Genesis 14:22-23 KJV – “And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:”
The Bible says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity,” and in this passage, we see Abram doing just that. He believed the Lord and lived out the claims of his faith. How do we come by such a virtue? Integrity should certainly be taught in the home, but it becomes solidified through experience.
Abram was returning from a recent battle and two kings came out to greet him—kings who represented two opposing ways. The king of Salem bestowed sustenance and blessing while the king of Sodom offered a deal with quick results and promised wealth (Genesis 14:17-21). Abram could have reasoned that Sodom’s offering was the means of God’s blessing. Yet he understood the danger of depending upon external things that can be seen and touched, but must eventually yield to time and return to the dust.
Abram’s integrity was strengthened as he chose to rely upon the “Possessor of heaven and earth” rather than men. He believed God was faithful and had no need to take what Sodom offered, not even a thread of a sandal strap!
The temptation of the immediate rewards of man in place of God’s provision continues to challenge believers today. We would all do well within our homes and the church if we followed Abram’s refusal of carnal means and methods. By the grace of God, may we learn to rely on Him alone, for His glory and our blessing.
Awaiting His return,
– Pastor Jack
