Avoiding Strife

Genesis 13:5-11 (KJV) Says, "And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. And there was a strife between the herdman of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. 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. Is not the whole land before thee? Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other."

Abram as Abraham was known at first was Lot's uncle, and they lived together with their families. God had blessed them with so much in the way of flocks, and herds that it soon became impossible for them to share land. As the above scripture tells us Abraham's herdsmen and Lot's herdsmen got into a disagreement caused by the problem of overcrowding. When they came in from the field with their cattle,  it was obvious to Abraham and Lot that the overcrowding had caused an argument to ensue. Abraham and Lot could have joined in the argument, and intensified it by doing so. Instead Abraham being a righteous man, and level headed was able to diffuse the argument, and settle the matter in a peaceable fashion. He told Lot that he didn't want trouble between their herdsmen nor did he want there to be trouble between the two of them. He told Lot they were family, and that there was plenty of land for both of them. He told him to choose which land he wanted, and that he would take the land Lot didn't choose. Lot looked over the land and chose the plain of Jordan because it had plenty of water, and it was the best piece of land. Abraham okayed Lot's choice, and they went their separate ways.

Abraham could have told Lot that since he was the eldest he deserved respect, and first choice of the land. He could have become offended that Lot didn't automatically give him first choice, and show him respect without being told he should. Abraham could have been stubborn, fought with Lot, and cursed him out, but instead he opted to give Lot first choice and have the separation go smoothly. Abraham harbored no ill will, bitterness, or anger toward Lot. He gave him first choice regarding the land without hesitation, jealousy, anger, or bitterness, and when Lot chose the best land, Abraham was at peace with his selection.

The separation of Abraham and Lot and their families went peaceably because of the way Abraham handled the situation from the argument among the herdsmen to the choosing of the land. God had promised Abraham early on that he would bless him and multiply him greatly in all things. Abraham trusted God, and knew that he would keep his promise to him regardless of which piece of land he settled down on.  He pointed out to Lot that they were family, and he put their relationship above any of their material possessions, when he stated that he didn't want strife among them or their herdsmen. Being a righteous man, Abraham handled the entire situation in a calm, peaceful, kind, and loving manner.

When situations arise where you feel you are entitled to something and it goes to someone else, how do you react? If you felt you should have received a promotion at work, and it went to someone else how would you react? Would you become angry and bitter letting everyone know you felt you deserved the promotion or would you congratulate the person who received it? If an argument ensues among your family members or friends, do you attempt to diffuse it with a peaceable approach or do you jump right in and contribute to the arguing and confusion?

When problems surface in our lives, it is important that we learn to deal with them in a Christian manner. It isn't necessary to lose our temper, begin cursing, become demanding or act entitled, when attempting to settle a disagreement or make a decision. We need to do our best to talk things out, and resolve issues that come our way in a manner that would be pleasing to God. The smallest of disagreements can destroy relationships, and if we value our relationships, we must be careful not to allow that to happen. It is important that we think things through, and come up with solutions and compromises that work for all those concerned, and that we live in peace with one another. Life is too short for silly disputes to grow way out of proportion leaving hurt feelings, and damaged relationships in their wake. By no means am I suggesting that because we are Christians we should allow ourselves to be bullied. I am simply saying that we need to be willing to give at times, to compromise at times, and to settle issues in a calm rational manner. It is best to avoid strife whenever possible, and on that I think we can agree.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.