“Lot, who was traveling with him, also had sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as his own family and slaves. At this time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the same area, and so there wasn’t enough pastureland left for Abram and Lot with all of their animals. Besides this, the men who took care of Abram’s animals and the ones who took care of Lot’s animals started quarreling. Abram said to Lot, “We are close relatives. We shouldn’t argue, and our men shouldn’t be fighting one another. There is plenty of land for you to choose from. Let’s separate. If you go north, I’ll go south; if you go south, I’ll go north.” This happened before the Lord had destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. And when Lot looked around, he saw there was plenty of water in the Jordan Valley. All the way to Zoar the valley was as green as the garden of the Lord or the land of Egypt. So Lot chose the whole Jordan Valley for himself, and as he started toward the east, he and Abram separated.”- Genesis 13:5-11 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
As we read today’s financial stewardship verses, we see discord between the herdsmen. Also, we see that God had provided a great deal of wealth to Lot, just as He had provided to Abram. When Abram gave Lot the choice of land, Lot chose what was the greener valley. In his mind, he was choosing the better land for himself, his family, and those with him. He gave Abram what was less desirable. However, Abram’s land would be blessed by God.
Abram was free of the anxiety of looking out for himself and his family because he trusted in God. When Abram let Lot choose the land, he demonstrated generosity. It also established trust between Lot and Abram.
We too need to demonstrate generosity in both our personal and business relationships. Generosity establishes trust and good relationships like nothing else. People respond strongly to generosity and remember it for a long time. No one is more generous than God. His generosity knows no bounds. Look around you at all that He has made and marvel in its wonder. Every single human invention is only created because God created us first and gave us the abilities to create other things. Be generous with His blessings because they do not belong to you.
