The Test of Humility

Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. (Genesis 13:9-11)

 

The conflict over Abram's interests versus Lot's was one of those controversies engineered by God, because He was determined to separate Abram and Sarai to Himself. Abram, to his credit, chose not to take preeminence, stake a claim, pull rank, negotiate, or even flip a coin. He simply humbled himself before Lot (who, as the younger, should have humbled himself before Abram), and his gracious behavior resolved the conflict before it could do more damage. Abram was led by the Spirit to humble himself and take what seemed less, and Lot took what looked best. To this very day, the children of Abraham walk in the Spirit of humility, and that Spirit will always lead us to the higher ground of consecration -- separated unto the Lord. Abram humbled himself and passed the test, and so must we!

 

Humility is, perhaps, the most overlooked trait of greatness, and it is hard to find, even among saints. We, too often, fall into the false belief that we should be first, when Jesus clearly says the last will be first in His kingdom. Yet, the humble man and woman is always willing to take the lower place and wait for the Lord to exalt them in due time. Lot would soon regret his decision, and he would find himself in Sodom, a place destined for destruction. Abram, through humility, dwelled and prospered in the will of God. May we, as Abraham's children, follow his example, humble ourselves, and receive the promises that are ours in Christ.

 

Let’s Pray – Lord, teach us to understand the issues before us as You understand them. May we fight the right fights, letting go of what might seem good, and receive Your best! In Jesus Christ, Amen.