Making choices: hidden dangers
by Carolyn Ehrlich
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The whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt (Genesis 13:10).
Lot and Abram were family, and they had been blessed with such an increase in flocks and herds and tents that the land could not support them. The time had come for them to separate, to go their own ways, to make a choice. Lot got to choose first. He looked around and made a decision based on what he knew and understood. He knew and understood Egypt, and the plain of Jordan reminded him of Egypt. So, based on what he knew and understood, he made a responsible choice – he chose land that would support his family, herd and flocks. But there were unknown and hidden risks associated with his decision. Unwittingly, he had pitched his tents near Sodom, and the people of Sodom were wicked. So, did Lot make a good choice or a bad choice?
What does this mean for us? How do we make decisions? God has given us free will. He allows us to choose – just as Lot was able to choose. So, as we decide, how do we assess what is best? As we read further in this text, we note that Abram took what Lot did not. More importantly, the Lord was with Abram. God promised Abram. When Abram pitched his tent, he built an altar to the Lord. Yes, we choose. Yes, the choices we make are mostly responsible decisions. We weigh up the options, and then we decide. But in this text, we learn it is not so much the choice that is important but that God is with us. God with us changes everything. God with us protects us from evil, corruption and the things hidden from us but will harm us. God with us … God with me … God with you.
What we can see is never the whole picture. Even when we base our choices on what we think is sound and good information, we must have God with us.
Father God, you have promised you will be with us until the end of the earth. You have promised that your sheep know your voice. You are a good, good Father who does have the whole picture and does have a complete plan. Help me hear your voice and follow your direction. Instill in me a heart that listens to you and does what you command. In Jesus’ awesome name, I pray. Amen.
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