[192 words]
Let me share an interesting way to get out of conflict. You could look the other person in the eye and ask, “What works best for you?” Okay, I get this isn’t the most popular option – and that you might rather walk on hot coals than concede anything to someone who is irritating you. But, it worked for Abraham.
Abraham once looked at his nephew Lot and said – let’s not fight over who gets the best land. You pick. I’ll take what’s left. Lot picks what looks like the best spot and leaves—conflict avoided.
But maybe you object. Why does the other person get the best spot? I should get it! But, here’s the point: God can give you more. You choose love over ambition and that’s the road to being blessed. Listen to what God tells Abraham after this happened: “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.” Do you see? It doesn’t matter what we give away! God is a much better giver than we are.
Doug Wells
Camden Avenue church of Christ
Parkersburg, WV