1/28 Genesis 26:7

⁷ When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, "She is my sister," for he feared to say, "My wife," thinking, "lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah," because she was attractive in appearance.

Like father like son. Isaac had surely heard the stories about his father's encounters in Egypt and with the Philistines and how he claimed Sarah was his sister to save himself, and yet departed more prosperous than when he arrived. Isaac followed his father's bad example. Fortunately, no one tried to take Rebecca before it was discovered that they were husband and wife. Abraham's use of "sister" was half true. For Isaac, it was a complete lie. The sin of the father was compounded in the son.

Once again we see the grace of God allowing Isaac not to suffer the defilement of his wife and even blessing his harvest. Unlike his father, he did not repeat this sin. We all have an example set for us by our parents.

Some things we learned from them were good, and others were sinful patterns. We tend to follow what we saw in them. Believers have the power to break those patterns and set godly patterns for their own children. However, like Abraham, we will fall short. When we do, we should be honest with our children and tell them the consequences. Help them to learn the right way even when we fail to walk in it. They won't think less of you. Your heart to please God in your thoughts and actions is one of the greatest legacies you can leave to your children.

Consider: What patterns are you following from your parents that should be broken with the help of the Holy Spirit? What have your children seen in you that you need to warn them not to follow? Even if they are grown and no longer in your home, you can ask for forgiveness and encourage them to set an example for the next generation.