They’re Watching!

“When the men of the place asked (Isaac) about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance.” -Genesis 26:7

Seems like an interesting verse blog about! I think some backstory is in order. Isaac, the son of Abraham, found himself in a potentially hostile country during a time of famine. Not knowing the people, nor how they would treat him and his wife, Isaac decided to lie to his new neighbors in an effort to protect himself. I wonder how many of you are thinking the same thing I am: it would never cross my mind to lie about my relationship with Melody as a crime prevention tactic. I’m not perfect, but I would never have thought of that one!

You should know that Isaac came by it honestly. His father did the exact same thing. Seriously (Genesis 12:11-13). When I read this father & son repeat, it really reminded me that for 20 years, my son has been watching me. Just like I watched my father. And while everyone is responsible for their own actions, a child’s mind is shaped in large part by watching his or her parents live life. When I meet with couples for pre-marital counseling, one of the first things I do is ask them to describe their home life as children. We learn by watching.

So, fathers, mothers, grandparents–can I challenge you to remember that your children and grandchildren are watching? The way you speak, the way you discipline, the way you care for your marriage, the way you do your job, the way you spend your money–they’re watching. And learning.

-Pastor Mike