Genesis 14:22-23 states, “But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, “I have made Abram rich….’”
The Bible says elsewhere that “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 can certainly be taught in the home, although some things are best solidified through experience.
As Abram returned from a battle, the king of Sodom came out to greet him, as did the king of Salem—two kings representing two ways of living. The king of Salem bestowed sustenance and blessing versus the king of Sodom, who 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 wisely saw the danger of depending upon external things that can be seen and touched and 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 accepting 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 growth.
