“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere…. and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.” Genesis 13:10a, 12b NLT
Careful and thorough examination is important when deciding upon major issues in life. Looking for a new car would entail what is affordable, safe, meets your needs and gets good gas mileage, along with how many charging stations are available if going all electric. These factors would be considered as proper having the right motives. Basing your decision on proper motives most likely will provide a good experience for you now and in the future. Wrong motives will produce just the opposite. Having a selfish attitude could lead you to make a purchase over your financial capability to make the monthly payment. You may find out there isn’t enough room as you thought and it is a gas guzzler, or you are stranded somewhere between Chicago and Minneapolis with no charging station in sight. You may have looked long and hard among your options for your new vehicle, but you had set your sights with the wrong motives.
The first book of the Bible records the story of a man who made a major decision with the wrong motives. In Genesis chapter 13 we have a story of Abram and his nephew Lot who was travelling with him. Both had abundant and increasing livestock which made it impossible for them to live together. Abram allowed Lot to choose where he preferred to go with Abram going in the opposite direction. The Bible says, “Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley.” (Gen. 13:10a NLT) He saw fertile well irrigated land, even in Bible days, and out of selfishness and greed Lot chose it for himself. It made have been in today’s terms a wise calculated business move, but Lot could not see past his selfishness. He failed to calculate what it might cost him in the future.
Scripture informs us of Lot’s long look and his move to the cities near Sodom, the well-known Sodom and Gomorrah. “But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the LORD.” (Gen. 13:13 NLT) Life and business may have been good for Lot, but it turned for the worst when he eventually begins to live in Sodom. (Gen. 14 & Gen 19) Lot’s greed and selfishness brought him in needless conflict with the sins of the people around him affecting himself and his family. A long look is advisable and necessary, but with the wrong motives becomes a disaster.
For further study:
Read Genesis 14:8-16: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+14%3A8-16&version=NLT
Read Genesis 19 Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+19&version=NLT
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