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Genesis 13:8-9
So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. 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."
The way Abram addressed this difficult situation is another example of his wisdom and greatness. He didn't get mad at Lot that their herdsmen were quarreling and fighting each other for pastureland. Instead he gave Lot the pick of the land, and he moved in the opposite direction that Lot chose. There are several lessons Abram teaches us here in Genesis 13:
1. Value People Over Stuff
Abram valued and loved his nephew, Lot, more than his herds and his wealth. He wasn't willing to jeopardize the relationship fighting for what's best for him and his herds. Abram could have sent Lot away, telling him which direction he could go. Abram was wealthier and more powerful. But he didn't. Instead he gave Lot first choice. He could choose whichever land he wanted, and Abram would choose from what was left.
This isn't exactly what Stephen Covey would call win-win, but it is definitely a display of humble love. When you value people more than stuff you're willing to sacrifice what's best for you, when necessary, because you value people more. Abram is really displaying fatherly love here to Lot. A good, godly, parent is always willing to sacrifice earthly stuff for the sake of their children. The relationship is infinitely more valuable.
2. Be a Creative Problem-Solver
The problem that arose between Abram and Lot's herdsmen was the result of a good thing: They were both becoming wealthier and more prosperous. This problem is something that could have torn them apart and destroyed their relationship forever, but it didn't. It didn't because Abram displayed great wisdom in solving the problem.
Notice that Abram doesn't get caught up in arguing with Lot and trying to bully him into submitting to his authority. He doesn't waste time making a case for his own herdsmen. Instead, he focuses on solving the problem. How much energy do we waste in our lives by blaming others and justifying our own actions instead of just solving the problem?
Abram didn't care who was right and who was wrong. He didn't care about any of the "reasons" the two groups weren't getting along. He recognized that they both were becoming more prosperous and as their herds continued to grow the tension between the two groups would only increase. Abram understood the root of the problem and he was willing to make the tough decision that was required to solve it. He recognized that he and Lot had to separate. So he discussed the situation with Lot and the problem was solved. No blame. No animosity. Just peaceful and agreeable resolution to the problem.
3. Be a Humble Servant
Abram was a humble servant of the Lord. He knew where all of his blessings had come from. Because he knew the love of the Lord, he was compelled to love like the Lord. He loved Lot as his own son. His concern was doing what was best for him. He knew he didn't have to fight for the best land or more animals because he knew God was taking care of him and would continue to bless him wherever he went, he had already been given that promise.
As a "man of God" Abram was most likely teaching his family, and Lot's, about God. What a great display of integrity Abram displays here: his actions lining up with what he would have been teaching about God, and how they were to live according to God's will. Abram was actually walking his talk here. He didn't just pay lip service to how we should love each other because God loves us. He was actually letting God's love be displayed through his humble and loving actions. Wouldn't it be great if we could do the same thing everyday?
The good news is: we can. We just have to have the same attitude and outlook that Abram did:
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going... For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8,10)
Abram had his treasures stored up in heaven so he didn't need to fight for "things" here on earth. That is how we develop the same attitude and outlook on life that Abram displayed in Genesis 13, and throughout his entire life.
God bless
Jason Fredrick
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