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Goh Chee Young

THE EXPEDIENCY OF CHOICES - LEARNING FROM LOT'S EXAMPLE

In the Bible, Lot is a character whom we read of in the Book of Genesis. He is described as the nephew of Abraham and is known for his choice to live in the city of Sodom, which was later destroyed by God. Lot's choices can teach us important lessons about the consequences of our decisions.


Lot's initial choice to move to the city of Sodom was driven by the desire for wealth and prosperity. In Genesis 13:10-11 (NKJV), it says, "And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus Abraham and Lot separated from each other." Lot's choice to settle in Sodom was based on the perceived wealth and prosperity of the region, which was abundant in water, fertile land, and other resources. However, this choice would ultimately lead to his downfall.


A key lesson that we can learn from Lot's choice is that our decisions have consequences, and it is important to consider the long-term effects of our choices. Lot's decision to move to Sodom seemed like a good idea to begin with. By the time the two angels came to Sodom in the evening in Genesis 19, Lot had risen to become someone prominent in the city. We read in Genesis 19:1 (NKJV), “Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground”. In the old days, the gate of a city was the main entrance and exit and it was also the place where the elders of the city would go to meet (cf. Deut 21:19; Joshua 20:3-4; Ruth 4:1-4). However, Lot’s choice led to a series of unfortunate events. The people of Sodom were wicked and immoral, and Lot and his family were eventually caught up in their sins. Lot's wife looked back at the destruction of Sodom, against God's command, and turned into a pillar of salt. Lot's daughters, feeling that they were the only ones left in the world, had children with their father, which led to further moral corruption. All these events were a direct result of Lot's choice to settle in Sodom. While Lot’s initial decision to settle in Sodom may not have been a sinful one, it was not an expedient decision.


What is meant by “expedient”? The word “expedient” in the Bible is translated from the Greek word sumpherō, which carries the meaning to be profitable or helpful. This is the same word used by Paul when he wrote the letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV), Paul wrote, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any”. In this passage, Paul is telling the Corinthians that even if some things appear to be lawful, they may not be expedient to do. Paul is teaching us that although we may have the right to carry out certain acts or to be involved in a particular activity without committing sin, it may be unwise or not profitable to our souls.


When Lot admired the plain of the Jordan Valley, he saw what he chose to see. Lot focused his sight on the fertile land and the riches, and chose to overlook the wickedness and the sins of the people that dwelled in Sodom. Lot’s example has similar parallels in our society today where in our pursuit of certain interests, we turn a blind eye to the potential harm that it may bring to our spiritual life. For those who have been in the Church long enough, you would have seen many examples of faithful brethren forsaking Christ because of their choices.


Some of the choices that we make can have a great and often lasting impact on our lives. Learning from Lot’s example, we need to remind ourselves and the younger generations, the importance of making proper choices. Two of the most critical decisions we make in life are choosing our spouse and career. The choice of a life partner not only profoundly affects our happiness in this life but will also likely play a major role in whether we adhere to God’s standards or conform to the world. We have been taught on several occasions that we should choose a life partner that will help us run this Christian race. Thus, would it be more expedient or ‘profitable’ to pick someone who is a Christian to be your spouse than one who is not? Similarly, the choice of a career can impact our spiritual life and that of our spouse and children. While certain jobs may offer attractive remuneration or adventure, we must not be blind to the potential pitfalls. Let’s be reminded of Lot’s example again. According to Peter, Lot was a righteous man (2 Pet 2:7). However, he was a righteous man who did not make a ‘profitable’ choice. What are you willing to compromise in your spiritual life to attain the treasures of this world? Lot may not have sinned, but he had weakened his principles by choosing to reside in Sodom. Thus, do not try to test your faith by putting yourself in a situation where you are forced to choose between God and your object of interest.


The story of Lot serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making wise choices in life. We must be careful to choose paths that are in line with God's will, trusting in His plan for our lives and being aware of the influence our choices may have on others. Let us learn from Lot's mistakes and strive to make choices that bring glory and honour to God. Let His Word guide our path (Psalms 119:105).



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