Lot's Decision-Making Process

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   Abraham’s nephew Lot had come with his uncle from the land of Ur and together settled in the land of Canaan.  Abraham kept his nephew with him for many years.  They both were herdsmen and both developed huge herds of livestock between them.  In Genesis 13, we read that the land they were utilizing for their herds could not support both of them and the quarreling broke out between those tending the herds for Abraham and Lot.  

   Abraham (Abram) then told his nephew it was time that they parted company and Lot would go off on his own.  Lot could pick any land he wanted and Abraham would then go somewhere else.  So Lot surveyed the land and saw that the plain along the Jordan River was well watered and wonderfully great land.   At that point Lot separated from Abraham.

   The land Lot chose was bountiful but the inhabitants were wicked.  Lot did not consider the whole picture.  Rather, he may have simply saw dollar signs in his eyes and figured he could make a lot of money.  Now, making a lot of money is not wrong.  The question to ask yourself is, why you want to make a lot of money, what are your motives?   Do you have a love for wealth and possibly the power that comes with it?  Can your character handle wealth and power?  

   Lot did not investigate the whole situation.  Near the plush land was Sodom and Gomorrah.  These were cities which God destroyed in Genesis 19 because of how awfully wicked the people were.
 
   Lot ended up living in Sodom.  Would Lot have given his decision a second look if he would have known the spiritual conditions of the land he wanted?  We do not know.  Realize also that making the right, God-honoring decision does not necessarily keep you from dealing with bad situations.

   We do not read that Lot requested Abraham or God’s help in the decision making.  How often have any of us made a decision that had some lasting consequences without seeking God in prayer and reading the Bible, and/or requesting the guidance and advice of wise, more mature Christians?  Would Uncle Abraham had said to Lot that though the land was plush and great for raising livestock, the land was not conducive to raising a family?  

   To make wise, godly decisions, be reading the Bible (most of God’s moral will is found in the Bible) and praying, listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Seek out wise, mature Christians for guidance.  Consider the whole picture or as much as you are able to discern or predict.  Do not base your decision wholly on temporary gain like how much money you will make or the status you could gain from what you are deciding.  Ask good godly friends if who you are, can handle the ramifications of the decision being made.  Do not make hasty decisions if at all possible.  

   Weigh the pros and cons of the decision.  Ask yourself how this decision will impact your testimony of being a Christian.  The decision Lot made ultimately cost his family to flee Sodom and his wife’s life because of the wickedness there.

Mike Prom, Headwaters Christian Youth,
Email: wildministries @gmail.com
Online:  www.my hcy.com

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