Neighbors should share well
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Editor,
Water wells and water rights have been contested since the beginning of human history. The very earliest records of human relationships reveal the struggles that neighbors have had with each other over water ownership. The record is clear, Abraham complained about a well that his neighbor’s “had taken by force.” He then offered his neighbor a gift “to show your agreement that I dug this well” (Genesis 21:25 and 30 NLT). Abraham’s son Isaac encountered the same difficulties with his neighbors, he inherited the wells which his father had dug, he prospered and the neighbors became jealous and “filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt” (26:15). The struggle continued, Isaac moved and dug more wells which were claimed by his neighbors. He moved on until he finally escaped close neighbors, dug another well and named it “open space” (26:22). That sounds like he moved to Montana. His problem was resolved by moving away from close neighbors. That is not a realistic solution for our situation today.
Here in western Montana neighbors have lived side by side for many years using the same ‘well’ (water from our lakes and rivers, springs of water, wells of water and water from heaven). That ‘well’ is now being hotly contested (“nothing new under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 NLT). How will we as neighbors resolve this dispute over our ‘well’ so that we can remain neighborly after this is all settled? We’ll all need God’s help. God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Do we? No. “Do to others as you would like them to do to you” (Luke 6:31). Do we? Sometimes. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you” (James 1:5). Do we? Seldom. I see accountability and opportunity in God’s word. God will hold all of us accountable for how we love and treat our neighbors, whether we’re Tribal or Non-tribal. The opportunity comes as we pray together, asking God for wisdom to resolve this difficult and divisive problem. We can share the well as good neighbors should. Let prayers be offered for the wisdom that is needed.
Harvey A. Town
Polson
