"Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD." (Genesis 13:12-13, ESV)

When someone moves to a new location, there are so many things to consider. How much will suitable housing cost? Is the neighborhood safe? What is the quality of the school district? Is the area convenient for shopping and for commuting to work? Do neighbors maintain their properties? Is there a church nearby that upholds biblical truth?

Any move requires serious thought. Your family's wellbeing is at stake.

THE DECISION TO SEPARATE

Genesis 13 tells the story of Abraham and Lot. Both men owned sizeable flocks and herds, and the land could no longer support both. With constant bickering between their herdsmen because of the situation, it was time for the two men and their households to separate.

Although Abraham was the elder of the family, he graciously allowed Lot, his nephew, to choose the land he desired. Abraham would then move in the opposite direction.

Lot quickly noticed the well-watered plains to the east and chose to move toward Sodom. It may have been the most desirable land, but Lot gave no consideration to the moral climate of those cities before making his choice. That one careless decision forever changed the destiny of his family.

THE SUBTLETY OF COMPROMISE

In Genesis 19, we find that Lot's tent is no longer turned toward Sodom. He now lives inside the city and has become a city leader. His daughters were either engaged or married to men of the city. How did things progress so far? What compromises had Lot made?

In II Peter 2:8 we are told: "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" (ESV). Although the sinfulness of Sodom vexed Lot, nothing indicates he desired to move away from the city. Was it complacency? Or materialism? Did Lot ever take a stand for righteousness? Did his neighbors even know he served God?

Although the Bible describes Lot as a righteous man, his decision to move toward, and then into, Sodom brought serious consequences. The change was no doubt subtle and slow as his family gradually became comfortable with the wicked culture around them. When the angels warned them of the coming destruction, they were reluctant to leave. The angels literally took them by the hand and pulled them out of the city before God's judgment fell. Even then, Lot's wife looked back.

Did she lament the loss of her possessions, her social standing, her friends? Because of her disobedience, she turned into a pillar of salt.

As we read Lot's story, it is easy to recognize how that first decision altered the course of his life and the lives of his family. Had he stopped to consider the spiritual and moral consequences of exposing his family to the depravity of Sodom, would he have still gone?

OUR CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES

The choices we make today also have consequences. We must carefully consider how our dreams and desires align with biblical principles. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust God and not lean on our own understanding. If we slow down and seek His will first, God promises to guide us on the right path.

We must never allow the sinful culture around us to shape us into its mold. Following God's path protects us and the generations that will follow.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk