Pragmatism - Abram And King Bera

Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’”

Genesis 14:22-23

The Salvation Army of Naples, Florida, made the news in 2002 when it rejected a check for $100,000 from a local man who had won $$143 million from the state lottery. Army Major Cleo Damon explained his decision by telling news outlets that he sometimes counseled families made homeless by gambling. He considered it hypocritical to accept money won through gambling of any kind.

In a time when many would have taken a more “pragmatic” approach—”Hey, I don’t approve of gambling, but this money can do a lot of poor people a lot of good”—Damon stood out as a man who stuck to the values he and the Salvation Army held dear.

Abram would have applauded his decision.

Abram found himself in uneasy alliance with King Bera of Sodom, a man whose very name meant “wicked.” Bera’s adversaries routed his forces and captured Abram’s nephew Lot (see Genesis 14:8-12). When Abram learned of Lot’s capture, he called together a band of men to mount a rescue mission. The raid succeeded, as Abram’s men defeated Bera’s enemies, rescued Lot, and recovered all the spoils taken from Sodom and Gomorrah.

The king of Sodom offered Abram a generous reward for defeating his foes. In effect, he was saying, “Let me have my people, and you keep the spoils” (see Genesis 14:21). Abram would have none of it. He gave Bera his men back and refused any further compensation. He also cut all ties with Bera.

Abram refused Bera’s gesture for one reason: He didn’t want the wicked Bera, or anyone else, to believe that the king had made him rich.

Though pragmatism is not all bad, it becomes problematic when you try to get ahead by violating your conscience and God’s standards. You’ll get much further in the long run by sticking to what you know to be right and by setting an example that others can see.