Musick-al note # 284
One of the noblest gestures of all mankind came from Abraham and was given to Lot, his nephew (Genesis 13:1-9). These men were herdsmen and God had blessed them exceedingly so that the land would not support them both at the same place. Their servants began to quarrel about the pasture and the water. Abraham said to Lot, “Choose the portion of land you desire and dwell there and I will dwell in the remainder so that there will not be strife between us, for we are brethren.” What a noble example for us to follow to settle all our strife — to give up the first choice to the younger and weaker brother so that no bitterness would prevail and accept the less desirable with faith that God will provide for us.
Many teachings throughout the Bible are based upon the fact that those concerned were brethren. Many of Paul’s lessons are directly connected to the fact that we are brothers in Christ. Jesus taught that love of the brethren would be a great contributing factor to the spreading of the gospel. The apostle John in all his letters constantly urged the brethren to show love one to the other so that they would be identified as the Lord’s people. We influence all those with whom we come into contact but our influence is even greater with our brethren in Christ. To be indifferent about that influence is certainly not wise, but to be unconcerned and cause other Christians to stumble and the Lord’s work to suffer is to sin against the brethren and against the Lord. Paul said that if eating of meat caused his brother to stumble, he would eat no meat while the world stands (1 Corinthians 8:13). Our lives are not entirely regulated by what is right and what is wrong but also in that which influences our brethren. Therefore measure self-according to this rule also – does my action cause another to be offended, stumble and sin? You will be pleasing in the sight of the brethren for they will know that you care for the salvation of their souls by your self-denial on their behalf.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 