New in Christ!

"Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. " (Genesis 13:10-11)


Throughout Scripture, God's people are commanded to seperate themselves from unbelievers and their ungodly ways. But why? We understand that to proclaim a faith in Jesus Christ, and to live a completely ungodly life is hypocritical and damaging to our spiritual life, but what does it mean to completely sever oneself from unrighteousness? Are we to preach asceticism and remove ourselves from society in whole, or does Scripture point to some other thing to avoid, something far more subtle and dangerous? The story of Lot and Abraham is an interesting comparison to make in this regard, one that can most certainly illuminate what Jesus meant when he told us "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me" (Matthew 19:21). To live the Christian life is to understand that God is our Provider, and we need not lay up for ourselves riches or good upon this earth.

Abraham first encountered God whilst he was still living in Mesopotamia, an area reknowned in ancient times for its abundant paganism and idol worship. He faithfully obeyed God, taking with him his nephew Lot. Although Lot had not heard God, he obeyed his uncle and left his native land in search for the True God. All seemed good, both of them were on the path to knowing God - then they parted ways. Quarreling between their herdsmen forced the necessity of dwelling in different lands. Abraham gave Lot his choice - left or right - the well watered plains of Jordan, that appeared as like the Garden of God, or desert. Lot chose that which appealed to his senses, that which looked 'good', not unlike the forbidden fruit which was also 'good' in appearance, 'pleasant to the eyes' (Genesis 3:6). Lot had chosen according to the flesh. He chose the land which looked as though it was fruitful and would be an easy life, instead of depending on God's provision. Verse 12 tells us that Lot "pitched his tent toward Sodom", not actually in the city itself, for he knew it was exceedingly evil in the sight of God. Yet in chapter 19 (verse 1) we see that Lot is already living within the city walls!

That is the problem with Sin. It is not something we can control by virtue of our own willpower. It is God's Grace that allows us to flee from Sin, Him abiding in us, and us in Him. Lot chose to bend to temptation, thinking he could keep himself distanced enough from unrighteousness so as to not be affected, but enjoy the perks in the meantime. The simple fact that he had already bowed to temptation of the flesh instead of leaning on God, was a bad sign to begin with. It is no surprise that within time he succumbed to the city lifestyle and moved within as a 'convenience', yet this is exactly what God warns us not to do! It is impossible to have one foot on the broad path and one on the narrow. The Heavenly and the Earthly do not mix! Jesus warns us repeatedly that we must forsake the world, and the THINGS of the world, and this is the only way in which to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. We must sell all our emotional and natural investments' in this worldly system and follow God and His ways without compromise.

Look to Abraham's example - although he received the harsh desert environment as default, Lot choosing first, he neither complained nor reasoned with Lot to swap or co-habitate. He had faith that God would provide all his needs, no matter where he happened to dwell, and that he would prosper and be blessed by virtue of the fact that he chose to lean on God's promises. This is true faith. Lot expected God to bless and protect him from a temptation he had himself let in the door! We are told to not play with the world, but to "submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). It is good advice. Sin leads to more sin. Disobedience to God's warnings and commands are a great way to begin a sinful lifestyle, whether one intends it or not. Opening the door to sin always brings more sin. That's how sin works. They are not separate entities or actions, but one complete whole which, when one little part is tasted, eventually encourages the entrance of further ungodliness.

It is for this reason we are told to repent of our sins. Merely being sorry is not the same thing. There will be many sorry souls in Hell. Repentance is a change of mind and heart, a complete turning-away from sin, and the temptation of that sin. Put off the old man of sin, and put on the new man in Christ (Ephesians 4). We must not look back to that which is now dead in Christ, as Lot's wife did when she looked back (Genesis 19:26) - "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Let us not be the seeds that fell amongst the rocks and withered away once temptations came, but let us be those seeds that fell amongst good soil and produced fruit worthy of our King! (Luke 8).

Barukh atah Adonai Elohaynu Melekh haOlam (Blessed be the L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe)

In Christ’s Love and Service,

Rebecca Mihail, OIC Minister from the Australian Outback