Warning! Deception Contaminates

Abraham told Egyptian border agents Sarah was his sister when, in reality, she was his wife. He believed these officials would kill him and take Sarah, for she was unusually beautiful. Decades later when Laban, Jacob’s future father-in-law, hoodwinked him into marrying Leah, Rachel’s older sister, Laban rationalized his action by saying Leah should be married first.

  

Deceptive behavior contaminates integrity and the ability to make appropriate judgement calls. Laban, Leah’s father, evidently convinced himself he was helping her find a husband who would provide for her and give him grandchildren. Little did he know what this act of deception would ultimately cost him.   

While God allows deception and dishonesty to be practiced, he never permits it to be hidden indefinitely. It is within the wisdom of God for sin be acknowledged, confessed and forgiven. While Abraham wasn't blameless in his walk with God, he believed God and in faith turned from his sins. This act of faith was counted by God as righteousness. 

Deceit and Tangled Webs

Deception in some form is experienced by everyone. That is not to say a person blatantly deceives but may stretch the truth to get what is wanted or to cover one's tracks in stressful situations. Deception is not unique to our society but is cited in every ancient culture. However, it is not blessed or condoned by God.

  

When desperate times came to the region where Abraham lived, he took his family to Egypt where food was abundant. Upon crossing the border, he encountered the immigration officials of his day. His wife Sarah was a beautiful woman, so the two agreed she would pass as his sister because they feared these officials would kill him and take her.

God cannot be deceived, and deception under any guise is not acceptable to him. Deception blatantly exposes a lack of trust in God's provision to see a desperate situation through to an honorable end. Thank God he intervenes in our foolish decisions to save us from disaster like the situation Abraham and Sarah created for themselves.