GENESIS 13 POTENTIAL CONFLICT As I observed the ensuing years, it became obvious that the family connection was doing well and getting richer. At that time wealth was evidence of God's blessing. Both Abram and his nephew Lot were building larger herds and flocks. The problem was obvious - there wasn't room for them both in the same place. There was the beginning of conflicts that had to be faced. Abram took the initiative and gave Lot the first choice. In my mind I could see Lot setting his heart on getting more and becoming even richer. And the scripture came to me, "If riches increase, set not thy heart upon them."
When different family situations come: take the initiative to settle the conflict, give the others first choice even if it seems unfair to you, put peace above personal rights and desires. I learn by watching a man of faith, that trusting God is a very practical matter. Another scripture came to me, "Them that honor me, I will honor."
It is possible for rivalries to be in families and instead of pulling together, we pull apart. I learn from these two men that rivalries can damage trust and goodwill; can hamper growth and progress in the things of God as well as daily living; and they can make me self-centered rather than love-centered. The Lord Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one.
Decision making often reflects on a person's character. In life I have to make choices and I also have to accept the consequences of those choices. If I choose the best for myself and ignore the needs and feelings of others, I end up going in the wrong direction. This in turn leads to serious problems that will affect my wife, my children and all of my family connections.
In my journey I look down from my high view of history on to the high ground of spiritual experience, and see spread out before Abram and Lot, the well-watered plains rich with good grass and the promise of increasing wealth. Abram said, "If you go right, I'll go left, or if you go left, I'll go right." But Lot made a very different decision. In essence he said, "You stay up here, and I'll go down."
I learn from that example that if I yield to the temptation to live for worldly gain, it will affect me, my children and my grandchildren. God forbid that I would ever take them where the temptations of a Sodom would claim their souls. I know there is the temptation to go the world's way in lots of places, but by God's grace, I will stay as far away as possible from Sodom.
The high ground has an appeal to me. I saw Abram in a place where he could see in all four directions. And God gave all he could see, to him as a gift. What a gift! To me the high ground is a good place to be with God.
What gifts God has given to me - even me!
We make these decisions from day to day Forgetting the implications of what we do and say. In a moment we can make a decision based on what we see Not stopping to consider what the outcome will be. Far too often our own self-interest is what we consider Not taking time to think how it will affect others. What may seem a smart move is not always wise - And it takes quite awhile before we realize That move was only good for me, and for a short time. Down the road a way, what a difference we will find!
It is a basic principle in life for a child of God, To take time to find out what God says in His Word Before we make a decision or act in undue haste - Lest our willful decision leave a lasting and bitter taste. God has graciously put in the scriptures by example and phrase - Almost every situation we will meet through all of our days. They are put there to guide us on the road map of life - So we can do what is right, and avoid what brings strife. Lot chose to avoid strife but ignored what was right - And lived with a grieved spirit for the rest of his life.
God expects us to act according to His revealed will. It was that way at the beginning of life and it is that way still. What men call the Golden Rule still to us does apply To all I do and say, or even what I sell and buy. Every activity in which I choose to engage - Will influence others in my family regardless of their age. The young ones will use me as a model as to what is okay. And the more mature may mock what I have to say, Because initially I acted on the basis of self-interest alone; Not taking the time to think about the final outcome.
There is another thing to consider when making a choice. Take the time to listen to conscience and the inner voice Of common sense when it speaks to you loud and clear, And impresses your soul and spirit that you might hear The voice of reason and give it your full attention. For not only will it instruct you how to avoid contention - But it will direct you to find the bright path of the just Assuring you of what is unnecessary and what is a "must." Be wise, choose the area of life where there are both hills and plains - And you will find God can bless what you can honestly do in His name.
"Lord God of both the mountains and the valleys: make Thy servant content wherever I am found. I am so grateful for the pressures of high ground and holy living, and for guiding us in the valley to walk on the path of the just which is as a shining light. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."