The Impact of Decisions: A Domino Effect

Close your eyes and picture yourself knocking over a line of dominos. A push from one domino causes all the others to fall. At times, our decisions have a similar sequence; the consequences of one decision leads to the other. More often than not, people get distracted by what seems appealing and they make a wrong decision, giving the enemy the legal right to cause a disastrous domino effect. This wrong decision can have unimagined, destructive consequences. In the book of Genesis, Lot is an example of this.

For genealogy purposes, Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Throughout the chapters, Lot is held captive, the city he lived in was destroyed, his wife turned into a pillar of salt, and his daughters sexually violated him [Genesis 18, Genesis 19]. As I read this sequence of events, a question arose in my spirit.

Why did so much misfortune follow Lot?

Let us turn back a few chapters. Lot and Abraham ended up in Egypt together. Over time, the land that they resided in could not sustain both of their possessions and agricultural needs, therefore, they chose to part ways. Abraham gave Lot the option to choose where he wanted to go.

Genesis 13:10-13

New International Version

10 Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.

Lot saw that Sodom and Gomorrah seemed to promise abundance. He chose for himself what appeared to look good and what seemingly would provide comfort, despite the land being full of sin. Upon making his poor decision to settle in this land, he underwent a series of unfortunate events. The people of this land were so wicked that in the following chapters, the Lord sent two of his angels to destroy it. These angels proceed to provide Lot with the opportunity to flee from the land but he hesitates.

Genesis 19:16-19

New International Version

16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” 18 But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die.

Even though the city he resided in was about to be obliterated, he was hesitant about fleeing and the discomfort that leaving would bring. Unfortunately, many saints have been Lot, seeking after worldly things (safety, security, comfort) to a detrimental extent as opposed to following the path of Christ. And like Lot, you can lose everything chasing what feels good. 

Mark 8:36

King James Version

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Jesus should be our priority over all worldly matters. When you set your sights on the Lord, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lot lacked faithfulness meanwhile, Abraham (Lot’s character foil so to speak) was faithful. He allowed Lot to choose first. Though he ended up in a place that maybe did not visually look as good as Sodom and Gomorrah (as described in Genesis 13:10-13), he was faithful that the Lord would see him through. He accepted where he ended up with a heart of worship, building an altar for the Lord [Genesis 13:18]. In allowing Lot to make that first choice, he was being selfless and also trusting that no matter the outcome, the Lord had him covered. Abraham’s faithfulness pleases the Lord and results in the Lord’s covenant with Abraham and his bloodline. 

Brothers and sisters, walk by faith. Scripture promises us freedom in Christ and a place in His kingdom if we so choose. We have the opportunity to no longer be slaves to sin and death. The decisions we make must reflect that we know and accept this principle; that we truly seek his kingdom first.

The next time you face having to make a choice, ask yourself: What will it be…

The world or Christ?

Song Recommendation: Lead Me On by Chandler Moore