Abram and his nephew Lot prospered during their years in Egypt, leaving with a great deal of wealth in the form of livestock and precious metals. So much livestock that they needed to separate their herds as they settled into their new home.

Abram, the gracious uncle, gave Lot a choice. Pick the land you want and I’ll go the other direction. Lot licked his lips.

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. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.

Lot chose the best land offered, apparently without thought or nod toward uncle Abram, his benefactor and protector. Lot even decided to make his home near Sodom, already known as a wicked city. But if that was where the money was, then Lot wanted close.

Lot sacrificed right living for financial success. Perhaps he thought he could avoid the worst of the behavior. More likely, he was willing to ignore corrupting influence as long as business flourished.

The profit motive rarely matches up with what’s best for our lives. I’ve watched person after person climb the ladder of success only to eventually divorce their spouse, or alienate their children, or forgo close relationships altogether.

Greed is not good, regardless of what magazines and social media trumpet. Lot and his salty wife discovered this truth the hard way. Don’t get me wrong—it is good to work and wonderful to prosper—and it’s even better to stay connected with the Lord as we do so.

Genesis 13 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Didier Weemaels