Influence of Social Surroundings
103
and charged them to flee for their lives, neither to look behind them
nor to stay upon all the plain, but to escape to the mountains.
How reluctant was Lot to obey the angel and go as far as possible
from corrupt Sodom, appointed to utter destruction! He distrusted
God and pleaded to remain. Living in the wicked city had weakened
his faith and confidence in the justice of the Lord. He pleaded that he
could not do as he was required, lest some evil should overtake him,
and he should die. Angels were sent on a special mission to save the
lives of Lot and his family; but Lot had so long been surrounded by
corrupting influences that his sensibilities were blunted, and he could
not discern the works of God and His purposes; he could not trust
himself in His hands to do His bidding. He was continually pleading
for himself, and this unbelief cost him the life of his wife. She looked
back to Sodom, and, murmuring against the dealings of God, she was
changed to a pillar of salt, that she might stand as a warning to all
those who disregard the special mercies and providences of Heaven.
[112]
After this terrible retribution, Lot no longer dared to linger by the way,
but fled into the mountains, according to the direction of the angels.
The sinful conduct of his daughters after leaving Sodom was the result
of wicked associations while there. The sense of right and wrong was
confused in their minds, and sin did not appear as sin to them.
The case of Lot should be a warning to all those who wish to live
godly lives, to separate themselves from all influences calculated to
lead them away from God. Lot remained so long among the wicked
that he was only able to save himself and two daughters, and even they
were corrupted in morals by their sojourn in Sodom.
God means what He says, and He will not be trifled with. Oh!
how many shortsighted, sinful mortals plead with God to induce Him
to come to their terms, while if they would only yield themselves
unreservedly into His hands He would compass their salvation and
give them precious victories.
Sister K, you are in danger of making decisions that will be very
injurious to you. God has a work for you to do which none can do for
you, and without doing this your soul cannot be saved. God loves you
and is unwilling that you should perish in the general ruin. He invites
you to leave those things which hinder your spiritual advancement,
and to find in Him that strength and consolation which you need. You
have cares and burdens to bear in your family that often worry you;