Don’t Forget Lot’s Wife

Every lukewarm Christian needs to be reminded of Lot’s Wife. “Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to gain his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it” (Lk. 17:32-33). It serves as a warning. Lot’s wife, though nameless, was lukewarm in her attitude toward God and the salvation he offered when the “cities of the plain” were to be destroyed (Gen. 19). She began her journey to safety with her husband and daughters; but the farther they went from Sodom the more her heart became more divided. As a result she perished along with the inhabitants of Sodom. Why? Because she looked back. This was the very thing the Angel of God told Lot and his wife and two daughters not to do (vs 17). No one can serve two masters (Mt 6:24).

The scriptures never tells us the exact reason(s) why Lot’s wife looked back. We are left forever to speculate as to why she disobeyed God. Perhaps her heart was still in the city. Perhaps she did not appreciate all that had been done for her salvation (Gen. 18:16-33). Perhaps she had friends and family still residing in Sodom. Perhaps her loyalty to God and the world was divided (1 Jn 2:15). She almost made it to safety; but sadly she allowed her vigilance to relax. As in the words of the writer of Hebrews, she came “short of the grace of God” (Heb. 12:15). As in the words of John, God spewed her out of his mouth (Rev 3:15,16).

Lot’s wife is like many Christians today who have salvation in their hands and let go of the prize. They forget that they was once purged from their sins and return back to the ways which lead them astray (2 Pet 1:9). Just like the dog who returned to his own vomit and the sow to her wallowing in the mud (2 Pet 2:22). It had been better she had never known the way of righteousness, than to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto her (v21).

I know of many who were baptized believers who see the world enjoying the pleasures of this world and return back to their sinful ways. We all need to be reminded that we are not saved until we have fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. Then and only then do we receive a crown of righteousness. (2 Tim 4:7,8). Being close doesn’t count. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE!