SO MUCH FOR PARADISE
So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. Genesis 14:11-12
What looks good to me may not be good for me. When I choose something based on eye appeal, without the wisdom God offers, I will be a casualty of my ignorance.
Abram had been generous. He and Lot had stood overlooking the vistas of new land and a new future and Abram gave Lot first choice of where he’d like to settle. Lot was not prayerful, did not seek God, and did not seek Abram’s advice either. He grabbed the greenest and most promising land to the East (Sodom) and settled there. He did not know the folly of making such a critical decision without prayer. In just thirteen years, enemies would come in, conquer the land, and then take Lot and his family captive.
Seeing how this story turned out, I can over-correct in the flesh and do the opposite thing. I vow to pick the lesser of two choices, as a rule, to self-protect. That is equally foolish. The problem was not the lush land of Sodom. The problem was Lot’s heart and his casual disregard of God.
The take-away is this. I must not let anything temporal control me. I can enjoy beautiful things but should hold them loosely. Enjoy the things but worship God. When presented with a job offer, one lucrative and one modest, I know that I will naturally be drawn to the one that promises wealth. That being true, I also know that I can’t trust myself. Only God knows if that option is good for me. What I really want is His choice lest I become the likes of Lot whose perceived good fortune led him into slavery.
What choices are you weighing today? Who to marry, where to move, what job to take, where to move a parent with special needs, what church to attend… The choice that seems obvious may be the wrong one. The one without the glitter may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. God is all too willing to reveal His secrets to any child who comes acknowledging that he is void of wisdom.
One final thought. Lot knew God had spoken to Abram and promised him a blessed future. Leaving Abram at all, preferring to live anywhere else, was his greatest mistake. I continue to make my company with those who walk closely with God and are under His blessing and favor.
I make such a mess when I live by my senses. I can’t tell what I’m looking at, even though it’s pretty. Oh God, protect me and lead me. Amen.
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Tuesday, 17 May 2016.
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