Two fatherless boys with the same name took two different paths in life. One chose a path that led to prison. The other boy chose a path that, though often rocky, led to his graduation from a prestigious university. He’s now pursuing a fulfilling career. That story reminds us of the choices Abram and Lot made many years ago. We find in Genesis chapter 13 that disputes broke out between the herdsmen of the two men over space to feed their cattle. That’s when Abram said to his nephew Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we’re relatives!. . . .Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate.” Lot surveyed the land and chose the best part. He settled near Sodom where the people were very wicked and constantly sinned against God. After Lot left, God appeared to Abram and promised to give him all the land he could see in every direction. God also guaranteed him descendants without number —all because he unselfishly chose to live by faith in God. Jim Eliot was right when he said, “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him.”
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
