Reading Through The Bible: Number 37
What great character lessons there are in God’s word! Genesis 13 tells the story of Abraham’s relationship with his nephew Lot. There we see highlighted the opposite traits of generosity and selfishness.
As they move into Canaan and it becomes apparent that their herds are now too large for them to continue to live together, Abraham the senior of the two, generously says his nephew: “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”
One would expect that the nephew would defer to the uncle but no, Lot looks around and chooses what seems to be the best for himself. Verses 10, 11 says:
“And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. 11 Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.
Thus Lot allowed selfishness to lead him into a lifestyle that was severely destructive and led his family into a state of collapse. Many today make the same decision as Lot. Seeing the apparent benefits of city living with its employment and entertainment opportunities, they forget that “God made a garden, but man made a city” and that cities are still places where evil prospers, while country living tends to promote a closer walk with God.
Just as it was in Abraham’s day, so it is today: 13 But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.”
I commend to you the little book of only about 32 pages: “Country Living” by Ellen White. It planted seeds in my mind years ago that lead us to a country lifestyle even when working in Sydney, and to a place of serenity and peace in retirement.
Have a great day!