Week 33, Day 1: Good Influence…

Today’s Reading:  Genesis 26:1-35

Some thoughts from the reading…

Chapter 26 of Genesis starts with a dubious story of Isaac trying to deceive Abimelech into believing that Rebekah was his sister (much like Abraham had done years earlier).  Abimelech was able to discover the truth, and it led to a warning among the Philistines that they were not to touch either Isaac or Rebekah.

It did not take long until Isaac began to prosper greatly.  Genesis 26:12 tells us that Isaac planted and harvested 100 fold.  This was a great outcome, and ensured that Isaac would begin the process of becoming wealthy like his father, Abraham.  He began to gather flocks, herds and servants, all identifiers of wealth in his society.  Before long, the Philistines came to Isaac and forced him to leave their land.  As he moved away from them, he would dig wells for his people and animals, but the Philistines would drive them away.  Finally, he was able to move far enough away that the Philistines left him alone.  But, it wasn’t long before the Philistines came back to him, and asked for a covenant, because they saw how he prospered.  Even though they didn’t really care for him (Isaac said that they hated him, Genesis 26:27) they wanted a peace treaty since they saw that Jehovah was on his sided.

This account made me think of how worldly people often look upon Christians today.  In many ways, they don’t want anything to do with us, because our lifestyle condemns their own life choices.  If we truly act like Christians, they can see a difference between themselves and us.  However, in other ways, many want to have relationships with Christians because they know there are tremendous benefits.  It may not be that they see some physical prosperity in us, but they can see other rich blessings that are present in our lives.  They can see how our family lives are better than what can be produced in a worldly setting.  They can see that Christians make good employees, as they are honest and hard working.  They can see that Christians make good friends, because they are concerned people, and are willing to be generous and helpful whenever the opportunity arises.  If we act like Christians (and that is a big “if”) then people will see that there is a great blessing in being around us!  Like with Isaac, people may not like what our relationship with God means for them (and their choices in life), but nature that the Christian possesses makes one a great friend (or ally).

Question: In what ways do you think Christians can be a good influence on those around them?

Popularity: 37% [?]