WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on Genesis 13:5-7

5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land. >

Wealth was a blessing from the Lord to both Abram and Lot. Yet, because of the sinful nature of human beings, that blessing also became a source of tension. Their possessions were so great that they could no longer live together—not necessarily because of conflict between Abram and Lot themselves, but because of the people who worked for them, their herdsmen.

Throughout history, we see again and again that wealth can bring division within families. There is nothing wrong with being rich. But there is everything wrong with greed, which is always whispering, “It’s not enough.”

So what is the solution to resolving tension between individuals or groups? One word—faith.

Abram had faith in God, who is always generous and faithful to keep His promises. Because of that faith, Abram reflected God’s generosity toward Lot and his people by letting them choose first. Abram knew that when he trusted God, the outcome would always be best in God’s eyes. The rest of the story proved it.

When we face possession-related tensions in our own families, as followers of Christ, we are called to continue trusting the Lord with His ultimate provision and settlement for our lives. I recall one painful memory caused by troublemaking elders who led half of the church away to start another congregation. They took what seemed best in their own eyes and left me, as a young and new pastor, with the parts they did not want. They deleted more than 50% of the church’s member data.

We used to have two English-speaking Sunday services: (a) 9:00–10:30 and (b) 11:00–12:30. They “cunningly” told me that the best service time was 9:00–10:30 so they could start their new church at 11:00–12:30—the time most expatriates preferred, since many do not want to wake up early on Sundays.

I remember speaking to my own soul and to the remaining congregation: I would leave judgment and justice to God. I chose to fix my eyes on Jesus, not on the resources or possessions taken away by others. I am grateful that the Lord has never failed to bless our church and the many lives of those who chose to stay.

Faith in the Lord always leads to a generous lifestyle, which receives God’s abundant provision. This kind of faith cannot merely be taught—it must be caught. May you experience this reality in many aspects of your life. Amen.