In Genesis 14, we have the only record of Abram going to war. Interestingly, he did that on behalf of his nephew, Lot, who separated from him in an ignoble manner. Despite that, the moment he heard of Lot’s capture, he armed his trained men, got into other alliances and set sail for the battle. Abram seemed to say, “what binds us is stronger than what separates us”. He also understood that when one member of the family suffers, the whole family suffers too. These lessons are much needed in the Church today.
Before you accept or refuse a thing, ask yourself what effect your action would have on God’s name and glory.
The battle was fought and won; and the time came to share the spoils of war. However, Abram refused to appropriate any of the spoils of his conquest. His reason is contained in our text. He did not want the King of Sodom to have the bragging right in his life. He realized that God was the secret of his success. If Abram could forfeit his rights for God’s glory, how much more do we need to exercise caution in areas where we have no claims at all? Before you accept or refuse a thing, ask yourself what effect your action would have on God’s name and glory.