Like the previous chapter, today’s devotional passage is a testament to the self destructive element of sin in the lives of human beings; yes, even those faithful patriarchs of the Bible. Abraham traveled to the region of the Negev, though there is no indication that the Lord told him to go there. Perhaps he went there to get away from the fallout of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but this is speculation however reasonable. Under the auspices of protecting himself, Abraham told a half-truth to King Abimelech saying that Sarah was his sister. He had done this before when he and Sarah visited Egypt (Genesis 12). In fact, Sarah was Abraham’s half-sister (Genesis 20:12). Since Issac used his Dad’s tactic in Genesis 26:7, one might conclude that half-truths and white lies are acceptable for Christians.

I suggest that Abraham, Isaac, and we have a propensity to sin and lying is among the most common. Our machinations and manipulations of the truth are what we do best, even as followers of Christ. Our denials and efforts at morphing the truth slightly often results in harm to self, others, and certainly to the cause of Christ. Fortunately, the Lord often protects us from ourselves as in each of the incidents mentioned herein. The Bible indicates that a half-truth is a lie, a white lie is a lie, and an outright lie is, well…a lie. Be careful about assuming that the Lord will protect you from yourself in every instance. His greater purpose may allow for you to reap a just reward for lying whether it is a half-truth or a white lie.

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
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