Choices and Consequences
Genesis 13:10–13 (NASB95)
10Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere—this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. 11So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. 12Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. 13Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord.
Lot surveyed the land and saw the lush Jordan Valley. The text describes it as well watered, like the garden of the Lord and the land of Egypt. The beauty of the plain captivated Lot. He chose with his eyes, not his heart. The narrative uses the same language as the stories of Eve and the sons of God. Words like eyes, saw, and chose signal a decision driven by desire rather than discernment. The irony is sharp. The land Lot chose for its abundance would soon be destroyed by fire. What looked like paradise would become a wasteland.
Abram acted differently. He let Lot choose first. Abram trusted God’s promise. He stayed in Canaan, the land God had given him. Abram’s faith shaped his decision. He valued God’s word over immediate gain. Lot’s choice was materialistic. He moved toward Sodom, a city known for its rebellion against God. The men of Sodom were wicked and sinned greatly against the Lord. Lot ignored the spiritual danger. He prioritized wealth and comfort over righteousness. As we will see, this choice will negatively affect Lot’s entire family.
The story draws a clear line between the two men. Abram’s faith led him to blessing. Lot’s desire for prosperity led him toward judgment. The direction Lot traveled—toward the east—echoes the pattern of those who moved away from God’s presence in earlier stories. Lot’s decision was not just about land. It was about values. He chose material gain over spiritual safety.
We are often tempted to make decisions based on what looks good or promises quick success. Like Lot, we risk moving closer to spiritual danger when we ignore God’s standards. We must learn from Abram. Trust God’s promises. Value spiritual integrity over material advantage. Our choices reveal our hearts. May we choose the path of faith, even above all else.