Choices

 

In the book of Genesis, Abraham (who Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people all recognize as a pillar within their faith), is called by God to go from his country, his people, and his father’s household, to a land that God would show him.  So, at 75 years old, Abraham left everything he knew – taking his wife, and his nephew named Lot, to set off for the land of Canaan.  

After some time in Canaan, the flocks of both Abraham and Lot grew so large that the men needed to separate in order to prevent conflict.  So, Abraham told Lot that he could have the pick of the land for himself – and Abraham would take the remnant.  Then, after looking at all that was available, the Bible says Lot chose the best property for himself. (Genesis 13)

As I reread this story this week, some things about it struck me, because I remembered that later in Genesis 19, God destroys the land that Lot chooses (the area of Sodom and Gomorrah) because of the wickedness and depravity of the people living there.

And I got to thinking about that.  Not only did Lot choose to live there – he chose to be right in the “thick of it."

This week I saw an old clip of Andy Griffith talking to Buddy Epsen.  He was talking about kids and how they can’t always choose for themselves because they will often grab at the first flashy thing with shiny ribbons on it, and then when they realize there is a hook in it – it’s too late.  He says the wrong ideas come packaged with so much glitter that it’s hard to convince someone that other things might be better in the long run.  

And isn’t that just how sin works? 

First, Lot chose himself above all else.  Then, after picking the land that was “shiniest”, he moved right to the heart of it, even though it was full of evil.  He was hooked, and eventually that “hook” cost him everything - his home, his property, and even his wife.

Every day we are faced with choices, and the trick is to make the right ones.  James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

I think if we remember to do that - to involve God in the beginning, before we make our choice, and then fully submit to whatever He tells us – RATHER THAN asking Him to bless the choices we've already made…our choices will be good ones.