When the men of that place asked [Isaac] about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.” (Genesis 26:7)
Where did Isaac learn to say that his wife was really his sister? He probably learned it from his dad.
It’s amazing that Isaac did the exact same thing his father, Abraham, did. In both cases these men of God forgot the promises of God and decided to take their futures into their own hands rather than trusting their heavenly Father who had, up until this point, given them absolutely no reason to question His goodness to and care for them.
Abraham’s sinful behavior was passed on to his son, Isaac, who saw nothing wrong with following the example of his earthly father.
When we, as parents, engage in sinful behavior without remorse or repentance, our children are watching and are prone to follow in our footsteps.
If you think your actions have little effect on your children, then you’re wrong. They’re watching. They’re learning. They’re seeing how you respond to your heavenly Father, and they’re taking their cues from you. Let’s purpose to live our lives in a way that’s pleasing to God so that those little watching eyes are drawn to Him.
Father, I ask that you would help me to live my life in a way that’s pleasing to you. Let me do so both in private and in public – in front of my child and when I’m alone. Give me integrity of character, and protect my little girl from engaging in sin because of something that she saw her daddy do.
I can see where it is hard for a person today to put their full trust in God when you read where these men of the bible had conversations with God and still lacked the faith in him.
I know what you mean, Ray! It’s hard to imagine having such an intimacy with God and yet still trusting Him fully.