Today’s Reading, Genesis 19-21
Focal Scripture: Genesis 19:3 “But he urged them so strongly that they followed him and went into his house. He prepared a feast and baked unleavened bread for them, and they ate.”
Have you ever met someone that has a compromised character? This type of person has the following traits in their life.
- They don’t live out what they believe.
- They make decisions based on what is best for them.
- They hide and cover up sin in their own lives and in others
- They gossip and talk about others behind closed doors
- No real apologies happen, instead you hear accusations and avoidance.
- Scripture is not taken seriously in their own lives and no expectation for others to know the Lord.
A person with compromised character will look the part but not be a person of trust or integrity. They allow sin to rule in their lives.
In today’s reading we see that Lot knows about the sin in his city. He is so aware of the depravity that he urges his two visitors to follow him before something happens to them personally. Then the town comes to the door wanting to have sexual relations with the men and instead of getting rid of them Lot offers up his daughters. These actions ultimately lead to the destruction of the city. To make matters worse, after the city is destroyed, Lots daughters get him drunk, sleep with him and become pregnant. Lot did not have good character and it even was taught to his children.
We clearly see that Lot was a man of compromised character. He looked the part, spoke the part but was comfortable with sin in his life. Instead of rooting it out completely he allowed to stay around. Now before you start piling it on Lot, we must examine ourselves. Are you a person with a compromised character? We read earlier about some of the traits that this type of person has in their life. Do you have any of them?
If you are ok with sin in your life and the life of others you have a compromised character. Sin must be dealt with biblically. That means it must be repented of and rooted out completely. When we see it in others we need to lovingly confront them and ask them to repent. If they don’t, it is time for church discipline. People who cover up sin and gossip about others demonstrate character that is unilaterally destructive. These types of people will hurt themselves and others.
So what can you do if you find yourself to have a compromised character? First, admit that you need help. Second, get someone to help you be accountable to biblical truth. Finally, spend intimate time with the Lord and have him break your heart. These steps will build up godly character. The question is are you willing to pay the price. Then most importantly make sure are you believer.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 22-24
