The Glitter May Not Be Gold

Let’s be real, who doesn’t like good things? Rarely would we refuse! Some shops intentionally put their bakery at the front. What welcomes you is the waft of freshly baked goods, and what goes into your head is “Just one will not hurt” (even when one is on a diet). Also, houses in posh neighbourhoods or suburbs with green spaces and fresh air are highly sought after.

 The story in Genesis 13 about Lot’s choice is a life lesson to all. Lot had cattle and herdsmen; the Lord has prospered him. The strife between his servants and Abraham’s stemmed from the increase. Abraham asked him to choose where to go first. He looked up, and the plains of Jordan were well-watered as the garden of the Lord. You cannot blame Lot. It would be best to choose the greener pasture, to have enough.

He saw and went. Did he inquire before moving? This was the issue. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom, Genesis 13:12, but didn’t see that the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly, Genesis 13:13.

Need can drive us into despair. It can make us unreasonable and want to be satisfied at all costs, damning every caution. It is pushy, can blind anyone, and pulls by the nose. It is a strong man and bends its victims towards itself.

We can be so sure of ourselves and argue that pitching towards Sodom doesn’t matter. We have our moral values, know ourselves, are principled and know what we are doing. We are certain not to cross our boundaries.

We can also argue that living next to Sodom doesn’t mean we are sodomites. They are neighbours, and we should love them as ourselves, but let’s see what happened to Lot and his family.

 In Genesis 14:11-12 at the Battle of the Kings, the Bible said: “Lot, who dwelt in Sodom, was taken and his goods”. He pitched towards Sodom. How did he end up in Sodom? Eish! Two things must have happened. It was either that the city expanded to the suburb or Lot moved house at some point to Sodom.

Genesis 19:15-38 is a real drama, and this could happen to anybody.

• Lot didn’t want to leave Sodom, even with the warnings.
• He was taken by the Lord forcefully out of Sodom with his family.
• His wife couldn’t take it, looked back, and became a pillar of salt.
• The girls took Sodom along with them. They made their father drunk and slept with him.

Things might look okay at first, but be careful. Think through that decision thoroughly before you leap. Weigh the pros and cons and gauge before you choose.

Lot pitched his tent towards Sodom and ended up inside Sodom. The ease may not be as easy as you think. Please do not meddle with things that will compromise you. You might not survive it. The glitter may not be gold; be cautious. God bless.