Choose the Lesser Lot

“Then Abram said to Lot, ‘Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.’” (Genesis 13:8)

Abraham and his nephew Lot were primed for a family quarrel. After settling between Bethel and Ai, the cargo and companions of the two kinsmen grew so large that their herdsmen began to clash. 

Abraham could have put up his fists to fight for his land, but he had already received a promise from God: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).

God had already guaranteed his lot of land, so Abraham conceded the battle before it began:

“Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” (Genesis 13:8-9)

Looking across the land, Lot chose the most beautiful plot his eyes could find—the Jordan Valley in the east. He thought he had scored a deal, but in truth, he had settled in a city that God was preparing for destruction (Genesis 13:13). 

Lot had the pick, but Abraham had the promise. After Abraham sacrificed the best piece of the landscape by faith, God assured him that he had sacrificed nothing: 

“Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.” (Genesis 13:14-15).

If “all things are yours” in Christ, you don’t need to fight for your territory (1 Corinthians 3:21).

Because God has given you the promise, you can give up the first pick.

Because he fights on your behalf, you can wave the white flag and surrender your self-defense.

Because he has made you an heir of the kingdom, you can choose the lesser lot.