And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle, and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle "(Gen. 13:7). Whosoever engages in strife shows that he is on low ground, spiritually. The subject of the strife here is the cattle possessed by these men. It was the cattle that made Lot decide for the plains of Sodom, well watered and fertile. Temporal interests are right and proper. ' "If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel" (or unbeliever). A man of the world has natural affection, and will provide for his own, just as sinners love those that love them. It would indeed be a reproach if a Christian man showed less love and care for those near to him than a worldling did.

One then should labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have to give to him that hath need. But temporal interests must be watched lest they draw the hearts from the things of Christ. How often have God's people been led into strife through temporal affairs, or, worse yet, been lured toward Sodom. We are living in an age of speculation. Men wish to make a competence rapidly and easily, and are drawn into the whirl, excitement, and worse, of the world's ways. Like Lot, they are drawn into Sodom. Ah! too often have peace of conscience and joy of heart been bartered for this world's cattle. "But they that will be (are determined to be) rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts" (i Tim. 6:9, 10).

God blesses a man's labor, and may give even riches. The thing to guard against is that absorption, which draws the soul away from Christ and His interests:A lean soul is a bad companion at any
price.

"Thy servants have cattle " (Num. 32:4). The tribes of Reuben and Gad urged this as a reason for remaining on the east side of Jordan. They came short, practically, of their high calling. Pharaoh had tried to induce Moses to leave the cattle in Egypt, which would answer to a man leaving his business in the world, not subject to the word of God. Pharaoh did not succeed, but selfish interest did keep these tribes from their rightful place.

Are we, any of God's saints, held from going in to possess our full portion in Christ? What interest can dispute Christ's place in our hearts?

The east side of Jordan may not be Sodom, spiritual wickedness, but it is not the heavenly place which God has appointed for our chief enjoyment. We need not fear that He will fail to give us all needed earthly good, but we do need to fear lest our absorption with these things hinder us from the path of faith, and enjoyment of heavenly things.

We are not to be ascetic, nor foolish, but we are to be whole-hearted for our blessed Lord.

The woman of Samaria told the truth when she said Jacob and his cattle drank from the same well. Every earthly spring is like that; we drink it in common with the world; it cannot quench the soul's cravings. " Whoso drinketh of this water shall thirst again."

The tribe of Manasseh, as has been shown, (See the Numerical Bible) had a portion on both sides of the River. Forgetting the things that are behind, and pressing on to what is before, we really get the good of heavenly things and all of earth that we need. The Lord teach us to be like Manasseh. May Christ, our blessed Lord, be first in our hearts and thoughts, and He will see to the cattle also. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."