How many times have we made what we thought was the best decision—but it turned out to be the worst? Lessons learned from such blunders we remember and regret all of our lives.
(Photo: Sunrise over Dead Sea. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands)
We make knee-jerk decisions that we think will benefit us financially, or relationally, or vocationally, or physically.
But what about spiritually? Lot failed to ask that question, and he lived with the regret.
But we don’t have to be like that if we’ll ask ourselves 3 questions.
Decisions that Looks Good on the Surface
The Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere, “like the garden of the Lord,” so Lot took his hungry flocks there. But choosing to dwell in the best of the land turned out to be one of the worst of decisions, for the text includes this ominous note: “This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah” (Genesis 13:10). Lot was not making the right decision.
In fact, a glance ahead reveals that in addition to Sodom, God destroyed all vegetation in the land—the very reason why Lot initially felt attracted to the valley (Genesis 19:25).
(Photo: The salty shoreline of the Dead Sea. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands)
Compromising Decisions Always have a Hook
Here we acquire the painful principle that in time, we relinquish even the “benefits” of sin. What initially seemed so attractive to Lot—what so quickly satisfied his need—brought him what all fleshly decisions eventually bring: a temporary benefit with long-term regret (2 Peter 2:7-8).
If sin were not an ugly thing, would it wear a mask? . . . Truth is not ashamed of its name or nakedness; it can walk openly and boldly. —George Swinnock
Consider how often we try making the right decision based on the impulse of a glance:
- We buy cars with all the extras.
- We run stop signs.
- We date (or even marry) charming unbelievers.
- We move to another city, only then to search for a good church.
3 Questions to Ask Yourself in Making Right Decisions
Making the right decision comes from asking the right questions. We must ask ourselves:
- How will this decision affect me spiritually?
- How will this change my relationship with God?
- How will this affect my testimony for Jesus Christ?
We need to remember that our spiritual life IS our life—and that we are not our own. We need eyes to see the spiritual implications of our choices to help us in making the right decision.
Lot’s failure teaches us that before we pay a penny for sin, we should consider the real price of a divided heart.
And where we have compromised, we should immediately run to the forgiving arms of our Lord Jesus—and not look back.
Tell me what you think: What helps you in making the right decision? To leave a comment, just click here.
Like This Post? Get the Whole Book!
This post is adapted from Wayne’s book, Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey Through the Lands of the Bible.
• These 90 devotional readings, each based on a specific place in the lands of the Bible, will help you apply the truths of God’s Word to your daily journey of faith.
• You’ll enjoy pertinent Scripture, inspirational quotes, photographs, maps, and a daily prayer.
After going places with God, you’ll never be the same.