"The Lot Syndrome"

 

“The Lot Syndrome”

 

One of Scripture’s most tragic figures is Lot, whom we first read of in Genesis 11. His father Haran died while Lot was still young and his Uncle Abram took him under his wing. When God called Abram to move to Canaan Lot went along and over the next few years became very wealthy. This caused conflict with his uncle leading to Abram’s suggestion that they each go their own way and Lot chose the more appealing of the two options (Genesis 13). It was the beginning of a downward spiral which we might call The Lot Syndrome.

After choosing “…the whole plain of the Jordan (that) was well watered….” (Genesis 13:10-11) Lot went east and “…pitched his tents near Sodom.” (Genesis 13:12), an early-on decision which led to his moving into Sodom several years later (Genesis 14:12) and becoming so caught up in its wicked life that he became a city official about 15 years later (“…{he sat} in the gateway of the city.”—Genesis 19:1). He, his wife and two daughters were so attached to the pagan culture around them that God’s angels had to drag them out when judgment was immanent (Genesis 19:16-17). God then destroyed Sodom and its sister city Gomorrah.

According to 2 Peter 2:7 Lot was “…a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men….” but who had lost his godly influence on those around him (see Genesis 19:14). If we allow ourselves to be unduly affected by the culture in which we live we run the risk of seeing our impact compromised. To show this danger Paul cited the Greek dramatist Menander: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character,’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). This is exactly what happened to Lot as a result of his youthful decision and serves as a warning to each of us (“…Everything that was  written in the past was written to teach us….”—Romans 15:4).

If we get our eyes off God and His purposes for us we can easily become distracted and walk on ungodly and dangerous paths. Many of Israel’s kings fell into this trap as have many of God’s people even today. A psalmist states the choice he made: “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30). May I do likewise and avoid The Lot Syndrome.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For another look at the impact of early decisions see “A Divide Creek Moment”.)