The Messages We Send

Scripture – Genesis 12:10-16: Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that she was a very beautiful woman. And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants, and camels.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This could not be Abram’s proudest moment. He lies about who Sarai is to protect himself. And indeed, he was treated well. He also acquired a great deal of wealth. I wonder what it was like for Sarai. What message did she hear from Abram?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s easy to take the people I love most for granted. On my bad days, I’ll even put my needs ahead of theirs without giving it a thought. I’ll be aware of the messages I send today. I’ll use common courtesy when I encounter people. (Or these days, maybe I need to use “uncommon” courtesy.) I’ll be nice to the people at home.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you always treat me well. Help me imitate you today – not only with strangers, but especially with those people I know and love.