Business/Life 101
A lesson from Genesis Chapter 14
If you google the phrase “greed is good,” your search will immediately produce numerous YouTube video clips of Gordon Greko, the main character of the 1987 blockbuster hit Wall Street, played by Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas. The famous line paints a clear picture of both the business strategy and character of the morally corrupt Wall Street tycoon. Though his take-all-at-all-cost attitude affords him great wealth and acclaim, it ultimately costs him his business, his family and his freedom.
There are examples of this take-all-at-all-costs attitude all around us. In fact, this approach to business and life is often taught, celebrated and even rewarded. Though it might not be as overtly expressed as Gordon Greko’s motto, “Greed is good,” it is often represented in an “I will because I can” approach to life and business.
However, in this reflection, we will look to the life of Abraham to show us another way.
To better understand the story, it is important to note a few facts about the characters and the context.
Characters and Context
In Genesis chapter twelve, Abram is instructed by God to leave his country, his relatives and his father’s house to go to the land that the Lord instructs him. Furthermore, the Lord promises to bless Abram and make him into a great nation.
“Go forth from your country,
And from your relatives
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you;
2. And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
3. And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
(Genesis 12:1-3)
In chapter thirteen, Abram, having followed the Lord’s instruction, is found in Negev with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. However, a conflict arises between Abram and Lot’s herdsmen since both have accumulated a significant amount of livestock. As a result, the two decide to part ways, resulting in Abram settling in Canaan, while Lot decides to settle in the valley of the Jordan. (Genesis 13) Fast forward a scene to chapter fourteen. War has erupted between nine kings, four kings of the East and five kings of Canaan. (Genesis 14:1-3) During the course of the war, Lot, Abram’s nephew, is living in Sodom and is captured and imprisoned. Abram learns of his nephew’s fate and decides to intervene. With only three hundred and eighteen of his trained men, along with some Amorite allies, Abram defeats the enemies and rescues Lot. Victory in hand and having rescued Lot, Abram is met by the King of Salem, Melchizedek, Priest of God Most High. In Genesis 17-20 it states:
19. He blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20. And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
As a result, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of what he has recovered from the battle.
In the next scene, we see a much different exchange between Abram and the King of Sodom. Chapter 14:21-24 states:
21. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 22. Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23. That I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24. I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the sare of the men who went with me, Aner, Eschol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”
First, note the stark contrast between the King of Salem, Melchizedek and the King of Sodom. In verse nineteen, Melchizedek blesses Abram and attributes Abram’s victory to “God Most High.” Abram responds by giving Melchizedek a tithe of ten percent to honour God. On the other hand, the king of Sodom arrogantly meets Abram with a demand, “give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” (Genesis 14:21). The king of Sodom’s demands reflect the wickedness of his heart.
Now, this begs the question: Could Abram have accepted the king of Sodom’s offer?
One could certainly argue that point. He did, in fact, win the battle and from an earthly standard, he did earn the goods. However, the true question is not could he but should he?
By refusing the king of Sodom’s offer, Abram avoided the trap of immediate gratification in favour of the future blessings that the Lord had promised. Furthermore, by refusing the king of Sodom’s offer, Abram chose not to take credit for the victory and acted in such a way that God alone would receive the glory.
Conclusion
In life, it can be tempting to adopt a take-everything-at-all-costs mindset. “Greed is good” might produce immediate rewards, and a “because I can, I will” approach to business and life might fill a bank account or an ego. However, this account from Abram’s life serves as a sort of “Business and Life 101” lesson that teaches us that the people with whom we conduct business reflect who we are as Christians with the potential of bringing honour or dishonour to the Lord. Furthermore, we must always weigh the short-term versus the long-term benefits of every business decision. The world may tell us to seek our treasure here and now and at all costs; however, the consequences of such an approach to life are high, and the cost is eternal. Though we may experience seasons in our lives where we flourish, we must remember that we are only stewards of what God has provided, and as such, to God alone be the glory.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
