So, Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me … Is not the whole land before you? … If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” – Genesis 13:8-9

For Meditation 

Prosperity has an uncanny way of fueling selfishness. It has destroyed relationships and caused conflicts, with little room for understanding and compromise.  

The story of Abraham and Lot is an excellent illustration (Gen. 13:1-18). The livestock of both men increased until the land could not support them anymore. Conflict broke out between their herdsmen and threatened the relationship between uncle and nephew. So, how did Abraham resolve the dispute?

He disregarded his interest and sought a peaceful resolution (8-9). 

“Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left” (10-13).

That is Christlike! (Phil. 2:3-8).

The two men parted company. Lot moved his family to the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley and settled near Sodom. Abraham, however, settled in Canaan (12). God honors such unselfishness. When the two men separated, God stepped in and blessed the Patriarch (14-17). 

What will you do when God prospers you, and conflict arises? Are you going to be Christ-focused like Abraham or self-focused like Lot? Will you seek a resolution that brings peace or one that exacerbates tension and conflict?

Your focus in any conflict will determine its outcome—whether Christ-honoring or self-exalting. That’s the bottom line for the conflict you face now.

God gives grace to help us look away from the glitter of this world so we can make unselfish choices. The portion you receive after your choice may be dry and rugged, but streams of mercy and grace will flow to refresh and enrich your life because you glorified Christ by your choice.

Shalom

__,_._,___