GENESIS 36:7. “For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.” MONEY PROBLEMS. Twins who looked different – easy to tell them apart – one smooth and the other hairy. Twins who acted differently – one adventurous, a hunter who didn’t like restrictions. The other twin – subtle, underhanded – not unwilling to participate in deception. How can these men in the same family be so deeply antagonistic toward each other?
The extreme division that has gone on for years, has been partially bridged. Finally – after years of separation, they meet with half-hearted acceptance. They came together as dutiful sons should, to bury their father. Can they finally “bury the hatchet” and live together in peace?
One worked hard for years and built a fortune with dubious means. The other inherited great amounts of family property and had need of nothing. They don’t need each other to survive or to raise their quality of life. Is it possible to finally live together in peace and contentment?
Even though the estrangement of the past seems to have been dealt with. Even though the passing of years has brought new wisdom to each. Even though the increase of wealth has made each comfortably rich. A new complication has arisen between them that divides them again.
The very things that they had worked hard for and had made them rich Divides them – there is not room for the two of them to live in the same place. Their riches divide them – let the riches go? Not likely – one goes away. They remain separated and enemies – forever.
The increase of riches can draw the heart away that is set upon them. It can dull our spiritual vision and lead down the dark road of self-sufficiency. It tempts us to sacrifice our integrity as it seeks to claim first priority Our dependence on God becomes less and less as the lure of riches controls us.
“O Holy God, may I learn from those brothers of old the dangers of accumulating temporal goods. I fear that I am getting too many things around me that claim my time and attention. If it will bring a greater glory to Thee, give me the wisdom to down-size. Not just the home we live in but all the things that would keep me away from the fellowship of walking in the light as He is in the light. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”