Lot’s Choice and Its Consequences

Text: Genesis 13:10-11 – “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company.”

Introduction

Life is full of choices, and every choice we make has consequences—some immediate, others unfolding gradually over time. The story of Lot in Genesis 13 is a powerful reminder that our decisions are not neutral. They shape our destiny, influence our families, and impact future generations. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to choose wisely, not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Lot’s choice serves as both a warning and a lesson for us today.

The Background of Lot’s Choice

Lot was Abraham’s nephew who journeyed with him when God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 12:4-5). Because of God’s blessing upon Abraham, both Abraham and Lot grew wealthy in livestock and possessions. Eventually, the land could not support both of them living together, and disputes arose between their herdsmen. To resolve the conflict, Abraham, the man of faith, gave Lot the opportunity to choose first.

Genesis 13:9 records Abraham’s generous words: “Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”

Abraham trusted God’s promises, so he did not fear losing by giving Lot first choice. But Lot, instead of seeking God’s direction, made a decision based purely on sight and material gain.

Lot’s Decision: A Choice by Sight

Genesis 13:10 says: “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.”

Lot was captivated by the beauty and fertility of the Jordan Valley. It looked like Eden itself. However, his decision was based on what he saw, not on what God said. He never prayed. He never sought counsel. He acted in the flesh.

Here lies the danger for disciples today. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us: “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Many fall into traps because they choose based on appearances: jobs, marriages, friendships, or business deals that seem appealing but are spiritually dangerous.

Lot’s choice reveals a heart motivated by self-interest. He thought about prosperity but ignored morality. He focused on gain but overlooked godliness.

The Consequences of Lot’s Choice

1. Proximity to Sin

Genesis 13:12-13 tells us: “Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.”

At first, Lot did not live inside Sodom but near it. This is how compromise often begins—not a full embrace, but a gradual drifting closer to sin. As disciples, we must be careful not to pitch our tents toward Sodom. James 4:4 warns: “Friendship with the world means enmity against God.”

2. Loss of Testimony

By Genesis 19, Lot had moved fully into Sodom and became part of its society. When the angels came to warn him of judgment, his sons-in-law thought he was joking (Genesis 19:14). His testimony was so weak that even his own family did not take him seriously. A disciple who compromises with the world loses influence and credibility.

3. Family Tragedy

Lot’s compromise cost him dearly. His wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). His daughters, corrupted by the environment of Sodom, later committed incest with him, producing Moab and Ammon—nations that became enemies of Israel (Genesis 19:36-38). What began as a choice for fertile land ended with family devastation.

4. Material Loss

Though Lot chose the land for its wealth, he ended up losing almost everything. When Sodom was destroyed, he escaped with only his life and two daughters. Jesus later used Lot’s example to warn about clinging to worldly possessions: “Remember Lot’s wife!” (Luke 17:32).

Abraham’s Contrast: A Choice by Faith

While Lot chose by sight, Abraham chose by faith. After Lot departed, God reassured Abraham: “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.” (Genesis 13:14-15).

Abraham was content to let God choose for him. His trust in God’s promise secured not only land but a covenant that blessed all nations. Hebrews 11:10 describes Abraham’s perspective: “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Disciples are called to follow Abraham’s example. Rather than choosing by sight, we are to walk in faith, trusting God to order our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Lessons for Disciples Today

Every Choice Matters
Choices are seeds, and every seed produces a harvest (Galatians 6:7). What you decide today affects not only you but generations to come.
Seek God’s Counsel
Proverbs 14:12 warns: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Before making life decisions, disciples must seek God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.
Beware of Worldly Attractions
Not everything that looks good is good for your soul. The devil often packages destruction in attractive wrapping. 1 John 2:16 reminds us: “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
Guard Your Family
Lot’s choice not only affected him but also destroyed his household. Disciples must remember that their choices influence their children, spouses, and future generations.
Prioritize Eternity Over Temporality
Lot chose temporary prosperity and lost eternal blessings. Disciples are called to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), not on fleeting earthly pleasures.

Conclusion

Lot’s choice is a sobering reminder that decisions made without God’s guidance can lead to devastating consequences. He chose by sight, not by faith, and suffered material loss, moral compromise, and family tragedy. In contrast, Abraham trusted God and received eternal promises.

As disciples, we must ask ourselves daily: Are we choosing based on sight or on faith? Are we pitching our tents toward Sodom, or are we walking by faith like Abraham?

May we learn from Lot’s mistakes and resolve to choose God’s way, even when it seems less appealing at first glance. For in God’s way, there is life, peace, and eternal blessing.

Reflection Verses for Meditation

Proverbs 3:5-6
2 Corinthians 5:7
James 4:4
Luke 17:32
Colossians 3:2