Growing up with three brothers taught me to compete. If you snooze you lose. I learned to take my piece of chicken while it was still there. Otherwise, it could be gone. Do you ever see life as a zero-sum? For us to succeed does someone else have to fail? It is easy to get caught up in that kind of thinking.
When Abram and his nephew Lot both became prosperous, their herdsmen quarreled over the resources. I suppose Abram could have pulled rank on his nephew. Instead, Abram gave Lot the first choice of direction and land. Naturally, Lot looked for the best land and claimed it for himself. Abram agreed to that plan. I wonder why? Perhaps the answer lay in God’s promise to bless Abram and make him a blessing.
Everywhere Abram traveled, he had built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. Prayer engenders trust. God had brought Abram safely thus far. He trusted God to lead him and provide for him. As soon as they parted ways, God came and promised all the land to Abram. God blesses us so that we may bless others. When we do, we discover what God can do.
A generous spirit will never leave us destitute. If life is a zero-sum then I have to “get mine” at any cost to others. But if God is a great giver, then I can trust him to provide for me even and especially if I give to others. Roy Hudson, one of my first deacons, was the first person I remember hearing say, “We cannot outgive God.” The God who gave us the air we are breathing will certainly provide what we need to live, and to give.
