Self-Preservation...

When you think of Abraham, greatness comes to mind. He is the father of the great nation of Israel. His great faith is still talked about today. But we must remember he was a weak human being as well, just like the rest of us. We are all weak, fragile, and insecure. Like it or not, that’s the truth. Here Abram (before name change) was more concerned with his self-preservation than concerned for his own wife. Certainly this attitude was frowned upon by God. His concern for himself was so strong, he lied about Sarai. Then, he even gave her to Pharaoh. If it weren’t for God intervening, Sarai would’ve been Pharaoh’s wife instead of the mother of Israel. Abram’s lie could’ve altered the History of the world. Fortunately, God’s grace stepped in and worked it out for Abram’s good (and ours). We can never allow self-preservation to step in front of doing the right thing. God always honors those that honor Him. Putting Him first is always the right thing.

10 At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner. 11 As he was approaching the border of Egypt, Abram said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, you are a very beautiful woman. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’ 13 So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.”14 And sure enough, when Abram arrived in Egypt, everyone spoke of Sarai’s beauty. 15 When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to Pharaoh, their king, and Sarai was taken into his palace. 16 Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her–sheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.17 But the Lord sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 So Pharaoh summoned Abram and accused him sharply. “What have you done to me?” he demanded. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ and allow me to take her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and get out of here!” 20 Pharaoh ordered some of his men to escort them, and he sent Abram out of the country, along with his wife and all his possessions. Genesis 12:10-20