Remember Lot’s Wife

“Remember Lot’s wife.” — Luke 17:32 (KJV)

When Jesus gave this short but powerful command, He was not merely giving a history lesson. He was pointing His disciples to a sobering reality: one can begin the journey of faith, be close to deliverance, and yet lose everything because of divided loyalty. Lot’s wife serves as a timeless warning to every disciple who desires to follow God with a whole heart.

The Context of Lot’s Wife

Lot’s family lived in Sodom, a city overflowing with wickedness (Genesis 13:13; 19:4–5). God, in His mercy, sent angels to rescue Lot, his wife, and their daughters before judgment fell. The command was clear:

“Escape for your life; do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” — Genesis 19:17

Yet when the fire and brimstone rained down from heaven, Lot’s wife looked back. The Scripture says:

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” — Genesis 19:26

A single act of disobedience sealed her fate.

Why Did She Look Back?

Lot’s wife looked back because her heart was still tied to Sodom. Outwardly she was leaving, but inwardly she remained. She may have loved the life of comfort, the relationships, or the possessions she was leaving behind. Her gaze revealed the divided state of her heart.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21

She was delivered physically, but spiritually, she was still bound.

A Warning Against Divided Loyalty

Jesus Himself explained why this story matters. He compared the last days to the days of Lot, warning His disciples not to be attached to the world:

“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away… Remember Lot’s wife.” — Luke 17:31–32

Lot’s wife is a picture of those who attempt to follow God but keep looking back at the world. Her fate reminds us that divided loyalty leads to destruction.

“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:62

The Call to Total Surrender

Discipleship is not partial. It demands full surrender. Jesus makes this clear:

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” — Luke 14:26

Lot’s wife wanted salvation without separation. She wanted deliverance without detachment. But true discipleship means leaving behind the old life entirely, without longing to return.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Modern Lessons from Lot’s Wife

Beware of Worldly Attachment
The world offers pleasure, but it cannot save. Many disciples stumble because their hearts remain tied to earthly possessions, ambitions, or relationships. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” — 1 John 2:15
Delayed Obedience is Dangerous
Lot’s family was told to flee quickly. Lingering behind or hesitating can lead to destruction. Obedience must be immediate. “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15
Don’t Look Back to Sinful Habits
Looking back represents regret or desire for the sinful life we left behind. A disciple who continually looks back risks returning to bondage. “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” — Hebrews 10:39
Remember, Judgment is Real
Just as fire fell on Sodom, God’s judgment will come upon this world. Lot’s wife reminds us that salvation must be embraced fully and urgently. “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking… until the day that Noah entered the ark… so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” — Matthew 24:38–39

Encouragement for the Disciple

While Lot’s wife stands as a warning, Lot himself shows God’s mercy. Though weak, hesitant, and fearful, he was delivered because of God’s grace. This teaches us that God desires our salvation and provides a way of escape.

“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations.” — 2 Peter 2:9

As disciples, we must cling to this mercy and walk forward in faith, refusing to look back.

Practical Ways to Avoid Looking Back

Guard Your Heart Daily
Feed your soul with God’s Word so that your heart does not drift back to worldly desires.
Psalm 119:11 — “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
Set Your Eyes on Eternity
Focus on what lies ahead, not what is behind.
Colossians 3:2 — “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Surround Yourself with the Right Company
Lot’s wife was influenced by the life of Sodom. The wrong environment corrupts faith.
1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.”
Live in Readiness for Christ’s Return
The urgency of Jesus’ return should motivate us to live faithfully without turning back.
Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

A Final Reflection

Lot’s wife had a chance at deliverance but perished because of a backward glance. She serves as a reminder that discipleship is not about starting the journey only, but finishing it faithfully.

“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13

Beloved disciple, do not look back. What lies behind cannot compare with the glory ahead.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17

Conclusion

Jesus said, “Remember Lot’s wife.” This is not merely advice; it is a command. It is a reminder that half-hearted obedience, divided loyalty, or lingering affection for the world can cost us everything. The disciple’s call is to move forward, eyes fixed on the Lord, heart detached from the world, and spirit ready for eternity.

Let us, therefore, remember Lot’s wife — not with despair, but with holy caution and renewed determination to follow God fully.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2