The NIV 365 Day Devotional

The Law of Addition: Abraham Takes the High Road

Abraham and Lot had reached an impasse. Both had so many possessions that a conflict arose among their herders (Ge 13:7). There wasn’t enough space for all of them to remain in the same area. It would have been easy for both of these men to be overtaken with greed, and it would have been even easier for Abraham to insist on getting his own way. After all, he was the one who started the journey with God; Lot was invited later.

Abraham, however, practiced the Law of Addition by serving his nephew. He allowed Lot to choose which piece of land he wanted. Abraham would take whichever real estate Lot didn’t take. He served generously and sacrificially, giving up what could have been his for the sake of someone else. Abraham could do this because:

• He valued his relationships more than his possessions (v. 8).
• He recognized that he already had more land than he or Lot needed (v. 9).
• He knew that God was in control and would do him justice in the end (vv. 12–15).

This is a great example of a leader taking the high road. Those who do this believe life is too short to keep score. These “high road” leaders realize that God is better at providing for them than they are for themselves. Lot’s decision took him to Sodom, a place where he and his family experienced a bitter life. Abraham heard from the Lord and received a bountiful promise.

Taken from the NIV Maxwell Leadership Bible.