Are You Dysfunctional?

     I was thinking about the word "dysfunctional" today.  This word I am very much familiar with.  First of all, I looked the word up on an online dictionary.  It was pretty much what I was thinking.  Here is a clear definition of the word:  abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction within a group."  Abnormal is anything that is not considered normal mores or "ways of behavior" of a group.  So for example if you have a family that fights a lot with one other and drinks to the point where it affects the relationships,  I would say that this family has a lot of dysfunctional behaviors.

     I bring this up because a lot of people come from dysfunctional families.  Dysfunction causes guilt and shame.  Satan doesn't play fair.  He goes for the families because he knows that's where Kingdom leaders come from.  Just take a look at Moses.  Didn't Pharaoh want to destroy all of the first born baby boys.  The same with Herod.  Both times, God provided an ark of protection for His leaders.

     I was raised in a dysfunctional family.  My dad was hard working and loved his family in his own way, but never the less did not know how to really function well in relationships.  He was raised that way.  So then the cycle continues.  There was a lot of anger, cussing, hitting, and alcohol when I was little.  Guess what it produced in me.  Shame, embarrassment, lack of value and self-worth.  Children and spouses are often the victims of those that are dysfunctional. 

     The good news is that we don't have to continue to carry those dysfunctional patterns and all their ugly symptoms with us.  We don't have to be the victims that carry the shame and guilt.  Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jn 10:10.  Jesus' blood and power can break every demonic dysfunctional stronghold that we struggle with.  His life that He wants to give us is that same life that raised Him from the dead and Rms 8:11 says that it will also "quicken or make alive our mortal bodies" and brings healing to our emotions and hearts as well.  That's the Good News, we don't have to stay in the cycle of dysfunction, but we can be set free by His blood and stripes that were on His back!

Prayer:  Father, I repent for believing all of the lies of the enemy.  I accept Your love for me.  I bring every sin, every emotional hurt and pain to the cross and leave it there.  I ask that You would pour Your healing balm into my heart and body and bring complete healing and freedom.  I forgive all those that have wounded and mistreated me.  Father, bring freedom to their lives also.  I break every chain that the enemy has held me with and command them to be broken from me now.  I love you Father and will serve you only with my whole heart.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen!