In Genesis 13, we read about the journey of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his nephew Lot. As their flocks and herds grew, the land could no longer support both of them living together, so they decided to part ways. Abram, in his humility, gave Lot the first choice of where to settle. Lot looked out and saw that the plain of the Jordan was well watered and fertile, “like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt” (Genesis 13:10, NIV). So, he chose to pitch his tents near Sodom, a city infamous for its wickedness.

Lot’s decision to move toward Sodom reflects a choice many of us face today: the temptation to position ourselves closer to the things of the world rather than drawing nearer to God. This devotional explores what it means to “pitch our tents toward Sodom,” the dangers of this choice, and how we can protect ourselves from falling into the same trap.

Sodom was a city known for its sinfulness. Ezekiel 16:49-50 (NIV) gives us insight into the nature of Sodom’s sins: “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore, I did away with them as you have seen.”

The people of Sodom were consumed by their own desires, pride, and selfishness. They lived for their own pleasure and comfort, ignoring the needs of others and disregarding God’s commands. This mindset is strikingly similar to what we see in our world today.

Modern humanism, materialism, and the worship of self have become prevalent in our culture. We worship our bodies, spending countless hours and dollars on fitness, cosmetics, and fashion. We chase after wealth, working longer hours to afford luxuries we don’t need, often at the expense of our families and spiritual well-being. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV) describes this condition: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

When we “pitch our tents toward Sodom,” we are placing ourselves in close proximity to these worldly temptations. We may not fully immerse ourselves in them, but we’re looking in their direction, and that’s a dangerous place to be.

Lot’s decision to live near Sodom had devastating consequences. Eventually, he moved into the city itself, and when God’s judgment fell upon Sodom, Lot and his family barely escaped with their lives. His wife, however, couldn’t resist looking back at the city as it was being destroyed, and she was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26, NIV).

Lot’s story is a cautionary tale. When we position ourselves close to sin, it becomes harder and harder to resist its pull. We may start by justifying our decisions—like Lot, we may be drawn to the apparent benefits of living near Sodom. But over time, we become desensitized to the sin around us, and before we know it, we’re living in the midst of it.

God’s judgment on Sodom serves as a warning to us today. The world is heading toward a day of reckoning, and Christ is coming back. The devil, who tempts us to pitch our tents toward Sodom, will ultimately be defeated. Revelation 20:10 (NIV) tells us, “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

So, how can we move away from Sodom when it is so inviting? How can we prevent ourselves from looking back to the “old days” of worldly pleasures?

1. Recognize the Danger: The first step is to recognize the danger of pitching our tents toward Sodom. Just as Lot saw the fertile plains and thought only of the material benefits, we can be easily deceived by the allure of the world. But we must remember that these things are temporary and ultimately lead to destruction. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) warns us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

2. Set Your Heart on Things Above: Instead of focusing on the things of this world, we are called to set our hearts and minds on things above. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) instructs us, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This means prioritizing our relationship with God, spending time in His Word, and seeking His will in all that we do.

3. Flee from Temptation: When we find ourselves in situations that tempt us to compromise our faith, we must flee from them. This may mean making difficult decisions, such as leaving a job, ending a relationship, or giving up certain habits. But it’s better to flee from temptation than to risk being drawn into sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) offers us hope: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

4. Don’t Look Back: Just as Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at Sodom, we too must resist the urge to look back at our old lives. Jesus said in Luke 9:62 (NIV), “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Our focus must be on following Christ, not on longing for the things we’ve left behind.

5. Be a Dedicated Minority: Abraham’s intercession for Sodom shows the importance of being a dedicated minority. Even if we feel like we are alone in our commitment to God, our prayers and faithfulness can have a powerful impact. James 5:16 (NIV) reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” We must stand firm in our faith, even when the world around us is moving in the opposite direction.

The story of Lot and Sodom is a powerful reminder that we must be vigilant in our walk with God. The world is full of temptations that can lead us away from Him, but we must resist the urge to pitch our tents toward Sodom. Instead, let us set our hearts on things above, flee from temptation, and never look back. As we do, we will be prepared for the day when Christ returns and the world faces its final judgment.

In the meantime, let us be a dedicated minority, praying for those who are still caught in the grip of sin, and living lives that reflect the holiness and love of God. By His grace, we can move away from Sodom and walk in the light of His presence, both now and forever.