by Jason Warner
Synopsis: Jason examines the differing attitudes of Abraham and Lot toward materialism and the choices each made following their separation that dramatically affected their families.
Although Genesis is nearly 3500 years old, it continues to teach and admonish millions of believers around the world. Genesis 13:7-18 records the example of two righteous men, Abraham and Lot, who were attempting to resolve a dispute between their servants concerning land and cattle. Abraham offers Lot the choice of land, explaining that he will go the opposite way regardless of how Lot chooses (v. 9). This sets off a chain of events that impacted the lives of these men and their families for generations to come. Abraham's wise choice and Lot's foolish decision communicate significant lessons that remain valuable and relevant for Christians today, especially as we compare in different attitudes of these two men.
Chapter 13 begins by laying the groundwork for the dispute between the servants. God so bountifully blesses both men that the land was not able to bear them and their flocks and herds. Abraham and Lot, both righteous men, decide to go separate ways to resolve the conflict that this scarcity of land and resources brings to bear between their servants. The example to take away from this point is that, as Christians, we should always look for a resolution to any problem that comes between us before it escalates into a much bigger issue. Strife and division have no place in the family of the Lord. These men looked for an amicable solution that they coexist with each other as children of God. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul, reminded us that there should be no division between believers, but that we should be perfectly joined together in mind and judgment. There is no place in life for envy, resentment, or anything else that might drive a wedge in the body of Christ.
Having decided to go their separate ways, we observe very different attitudes in Abraham and Lot. Examining the choices made by both men on which direction they would go, Abraham obviously desired peace more than material goods. Abraham offered Lot the choice of which land he would prefer to inhabit. Lifting up his eyes and beholding the fertile plains of the Jordan, Lot chose to take that land for himself (Gen. 13:10-11). He saw an opportunity to seize the "better" land, even if it meant pitching his tent toward a city full of exceedingly sinful people. He and his family eventually paid the price for his reliance on visual appeal and, it seems, his desire for better grazing lands. In contrast, Abraham, having decided to follow God's word, picked up his tent, and dwelt in a region where he would build an altar unto the Lord. While material goods are not inherently evil, they become a problem when we desire possessions over peace and pleasing God. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourages us to pray for all men, that we may be able to live peaceable lives, not lust after materially prosperous ones. Matthew 7:7-8 directs our attention to what is most important—cultivating an earnest heart seeking after the Lord that we may find Him.
Genesis 19:23-38 records the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot dwelt with his family. Peter alludes to the distress the surrounding sins caused Lot while they lived in the city (2 Pet. 2:7-8). God had mercy on them and brought them out of the land before its destruction. Lot's family was ruined because of his failure to lead them to safety and to God, coupled with his inability to rule over his household.
On the other hand, Abraham chose to continue in fellowship with God and raised his family in righteousness. Through his seed, all the world has been blessed, just as God had promised. We cannot have fellowship with sin and it not have a lasting effect on our families. "Evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor. 15:33). God has blessed us with all spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, but those blessings are only shared by those who walk with Him (Eph. 1:3; Rom. 8:28).
Lastly, consider the starkest contrast between these two men: How were the families of Lot and Abraham impacted by their respective decisions? Compare Abraham's decision to follow God with Lot's decision to pitch his tent toward Sodom. Abraham watched over his family, and they were blessed by God. Through his seed, all humanity would be blessed (Gen. 22:18). In contrast, by choosing to move physically toward a sinful city, Lot destroyed his family for generations to come. Abraham, for his loyalty, was given plentiful land and offspring numbering as the dust of the earth (Gen. 13:14-16). Tragically, Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt because of her disobedience to God's command not to turn back toward the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:17, 26). Later, in an unspeakable act, Lot's two daughters lay with their drunken father and bore sons through him. The two sons, Ammon and Moab, would go on to form two nations, each worshipping false gods, and each warring against God and Israel.
Our decisions, whether good or bad, often have a lasting impact on our families. Like Abraham, we must choose to follow God, that we might find favor in His sight. Our responsibility to our family must be a priority in our lives, second only to our faith and obedience to God.
With these thoughts in mind, let us avoid strife whenever possible. Let us keep our minds focused on God and not on material things. Let us continue with Him, avoiding all sin, and, it must be concluded, proximity to sin. May we also be partakers of the promise that was made through Abraham. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, came through the seed of Abraham. He is the Savior of mankind, bringing freedom from the bondage of sin, and redeeming God's people (Gal. 3:26-29). Matthew details the genealogy of Jesus Christ through Abraham. 1 Timothy 2:5 reinforces who Christ Jesus is—our Mediator and Savior. He is the only way to lay hold of the promise, the only means to life everlasting: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me" (John 14:6).
Therefore, hear the gospel call (Rom. 10:17), believe on Him (Heb. 11:16), repent of your sins (Acts 2:38), confess that Jesus Christ is God's Son (Acts 8:37), be baptized (Mark 16:16), and never look back. "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32)!
Author Bio: Jason has been working as the evangelist with the Church of Christ West in Plainfield, IN for three months. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have one child, Genevieve. The church website is churchofchristwest.org. He can be reached at jasonpwarner@gmail.com.
