Articles
Lot's Choice
We may remember the story of how Abram and Lot came to Canaan and, since the land could not support them both because of the abundance of their flocks and herds, “there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock” (Gen. 13:1-7). Abram, being the man he was, offered to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left” (Gen. 13:8, 9). Lot “lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere” and “chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east” (Gen. 13:10, 11). It would be a choice he would later live to regret.
How many times do we, like Lot, make choices on superficial reasoning or what seems to be the best, but turns out not to be the case? Let us consider some facts about Lot’s choice, its basis, and its consequences, and then let us learn from his example to not do as he did.
A Selfish Choice. As previously noted, Lot “chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east” (Gen. 13:10, 11), and he did so thinking only of what was best for himself. Lot simply thought about his needs and looked to find what was best for him. He did not stop to think that he had been graciously given first choice and he did not stop to think about what he would leave for Abram; he chose what was best for him. He chose what pleased him. He chose selfishly.
His Choice Was Purely Materialistic. Another thing that must be noted about Lot’s choice is that it was based on purely materialistic factors. Note again that Lot “lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere”; he was looking only at the physical characteristics of the land, and nothing is said about him considering the spiritual consequences of such a choice. It wasn’t even a consideration! To Lot, the only factor in his decision was how well he would be blessed in material matters, and the land he chose was the better choice because of what it would provide for him materially [food for the flocks and herds].
It Was Spiritually Destructive. While Lot was thinking in purely material terms when he made his choice, he should have been thinking about the spiritual consequences of the choice. He looked only at the well-watered green pastures and thought only of how this would benefit his flocks and herds, while a lion was prowling about, seeking someone to devour. Lot’s choice, in all reality, was one that was spiritually destructive to him and to his family.
Although Lot made his choice based on the physical attributes of the land, he would be affected more by the spiritual condition of the people who lived in that land. It is said in this context, “the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord” (Gen. 13:13), and we find later, not long before God destroyed Sodom, that it was said by God of Sodom, “their sin is very grave” (Gen. 18:20); Jude notes that they had “indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire” (Jude 1:7). So sin-filled were these cities that even when Abraham convinced God to not destroy them for the sake of 10 people, they could not be saved. In the midst of this is where Lot chose to live. Though his choice was all about the material offerings, his lack of consideration for the spiritual condition of the land meant he would live surrounded by utter sinfulness.
Lot’s choice was for material reasons, and his failure to consider the spiritual aspect of his choice led him to live a miserable life while surrounded by these godless people. Peter, in the context of speaking of God’s certain judgment on evil men and His ability to save righteous men, reminds us of Lot’s situation, in which he was “greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)” (2 Pet. 2:7, 8). Can we imagine a daily torment because the environment was so filled with wickedness?
His Choice Led To Captivity. I am sure Lot, if he had known what he would face because of his choice, would have chosen differently. Eventually, the surrounding nations — ones who had defeated them in battle and ruled over them for 12 years until they rebelled — attacked Sodom and Gomorrah, including Lot (Gen. 14:1-12). Though it was certainly not what he planned, Lot’s choice led to his captivity.
Though he resided in the land with many others, when he was taken captive, he got no help from his fellow citizens. It appears that Lot was one who did not blend in with the community he had chosen to be his home, and the absence of help from his neighbors reflected this. It was, as is often the case with a selfish society, ‘every man for himself.’ Later, right before the city was destroyed by God and when the messengers came to the city to see its condition, the men said of Lot, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge!” (Gen. 19:9). Clearly, they had no love for a man who lived righteously amidst profuse sin. It showed when they were invaded and Lot was left to fend for himself.
When Lot made his choice, it took him away from the ones who loved him and he lived among those who cared nothing for him or about him. When the enemy invaded and “took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and…Lot,…and his possessions, and went their way” (Gen. 14:11), none of his fellow citizens did anything to prevent it. But when Abraham heard of it, “he led forth his trained men, born in his house…and went in pursuit…Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people” (Gen. 14:14-16). Though he had chosen a life away from the one who had been gracious to him, he was not abandoned by him just because he made a selfish and a poor choice. The one who truly loved him came for him and freed him from captivity.
Lessons for Us. When we stop and consider the consequences of Lot’s choice, it should be clear that what follows when we make choices is not always what we had hoped or expected. To eliminate a good portion of the ills that comes from poor choices, we would do well to learn from Lot’s choice and ask ourselves a few questions before making a final decision:
Is it a selfish choice? One of the most important questions we can ask before making our choices — whatever the choice may be — is, “Am I doing God’s will or my will?” Are we asking what the Lord wants us to do (Acts 9:6), and are we seeking to please self or Him (2 Cor. 5:9, 10)?
Is it spiritually destructive? Far too often, even disciples make choices without considering how this will affect them spiritually. In many ways, our choices could make the difference between becoming spiritually stronger or becoming spiritually dead.
Will it lead to spiritual captivity? Sometimes, what looks best for the moment may, in fact, lead us back to where we are captive to our adversary and slaves to sin. Choose wisely. — Steven Harper
