Daily Devotional

“Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom” (Genesis 13:12). 

Would you prefer to live in the city or the country? The most recent U.S. Census (2010) indicates that almost 250 million people live in urban areas. That represents more than 80 percent of the population. On the other hand, nearly 60 million people live in rural areas. While the overall growth in the United States between 2010 and 2015 rose by nearly 10 percent, the number of people in urban areas increased by 12 percent. 

When Abraham and Lot had conflict over available pastureland for their herds, Abraham gave Lot first choice of land so they could part in peace. Lot wanted to be near the city. Unfortunately, his choice put him on the doorstep of the one of the wickedest cities in the world. Even today the word Sodom is used to describe depraved living. 

Lot was driven by selfish desires. He did not humbly decline his uncle’s offer out of respect as a younger relative. “Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD, destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar” (Genesis 13:10). 

What dazzles the eye will lead the heart. We should all ponder the words of Jesus: “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). 

Have you pitched your tent toward Sodom? This cannot be determined only by where you build your home, but by where you plant your soul. Is your life bent toward the world, or toward the city of God? Your preference will have eternal consequences. Just ask Lot. 

Dear Jesus, today I will set my heart on things above, not on the things of this world.