“Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made.” — 1 Kings 15:11-12 NIV

Adulthood often presents us with choices to maintain the traditions of our families or to break away and start a new course. Ending the unhealthy cycles of behavior that we’ve born into is a noble thing and worthy of praise. Like Asa in this verse, we ought to be more concerned with doing what is right in God’s eyes than continuing on with a family legacy that offers more harm than benefit.

There is nothing wrong with carrying on the family’s tradition of a deep fried turkey on a holiday or a football game on the big screen or using great-grandma’s China on Christmas eve. The example from Asa is to resist and replace those things that are shameful in the sight of God. End the cycles of abusive behavior handed down the family line. Stop replicating the unappreciative rudeness directed at others. Maybe put a halt to the foul language that has become commonplace in the home.

Take a stand to be part of a new way, a better way, a kinder way of living as a family. The home should be the closest thing to Heaven on earth and that may not happen until you make that choice.