READ GENESIS 13.
In Genesis we read the story of Abram and his nephew Lot. Abram (later to be renamed
Abraham by God) was a man called and blessed of God. He demonstrated great faith in God.
In the previous chapter, God had called Abram to depart from his home in Ur and go to the
land of Canaan, which He promised to him. Abram with wife Sarai, and Lot departed Ur with
many possessions including large herds of livestock. Eventually they reached Bethel.
Because the land wasn't able to support both men with their herds, they had to separate.
Where would Abram go? Where would Lot go? An important decision had to be made at this
point. If you read on in subsequent chapters of Genesis, the decision made determined to a
great extent the course of their lives.
Similarly today, you and I have important decisions to make. Often, they will affect
others. How can we be sure we are doing the right thing? I would like to point out some
factors from this story that will help us.
1) CHOOSE THE OPTION THAT RESULTS IN PEACE.
From verses 7-9 we read that "...there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's
livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock...so Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be
no strife between you and me, between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.
Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I
will go right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go left." Often when an
important decision is to be made, conflict arises. It may be with others or even within
yourself. You ponder on the options, weigh up the positives and negatives. You may say
"My heart says one thing, but my mind says another!" However Abram gives us some
insight. Abram sought to resolve conflict, and gain peace. We should do the same, and seek
that which will bring peace to all concerned and peace within yourself. You may even have
to surrender your right, like Abram did (notice that Abram went as far as letting Lot
choose which land he wanted). It will be worth it. If you approach the situation with the
selfless attitude that Abram did, God will honour that, and enable you to prosper.
2) THE OPTION THAT IS MOST
PLEASING TO THE EYE, IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST ONE.
Verse 10-12 says "And Lot lifted his eyes, and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it
was well watered everywhere...Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan."
Lot saw the well watered plain of Jordan, and thinks " My livestock will have plenty
of water and grass to feed on" and chooses it for himself. Many of us at times choose
that which looks more appealing, or makes us 'richer' or 'more popular' etc. But do we
take time to 'look under the surface' of things, or consider possible dangers ahead? Lot
didn't, for verse 13 says "But the men of Sodom were exceeding wicked and sinful
against the Lord." In Sodom was rampant prostitution, homosexuality and other sexual
perversion. Sodom was eventually destroyed by God. Abram prayed that Lot would be saved,
and he was. However Lot lost his wife and all his possession (Genesis 19).
3) HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
THROUGH HIS SON.
Notice at the beginning of Genesis 13, in verse 4, that Abram prayed - "And there
Abram called on the name of the Lord." At the end of the chapter, after he had
separated from Lot, Abram praised God, verse 18 - "Abram...built an altar there to
the Lord." Abram had a close relationship with God. Therefore, his character was such
that he could initiate peace with Lot and allow him to choose the 'best' land for himself.
God in turn guided Abram and blessed him tremendously. God is calling you and I to
have a relationship with Him, by accepting His Son Jesus Christ into our lives. Will you
give Him a chance? God is interested in every area of our lives, down to the smallest
detail. In His infinite love, wisdom and power, he can take care of you. You will never
have to look back in life with regret, at the choices you have made. Never.
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