How to Make Bad Choices

Scripture: So Lot chose the entire plain of the Jordan for himself. Then Lot journeyed eastward, and they separated from each other. Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived in the cities on the plain and set up his tent near Sodom. Genesis 13:11-12

Observation: The Lord has promised the land of Canaan to Abram, and he has already lived in some of its best central places, Shechem and Bethel, and will soon move on to Hebron. However, when he and Lot separate, he gives Lot the choice about where he will go. Lot goes to the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. He does this because of how it looks from a distance ... the entire plain looked "well watered" and he describes it as being like "the Lord's garden" and like Egypt.

We can be pretty sure it isn't. The Dead Sea is a harsh place below sea level. The water is undrinkable. The land is rocky and requires work. Moreover, at the time the area's population centers are two cities that have become synonymous with - even verbs for - debauchery, Sodom and Gomorrah.

Lot chose a land that looked good from a distance. In truth, it was a place where life was hard and the people were evil. His offspring may populate the area in the future, but this choice would produce death and turmoil for Lot's family.

Application: So often, the Lord tells us - tells me - "this is what you should do", then also gives a choice. How often to I take God's instructions as just one of the potential inputs, add to it my own observations and calculations, then choose?

Just like Lot, my own inputs are probably very flawed. They are incomplete, focused on the wrong priorities. I have made bad decisions in both my personal and professional life because I made choices based on the wrong information, and not on the only information that matters ... God's direction.

I do wish I would receive the Lord's direction more often so I can make good choices. I'm sure the Lord wishes I would listen to his direction more often and stop making bad choices.

Prayer: Lord, it is only your will I wish to obey, and your provision and plans and purpose I wish to pursue. May I listen to you more and more in the choices and direction of my life, so I may arrive in your ideal place. Amen.