Yesterday I began a series on the 5 Wells of Issac and how they relate to our relationships with others. The scripture reference I am using is from Genesis chapter 26. Yesterday we learned about Well #1 Jealousy. Today we look at well #2 Arguments.
ARGUMENTS (verse 20 of Genesis 26) “Strife”
Jealousy can be subtle, gently removing you from the scene (withdrawal). We do not want to be around those who are jealous of us. However, as in this section of Genesis 26, jealousy can turn into opposition and even into open arguments. Esek, the word used in the original text, can even mean a “lawsuit.” Envy brings strife, and strife brings contention. A person you never quarreled with before will suddenly begin to act like your enemy, openly challenging you for no apparent reason. I believe this spirit is on the rise in America.
Many times others do not have an issue with us until we decide we want something. It may not even be something they use. However the fact we want to use it makes them think they are going to loose it. "Oh your not using that, well can I have it?" Now all the sudden they are not sure that it is of no use to them. Why? Because they now want to reconsider because if you want it then it may be worth something after all. So then it is not that they want it or that it is valuable to them, they just don't want you to have it.
This is a childish state of being. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He can get you more of where that came from; whatever "that" may be. A hoarding spirit is a spirit of greed. This spirit indicates we do not have sufficient faith in the fact that God will meet our needs. If we have a fear of giving then we also lack faith in the word that tells us freely we have received so we are to freely give and that whatsoever we sow we will reap.
It is interesting to me that Issac however did not start arguing back. He did not react he responded and moved on. This indicates to me that his faith was sufficient to believe that the word given to his father was going to come to pass and that God would provide for him.
What about you? Is your faith at the level that you can let go and let God? If so great. If not faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. So get in the word and let the word get in you!
Until tomorrow work on relationships so your relationships work!
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