Worldliness and Lot's Decline

Prior to observing communion on Sunday, we looked in the Scriptures (Genesis 13-19) and noted the downward spiral of Lot’s decisions as he became increasingly more identified with Sodom than with God. Lot began by entertaining thoughts/nurturing attraction to life in Sodom. Next he chose to head in that direction. Then he moved closer and closer, until he eventually settled down and began living in Sodom. Finally, Genesis 19:1 indicates that Lot “sat in the gate” of Sodom, indicating he had joined his fellow citizens, taking up a significant position of influence in their government and economy.

Lot’s pattern dovetails with a similar downward spiral mentioned in Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful.” The words walk, stand, and sit describe the pattern. Walking in the counsel of the ungodly corresponds to Lot entertaining thoughts/nurturing attraction and choosing Sodom. Standing corresponds to Lot moving closer and closer to Sodom and then eventually to settling there to live. Sitting corresponds to Lot taking up a significant position of influence in Sodom’s gate.

When it comes to our own responses to what the Bible calls worldliness, God calls us not to follow Lot’s example or the downward spiral of Psalm 1:1. Worldliness refers to any thoughts or behaviors grounded in the values of the flesh under the influence of either original sin, unbelievers, or the devil and his cohorts. God calls us to separate from the world, rather than join them as Lot did.

The consequences of failing to separate ourselves are likely to track with those Lot experienced in Sodom. In the first place, Lot didn’t live a contented, peaceful life. 2 Peter 2:7 tells us he was in constant inner turmoil over all that occurred there. We also know from Genesis 14 that Lot’s choice to move to Sodom resulted in his being caught up in a rebellion and war, in which he, his family, and his goods were captured. It was only by God’s grace that he was rescued by his uncle, Abraham. Later, when the Lord came down to destroy Sodom, once again, it was only by God’s grace that Lot escaped. Even still, the escape itself cost him dearly.

More importantly, Lot’s refusal to separate himself from the world cost him his testimony and his perspective. When he tried to convince his sons-in-law of the need to evacuate Sodom, they “thought he was joking.” Because of his own worldliness, Lot’s testimony had lost its power. Then, we also discover that the angels had to physically take hold of Lot, and his wife and daughters, to get them to leave Sodom, because they were “lingering.” What an amazing loss of perspective! Why would anyone linger in a place facing imminent destruction!

God wants us to learn from the example of Lot how important it is to obey His call to separation from the world (see 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). In my next entry, I will discuss why this means on a practical level.