LOT: THE COST OF WRONG ASSOCIATIONS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 13:5-13
Key Verse: “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” (Genesis 13:13)
Supporting Texts: Genesis 12:4; Genesis 19:1-26; Psalm 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Peter 2:7-8
INTRODUCTION
Associations shape direction, and direction determines destiny. The people you walk with influence the choices you make, the environments you tolerate, and the future you create. Scripture repeatedly warns that companionship is never neutral; it either strengthens righteousness or weakens conviction.
Lot began his journey in the company of Abraham, a man of covenant and divine promise. Yet over time, his decisions regarding association and environment led him away from spiritual covering into moral compromise. His story teaches us that proximity to blessing does not guarantee participation in blessing.
In today’s world, many believers underestimate the power of association. They assume they can dwell near corruption without being affected. However, Lot’s life reveals that wrong associations may not destroy you immediately, but they will gradually erode your spiritual strength and threaten your destiny.
1. WRONG ASSOCIATIONS BEGIN WITH SUBTLE COMPROMISE
Wrong connections rarely appear dangerous at the beginning; they often seem convenient or beneficial.
a) Following Without Discernment (Genesis 12:4)
Lot followed Abraham into Canaan, but Scripture does not record a personal call from God to Lot. It is possible to move with a blessed person without cultivating personal conviction or direction.
b) Choosing By Sight And Not By Spirit (Genesis 13:10-11)
Lot lifted up his eyes and chose the well-watered plains of Jordan because they appeared prosperous. Decisions based solely on visible advantage often ignore spiritual consequences.
c) Neglecting Spiritual Environment (Genesis 13:12-13)
Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom despite its wicked reputation. Proximity to corruption weakens moral resistance over time.
d) Ignoring Early Warning Signs (Psalm 1:1)
The progression from walking, to standing, to sitting with the ungodly shows how compromise develops gradually. Early warnings must never be dismissed.
Biblical Example: Samson associated with the Philistines and disregarded repeated warnings, eventually losing his strength, vision, and freedom (Judges 16:20-21).
2. WRONG ASSOCIATIONS GRADUALLY SHIFT YOUR POSITION
What begins as proximity can become permanent settlement.
a) From Tent To City Gate (Genesis 13:12; 19:1)
Lot first pitched his tent toward Sodom, but later he sat in the gate of Sodom, a place of leadership and influence. Exposure can turn into entanglement.
b) Desensitisation To Sin (2 Peter 2:7-8)
Lot’s righteous soul was vexed daily, yet he remained in Sodom. Continuous exposure to compromise can dull spiritual urgency.
c) Loss Of Spiritual Authority (Genesis 19:14)
When Lot warned his sons-in-law, they treated his words as jest. Association with sin weakens credibility.
d) Diminished Spiritual Impact (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Evil communication corrupts good manners. Persistent ungodly influence corrupts character and testimony.
Biblical Example: King Jehoshaphat aligned with Ahab, and that association nearly cost him his life in battle (2 Chronicles 18:1-31).
3. WRONG ASSOCIATIONS ENDANGER YOUR FAMILY
Personal compromise rarely remains personal; it affects those connected to you.
a) Family Exposure To Corruption (Genesis 19:14)
Lot’s household became integrated into Sodom’s culture. What you tolerate eventually shapes your family.
b) Loss Through Delay (Genesis 19:15-16)
Lot lingered even when judgment was imminent. Delay in separating from wrong associations increases risk.
c) Partial Obedience Brings Pain (Genesis 19:26)
Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Emotional attachment to sinful environments can be fatal.
d) Generational Consequences (Genesis 19:36-38)
The aftermath of Sodom affected Lot’s descendants. Compromise can produce long-term consequences beyond immediate events.
Biblical Example: Eli’s failure to restrain his sons led to judgment upon his household and loss of priestly legacy (1 Samuel 3:13-14).
4. SEPARATION RESTORES DESTINY
Deliverance from wrong associations requires decisive separation.
a) Divine Mercy Intervenes (Genesis 19:16)
God mercifully brought Lot out of Sodom. Even when compromise occurs, God’s mercy can rescue the willing.
b) Obedience Requires Urgency (Genesis 19:17)
“Escape for thy life.” Separation must be immediate and complete.
c) Return To Spiritual Priority (James 4:8)
Drawing near to God restores clarity and direction.
d) Destiny Flourishes After Separation (Genesis 13:14-17)
When Abraham separated from Lot, God expanded his vision and reaffirmed the promise. Separation often precedes enlargement.
Biblical Example: The prodigal son left the far country and returned to his father, where restoration and dignity were restored (Luke 15:20-24).
CONCLUSION
Lot’s life is a sober reminder that destiny can be influenced, delayed, or damaged by wrong associations. Though he was related to Abraham and exposed to covenant promises, his choices led him into environments that cost him peace, influence, and family stability.
You must evaluate your associations carefully. Not everyone who accompanies you is assigned to complete your journey. Choose relationships that strengthen your faith, sharpen your convictions, and align with your divine purpose. Separation from wrong company is not loss, it is preservation of destiny.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, open my eyes to discern every wrong association in my life in Jesus name.
2. Lord, give me courage to separate from relationships that threaten my destiny in Jesus name.
3. Father, protect my heart from subtle compromise in Jesus name.
4. Lord, preserve my family from negative influences in Jesus name.
5. Father, restore every spiritual loss caused by wrong connections in Jesus name.
6. Lord, strengthen my conviction to stand for righteousness in Jesus name.
7. Father, deliver me from environments that weaken my faith in Jesus name.
8. Lord, surround me with godly counsel and wise companions in Jesus name.
9. Father, reposition me in places that align with Your purpose in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my associations accelerate and not hinder my destiny in Jesus name.
