Lot was a saved man. The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 2:7-8 that he was a “righteous man” whose soul was vexed by the sin around him. And yet, Lot fell into some of the most tragic and miserable sin recorded in Scripture. He lost his family, his testimony, and his legacy. How did this happen? And how can we avoid the same spiritual collapse? Lot’s story offers us powerful answers.
Be Plugged in to Abraham, Not Sodom – The Right Friendships
Lot began his journey well. He walked alongside his uncle Abraham, who was called “the friend of God.” (James 2:23). When Abraham stepped out in faith, Lot followed. Their companionship had a spiritual effect on Lot, at least temporarily. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Throughout Scripture, we see how godly friendships shape godly lives: Joshua and Caleb, Jonathan and David, Elisha and Elijah, Timothy and Paul, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel. These relationships provided examples to follow, encouragement to do right, and accountability to stay the course.
So ask yourself: Who are my Abrahams? Are you surrounding yourself with those who will point you toward God or toward compromise?
“You are or soon will be who your friends are.” – Unknown
Be Plugged in to a Personal Walk – Not Just Into Abraham’s Walk – The Right Devotions
Abraham was called God’s friend because he obeyed God’s commands (John 15:14). He had a personal, living, daily walk with the Lord. Lot, however, was plugged into Abraham’s walk—not his own. Lot had a borrowed faith. He thrived when he was near his godly mentor, but when separation came, his spiritual foundation crumbled.
Genesis 13:9 records Abraham’s gracious offer to Lot: “Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me.” When Lot separated from Abraham, it became clear that he had been drawing power from Abraham’s relationship, not from God Himself.
Life eventually separates us from our spiritual support systems. Children grow up and leave home. Pastors retire or are called elsewhere. Faithful friends move away. If our faith is only borrowed, we will falter. We must become friends of God ourselves.
Lot didn’t have what Joseph had in Egypt: a personal reverence for God that said, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). Nor did he have Daniel’s resolve, who purposed in his heart not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8). Jeremiah, even when tempted to quit, confessed that God’s Word was like a burning fire shut up in his bones (Jeremiah 20:9).
These men were personally plugged in to the source. Their faith was real, active, and unshaken by separation.
Lot’s downfall was not a sudden collapse but the slow unraveling of a borrowed spirituality. He failed because he never developed his own walk with God. He was plugged into Abraham’s faith, but not into the God of Abraham.
Don’t make the same mistake. Be thankful for the Abrahams in your life, but don’t rely solely on them. Develop your own daily walk. Be a friend of God. Build your own altar. Worship the Lord for yourself.
Where are you plugged in at?