Apostasy in the church and world has become a very popular subject to discuss
because it is a reality. The whole subject is under the canopy of thirteen
(Genesis chapter 13;Apostasy) and its main theme in this chapter is division
(2).

We have to grasp the way the Holy Spirit laid this chapter out in order to
acquire a key understanding of what God is trying to say. Before I get into it
let me just say that there is no question that Apostasy (a falling away from
the truth)causes division;however,does division cause Apostasy? I would have to
say in most cases that this usually is the end result. This model in the
account of Abram gives us two different types of congregations. Abram and his
people typify a leader and a congregation that chose to stick with the truth of
God's Word. Lot and his people typify a leader and a congregation that did away
with the truth of God's Word and fell into Apostasy. Of course I will explain
this in detail telling the truth yet being very compassionate regarding Lot
because he always gets beat up pretty bad in Christian circles.He really was a
Godly man;however, he made a bad choice and his people (congregation) suffered.
Abram's men were fighting too; however,the leader went about God's truth in a
wise fashion and as a result his people (congregation) lived in peace probably
abiding in God's truth. It is very interesting to me that this entire chapter
focuses on Abram's obedience and his longing to know God in a deeper way;
however,very little is said about Lot. That's just something to think about.The
only time God focuses in on Lot is right before the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah because at this point he became mature in the Lord probably because of
the pain he went through in life.

Just to look at this chapter from a practical point of view is interesting to
me. Abram was traveling south indicating that he was still headed for problems
in his life; however,he still had the presence of mind to go to Beth-el to
worship God. If we ate all our food on Sunday or Monday, could we possibly
expect it to last for two weeks?  We would become hungry.It is good he did
because what he was about to face was very serious.He had the common sense to
go back to his origin,his first love even though he had money. He understood
what was really important. As Christians we don't always naturally want to go
to Beth-el but if we train ourselves we will start to understand that it is the
most important part of our lives.If we don't feel we have the will to go we can
ask God to help us. I'm sure He will honor our request.If we don't willingly go
as Christians God will probably arrange our circumstances (hardships) in such a
way where we will give devotion to God and go back to our first love.
Revelation 2:4. If not as this model will showed you in Genesis chapter 13 we
will not be able to make wise decisions if division of some sort comes into our
lives. Abram had this ability because God gave it to him.Lot did not because he
could only operate from the guidelines of 1 John 1:16. For all that is in the
World,the lust of the flesh,and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life,is
not of the Father,but of the World.If Lot went to Beth-el with sincerity there
is a good chance he would have responded God's way.The model shows us if we go
to Beth-el we will have a proper perspective on division.If we don't we will
have a backward response and try to get the upper hand and take advantage of
the situation.

The thing is both of the men on the different sides ( Abram and Lot's men) had a
lot of possessions,they were rich and they desired a better quality of living.
Money by nature divides people.People want more and tend to be greedy if the
fullness of the Holy Spirit is not working in their lives. Abram was the one
who made the initiative to bring peace, not Lot. Not only did he strive for
this but he did one of the wisest things that anybody did throughout the entire
Bible.He took the lower seat and asked Lot if he would desire the
"right" land or the land on the "left."

This is because the people wanted more, yet the irony is they had too much. Lot
of course chose Sodom and Gomorrah because somehow as one of the leaders he got
caught up in the greed. He wanted more.The greed sounds like the World and its'
system of government.When the head moves usually the whole body follows.As a
result Abram and his people were able to live in Canaan which granted was not
as flashy as Sodom and Gomorrah but they lived in peace.According to Genesis
14:16 Lot, his wife and the people were saved by Abram and his men."The
people" were more than likely not even his original people (congregation).
It was only because of Abram's initiative that they were even rescued. To make
matters worse before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Lot could only
convince his wife and his two daughters of the imminent danger, and his wife
did not even make it. Where were his people? In Apostasy somewhere if they were
even alive.To be content with the simple truth of God's Word is a gift from
God. The result can only lead to God's supernatural peace through His Son Jesus
Christ. To want "more" can only lead to a devastating end. For
kings,and for all that are in authority;that we may lead a quiet and peaceful
life in all Godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:2.

Bob D.