PRINCIPLED

Genesis 14:21-23

The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”

Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’

The real character of a person is tested in the time of challenges or opportunity. We really can boast of whatever character we want, but our response will prove or disapprove us.

What was Abram's first action after God gave him victory in battle? Thanksgiving.

The priest of the Most High received a tenth, the first occurrence of tithe in scriptures. (He never asked for it!)

Melchizedek acknowledged God's power in the life of Abram:

Genesis 14:18-19

And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine.

Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: 

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, 

Creator of heaven and earth.

The next meeting was with the king of Sodom (a nation of sin). 

Genesis 14:21

The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”

Two things we can observe, Abram could see that these people were deprived of their possessions he was not just to return the people captured but the things taken away from them. They would need them to live comfortably.

Secondly, you don't receive a gift from everyone. No

Genesis 14:22-23

Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,

that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’

Not every gift is a blessing. Evil people will always find a way to make a mess of your kind gesture.

In my time I have known people who wanted to take glory for exploits in my life, when they contributed almost nothing to it's success.

Wisdom is needed!

Gehazi learnt this the hard way:

2 Kings 5:20,26-27

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.”

But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants?

Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow.

Being principled is not foolishness, when it is done in obedience to the Lord. We cannot afford to live carelessly.

Again, wisdom - God's direction, is needed.

Father help us to see clearly to know when to act and when not to act. May your wisdom lead us daily by the power of Your Holy Spirit, we ask in Christ's name.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher