Will Selfishness Impact Your Family?

Tuesday, March 10

‭Genesis 13:10-11 (NIV)

“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company:”

Devotion

The Bible is clear that Lot was a righteous man, saying, “For that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard” (2 Peter 2:8). But in spite of his righteousness, Lot was selfish in choosing the better ground over Abraham’s and moving his family near Sodom in hopes that his efforts would be more materially productive. Sometimes it is better to leave Sodom to the Sodomites and keep more distance, since God's judgment will always catch up with cities and nations that persist in being wicked and sinning greatly against the Lord.

Godliness with contentment would have been great gain for Lot and his family. Instead, godliness without contentment gave rise to great loss. First, Lot, his family, and all his possessions were captured by kings opposing Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14:12). Lot and his family were held captive until they were rescued by Abraham and his trained men. Abraham was content to reject the spoil offered by the king of Sodom and even gave a tenth to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:13–24). Lot did not learn his lesson and continued to live among the wicked people of Sodom. When God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), Lot escaped with his own life and his two daughters, but he lost his wife, all his possessions, and the two men pledged to marry his daughters.

As followers of Jesus, we should not rush to improve our situations materially if that means dishonoring our elders or moving our families to wicked places facing judgment. As we seek God's will, “Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them” (1 Corinthians 7:20). When we do move, due care is necessary to confirm that we are sent to fulfill the Great Commission of preaching Jesus and not because we are discontent with our material comforts. Godliness with contentment was great gain for Abraham, as he became very rich and the father of many nations. Godliness without contentment was great loss for Lot. Once we have godliness through trust and surrender to Jesus, contentment is the necessary component for great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). As we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, all the other things are added to us.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Word that guides our decisions. Guard our hearts from selfishness and discontentment. Help us to choose what honors You rather than what only looks good to us. Give us wisdom to lead our families in righteousness and contentment, trusting that Your ways bring true gain. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Before making an important decision, ask yourself: Will this choice bring my family closer to God or closer to compromise? Choose contentment and obedience over opportunities that may look better materially but could place your family in spiritually unhealthy environments.

Resources

• Have you watched “How To Build A Godly Inheritance For Your Family”? This message will challenge and inspire you to choose obedience over comfort, and build a legacy of faith that lasts beyond a lifetime.

• At Free Chapel, there’s something for the whole family. From KidPak for the kids, to men’s monthly gatherings, Connect Groups, support groups, and powerful women’s and youth conferences, there are so many opportunities to grow in faith together. Learn more at freechapel.org.