Genesis 14:1-12
In contrast with Abram, the man of faith, Lot is an example of a believer walking by sight. For a long time he had followed his uncle by imitating him – as do many young folks depending on the faith of their parents.
Put to the test, Lot shows what was in his heart. Without thought, he had gone towards Sodom (Genesis 13:12) and now he lives there (v. 12). Once one embarks wilfully on a slippery path, one is not able to stop oneself. As a consequence of this wrong situation he is in, he becomes embroiled in a war which is nothing to do with him and is taken prisoner along with the inhabitants of Sodom. Mixing with people who do not fear God exposes a child of God to a loss of his liberty and moreover such company will always be a cause of difficulties and mental anguish for his soul. 2 Peter 2:8 brings to our notice these daily vexations of conscience which, for Lot and every other worldly believer, inevitably result in their living a double life. Being a prey to these conflicts both within and without himself, such a person can only be miserable. On the contrary, Abram, on the mountain, is not aware of these complications. He is a stranger to the world and all its worries. Do we resemble Lot or Abram?