Prosperity

Genesis 13:8–9

MOST OF US rise to meet adversity with our best character. However, our true character comes out when things go really well. It’s easy to become arrogant, self-sustaining, conceited, greedy, and condescending at such times.

Abram returned to Canaan with greater wealth than when he first arrived from Ur. Genesis 13:2 describes him as “very rich.” The literal Hebrew expression means “heavy.” Today we would say Abram was loaded. He hadn’t responded well to hardship earlier. How would his integrity hold up under the strain of prosperity? What would this divine test reveal about his true character?

When Abram prospered, his nephew Lot benefited as well. But prosperity brought its own challenges. Expanding flocks and herds required increasing amounts of food and water, and at some point the vegetation and water became insufficient to feed both men’s livestock.

Abram could have called Lot to his tent and said, “Look, I’m the adult here, and you’re the nephew. Besides, God gave this land to me, not you. So take your flocks and herds and tents, and find your own land somewhere else!” But Abram didn’t do that.

Abram first affirmed their relationship and expressed his desire to preserve harmony between them. Instead of pulling rank, he became a mentor. In grace, he treated Lot as his equal. He then proposed a solution that put Lot in control of his own fate. This was an unselfish act on Abram’s part. In his growing faith in God, he passed the test of prosperity.

REFLECT

In what or whom do you trust for provision? Do you rely on your own logic and business sense, or do you accept what God chooses to provide?

Greed causes fighting; trusting the LORD leads to prosperity.

PROVERBS 28:25