Text: Gen.13:1-7).
“So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the Lord. Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.”
Theme: “Be Mindful Of The Bad Side Of Wealth!”
Prompted by the text I asked AI for the bad side if wealth and it gave this overview: “Wealth, while often pursued for its benefits, can have negative consequences, including fostering greed and materialism, leading to a loss of purpose, and creating social divisions. It can also negatively impact mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Furthermore, wealth can attract those seeking to exploit the wealthy, leading to scams and fraud.”
Wealthy people can align with the bad side of wealth because they know how it is to be wealthy.
The bond of love that existed between Abram and his cousin Lot was about to sever because of increased wealth.
No doubt the wiseman prayed: “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disownw you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”(Prv.30:7-9).
Abram and his nephew we no longer living at ease because their cattle (wealth) had increased! Even though the Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land, discontent was among the herders of uncle and nephew. We can link this to the other sibling conflict of Cain and Abel, subsequent ones between Esau and Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob.
There is comfort in wealth. It is important to create wealth, but we have to watch out for the bad side of wealth that can disintegrate relationships, drain mental health, and disrupt social cohesion.
While we pursue wealth, we must not lose sight of the One who can make or mar us. It is important to note that in the midst of his nomadic movements, Abram had time to call on the name of the Lord.
Do not forget the Lord in your time of plenty!
Prayer: Holy Spirit, humble us to be mindful of the bad side of increased wealth. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
15/07/2025.