February 23, 2026

I don't want to make an unfair observation of Lot, but based on the text in Genesis 18 and 19, we can contrast the actions of Abraham and Lot and draw some valuable lessons.

First, when angels visited Abraham, he ran to meet them. Lot also arose and bowed when angels visited him, but it does not mention running, as used to outline Abraham's speed and eagerness to receive the Lord.

Second, when the Lord tells Abraham He will destroy Sodom, Abraham pleads, with great humility, acknowledging his nothingness, that the Lord will spare the city if there are a few righteous. When Lot is transported out of Sodom and commanded to go to the mountain, he asks if he can go to a small city instead. It says he asked out of fear of dying in the mountains. Abraham's response seems to be humble and in the manner of "thy will be done", whereas the text makes Lot's plea sound like self interest. However, after staying in the city, Lot, like Jonah, corrected and went to the mountains.

These two subtle difference provide an example of how we should strive to follow God, but also that righteous people are still human and do fall short. When we do, the hope is that we follow the Gospel principles and have faith and repent.

The last thing I'll note hear is that while righteous people can live in unrighteous places (we are all in the world but commanded to not be of the world), we draw greater blessings when we strive to stand in holy places. Do we pitch out tent towards Sodom or towards the temple?

Lot was righteous, that's why the angels visited him to save him from the destruction of Sodom. We're all at different places on our journey, there are hills and valleys in faith and testimony, but if we keep Christ at the center of all we do, and constantly seek greater righteousness as we've learned from Abraham, we will be blessed.