experiences the Father's unconditional love and acceptance and feels like a representative of his love to family and others |
| Fights for what he can get! | FUTURE | Knows he will receive his inheritance! |
A spiritual father is a father figure within the Body of Christ who labors in love until Christ is formed in those he is fathering (see Galatians 4:19). More specifically, a spiritual father lovingly and purposely pours into his spiritual children until the character, mission and ministry of the Lord Jesus is formed in them.
What is a spiritual mother?A spiritual mother is a mother figure in the family of God who tenderly cares and nurtures God’s children. The Hebrew word for God Almighty or El Shaddai is derived from the Hebrew word “shad’ which literally means “breast.” Like a gentle mother who nurses her newborn child a spiritual mother nurtures newborn babes in Christ in the foundational years after they have put their faith in Jesus Christ.
What are the specific roles of fathers and mothers in the Body of Christ?These roles are directly related to the five offices mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13. Evangelists, pastors and teachers are mothers while apostles and prophets are fathers. Evangelists like mothers, “birth” new children into the family of God while pastors and teachers, like mothers, feed growing believers the Word of God.
Apostles and prophets, on the other hand, call their spiritual sons and daughters to maturity. Mature believers have the character, mission and ministry firmly implanted in their hearts and are equipped to release the Kingdom of God wherever they are sent.
Why do we need spiritual fathers?The answer can be found in 1 Corinthians 3:10 and Ephesians 2:19:
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid which is Jesus Christ.”
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household (family) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (spiritual fathers), with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together an rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”
Ephesians 2:19-20
The family of God needs “spiritual” fathers because they are the ones who set God’s household (family) in order upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. No family can flourish without the blessing and guidance of a father as Proverbs 4:10-13 illustrates:
“Listen, my son accept what I say and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold onto instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” As spiritual fathers “father” the family of God the family of God will become mature in character, mission and ministry!
Why does God honor spiritual fathers?
Because God’s strategy for blessing the family of God down through the centuries to present started first with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – our spiritual forefathers.
In other words, if it were not for spiritual forefathers we (the church) would not be where we are today. Deuteronomy 4:37-38 sheds more light on this:
“Because he (God) loved your forefathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) and chose their descendants after them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into the land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today.”
We stand today on the precipice of worldwide revival. We are on the verge of revival because of our spiritual forefathers! Thus past, present and future blessing began first with God’s love for the fathers He chose to birth His people into existence! Because they obeyed Him by faith He blessed their descendants by bringing them out of Egypt into the Promiseland!
If we are to enter the Promiseland set before us we must honor our contemporary spiritual fathers for obeying God by faith and breaking the ground necessary for us to be where we are today. God’s blessing will flow down to us as we honor those who have labored on our behalf!
Cultivating a Culture of Honor in Our Homes
Honor?
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10
“Render honor to whom honor is due.”
Romans 13:7
“Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the King.”
1 Peter 1:17
What is honor?
- Literally, “to make weighty.” - Webster’s, “to respect; esteem; recognize; value.” “As for Me, behold I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharoah and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharoah, through his chariots and his horsemen.” Exodus 14:17-18What is dishonor?
- - Literally, “disgrace; reproach; shame; maltreat; despise.”
- - Webster’s, “to treat in a degrading manner.”
“The Jews then said, ‘That clinches it. We were right all along when we called you a Samaritan and said you were crazy – demon-possessed!’ Jesus said, ‘I’m not crazy. I simply honor my Father, while you dishonor me.” John 8:49
Why is honor such a big deal to God?
-
1. It’s His nature!
“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye witnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased” - and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18
- 2. He knows that honor releases life!
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16
- 3. When we honor one another it releases Divine direction! (When we dishonor one another we become spiritually blind).
“He who curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness.” Proverbs 20:20
“The eye that mocks his father and scorns obedience to this mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out and the young eagles will eat it.” Proverbs 30:17
“Look, all of you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled – this you shall have from My hand: you shall lie down in torment.” Isaiah 50:11
We all desire to be honored (blessed! valued! esteemed!; recognized!)
We each want to be somebody significant!
When we’re younger each of use dreamed of what we would become or who we would be like.
But . . . somewhere on our journey, because our parents, our teachers, our friends and our employers did not have a culture of honor we were dishonored and as a result we lost the dream God put in our heart.
- Our value!
- Our self-esteem!
- Our significance!
How?
By being . . .
- Disrespected!
- Put down!
- Rejected!
- Teased!
- Cursed (lightly esteemed or devalued)!
- Misjudged!
- Dishonored!
- How Do We Cultivate a Culture of Honor in Our Homes?
- 1. Don’t use profanity (no name calling or put downs)!
- 2. Don’t relate to one another with a spirit of great demand (appeal graciously to one another)!
- 3. Look for ways to bless one another and then do it (serve one another)!
- 4. Say thank you when appropriate (express your gratitude).
- 5. Respect each other’s wishes (don’t violate each other’s boundaries).
- 6. Recognize each other’s contribution to the family (value the gifts and talents in one another).
- 7. Ask for forgiveness when appropriate (confess your sins to one another)!
- 2. Don’t relate to one another with a spirit of great demand (appeal graciously to one another)!
Breaking Free From the Janteloven Stronghold
Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president described what could be the “spirit of false humility” that permeates Hawaiian culture when he wrote:
What is the “Janteloven Stronghold”?
The “Janteloven Stronghold” is a cultural mind set that underlies how some of us perceive ourselves and others. This perception expresses itself in many ways but basically is characterized by mediocrity, false humility and passivity, capping God given potential. This “laid-back” kind of spirit is not unique to the State of Hawaii as it is also prevalent in other nations such as Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden.
When was the “Janteloven Stronghold” first identified?
The term “Janteloven Stronghold” was coined in 1933 when a Danish man named Aksel Sandemose moved to Norway and came across attitudes of negativism and depression. While living in Norway Sandemose wrote a novel about a mythical town called “Jante”, based on his hometown Nkyobing Mors. His book called “The Escape from Jante” describes small town thinking and the unspoken rules of such communities in general.
In his book Sandemose identifies and records ten cultural mindsets or beliefs that he observed and experienced in Norwegian culture. It is probable that he chose these “ten” beliefs to draw a parallel between Scandinavian law and the Ten Commandments. The Norwegian name for the Ten Commandments is “Moseloven” or the code of Moses. Hence the phrase “Janteloven” which literally means “The Law of Jante” was coined to describe cultural mind sets that Sandemose could see were holding back the people of Norway from reaching their potential.
Here is the Law of Jante which Sandemose wrote. Note the similarities between these cultural rules and the “the spirit of false humility” that is prevalent in the Hawaiian Islands:
- 1. Do not think you are anything special.
- 2. Do not think you are as the same standing as we are.
- 3. Do not think you are smarter or wiser than we are.
- 4. Do not think you are better than we are.
- 5. Do not think you know more than we do.
- 6. Do not think you are more important that we are.
- 7. Do not think you are good at anything.
- 8. Do not laugh as us.
- 9. Do not think anyone cares about you.
- 10. Do not think you can teach us anything.
- 2. Do not think you are as the same standing as we are.
The basic translation of these ten rules is clear: You aren’t worth a thing! Just who do you think you are? Nobody is interested in what you think. Mediocrity and anonymity are your best bet. If you act this way, you will never have any big problems in life.
The scope of the “spirit of false humility” or “Janteloven Stronghold” is not confined to Scandinavia or here in the Hawaiian Islands. It is safe to say that we may have inherited these cultural mind sets from New Zealand, Australia or Japan where they also exist. In Australia and New Zealand the “Janteloven Stronghold” is referred to as the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”. This phrase is used to describe what is seen as a leveling social attitude. Some one is said to be suffering from “Tall Poppy Syndrome” when his or her assumption of a higher economic, social or political position attracts criticism, being perceived as presumptuous, attention seeking or without merit.”
In Hawaii we refer to the people that we “perceive” are “Tall Poppies” as “High Makamaka”. In Hawaii you won’t find many people bragging about their accomplishments. In the islands it is not about what you have done as an individual that it is important, but what you have done for your family and community and what kind of person you are. To speak of your accomplishments then, is to be “High Makamaka”. And to be such invites mischievous spirits that bring bad luck.
To reiterate, whether the “spirit of false humility”, the “Janteloven Spirit”, or the “Tall Poppy Syndrome”, there are cultural strongholds in every society that influence behavior. In these places it is frowned upon to appear to elevate oneself or claim to be better or smarter than others.
But what about Asians?
The Japanese have a proverb that says, “Deru kugi wa utareru” which translates, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” This means that a nonconformist will be pounded down and encouraged “not to make waves”. In Hawaii, we refer to “The Samoan Crab Theory” (reference to one crab pulling another crab back into a bucket as it almost crawls up and out of the bucket) which refers to those who pull others down who are beginning to become successful.
Upon visiting a good friend at the Hawaii State judiciary I found him reading a magazine with his feet up on his desk. When I asked him if he was afraid of being reprimanded for “slacking” on the job he replied that his “slacking” was expected. When I questioned him further about this he explained that if he strived for excellence or did a better job than his peers he would be looked down on and even warned for making others “look bad”.
When looking back to high school I experienced the “spirit of false humility” or “Janteloven Stronghold” on my first day of school. Having been raised by parents from the East Coast I was not shy about sharing what I thought. So when asked if anyone would like to share their thoughts, by my teacher, I volunteered. After being affirmed for a good answer I was met with the local “stink eye” by those around me for being a showoff. Quickly I learned that I needed to conform to my peers or risk not being accepted.
In her article “Hawaii’s Oppression by Mediocrity” Midweek columnist Susan Page mentions an experience she had in 1968 while teaching local teenage girls self improvement. She writes:
“I was struck by how they (the girls) resisted shining, how they worked at ‘playing small’. One girl always changed from rather grubby attire into her ‘class’ clothes once she got there. Then after class she’d switch again, pulling her hair back in a tight ponytail and taking off any remnants of makeup before joining her friends.
‘Shame’, she said, when I asked her why she didn’t want to show off her new improved look to her friends and family!
This was my first experience with how being ‘fabulous’ or even merely above average, was considered a “bad thing.”
In Hawaii it is unfortunate that our keiki (children) feel “shame” for getting good grades, raising their hands to volunteer an answer or wearing nice clothes. Our youth need to be taught that doing well is not a “shameful” thing because God wants everyone to succeed! Because of the “Janteloven Stronghold” however, our youth are capped and are not reaching their God given potential. Sadly, a decision not to rise above others is made not by the Spirit of God but by spiritual influences not of God.
These negative influences include but are not limited to:
- 1. A spirit of false humility that downplays compliments and affirmation minimizing true accomplishment.
- 2. A passive spirit that influences locals to “hold back” instead of “step out”.
- 3. A lethargic spirit which “cruises” instead of “perseveres”.
- 4. A religious spirit that tries to “conform” others to unspoken rules or laws with the threat of rejection and non acceptance.
- 5. A spirit of conformity which discourages creativity, diversity and achievement perpetuating instead “mediocrity”.
- 6. A blocking or rebellious spirit that “resists” impassioned, visionary leadership.
- 7. A spirit of apathy that “opposes” helping others in need.
- 8. A legalistic spirit that “opposes” grace.
- 9. A critical or judgmental spirit that monitors others actions breeding “The Fear of Man.”
- 10. A capped spirit that “contains” freedom of expression in dance, song, worship and tells people that they can’t become anyone.
- 11. An anti-prophetic spirit that “resists” those who speak destiny and purpose over people’s lives.
- 12. The spirit of envy and jealousy toward those who break out of the pack.
- 2. A passive spirit that influences locals to “hold back” instead of “step out”.
How do I break free from the “spirit of false humility”or the “Janteloven Stronghold”?
- 1. Recognition. In order to overcome the “Janteloven Stronghold” you must first see that you have been operating under its influence. Once you have come to this realization you have taken the first step to freedom.
- 2. Confession. To confess something means to agree with God that you have been living and relating in a manner that does not line up with His will for your life.
- 3. Renunciation. To renounce something is to “break legal ties” with the very thing that has had a grip upon your life. This literally means taking a “strong hold” over the stronghold that has been negatively influencing you. This is accomplished by “renouncing” the lies of the “Janteloven Stronghold” or “spirit of false humility” that have negatively influenced you and your family and your generational line.
- 4. Forgiveness. To forgive others is to release them from the harm they have caused you. To forgive someone is to let go of your hurt, anger and disappointment towards them. Forgiveness also means asking God to forgive you for hurting Him and yourself.
- 5. Truth. To break free completely from a stronghold requires more than confession, renunciation and forgiveness. It requires incorporating a “new normal” into your thoughts and actions. This means making the choice to live by truths that acknowledge that you are special and have the potential to accomplish God’s plan and purpose for your life.
- 2. Confession. To confess something means to agree with God that you have been living and relating in a manner that does not line up with His will for your life.
Breaking free from the “Janteloven stronghold” or “spirit of false humility” (a prayer)
Thank you Lord that You have revealed to me that I have lived much of my life under the influence of the “Janteloven Stronghold”.Because of this revelation I agree with You Lord that I need to be freed from its negative influences. I therefore confess to You that I am in need of deliverance from this stronghold. Further Lord I acknowledge and renounce the “Janteloven Stronghold” and its many forms including the spirit of false humility; passivity; lethargy; religiosity; conformity; mediocrity; rebellion; apathy; legalism; judgmentalism; envy and jealousy. Today I declare that these ungodly influences will no longer hinder me from obeying Your call for me to rise up, get equipped and become all that you want me to be!
To be more specific Lord I renounce each of the ten laws of the “Janteloven Stronghold” revealed to me as the “spirit of false humility”:
- 1. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that I am not anything special! The truth is I am a person of great worth because I am created in the image of God and because Jesus chose to go to the cross on my behalf!
- 2. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that I do not have the same standing as others. The truth is I have been created equal by God with all men and because Jesus destroyed the dividing wall between all ethnic groups, Jews and Gentiles, when He died on the cross!
- 3. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that others are smarter or wiser than I am. The truth is I have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit living within me and am able to access it by simply asking for it.
- 4. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that I am not better than others. The truth is God has a plan and purpose for my life and has set me up to be a winner!
- 5. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that others know more than I do. The truth is, because of the Spirit’s indwelling presence in my soul I am full of knowledge!
- 6. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that others are more important than I am. The truth is I am equally as important with all men or Jesus would not have laid down His life for me. God therefore honors me as much as anyone on earth!
- 7. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that I am not good at anything. I break the belief that I am a “jack of all trades but a master of none” and reject the lie that “noble deeds are done in silence”. The truth is the Spirit of God has distributed to me unique gifts and talents for the blessing and benefit of others and the advancement of His Kingdom!
- 8. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that no one can laugh at me. The truth is that God the Father loves me and fully embraces me as His son or daughter. Because I am accepted as I am by God what others think or say about me need not control me (this includes people laughing at me)!
- 9. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that no one cares about me. The truth is that God the Father cares about me deeply as do His family, my brothers and sisters in Christ who are full of the Holy Spirit do as well!
- 10. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that no one can teach me anything. The truth is that I have a teachable spirit and am open to learn from whomever God places in my life!
- 2. I renounce, break, shatter and destroy the mind set that I do not have the same standing as others. The truth is I have been created equal by God with all men and because Jesus destroyed the dividing wall between all ethnic groups, Jews and Gentiles, when He died on the cross!
Going Deeper (more prayer)
I further renounce the “Janteloven Stronghold’s” impact upon my family and my entire generational line. I forgive those in my family who consciously or unconsciously passed down to me this stronghold. And where I have been wounded I extend forgiveness to my parents, my grandparents, their ancestors, my friends and anyone else who pressured me not to rise up to my full potential for fear of making others feel bad or insecure.
I also recognize that I need to forgive my family line for passing down to me cultural strongholds that have caused me to think less of myself and to envy and even despise Caucasians. I forgive my family Lord and ask You to forgive us for putting ourselves down and believing the lie that we aren’t as smart, can’t speak or dress as well and are not of the same standing as our Caucasian brothers.
I forgive my Caucasian brothers Lord who treated us unfairly, unjustly and looked down upon us as workers of the plantation fields (system) in centuries past. I thank you Lord for my Caucasian bothers and ask You to bless them in every way!
Finally Lord, I symbolically remove the lid or cap over my life and destroy it in Jesus’ name! Uncap me Lord, that from this day forward I may begin the process of discovering and reaching my God given potential as You fill me with Your Spirit and plans for my future. In the meantime Lord, I declare that the power of the “Janteloven Stronghold” is broken off of my life and that I will walk out each day a “new normal” resisting old thoughts and behaviors. Amen.
How Does The Jante Law Match Up With God’s Word?
Jante Law (spirit of false humility) |
God’s Law (Word) |
| 1. Do not think you are anything special. | 1. You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, His own special people (1 Pet. 2:9). |
| 2. Do not think you are as the same standing as us. | 2. Before God you are the same standing as all people (Eph. 2:14-18). |
| 3. Do not think you are wiser (or smarter) than we are. | 3. God’s wisdom is available to every believer (Js. 1:5). |
| 4. Do not fool yourself into thinking you are better than we are | 4. If you obey God’s commands you will be the head and not the tail (Deut. 28:13). |
| 5. Do not think you know more than we do. | 5. Through His word God wants to give you knowledge and purpose (Prov. 1:4). |
| 6. Do not think you are more important than we are. | 6. You are so important to God that He sacrificed His Son on your behalf (Rom. 8:32). |
| 7. Do not think you are good at anything. | 7. God has given you specific gifts and talents to bless others (1 Cor. 12:7-11; 1 Pet. 4:10). |
| 8. Do not laugh at us. | 8. If someone laughs at you forgive them and move on (Eph. 4:32). |
| 9. Do not think anyone cares about you. | 9. Not only does God care about you but He has placed you in a spiritual family that will love and care for you no matter what. (1 Pet. 5:7; Rom. 12:10). |
| 10. Do not think you can teach us anything. | 10. God has called you to first be taught and discipled and then to do the same for the nations of the earth (Matt. 28:19-20). |
What’s the first impression that comes to mind when you hear the following names? In other words, when you hear these names what comes to mind regarding their individual legacies?
- • Billy Graham
- • Mother Teresa
- • Bill Clinton
- • Adolph Hitler
- • Rick Warren
- • Mother Teresa
What is a legacy?
Webster’s dictionary defines the word “legacy” as: “Something handed on from those who have come before.” The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 that our children are our legacy: “Sons (daughters too) are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from him.” Joel 1:3 further explains: “Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.” Legacy therefore, is generational continuity and increase!
What is the “it” or “something” that we hand to those who come after us?
- The “it” or “something” that we leave behind is more than property and money. The “something” we leave behind is what we pour into our children that results in them living blessed lives that uniquely impacts others! The “something” we pass on is genuine love for God that results in offering back to Him in worship our unique gifts and talents that He has bestowed upon us to bless others.
Jonathan Edwards vs. Max Jukes (a case study of the legacies of two men)
A Brief Family History of Max Jukes
Max Jukes was an atheist who lived in New York during the 19 century
Of Jukes’ 560 known descendants:
- - 7 were murderers
- - 60 became thieves
- - 67 reported having syphilis
- - 100 were alcoholics
- - 50% of the women in his family line became prostitutes
- - 300 died prematurely
- - 60 became thieves
The Family History of Jonathan Edwards
- - 300 were preachers
- - 295 were college graduates
- - 100 were missionaries
- - 100 were lawyers
- - 80 held public office including 1 Vice President of the United States (Aaron Burr), 13 U.S. senators, 1 state governor, 3 big city mayors and 1 U.S. comptroller
- - 75 military officers
- - 65 college professors including 13 college presidents
- - 56 physicians including 1 Dean of Medical School
- - 295 were college graduates
Of the two legacies presented above which would you rather leave?
Why was Jonathan Edwards able to pass on such an incredible legacy?
He was a man of prayer!
Few know that although Jonathan Edwards was an incredibly busy man, he was also a very devoted husband and father. Edwards spent at least one hour per day praying for and speaking blessing over each of his eleven children. Because of his commitment to pray for his children on a daily basis God blessed not only them but his entire generational line!
Do you have vision or a plan for leaving a legacy to your family and descendants?
“And without vision the people perish. . .” Proverbs 29:18
If you don’t have a plan for leaving a family legacy, why not begin with praying for and speaking blessing over your children on a regular basis like Jonathan Edwards did?
Does the Bible say it is possible for you and me to leave a legacy like the one Edwards left to his descendants?
The Jewish Legacy
We know that it is possible to leave a legacy to your children because Abraham left a legacy to his son Isaac, his grandson Jacob his great grandson Joseph and his great great grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh.
Abraham’s Legacy Began with Himself
Abraham: The First Generation
When Abram (Abraham’s original name before God changed it) left his father’s household, his relatives and his country, he and his wife Sarai (Sarah’s name before God changed it) were old and childless (see Genesis 12:1-5).
Later, when Abram was older and still with no heir God told him again, while standing underneath the evening sky, that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars (see Genesis 15:1-5).
After trying to produce an heir out of her own strength Sarah miraculously gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90!
Abraham, means “the father of many.” Although Abraham did not live to see the fullness of his legacy he was able to see his son Isaac come into the world. Abraham was the starting point or “seed” of the Jewish Legacy. Every legacy begins with a seed!
Are you willing to be a seed like Abraham?
Are you willing to bless your children regularly like Jonathan Edwards did?
If you are, God can and will perpetuate your legacy far into the future!
Isaac: The Second Generation
In Genesis 24:34-37 we see that God had blessed Abraham in every possible way:
“The Lord has blessed my master (Abraham) abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants and camels and donkeys. My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and has given him everything he owns. And my master made me swear on oath and said, ‘You must get a wife for my son. . .’”
- • Abraham had already bequeathed to Isaac his inheritance but also wanted to ensure that he would get married, have children and perpetuate his legacy.
- • Abraham’s ceiling was Isaac’s floor! Because of his father’s obedience to God and the covenant God had established with him Isaac was even more blessed!
“Isaac planted crops in the land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.” Genesis 26:12-13
Abraham was wealthy (Gen. 24:34) but Isaac was “very” wealthy (Gen. 26:12-13). The blessing on Isaac had exceeded the blessing on his father.
Jacob: The Third Generation
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• Before Isaac died he spoke a blessing over his son Jacob:
“Therefore may God give you the dew of heaven (water obviously is necessary for good crops), of the fathers of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!” Genesis 28:13-15
- • In an attempt to make amends with his brother Esau Jacob sent him a gift of over 540 animails
“He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau: two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.” Genesis 32:13-15
- • Jacob convinced his brother Esau to accept his gift stating that he had plenty of everything.
Esau asked, “What do you mean by all these droves I met?” “To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said. But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it. Genesis 33:8-11
- • In an attempt to make amends with his brother Esau Jacob sent him a gift of over 540 animails
Joseph: The Fourth Generation
- • Although Joseph suffered for 17 years while a slave in Egypt he lived a tremendously blessed life!
- • Not only did Joseph become the ruler of Egypt, the most powerful nation on earth at the time, but he also “fathered” Pharoah and his household (see Genesis 41:41-43).
- • Joseph was so wealthy that he provided land and food for his father’s (Jacob’s) entire family during a terrible period of famine (see Genesis 45:11; 47:12)!
- • Why was Joseph blessed far beyond his father, grandfather and great grandfather?
- • Not only did Joseph become the ruler of Egypt, the most powerful nation on earth at the time, but he also “fathered” Pharoah and his household (see Genesis 41:41-43).
“I will surely bless you (Abraham) and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:17-18
God is a generational thinker, long range multi-generational planner who honors the covenant He made with Abraham in order to perpetuate blessing down Abraham’s family line! If you are “in” Christ that’s you and me!
“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. . .” Galatians 3:14
If you don’t transfer the blessing forward future generations will be negatively affected!
• Because Joshua did not transfer the incredible blessing upon his life and generation those who followed him fell into idolatry!
“Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. . .After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who neither knew the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals.” Joshua 2:8, 10-11
How do I leave a material legacy?
- 1. Open individual savings accounts for each of your children.
- 2. Invest your money wisely in real estate, stocks and bonds.
- 3. Hire an attorney to draw up a living trust so that your estate will pass to your children instead of having to go through probate.
- 2. Invest your money wisely in real estate, stocks and bonds.
How do I leave a legacy of fond memories?
- 1. Take a lot of pictures and put them in photo albums.
- 2. Film videos (dvds) of special family occasions.
- 3. Spend “fun” time with your children on a regular basis!
- 4. Talk about the faithfulness of God regularly (i.e. how He provided; healed; intervened on your behalf, etc.)!
- 2. Film videos (dvds) of special family occasions.
How do I leave a spiritual legacy?
- 1. Genuinely love God and others with all of your heart!
- 2. Read the Word of God daily and share what God has shown you with your kids.
- 3. Dads (or single moms) lead your family in prayers of blessing, protection and favor around the dinner table at least once a week (read “Legacy of Blessing”: How to Bring Out the Best in Your Family).
- 2. Read the Word of God daily and share what God has shown you with your kids.
Again, what will happen if you commit yourself to speak blessing and pray over your kids like Jonathan Edwards did?
- - Generational continuity
- - Generational increase