Saying things that aren’t true in order to get what we want.

Changing the facts a little to avoid dealing with the consequences for choices we have made.

Making a situation look and sound like something it’s not in order to get our way.

Lies and trickery.  This all sounds pretty bad when it’s listed out like this.  None of us really do any of this – do we?  Are we tempted?

When I read Abraham and Sarah’s story in Genesis, I definitely don’t want to leave a legacy of deception and trickery to my family and friends like they did.  Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife.  Sarah manipulated Abraham into having a son with her servant and then she decided the servant and the son needed to leave.  Abraham and Sarah’s children and grandchildren continued this tradition of trickery as they lied to and tricked each other over hundreds of years for personal gain.

One of the instances that really shows the negative consequences of these deceptions is after Rebekah manipulated Isaac into giving Jacob the first-born blessing that was meant for Esau. Rebekah heard about Esau’s plan to kill his brother in revenge so she sent Jacob away. Her actions caused her to lose her relationship with her favorite son.

As we read through Genesis, we’re able to see all the pain and separation and distrust and suspicion that this legacy caused …….. from generation to generation.

I don’t want that in my family and relationships.  So I try to be honest and truthful – even when it’s hard.

What about you?

Please help us avoid dishonesty and deception, Abba Father.