Peanut Butter & Pornography

I have to admit one of my guilty pleasures that I didn’t realize was considered disgusting until I went away to college. It’s something that I feel no shame for even though other people try to judge me for it. My favorite food on the face of the earth is a peanut butter and Miracle Whip sandwich. I know what you’re thinking, “This guy is insane!” But, there’s something about the magical combination of peanut butter’s sweetness and the tangy zip of Miracle Whip-it’s like nectar of the gods! What’s even better about it is that it’s a utility meal; you can eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

My wife is absolutely repulsed by the thought of a “PBM” and refuses to try one-even though she eats peanut butter and pickles! Recently I was eating one of the tasty morsels of supple goodness when my son starting begging for a bite. He liked it so much that I ended up making him one of his own. I couldn’t help but laugh, not at the fact that my wife was dry heaving, but, rather because I came to know and love this treasure because my father used to eat them.

It got me thinking about the things that we pass on to our children. Not just looks, allergies, hairline cowlicks, and awesome sandwich preferences, but, spiritual strengths and weaknesses, too.

In the Bible, Abraham was deceitful when asked about who his wife was and his son Isaac did the same exact thing in telling a king that his wife was just his sister. Isaac had a son named Jacob who developed a shady reputation and lied to his face about being his brother Esau. Jacob’s sons lied to him and told him their brother was killed by an animal when they actually sold him as a slave. A little later King David had an affair with Bathsheba and the two eventually had a son named Solomon who became King and had a major weakness with women.

As a pastor I’ve watched as men who struggle with depression or self-esteem issues often have children who struggle with it as well. Those who are alcoholics pass on a much greater chance of their kids being alcoholics and those who struggle with pornography very often have children who confess to their youth pastors the same vice.

The fact is that we must learn to break the cycle as fathers and deal with our issues effectively and thoroughly. I believe Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us the best place to start, “let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith”

If we keep ourselves focused on and actively growing in our relationship with Jesus we will find ourselves able to shrug off the sins that plague us and possibly our children. I know this is a task that is easier said then done, and this article, although lengthy by Internet standards, cannot adequately help you slay your giants. However, if you are constantly struggling with something, run towards Jesus and seek help from a pastor or counselor or whoever you can find to help you through this. I know the words, “help me” are very rarely found in mans vernacular, but, I think our children are worth the step.

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads!