October 18
Choices
Lot chose that land for himself-The Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.
Genesis 13:11
When we read the story of Abraham (here still named Abram) and Lot in Genesis 13, we are reminded that people display their true character by the choices they make. During Abraham’s sojourn from Haran to Bethel, he had become very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold. Abraham and Lot’s herdsman weren’t getting along, so Abraham decided it was time to part ways. It would have been culturally appropriate for Lot, as the younger man, to show his respect to Abraham by giving him first choice of the land, but the opposite happened. Lot saw what appeared to be the most fertile land and selfishly chose it for himself, even though it included the corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, on the other hand, allowed Lot to choose, knowing full well that from a human perspective he might receive the worse end of the bargain. He had faith that God would provide what he needed.
Through Lot’s series of choices, he moved away from light and toward darkness. First he looked toward Sodom, next he pitched his tent toward Sodom, and eventually he lived in Sodom. Abraham’s choices stand in great contrast to Lot’s. Lot chose with his eyes and found corruption, but Abraham chose by faith and found blessings. In Lot’s insecurity he chose selfishly, and his life became progressively more isolated; but Abraham’s unselfishness in allowing Lost the most fertile land was rewarded with promise to give him all the land he could see-in every direction!
It is very easy and tempting to make choices based only on what we see or what is readily available. How much harder, but wiser to seek and follow God’s wisdom about a significant choice. In all out choices we need to be moving toward Christ and his light, not away from him and toward darkness. As we practice living that way, we model wise choices in front of our children.
Father,
Please help us to walk by faith and not by sight.
Amen.
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