Careful Where You Pitch Your Tent

By Edd Sterchi
     Abraham’s nephew Lot is a very interesting study in many areas. One of those areas can show us how sin can work its evil in our lives. It can be seen in the various places Lot finds himself and how his condition worsens each time. You may remember that when Abraham gave him a choice of which way he and his herdsman would go, “Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere” and “chose for himself all the plain of Jordan” (Gen. 13:10-11).
     From this point on, it is very interesting to note the places where Lot ends up. From them, we can learn the progressive and aggressive nature of temptation and sin.  
     First, we see Lot pitching his tent “toward Sodom” (Gen. 13:12, KJV). This meant that he set up camp in the direction of Sodom. Every day he went about his business, Sodom may well have been in sight, and Lot may have indeed been tempted to move ever closer toward Sodom’s wickedness.
     We next see Lot dwelling in Sodom (Gen. 14:12). By this time, Lot had moved into Sodom and was likely being influenced by the citizens’ wickedness in even greater proportions, since he was living amongst them.
     Finally, we see Lot sitting at the gate of Sodom (Gen. 19:1). No longer was he simply a resident of that wicked city, he was apparently a leader of it (or at least in association with the leaders). The city gates are where the elders and city officials sat and conducted business. While compared to Sodom’s standards, Lot remained righteous (cf. 2 Pet. 2:7-8), the fact remains that by this time Lot had become quite influenced by evil. Else why would he call the Sodomites “brethren” (Gen. 19:7) or offer his daughters to be used sexually at the Sodomites’ wildest whims (Gen. 19:8)?
     I realize that some of what I have written is conjecture. We do not have all of the facts to know what was in Lot’s intentions or heart. But I do know this: the closer we dwell to sin, the easier it becomes to commit sin. And remember this - it all begins with where you pitch your tent.
     “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (Jas. 1:14-16).

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Jackson church of Christ in Jackson, MO.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.com