Lot Settles Near Sodom
Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.
Yesterday we read the account describing Abraham’s separation from Lot. Today’s scripture tells us the geographical locations where each man settled: Abraham settled in a rural area, while Lot lived near the cities on the plain of Jordan.
But there was a problem with the location Lot chose to be his home. It was near the city of Sodom. The men of Sodom were “exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13).
The Bible gives more detail about the specific problems that existed among Sodom’s population:
- There were no restraints on sexual activity; the people were driven by unbridled sexual lust and homosexuality (Genesis 19:4-5; Jude 7).
- They were characterized by selfishness, laziness and lack of concern for others (Ezekiel 16:49).
- They openly displayed their sin with no sense of shame (Isaiah 3:9).
These sins were obviously well known at the time, but it seems Lot ignored them because he looked at the physical advantages of living in that area. It seems he minimized the danger of living among people with this lifestyle. We will soon see the negative consequences of this decision (2 Peter 2:8).
The point for us to learn is that we cannot draw close to open sin and think we will be unaffected. This can apply to where we choose to live, but the modern application also includes wisely choosing those with whom we spend our time. The apostle Paul provided this guidance: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Christians must not make the same mistake as Lot and think they will be unaffected by a sinful environment surrounding them.
To learn more about how to avoid negative influences, read our article “Temptation.”
Tomorrow on the Daily Bible Verse Blog: “Blessings From Fearing God.”
