My mother has seen families that have been ripped apart over a small inheritance.

Genesis 13:1-18

Reference:  v.6  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. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  My mother is a local doctor in a country town and provides health care for those residing in a aged care facility.  Over the years she has had numerous patients who have died.  She says the saddest thing for her, when a patient dies, is if the family end up fighting over the money and possessions that are left behind.  She has seen families that have been ripped apart over a small inheritance.  This has lead to my parents being very open and definite about their inheritance for when they are to pass away.  Mum would hate for her children to have broken relationships over material wealth.

Application:  In our world we are so consumed by money and possessions.  This is something that has existed for thousands of years.  Here in the very first book of the Bible we read of possessions potentially dividing family.  While Abram and Lot had many great possessions they were not able to live together as the land would not support both of them and there was conflict emerging between the two families.  While it is important for us to have enough money and possessions to survive, our wealth should fade into insignificance when compared to the relationships we have with friends and family.  Too often money dictates relationships rather than relationships taking precedence over money.  That is not how God creates community.  A Godly community shares it's wealth, it prioritizes people over possessions and it makes sacrifices for the greater good.  Maybe today is the day when we need to reassess our priorities and focus more on relationships than our potential wealth.

Prayer:  Lord, all good things come from You.  Forgive us when we get so caught up in having more earthly wealth and fail to see the significance of our relationships with others.  Amen.

How do your priorities weigh up?  Do you focus more on wealth than relationships?