The destructiveness of sin is evident in Lot’s life, which also serves as a warning of a trap we could fall into. Walking with the Lord sharpens our awareness of sin. A tender heart enables us to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice more clearly and turn away from sin. However, when we, myself included, drift away from the Lord, our spiritual senses become dull to sin.
Sin can blind us, leading us down the wrong path without our realizing the destructive journey we are on. In Lot’s story, we see a pattern of drifting away from the Lord. First, Lot moved near Sodom for its rich grazing land, and then he moved into Sodom. Later, when God sends angels to rescue Lot, we find him at the city gate, a bustling place for business.
Are You Building Your Life on Sand or the Rock of Jesus?
As Lot meets two men who have come to the city of Sodom, he doesn’t realize they are angels. The two men suggest spending the night in the city square, but Lot insists they come to his house, aware of the danger they would face. After Lot prepared a meal for these men, the men of the city, both young and old, surrounded his home and made a sinful request.
Genesis 19:5 They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!” [1] Why hadn’t Lot left such a sinful city? This highlights the danger of drifting away from the Lord as we become blinded by the world and build our lives upon the sand.
However, as children of God, our lives can unfold in a different way. Jesus gives us advice. Matthew 7:24Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.[2]
The Gift of Repentance
The destructiveness of sin is why Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. To repent means to turn away from our sins and turn to God. 1 John 1:9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. [3] Something in the spiritual realm happens when we come to the Lord with a repentant heart.
Jesus loves us so much that He cleans our hearts, regardless of the sins we have committed. The enemy tells us our sins are too great or that God will not forgive us, but that is not true. Additionally, Scripture provides further clarity on turning away from sin. Acts 3:19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.[4] If you are struggling with sin, call out to the Lord!
He will guide you to turn away from the broad road of the world and help you walk down the narrow path of faith. To learn more about the destructiveness of sin, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/divine-judgment-and-human-choices
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.