Meditating again on the story of Abraham as I finished my new book 'When God calls you friend' (When God calls you friend), I was struck again by the strange story of Lot. We have much to learn from this story.
A quick overview
Lot had followed Abraham in the promise made to Abraham. However, they had to part ways because their respective employees did not get along. The land could not support the two men's enormous herds. Abraham generously offered Lot the choice of where he wanted to go, and Abraham would take the opposite route. Lot looked at the rich and luxuriant regions, saw that he could live well, and chose them. This is what the Scriptures say:
Genesis 13:10 (SG21) 10 Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was watered. Before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, it was, until Tsoar, like a garden of the Lord, like Egypt.
After he left, God came to speak with Abraham and gave him the guarantee that the land would belong to him.
What exactly is the problem?
- At first, he was attracted by the appearance of things. The area looked excellent, better than where he was. He could take everything for himself; so he chose. He followed his own desires, avarice to I had reason for him. The problem was, he found himself living next door to some of the most vile characters on the face of the earth.
- He did not consult the Lord.
- He did not give credit where credit was due.
- He didn't choose his new associations well.
Now let's try to break this down.
First, all that glitters is not gold.
Certainly, he did not lose his life, however, he was in the wrong place and he knew it. He didn't have a moment of peace living either inside or outside of Sodom. According to the Epistle to the Hebrews, his righteous soul was tortured day and night. Even after being captured and released, he returned. He ended up living in a cellar and committing incest, albeit unwittingly, with his daughters.
As the book of Proverbs so aptly puts it, the way that seems right to a man may ultimately lead to death. (Prov. 14.12)
[tweetthis remove_hidden_urls=”true”]The way that seems right to a man may end in death. (Prov. 14.12)#wisdom[/tweetthis]
Second, you have to ask God
Abraham remained in God's will. One might think that the place where he was was not as prosperous or as luxuriant as where Lot had gone. But he was there, with God. And God proved it to him. He appeared to him there, spoke to him, encouraged him, reiterated to him His promises. If we want to be successful in our lives, we must learn to see with the eyes of the spirit and not the eyes of the flesh.
Who should I marry? ? Ask God. His bank account, his physical beauty, his charm, and even his love for you do not guarantee a happy married life.
Which school to go to? ? Ask God.
Where to work ? Ask God. A pay raise doesn't bring joy if it comes with the obligation to lie and cheat at the risk of losing the job.
Which local church to belong to ? Ask God. As a side note, a few years ago, someone told me that they liked a certain church because the pastors spoke English. No, you don't choose a church because the pastors speak English, Greek, German... You go there because God sends you there. In realityity, and many Christians do not know it; You don't choose your own church. It is God who chooses her.
So how do you find a local assembly? ? Ask God. What if they don't have the amenities I need? All the amenities you need What you need is the Word of God, prayer and the presence of God. Those who let something else determine their choice9 churches work as consumers and not as disciples. They run the risk of ending up like Lot.
Where should I live? ? Ask God. Moving to another city will do you no good if you end up spiritually wandering because you left the church where God placed you and you can't find your place elsewhere. Before entering the ministry, I had, on several occasions, professional offers which included significant financial benefits. At least one of his proposals was to live abroad. I knew what I was called to do, and I wasn't going to leave my city or the church I was part of. Today I'm glad I didn't. If I had gone that way, nothing that we have been able to do since in the work of God could have been done. If I had allowed myself to be attracted by the lush vegetation, none of the people whose lives have been transformed through it Abba House and the international ministry could not have received this grace through us. And I can only thank God for that.
And that you are called in full-time ministry or not, you must take God's will into account in all your choice. Outward appearance is not a good criterion for decision making.
There is no greater satisfaction than being in God's will; in the right place, doing the right thing. So when making the fundamental decisions of life, ask God to share Her heart.
[tweetthis remove_hidden_urls=”true”]There is no greater satisfaction than being in God's will.[/tweetthis]
Third, honor your benefactors
There is no indication that Lot hesitated to leave or that he was sad to be leaving Abraham. He left without regrets and without showing the respect due to his uncle. Instead of choosing first, he should have let his uncle do it. He only thought of his own interests and did not honor Abraham. He had forgotten that it was thanks to Abraham that he was where he was. Don't be like that.
Everyone has someone or people that God has used to take them to the next level in their life. You have them too. They must remain sacred in your eyes. Even if your paths should diverge, show respect. Give them the honor they deserve. This will be to your advantage later.
In fact, unless absolutely necessary, do not log out of Abrahams of your life. You may need them later to get you out of captivity, as was the case with Lot. This connection can even save your life, as in Lot's case. The Bible is clear that God saved Lot and spared him the fate of Sodom because of Abraham.
The Apostle Paul stated in his letter to the Philippians that God had healed Epaphroditus out of pity for Epaphroditus, but also for Paul to spare him pain. Certain things will come into your life because of the person you are connected to, because of the person who prays for you.
[tweetthis remove_hidden_urls=”true”]Certain graces will come to you because of the person you are connected to, .[/tweetthis]
Finally, watch where you put your feet.
Choose your new neighbors carefully too. Lot had chosen the area with lush vegetation, and had not thought about the neighbors. If you join a company whose parent company is in difficulty, you will be in difficulty. When you move into a neighborhood where the neighbors are thieves, you're likely to get into trouble. Lot went to settle in the vicinity of Sodom, then in the city of Sodom, where he had some unsavory neighbors, and he paid dearly for it. Once he found himself in captivity. Another time he narrowly escaped death, but he lost his wife who could not turn her back on him. Sodom; she became a pillar of salt. And each time, it was the old connection he had left that came to his rescue. Unfortunately, his daughters had been infected by the neighborhood and their actions tarnished their father's image to this day.
So let the story of Lot be a lesson to everyone. Do not be influenced by the appearance of things; choose well, give honor to whom honor is due; listen to the Lord, protect your destiny.
Shalom.
[tweetthis remove_hidden_urls=”true”]Your choice of church is more important than your choice of career. Your life may depend on it.[/tweetthis]
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