Lesson from Sheep: Conflict Between Shepherds

Genesis 13:1-12…

“ … and there was trouble between the Shepherds of Abram’s livestock and the Shepherds of Lot’s livestock… and Abram said to Lot, please let there be no trouble between you and me and between our Shepherds and for we are brothers. Isn’t the whole land before you? Please separate from me and take first pick and I will go the opposite direction”

Abraham’s and Lot’s Shepherds were having problems with each other. Sometimes the Lord’s Shepherds have problems with each other too. The problem with problems is that if they are not resolved and not resolved in the proper manner relationships and the flock/congregation can be harmed… sometimes irreparably. Maybe we can learn a few things from Abram and Lot.

Abraham communicated with Lot… he didn’t ignore the issue. The life blood of a congregation is effective communication. A lack of communication especially between Shepherds can make the problem worse. In congregations, Shepherds should never make any kind of decision without first consulting the other Shepherds… even if it’s something as simple as what color to paint a classroom. That sort of communication, even at its simplest and most basic level, begins forming the basis for trust.

Notice that Abraham, in his wisdom, saw the direction things were headed with Lot and took steps to prevent it before lasting harm was done. Abraham reminded Lot that they were “brothers”. The importance of that relationship cannot be over stated. The basis for every relationship is trust. If a husband and wife don’t trust each other they aren’t going to have a very good marriage and if a congregation’s Shepherds don’t trust each other then nothing can be accomplished. Congregations are a reflection of their leadership.

Abraham in his humility told his nephew Lot to pick whatever land he wanted and he would take whatever Lot didn’t want. Shepherds in a congregation should subject themselves in humility to each other (when possible). It’s hard for a relationship to go sour if a pattern of subjection has been established. When some sort of crisis arises in a congregation (and it will), if her Shepherds have complete trust in each other, they can focus all their strength and energy in overcoming it.

Abraham greatly valued the livestock (wealth) that God had given him. He also valued his relationship with his nephew Lot whom he called a brother. In his humility he allowed Lot to take the best pasture lands. Because of his humility God blessed him with much more wealth.

Shepherds in congregations likewise should value the sheep they have been placed in charge of and they should also value their fellow Shepherds. Shepherds don’t always have the same abilities. Some are better at teaching, some are better at hospitality, some are better at sharing their wealth and some are better at communication, etc.

It would be a mistake to de-value your fellow Shepherd because you think your abilities are better than theirs. The proper attitude is to be thankful for your fellow Shepherds and appreciate the different abilities that they have.

Like Abraham, Shepherds in the Lord’s church should constantly be looking for potential problems and should treat fellow Shepherds as “brothers”.

Remember a few milliliters invested in prevention is far less costly than a liter invested in a cure.