There is a legend from Greek mythology that the god Hercules was
once walking along a narrow road when a strange-looking creature
appeared threateningly in front of him. Hercules struck this creature
with his club and passed on, but soon afterwards was surprised to be
confronted by this same creature, only now three times as large.
Hercules struck it again and again and each time it grew in size until
finally it completely blocked the road. Then the goddess Pallas Athena
appeared to Hercules and told him to stop. ‘The monster is called
Strife,’ she said. ‘Let it alone, and it will soon become as small as
it was at first.’

All quarreling and strife will certainly return to manageable
proportions and ultimately cease if one of the quarrelers lets it alone.
One is either a peacemaker or one is a ‘stirrer’ – determined to keep
the argument going for the sake of personal gain or satisfaction. Take
Abraham. His herdsmen quarreled, and he and Lot might have quarreled
too, had not Abraham taken the wise course and ended it. ‘Lot,’ he
said, ‘this won’t do. Let there be no strife between you and I or
between my herdsmen and yours, for we are all brothers.’ And then he
became the generous mediator and told Lot that he could have the best
land in the east, if that was what he wanted. It was wise to separate
the two groups and it was generous of Abraham to give Lot first choice.
As an elder and clan chief he could have dictated terms but he was above
meanness and was blessed as a result.

Abraham was above personal gain, he did not seek after flocks and
herds, silver and gold, servants or the best land. God was sought
first; other things were added. Lot, on the other hand, couldn’t keep
his eyes off the fertile plain of Sodom. He wanted it; then he wanted
more; he got it; then he lost it all.

Abraham was magnanimous, Lot was selfish. Abraham was strong, Lot
was weak. Abraham was charitable, Lot was self-seeking. How full is
the world of grasping little Lots who always go for the biggest slice,
the vacant seat, the first look at the daily paper. And how full is the
world of leaders of nations and of business who follow the Lot
philosophy. They want power and advantage, then they want more, often
they get it, then they lose it all. The philosophy of Lot is Strife. Do
you have a disagreement with someone? Be like Abraham and lay the
quarrel down, it is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Do it
today. Phone or write, but do it.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Genesis chapter 13

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement
originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe email
<> with the words ‘subscribe word (or) word
and study’ Enquire about our weekly e-mail newsletter for young people.

Pastor Ron Clarke (Mark 16:15)
Email:
Internet Home Pages: http://www.pastornet.net.au/word4week
(Kids World) http://www.pastornet.net.au/kidswld/index.html