In my life I have many choices to make and the reasons for my decision is often selfish. I want to have something. I want to experience something., I want this or I want that.
“11So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.” – Genesis 13:11 (ESV)
When I look at this verse and only this verse, I see that Lot made the decision to take the fertile lands that would be beneficial to his family. What is not seen is the choice that Abram made in allowing Lot to choose.
Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen had been quarreling related to the land for the livestock of each man’s possession. Abram wanted the quarreling to stop and therefore he offered to have Lot take his choice of the land.
“9Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right had, then I will go to the left.” – Genesis 13:9 (ESV)
I see that Abram made the unselfish choice while Lot immediately found the best in his view and chose accordingly. Now, I do not blame Lot for his choice as he was choosing for his needs, but where was his thought for others. His chose was a selfish one and he certainly took the “easy road”.
Abram chose to give to Lot knowing that God would ultimately provide for he and his family. Abram thought of others prior to himself and was rewarded.
“14The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, ‘Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.’” – Genesis 13:14-15 (ESV)
I have to remember that my choices are important to me and my family. They must be from the point of first providing for others. God will take care of me and my family and I have to hang my hat on that fact. My/our needs will be met by my Lord in the time He declares. And all of this starts with the reasons for my choices being grounded in thinking of others first.
What kind of decisions are you encountering each day? When you think about those decisions, who is first in your choice of helping, others or yourself? What are the reasons for the choices you are making?
Trevor's Thoughts 