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. 

Conscience, Courage and Confidence - Part 1

Without exception, it takes unusual courage to give God permission to direct your life. God told Noah to build the ark, gather animals and wait for earth to be flooded. Moses left his family and safety to confront the most powerful man on earth and demand that he free the Hebrew people.

Courage connected to a healthy conscience, coupled with confidence that God directs your life, generates assurance that any task can be accomplished. A clear conscience produces courage to tackle with confidence whatever you believe to be God’s will for you.

Listen to this request to God found in an eleventh century hymnal:  

God be in my head, and my understanding;

God be in my eyes, and my looking;

God be in my mouth, and my speaking;

God be in my heart, and my thinking;

God be at my end, and my departing.

With God occupying these areas of your life, you are assured of a clear conscience and success in what you choose to do.