Advantage

Abram discerned that the best course of action was to separate from Lot’s family, giving them the opportunity to establish their own space...but where? The patriarch showed remarkable humility and generosity. Instead of asserting his seniority to claim the better portion of land, he offered Lot the first choice. “If you go left, I’ll go right; if you go right, I’ll go left,” he proposed. Lot, the younger of the two, gazed out at the vast plains of Jordan, lush and teeming with promise. Envisioning a thriving future for his family and clan, he chose the verdant expanse. Yet, as fertile as it appeared, it came with an ominous caveat. His future neighbors were far from ideal. As the Bible plainly states, “the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”

Abram, in contrast, turned his focus to the land of Canaan. After Lot departed, God reaffirmed His covenant with Abram, declaring, “For all the land that your eyes can see, I will give to you and your descendants forever.” It was a moment of divine reassurance, a promise of enduring blessing despite the seeming of Abram’s selfless decision.

In life, humanity often seeks to secure advantage at the expense of others, striving to come out on top no matter the collateral damage. Perhaps right now, you find yourself pressed under the weight of another’s ambition, struggling to navigate a way forward. Remember this: when God is your shield and your foundation, you can always stand firm, looking ahead with faith, boldness, and unwavering trust. The victory is already yours to claim. Go forth and conquer.

— YorkAli Walters