Reference

Genesis 21:22-34

One of the biggest challenges to the Christian faith is knowing how to relate our faith to life in the world, especially when our faith comes under attack. The Bible is clear that this world is not our home, we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven (1 Peter 1:1, 2:11). The world’s beliefs, values, and convictions conflict with the kingdom in which we live. Even though the message is not always appreciated, we are called to be witnesses, to be salt and light, and to pray for God’s kingdom to come and will be done. Jesus said we need to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). How do we do that? Even though he lived thousands of years before Jesus said this, Abraham demonstrated this way of living as he sojourned in Canaan. It’s an important example for us as we consider the hostility of our own day.