Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. (Gen 13,5-7)

Abram was "very wealthy" after he had returned from Egypt. But now he also recognized the other side of wealth, which initiated a contention. The property is behind many quarrels between people who would otherwise get along quite well. Shortly after the wedding, my wife and I visited an old man who had lived in an apparently happy marriage until old age and asked him for a recipe for how to keep it. I expected familiar words about conciliation, forgiveness, tolerance and mutual understanding... but his answer really shocked us: "Stay poor!"

Difficult situations bring people together and, until they do not have much, it is easier for them to hold together. Many (former) spouses would certainly testify to this, but also people who started business with an acquaintance or a relative: as long as they lead a hand-to-mouth existence, they remained together. But as soon as they got rich, disputes started. Common property can sometimes be a cause of quarrels even in the church.

The same caught up with Abram. He and Lot are now rich in not so rich a country. Their herds need more and more land to graze and it is difficult to keep them together. They have to send them to different directions, but then the advantage remains with the one who takes the better part.

So who should have the right of first choice here?