We live in an immediacy-driven culture that idolizes instant gratification because “we deserve it.” The world constantly reminds us about “YOLO” (you only live once). And this is why it is so important for you and I to live with purpose and intention each day and remain committed to what God has called us to do. This is, in fact, the way of wisdom. If we are not careful, we can sacrifice the long-term for the short-term, the permanent for the immediate.
There is an interesting case study of this principle with Abram and his interaction with the kings of Salem and Sodom in Genesis chapter 14. Here’s the context. Just as soon as Abram and his family left Egypt, they encountered some major challenges. One main issue arose from within– the management of Abram’s growing assets. The Bible text states that Abram was “very rich in livestock, silver, gold” (v. 2) and that he had a private, trained security force of 300+ men (14:14). His growing possessions and responsibilities were plenty to handle.
But his nephew Lot also had a growing portfolio of assets, and the area they were all trying to occupy was no longer sustainable for the entire group. The family enterprise had grown to a point where the most practical, common-sense action was for Abram and Lot to spread out for more fertile land. Lot selfishly chose the best for his operation, lured by the opportunities of city life (v. 12). And Abram graciously navigated the situation and allowed Lot to have his way. After all, Abram had personally experienced God’s clear leading along the way, and so he demonstrated faith once again for God to provide.
God’s earlier command, “Go from your country” (12:1), was then realized when Yahweh commanded Abram to “lift up your eyes and look” (13:14) at the land God had promised to give him.
God was faithful to His promise, and Abram was beginning to see the vision play out before his very eyes.
Meanwhile, as a resident of Sodom, Lot found himself in the middle of a geo-political nightmare. A coalition of four kings rose up against five other kings, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were captured, along with Lot, his family, and all of his possessions (14:1-12). Abram received news of the situation and deployed a force of his own to rescue Lot, in the darkness of night (14:13-16). Blood indeed is thicker than water.
When the dust of that battle had settled, there was an incident where Abram was approached in a valley by two different kings (14:17-24). One king, Melchizedek the king of Salem, represented goodness and righteousness and provided Abram with some simple bread and wine. Melchizedek then called upon El Elyon (“God Most High”). He was focused on God, the Giver of the food, and in turn, Abram blessed Melchizedek with a tenth of all his possessions. This is the first mention of a tithe in the Bible.
The other leader, the king of Sodom, tried to negotiate with Abram, suggesting Abram take possessions as his spoils and allow the king to have all the people. It was a businesslike offer for sure, but one that would ultimately jeopardize the vision and call Yahweh had given Abram. While the king of Sodom appealed to an immediate win for both parties, Abram instead prioritized the long-term over the short-term.
As a result, Abram persevered with the vision God had given him and would continue to be blessed.
It shouldn’t be overstated here, but there is something to the way Abram not only handled the strife with Lot and his herdsmen but also negotiated with the kings of Sodom and Salem. He wasn’t short-sighted. He was mindful of the broader context and implications of how he responded. Abram valued God’s long-term calling, and in the end stuck to it when faced with situations where he could have benefited right away. This incident thousands of years ago is similar to ones being lived out today from Wall Street to Main Street.
Do you take the higher paying job even though the company might not be a good fit ethically and morally? Do you become overleveraged with your investments and end up not having liquid, emergency funds? Do you go into debt for a newer house or car, but one you don’t essentially need right now? Do you partner up with that person or with that group even though they aren’t Christians? What seems “better” right in front of us might not be the best. May God give us the wisdom we need to discern between the instant and immediate versus delayed gratification.
[Adapted from devotional 10–Stewarding the Blessing, which is part of the Wisdom Calling devotional series. You can order all 60 devotionals at www.wisdomcalling.org.]