Genesis 13:5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.
8 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. 9 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.” 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)11 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.
Lots of times we give Lot grief for choosing the better-looking land, but it was Abram who initiated the conversation. One might well view this more as "church planting" than a "church split", except for the afore-mentioned strife between the herdsmen of each group. Sometimes there is not enough room, be it for the number, or for the egos. I have seen many good, nice people who just could not be happy if they were not the one in front, in charge, all the time. There is not enough room for anyone else in their spotlight, and if they cannot be in charge here, they will go there instead. The split here has split reviews: Abram continues to prosper; Lot barely survives. Thankfully, Abram does not view Lot's demise as a sign of personal victory. How do we view it when "the other church" goes down for the count? There is something sick and saddening when it is viewed as a victory. Strife saps life. Let it not be known among us.
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