Genesis 21:22-34 Godly Living In An Ungodly World

Abraham is a great example for us. Including him in the hall of faith, the writer of Hebrews says this about Abraham:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, and he went out without understanding where he was going. By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land as though it were a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with firm foundation, whose architect and builder is God.” (Heb 11:8-10)

People around him knew he was a godly man. Abimelech and Phicol said, “God is with you in all that you do” (Gen 21:22). Even though Abraham may not have thought about his influence on these unbelievers, they were watching and observing his lifestyle.

As you and I live in an ungodly world, we sometimes lament the accompanying difficulties and struggles. We may even come to the conclusion that we must compromise aspects of our lifestyle in order to make it in the culture. We may rationalize various choices that we make.

We should remember that people are watching us, and we are influencing them. Some might even approach us to learn more about the God we worship, love and serve. Rather than complain about our culture, we should view our situation as a great opportunity God has given us to shine as lights in a dark place. He has placed us in this time period in this particular community for a reason.

Second, Abraham wanted to live in harmony with the unbelievers. When Abimilech offered to make a treaty with him, Abraham was willing to do so. However, he attached a provision giving him water rights as well. He promised to be fair and expressed his willingness by giving seven lambs. He made a treaty with them at Beer Sheba, planted a tamarisk tree to mark the occasion and worshiped the Lord.

Even though we disagree with unbelievers on issues of great importance, we should try to live in harmony with them. We wrestle “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12). The Bible commands us to pursue peace with everyone (Heb 12:14).

As we continue to walk with God this week, let’s continue to be encouraged rather than discouraged. We are influencing others who are watching. They may never tell us how our lifestyle is affecting them, but they can see that God is making a difference in our lives. God will be pleased as we maintain our walk with Him and pursue peace with those around us.

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” – Pro 16:7