Inheriting Conflict

Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children and depart.” 1 Samuel 30:22

For the purpose of today’s blog, imagine that my parents had amassed millions of dollars in their lifetime and that my siblings and I stood to inherit that fortune once they were gone. This knowledge would exert no small influence on my thinking. It’s not difficult to believe that I could see my parent’s money as “my inheritance” long before they’re done with it. In this mindset, it’s a short leap to begin to feel that I should have some say in how they spend that money. Hey, quit wasting my inheritance! Believing I’m entitled, I may even make financial decisions now, based on something I don’t have yet. Anything then, that threatens that inheritance, would be a threat to my own family’s future. In my greed, I may go so far as to wish for my parents to be gone. I just want my money now! I’d also likely fabricate reasons that my siblings were less worthy. I deserve more. Believing that money to be mine, I could think, say, and do things that would tear my family apart.

This doesn’t take much imagination. I’ve seen it happen, and you likely have too. Even while still alive, I’ve seen parents be bullied by their kids about how they spend their money. Then, when the parents passed away, I’ve witnessed the kids turning on each other, making mortal enemies. The parents may have thought they had the will settled, but one of the children believed they were entitled to more, and their greed ripped the family apart.

This is similar to what nearly happened in today’s passage. In the story, while David and his band of men were gone, the Amalekites attacked their home, carrying off their possessions, wives, and children. In pursuit of the Amalekites, David left some of his most weary men behind. Once David defeated the Amalekites, regaining their possessions and families, some of the men plotted to keep everything for themselves, unwilling to share with those who’d been left behind. Recognizing that this would rip his company apart, David insisted that the plunder be shared amongst all, equally. David wisely chose unity over greed.

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils (1 Timothy 6:10). In my greed, I can do and say terrible things, loving money more than family. I may think myself immune, but money (or the promise of money) changes people. Daily then, I must embrace honesty, asking if I’m putting money or people first in my mind. When I put money first, I’m getting it backwards, making myself miserable.