When Conflict Wants to Arise.
“And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.”
Genesis 13:8 (KJV.)
Abraham was called by God to go out from his father’s house to a place that God would show him.
Abraham went, but he took his nephew Lot with him.
At one point, because of the small space and the big herds, there appeared to be conflicts between their servants.
Think about the circumstances: Abraham was the man chosen by God and was also the Israelites’ first patriarch.
He was the one with the tremendous promise from God. (Genesis 12:3 KJV)
Abraham:
Chose grace instead of the law.
Humility instead of pride.
Giving up instead of keeping his rights.
Mercy instead of justice.
Love instead of lust.
Character instead of popular opinion. Abraham’s priority was his family, but Lot’s priority was enrichment:
Abraham was led by faith, Lot was led by greed.
Abraham was generous. Lot was the one who always liked to receive.
How did the story end?
What happened?
The young man should have patiently submitted to Abraham.
Abraham did not take advantage of Lot.
He allowed God to direct him.
“And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thous seest, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed for ever.” Genesis 13:14-15 (KJV) When you get into a conflict, be like Abraham.
Ask God for directions.
He will show you a peaceful and prosperous way out.
Application for the Christian life:
Depend on God.
Resist conflict.
Allow God to make the decisions.