In the book of Genesis, at the beginning of chapter nineteen, Lot, who is Abraham’s nephew, sat at the gate of Sodom. He chooses to dwell in that city even though he knows the lifestyle is ungodly. Lot made this decision earlier in chapter thirteen of the same book when Abraham grants the choice for him to decide which direction he and his family would go and live. Lot did not seem to give much thought or inquire to God about which way he should go and departs with his family for the plains of Jordan towards Sodom.
Today, some people know the Lord and claim to serve Him but allow themselves to dwell in an ungodly environment. They associate and spend time with people who do not desire the Lord but other gods. The choices for the believer to make should consider God’s help. However, the eyes of the flesh could deceive believers, ourselves, into making a wrong decision instead of the right one. The decision would affect our lives and the lives of others.
Although Lot was distressed by the filthy deeds, he saw and heard. In beautiful Sodom, he still was willing to tolerate the wickedness of Sodom for its cultural, social, and material advantages. Lot sat at the gate even though he technically was an immigrant in this region. However, the culture required good citizens to offer hospitality to incoming travelers, and this was his role: Lot bows low to welcome visitors to Sodom. The gate at the city is often where the elders and leaders of a town gather and discuss the issues for the day and provide wisdom and guidance. Lot’s position in this place of welcoming the visitors shows that he holds a place of importance in Sodom. It speaks volumes about Lot’s relationship with the culture he chose to live in because if he did openly challenge the sins of Sodom, he would not be selected to sit at the city gate.
If believers allow carnal choices to prohibit them from serving God and being an example to others, it may contaminate people knowing God through them. It will also spoil the process of family members and loved ones’ capability of learning about God and righteously serving Him.