What’s you
r lot in life? Did you ever wonder where that cliché came from? We may not be certain where it started, but it does fit rather well when we consider a certain self-centered Bible character whose lot in life included destroying his family because he became too attached to the world. This man’s name was Lot!
Lot was the traveling companion and nephew of Abraham. He was the type of individual who always felt that the grass was greener in another’s pasture. Eventually this greed took Lot and his family into the sin-city of Sodom, a city so corrupt that it frequently received honorable mention in the Bible.
Although 2 Peter 2:7 mentions that Lot was a righteous man, he nevertheless made some very foolish judgments that dearly cost him, his family, and future generations.
As we look closely at Lot’s connection with Sodom, we discover a startling pattern in his way of thinking.
Genesis 13:10 says Lot looked up toward Sodom.
Genesis 13:12 says Lot pitched his tents near Sodom.
Genesis 14:12 says Lot was living in Sodom.
Genesis 19:1 says Lot was sitting at the gateway of Sodom, greeting those who came into the city.
Do you notice the progression? Do you think Lot was aware of what was happening? Do you think Lot knew he was becoming friendlier with the sinful world around him?
Sadly, Lot was not the only one affected by his terrible judgment. Lot’s wife and two daughters also walked the streets of Sodom, shopping the marketplaces and beginning friendships. Later, we learn that both of Lot’s future sons-in-law refused to listen to the Lord’s warning of Sodom’s destruction because “they thought [Lot] was joking” (19:14). The deviant nature of Sodom took its toll on Lot’s family. This became very evident when he decided to offer his two virgin daughters to the men of the town, telling them to “do what you like with them” (19:8). Is it any wonder that when they fled the city, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist the impulse to catch a fleeting glimpse of what she left behind? She could not tear her heart from her beloved Sodom, and it cost her life. As we read further, we find Lot’s daughters also influenced by the perversions of Sodom as they had incestuous relations with their own father.
What was Lot thinking when he chose the greener grass near Sodom? Did he realize the kind of influence that his decision would have on his family? Did he notice that he was living in a city that couldn’t produce ten righteous people?
But criticism comes easy. Lot’s decision was not too different from Christians allowing foul-mouthed and sex-craved Hollywood into their living rooms. It’s not all that different from not caring what is seen on the Internet. It’s not all that different from allowing family members to live together outside of marriage. Christians who think the world has little influence on their godly families are badly mistaken.
The backsliding doesn’t happen all at once. Accepting the world’s sinfulness slowly creeps into our homes like a cancer. Compromise comes easy. Lot wasn’t the only person capable of gambling with his family’s souls. Sometimes we, too, search for greener pastures. We should look instead for the pastures that the psalmist writes about, “He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:7).
Heavenly Father, help me to realize how much my life affects those around me. Help me to become a positive Christian example to all. Amen.
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