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The story of Lot, Abraham’s nephew is a story that presents useful life lessons. It is about family relationships, trust, love, conflict, crisis, grace, and loss. In genesis chapter 13, the story presents Lot and Abraham as being very rich but in conflict. They were now so wealthy with livestock that the land could no longer provide pasture for their herds, causing conflict between their herders. Abraham, then asked Lot to choose any part of the land that he desired. This most have been a painful decision as they have always lived together.
The goal was to avoid quarrels between their clans. Note that both Abraham and Lot were wealthy and righteous. Recall also that it was Abraham that was called of God (the one the promise was given to) and not Lot. Also, Lot got wealthy by following Abraham, a man blessed tremendously by God. Despite all this Lot had a flaw that would soon be revealed during crises.
Having laid out the background of this story, let’s look at the life lesson and areas of application.
The consequences of Lots choices
Though Abraham asked Lot to choose, we see latter that he made a bad choice. Verse 10 says Lot lifted up his eyes and choose the green and fertile land close to Sodom and Gomorrah. Obviously, Lot was guided by his senses. Someone will say, “what’s wrong with that?”. In God’s kingdom, the senses (flesh) lead to destruction. What looks good reasonable is not always good. The yardstick of measurement is the word of God and the Holy Spirit. He could have prayed to God first or asked Abraham for advice, but he looked with his eyes and made a sense-based choice. He chose an area that will soon be destroyed by God though it looked fresh and green. He even chose to remain in the city though he knew they were extremely sinful, and their actions vexed his spirit (2 Peter 2:7). He preferred comfort over spiritual truth. He still made the same mistake when the angel was taking them out of Sodom and Gomorrah and the consequence was catastrophic. Notice that God did not challenge his choices. Why did God not challenge his choices?
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We are called to walk by faith (trust in God’s principles) and not by sight (sensory perception). What is that decision you are about to make that seem logically right? Have you prayed about it? Have you consulted the Bible? Are you allowing your desires to lead you and give you visions that are not of God? This crisis is a test for us all. Will you choose with your senses or the word of God? Will you be faithful when you are challenged on account of what you believe?
Remember the right to choose is a gift from God. We could have been designed as automatons that simple act exactly the way our creator desired but that would tyrannical. Since tyranny is not one of the fruits of love our creator conceived beings that could choose but then also informed us of the consequences of our choices.
Every great gift comes with responsibilities. As a child I got a toy gun as a gift. Before video games this was the best gift. This one shot out pellets that could be painful in close range. When presented this gun, I was reminded of the consequences of using this gun on a child or adult at close range. Did that stop me from testing it at close range?
Today, we are faced with extremely difficult choices. These choices may have been triggered by the current global crises. Due to pervasive fear mongering, deception, division, and strife these choices seem challenging. But remember, God and his kingdom are unmoved by these challenges. God expects us to make the right choices despite the crises.
Some have lost friends, family members, friends, jobs, and businesses. As Christians we are called to make word-based choices and not sensory choices. They are not always pleasant, comfortable, or trendy. That man or woman choosing to fight for their marriage or relationships may not trend but it’s the right choice. That young person choosing to maintain their perspective about abortion or drugs may be laughed at but it’s the right choice. That family that still goes to church may look odd, but the Lord told us not to forsake the gathering of his people. That business idea that God has given you should not die because of fear, deception and other hallmarks of darkness but thrive. Thrive because you apply sound business principles and faith in God. There is a reward for all those like Abraham that make the right choices. And it is those that overcome and endures to the end that will be saved. This crisis will end. The King is coming. Remain steadfast.
If your are not yet a Christian, you can choose Jesus Christ as your Lord now and we will send you the book “Now that you are Born Again” and pray for you.
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