Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (Galatians 6:7 ESV)
When Abraham went down to Egypt, he asked his wife Sarah to say that she was his sister. She was to pretend their marriage never existed. This ruse would save Abraham’s life in the event someone lusted after Sarah and thought to kill him so she would be free to marry, but it exposed Sarah to the risk of being taken as another man’s wife.
Two times in Scripture, we read about the impact of Abraham’s words. You can read the accounts in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 20. First, Sarah’s taken by Pharaoh then she’s taken by Abimelech. In both cases, it was God who intervened to save Sarah from being married a second time.
Later, we see a similar situation play out with Isaac, Abraham’s son, and his wife Rebekah (Genesis 26:6-11). Isaac and Rebekah denied their relationship exposing Rebekah to the risk of being taken as someone else’s wife.
On the surface, it may seem as though it’s not a big deal. So what if someone lied about not being married? What’s the big deal?
It’s about what we sow.
As you examine Abraham’s family, you realize that lying and cheating is part of the very fabric of their legacy.
- Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac and rob Esau of his blessing (Genesis 27:1-29).
- Laban, Rebekah’s brother, deceives Jacob by giving him the wrong bride (Genesis 29:1-27).
- Jacob plays a trick on his uncle with the intention to rob him of his flock (Genesis 30:25-43).
- Rachel steals her father’s idols and then lies to him so she can conceal the theft (Genesis 31:28-35)
If you continue to look at this family, you will find further evidence of the deceptive nature that had been woven into the fabric of who they were.
As parents, it’s important for us to be wary of the things we’re teaching our children when we’re not teaching. Our actions often tell a louder story than our words.
Maybe you’re not a parent, but your influence is still being felt by someone. What story does your life tell? Is there an area that needs to be changed? Call on God and ask Him to help.
On our own, we don’t do or say the right things. Thankfully, God doesn’t expect us to do anything on our own. He provides us with the Holy Spirit and empowers us to do all things through Him. Won’t you lean on Him today?
Prayer
Dear God,
Forgive us where we have sinned and planted the wrong kinds of seed or taught the wrong lessons. Help us to want to do what is right. Please send the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts so that His presence may be seen and felt in our lives. Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.