Two Christian ladies had to share the same office. They fought like cats and dogs. One always wanted the window open; the other wanted it closed. “I feel I am going to suffocate in here!” said the one. “I’m going to die of a cold!” retorted the other. Finally, a co-worker came up with a suggestion. “Why don’t you keep the window closed until one of you dies of suffocation and then keep it open until the other dies of pneumonia. Then we’ll have some peace around here!”
We laugh at this story, but it’s true to life. When Christians have disputes, it hurts the testimony of the Lord. Abram and Lot are members of close kin. A serious strife arises between their herdsmen. Since the time Abram decided to leave Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:31—32), after hearing the voice of God for the first time (Acts 7:2), it appears that throughout his journeys up until this point, Abram had confided in Lot, especially since he and Sarai had no children (Genesis 11:30). Abram may have even seen Lot as his heir apparent. But in due course of time, both of them grew big, so big that the land could not contain them, “And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock (Genesis 13:7a). But the verse does not end there. Somehow the Holy Spirit reminds Moses to add in the additional information for us readers to read, “The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land (Genesis 13:7a).” Some could make the argument that the Canaanites and the Perizzites may have been the cause of Abram’s and Lot’s peaceful coexistence in the land. However, the proposition that Abram makes to Lot in verse 8, and the reason for his proposition, “…for we are brethren,” gives light to the true motive for the separation. Most likely it was because their strife was going tarnish the name of the God, who called Abram.
This reminds me of the high priestly prayer that Jesus offered, on the eve of His death, when He prayed that His people might be one that the world might believe (John 17:20—23). When we exhibit unity in the body of Christ, the world is bound to be attracted to Christ and the church (John 13:34—35). When we don’t, the world is repelled. Could it be possible that the Holy Spirit wanted us to learn a lesson on resolving conflicts, from this story of Abram and Lot? After all, Abram was told by God that “Through him ALL nations shall be blessed!”
Stephen Thomas
Stephen is an ordained Christian Minister and a Bible teacher who is a mentor to several youth leaders in Crossway Church and around the globe. He is a regular visiting Speaker in Crossway Church, New Delhi. He can be reached atstephenthomas6400@hotmail.com
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