Too Close!

There are times when our eyes may fall on something that looks good while we don't readily see the dangers nearby. For example, an individual may be drawn to beautiful flowers growing along a bluff, not realizing the overhang that could give way under foot. There is a sense in which we need to guard against becoming so focused that we fail to notice what else may be around us.

When Abram (later called Abraham) and Lot were sojourning together, due to the size of their flocks, herds, and number of tents, the land could not support both of them dwelling so close together. This created strife between their herdsmen. ( Genesis 13:6-7) Desiring to maintain peace between them, Abram urged separation -- as the whole land was before them -- and gave Lot first choice of which way to go. ( Genesis 13:8-9)

We read. . .
"(10) And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was WELL WATERED EVERYWHERE LIKE THE GARDEN OF THE LORD, LIKE THE LAND OF EGYPT, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) (11) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. (12) Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and MOVED HIS TENT AS FAR AS SODOM." ( Genesis 13:10-12 ESV)

Lot chose what looked good. It was a "well watered" place. It seems to have been viewed by him as a paradise since the comparison was made to even the "garden of the Lord." To Lot this must have appeared like the best place he could possibly be. However, with his focus centering on what looked good, was there danger he was overlooking?

The next verse reads. . .
"(13) Now the MEN OF SODOM WERE WICKED, GREAT SINNERS AGAINST THE LORD." ( Genesis 13:13 ESV)
This is what Lot moved close to. Though the land looked good, THE REALITY was it was too close to sin. Lot even had to be rescued twice because of his choice to live there; once by Abram ( Genesis 14) and once by messengers of God ( Genesis 19).

It is far too easy to be drawn to that which looks good that we are also brought closer to what may not be good for us. The devil cunningly uses such to draw us away from God. Therefore, we must be careful of tunnel vision and SEEK A BROADER VIEW OF what may surround the PLACES WE GO and the ACTIVITIES of which WE CHOOSE to participate. What else are we being drawn close to? Could there be a hidden danger? Could we become so enthralled while admiring the flowers of the world's gardens that we get dangerously close to the edge of the bluff? What looks good may not always move us the best direction. Abraham's life was marked by a willingness to follow God wherever He led. May we therefore always seek God's guidance and wisdom in the choices we make.

Have a great day FOLLOWING GOD IN THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM!
Carl

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