An unfortunate reality of our world is that strife between people has become very commonplace. We find strife among families, at the workplace, and unfortunately, even in the local church. It has been said that “a quarrel is quickly settled when deserted by one party; there is no battle unless there be two.”[1] As followers of Jesus, how should we handle strife when it comes up? One helpful example comes from the early days of Abraham.[2]
Like many of the heroes of faith, the Lord often tested Abraham’s faith in His promises. After Abraham’s failure in Egypt (Genesis 12:4-20), he would return to the place between Bethel and Ai, where he had previously worshiped the Lord. It was there that Abraham would continue his journey of faith. In time, Abraham and his nephew Lot grew so great in their flocks, herds, and tents that the land could no longer support them both.
“Riches are often an occasion of strife and contention.”[3]
In Genesis 13:7, we find that the abundance led to strife between Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen. As head of the clan, Abraham could have simply chosen what he wanted. Instead, we see where Abraham’s faith is maturing. He knew that the Lord had promised him not only a nation but also land. He trusted the Lord to fulfill His promise without needing to intervene, as he previously did in Egypt.
“Abram was utterly selfless, although, as the head of the clan, he had the right to dictate whatever would be to his own advantage. Peace was more desirable than his own personal advantage.”[4]
Although strife is commonplace among many people today, followers of Christ should endeavor to avoid conflict as much as possible. We can learn from Abraham that one way to grow more mature in our faith is to desire peace rather than our own desires. By doing so, many of the problems that we encounter will resolve themselves.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 NASB 95)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] George Sweeting, Who Said That? Moody Publishers, pg. 120.
[2] The Lord would change Abram’s name to Abraham in Genesis 17.
[3] Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, pg. 28.
[4] Ken Fleming. Genesis: From Creation to a Nation, pg. 151.