The Conflict That Pride Brings
In Genesis 13, a conflict arose between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot because their combined flocks, herds and tents were too numerous for the land to support them together. This tension was compounded by the presence of Canaanites and Perizzites in the area. Abraham immediately took action. Rather than insisting on his own rights — after all, God had promised the land to him, not to his nephew — Abraham stepped back and allowed Lot to make the first choice of which direction to take his herds. Abraham could have pointed out that he was older, that he had the promise from God, and that everything Lot possessed had come to him because of his association with Abraham. Instead, Abraham humbly deferred his own best interests because their testimony was more important to him than a well-watered pasture. How do we deal with tough situations in our lives when we encounter situations similar to Abraham’s? Do we insist on getting our way, or do we take the high road and prioritize relationships over “winning?” We can cultivate a servant’s heart by actively listening, seeking to understand opposing views, and prioritizing the needs of others.
