ANOTHER MONKEY ON MY BACK.

Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me….. for we are kindred. 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 I will go to the left. Genesis 13:10

When Abram left his hometown, he made one little mistake- he took Lot with him, presumably for some male fellowship along the journey. Everything was fine, that is, until they journeyed on into the wilderness. And then the first embers of a little fire broke out that began to strain the friendship. The controversy is very revealing “and there was strife between the herders of Abrams livestock and the herders of Abrams livestock…” v6. What started out as a promising relationship soon took a turn for the worst. Strife can be a terrible thing-each doing or saying something to even the score and the relationship worsens. Until finally Abram could not bear it no longer, so he called Lot his nephew aside and spoke the unthinkable, painful though it was-Separate yourself from me for we are brothers.

How many people go through unnecessary pain and start holding grudges because they did not have the foresight to separate at the right moment? To carry on meaningless relationships which does not edify, built up or encourage is foolishness. Perhaps the one thing that you need to do is to consider cutting off those relationships and friendships that do you more harm than good. It is human nature to retaliate, not to give in. For many they suffer quietly at the abuses and insults of others because they do not have the strength to stand up to their abusers. The better approach is to separate quietly, gracefully without nourishing the idea of having the last word. Anyway what is the point of winning another quarrel with a brother? It just proves that behind the so called winning is a very insecure brother who needs to be proven right all the time.

We quarrel because we are immature, have differences of opinion and many among us believe whatever poison is poured into our ears because of others quarrels. Are there relationships in your life that ruffle your feathers, push your buttons and leave you strained? Do not hesitate any longer. It is enough! Have the boldness to say that you will not carry on like this. If you try to be everybody’s friend you will soon realize that really is a very tough burden to carry. In the end you will end up trying to please everyone taking all kinds of insults and abuses and suffer quietly in the process.

Take the peaceful road and be mature in your dealings with everyone whether you are in the secular world or with your brethren.

Even in the context of marriage the Apostle Paul wrote “But if the unbeliever separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you.” 1 Cor 7:15