Making The Right Decisions

The world we live in has a great deal of influence on our lives. Some influence is good, but often times the influence we encounter is wicked. That is why we are challenged to not conform to this world (Rom. 12:1-2). We have been given examples throughout the Bible of those who were affected by both positive and negative influences. These examples we have been given are for our benefit. One individual we can learn from is Lot, Abraham’s nephew.

Lot was a righteous man (II Pet. 2:7-8). He also had the benefit of being able to grow and learn from the influence of Abraham (Gen. 12:4-5). However, Lot still made a horrible decision. After the conflict of Lot’s and Abraham’s herdsman in Genesis 13:7-13, we find that Abraham told Lot to separate from him. Given the choice, we find that Lot chose to go to the east which was the plain of Jordan.

This decision Lot made does not seem like a bad decision on the surface. After all, Lot chose the land that was well-watered for all his flock. However, notice where this land was located. The plain of Jordan was near the city of Sodom. This is important because we are told in Genesis 13:13 that the land of Sodom was exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.

Lot’s decision to choose the land near Sodom turned out to be a bad decision. By being near Sodom we find that Lot allowed the influence of this wicked and sinful city to affect his life. Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” Lot’s decision to choose the land near Sodom began the pattern we find here in Psalm 1:1. Notice the verbs of this verse. They indicate a pattern of increasing involvement. One goes from simply walking within distance of the ungodly, to standing in the way with sinners, to sitting down and joining the scornful. This is exactly what Lot did. He started by choosing the land near Sodom and it led to Lot being found “sitting in the gate” in Sodom (Gen. 19:1). “Sitting in the gate” implies that Lot had joined himself to the people of Sodom. He was a citizen of this wicked and sinful city.

Not only did Sodom have an influence on Lot, but the city also had an influence on Lot’s family. In Genesis 19:12-14, when Lot approached his sons-in-law to tell them that the Lord was going to destroy the city, we find that they thought Lot was joking. In verses 24-26 of this same chapter we see that Lot’s wife turned to look upon the city after she was instructed not to. In doing so she was turned into a pillar of salt. Lot’s daughters were also affected by the influence of the city. Their morals were ruined. In Genesis 19:30-38 we read that both of the daughters committed incest with their father. Lot moved to Sodom because it appeared better for his herd. It was a business decision. However, in the end, Lot lost everything he had by going to Sodom.

There are many things we can learn from the example of Lot. We can learn that we must set the right priorities. If we have the right priorities, then correct decisions will take care of themselves (Matt. 6:33). We can learn that exposure to wickedness leads to tolerance and involvement (Ps. 1:1). Finally, we also learn that we will reap what we sow. All of the decisions we make will have an impact on our life (Gal. 6:7).

What kind of decisions are you making today? Are you making decisions that lead you to Christ, or are you making decisions that are influenced by the world we live in? May we all learn from Lot and make decisions that bring us closer to our Lord and Savior.

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