Abraham told Lot that it was time to part ways—their families and flocks had grown too large, and tension had begun to rise between them. So, Abraham gave Lot the first choice of direction, promising to go the opposite way. Lot lifted his eyes, drawn to the rich and fertile land near Sodom and Gomorrah, and chose to settle there—enticed by what he saw, unaware of the danger ahead.

Let’s be honest — it’s hard living in a world where it feels like everyone else is thriving.

We scroll through social media, especially Facebook, and see what looks like everyone living their best life. But what we’re really seeing is a carefully curated highlight reel — not the full story. Behind the smiles, vacations, and perfect family photos are struggles we’ll never see. Most people don’t post their pain, failures, or messy moments — at least not on purpose. And yet, we compare our reality to their filtered lives, forgetting how much lies beneath the surface.

That said, how are we supposed to turn our eyes away from a world that looks like Sodom and Gomorrah — and not be enticed?
How do we forsake the tempting pleasures we see all around us and instead live for a kingdom we won’t fully experience until after this life? I’ve felt the pull too. We all have. It’s not easy to deny what’s right in front of us for the sake of something unseen — yet that’s exactly what faith calls us to do. So how do we do it?

Because this is what Christ did for us.
Imagine if Jesus had come to earth and, instead of denying the world and heading straight to the cross, chose to indulge in its comforts. What if He had focused on building a life for Himself — working hard to enjoy success, security, and all the pleasures this world has to offer? What if He had become so comfortable here that He had to be dragged to the cross?

If Jesus had lived that way, how many would still believe there’s something greater than this world? How many would be willing to leave it behind? Who would choose to give up their lives for others, to suffer, or to embrace discomfort for the sake of saving souls?

Christ’s sacrificial life showed us there is something far better beyond this world — and His example is the one we are called to follow.

Lot couldn’t take his eyes off Sodom and Gomorrah — and that choice led to a tragic outcome. He lost his home, his wife, his children, and ultimately, a piece of himself. What began with a gaze ended in devastation.

Christians, could it be that we are living like Lot — drawn to the world’s temptations, unable or unwilling to look away? Perhaps we don’t fully grasp the cost. There are souls — our children, our friends, our families — who may follow our example. Their blood may one day be on our hands, and we will give an account before God.

This is why we must forsake the world. Not only for our own sake, but for the sake of those we influence — and most of all, for Christ. He gave everything for us. Shouldn’t we be willing to do the same for Him?

Yes, we may suffer for a little while. Yes, we may have to let go of things that feel good now. But what awaits us is far greater: eternal life, the joy of our Savior, and the fulfillment of our calling. Let us not trade heaven for a fleeting glance at Sodom.