The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-20
Riches Often Bring Trouble

Gods blessing upon Abraham, shared
by Lot. led to more or less ambition and
strife, not between the two men them
selves, but between their servants. Abra-
ham loved peace, and perceived that 1t
would be wise that the two families should
part. Lot assented. Abraham gave him
his choice as to the section of country,
and Lot chose the most fertile-the plain
of Sodom, in the valley of the Jordan.
Lot made his home in Sodom, while his
flocks and herds were pastured in the fer
tile region surrounding. Doubtless Lots
wife had to do With the choice. The fam
lily lived there three years, although the
riches of the country had debasing ef-
feet upon the people. Lots righteous soul
was Vexed--this more than offsetting the
charm of the country which his wife SO
loved. Looking back with longing heart
at the time of its destruction, she was
overtaken in the catastrophe which her
husband and her daughters escaped.
Abraham on the contrary. fixed his
heart and his hopes upon the gracious
promises of God, which appertained less
to the present md more to the future life
Sarah his wife, was real helpmate, who
shared her husbands hopes and desired to
co-labor with him faithfully for their ac-
complishment. In these two families,
both well intentioned, we see illustrated
the difference between seeking chiefly the
divine approval and seeking chiefly earth
ly welfare and ease.
Many Christian people today make sim
liar mistakes to that which Lot made
They allow conflicting earthly interests to
separate them from the blessings of Gods
greater favor. They thus involve them
selves and their families in the snare of
the wicked, while at heart preferring
righteousness. The Masters advice
should be remembered. Seek ye first the
kingdom of G.d and His righteousness
Leave to God the oversight and care of
earthly interests. that He may give you
lessons and experiences most helpful TO
you. Those who follow His advice find
peace and JOY which the world can neither
give nor take away-''the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding
Gods Blessing Makes Rich
Whoever has the Lords blessing is rich
indeed. regardless of the amount of this
worlds goods which he possesses. Alas!
it seems impossible for the world to un-
derstand that the blessing of the Lord
constitutes the true fund of riches and
pleasure forevermore. Those whom the
Lord makes rich with His promises and
His favor have the joy which others vain
ly seek.
These true riches. during the gospel
age, are obtainable by all who learn of
Gods favor in Christ. In Christ are hid
der all the treasures of divine wisdom,
love and power. TIL eonly ones who now
obtain g share of these blessings such
as become followers of Jesus through
faith and fun conservation. Nevertheless,
In Him are also restitution blessings, to
he dispensed during the millennial king
dom.-Acts iii19-21.
Gods covenant with Abraham is sew
eral times repeated in slightly different
form. AS this will be the topic next week,
We will here merely ask the reader to
note that 1t was not a heavenly, but an
earthly promise-''all the land which thou
seest;' and to an earthly people-'I will
make thy seed as the dust of the earth.
These are wholly different promises from
those which appertain to the spiritual
seed of Abraham.