The Choice Choice

Choices That Shape Our Faith: Lessons from Abraham and Lot

In Genesis 13, we find Abraham and Lot at a pivotal moment that reveals profound truths about faith, choices, and their consequences. After returning from Egypt, both men faced a decision that would dramatically alter their futures.

When Prosperity Creates Problems

Abraham and Lot had both accumulated significant wealth - cattle, silver, gold, and possessions. Their prosperity created an unexpected problem: the land could not support both their households in the same location. Their herdsmen began fighting over resources, creating strife between the two families.

This situation reveals an important truth: sometimes even blessings can create challenges that require difficult decisions. Abraham, as the patriarch and father figure to Lot, took the initiative to resolve the conflict.

Two Different Approaches to Decision-Making

Abraham's response to this conflict demonstrates his spiritual maturity. Rather than asserting his authority as the elder or claiming first rights to the best land, he offered Lot the first choice: "If you go left, I'll go right. If you go right, I'll go left."

This generous offer reveals Abraham's faith-based decision-making. He had learned from his previous mistake of going to Egypt during the famine that trusting God was better than trying to solve problems through his own wisdom. Abraham was willing to let God determine his future by allowing Lot to choose first.

Walking by Sight vs. Walking by Faith

The contrast between Abraham and Lot becomes clear in how they made their decisions:

• Lot "lifted up his eyes" - he made his choice based on what he could see
• Abraham trusted God's promise - he made his choice based on faith

The Bible tells us Lot saw the well-watered plains of Jordan, "like the Garden of Eden," and chose what appeared most beneficial to him. He selected what looked best on the surface without considering the spiritual implications.

The Danger of Pitching Your Tent Toward Sodom

Verse 12 contains a subtle but significant detail: Lot "pitched his tent toward Sodom." This seemingly innocent decision carried profound implications. The next verse immediately warns us: "But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly."

Lot didn't immediately move into Sodom. His compromise began with simply facing his tent in that direction. This illustrates how spiritual compromise often begins - not with outright rebellion, but with small decisions that gradually move us toward sin.

The progression of Lot's choices is revealing:

• First, he looked toward Sodom
• Then, he pitched his tent toward Sodom
• Eventually, Genesis 14:12 tells us he "dwelt in Sodom"
• Why We Can't Give Faith to Others

One of the most poignant aspects of this story is that Abraham, despite being a godly example, couldn't transfer his faith to Lot. As parents and mentors, we desperately want to spare those we love from making painful mistakes. Yet faith must be personally chosen and developed.

Abraham had demonstrated faith-filled living. Lot had witnessed Abraham's journey, including his mistakes and return to God. Yet Lot still made choices based on what he could see rather than trusting God's guidance.

This reminds us that while we can model faith for others, we cannot make their spiritual choices for them. Each person must decide whether to walk by faith or by sight.

The Consequences of Our Choices

By Genesis 14:12, we see the consequences of Lot's decision: "And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed." Lot became a prisoner of war, losing everything he had accumulated.

The very prosperity he sought to protect through his self-directed choice was lost because he positioned himself near wickedness. This demonstrates a biblical principle: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

Life Application

The story of Abraham and Lot challenges us to examine how we make decisions. Are we walking by sight or by faith? Consider these questions:

• What is your decision-making process? Do you primarily consider what you can see, or do you seek God's guidance first?

• Are there areas where you've "pitched your tent toward Sodom" - making small compromises that could lead you away from God's best?

• How might your current choices affect not just your immediate future but your long-term spiritual health?

The wisest choice we can make is what might be called "the choice choice" - choosing to let God choose for us. When we surrender our decision-making to God, saying "not my will but Yours," we position ourselves to experience His victory, liberty, love, joy, and peace.

This week, before making any significant decision, pause and ask: "Am I making this choice based on what I can see, or am I trusting God's guidance?" Remember that every choice has consequences - some immediate and some that unfold over time. Choose to walk by faith, not by sight.