The world in which we live is becoming increasingly wicked. The gap between the values of the world, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, continues to increase with each passing year. The distance between the two points now appears to be more like a wide chasm than a small fracture.

The question which we must face as members of the Church is how do we maintain our association with individuals in the workplace, our neighborhood, and communities whose values are different from ours? How do we hold firm to the values we know to be true, when all around us, we are being challenged for our beliefs? One option may be to move to where there is a greater number of members of the Church. Another is to deliberately isolate ourselves from others in the world. If, however, we are to be a light to the world, we must not extinguish the light we are to hold up. As we seek to be a light to others, another option for us is to seek for common ground with those around us. One way to accomplish this is by highlighting our similarities, rather than focusing on our differences. It is equally important we respect their beliefs, as we ask them to respect ours.

Abram and his family were able to live lives of righteousness in a world surrounded by wickedness. Our focus in this lesson will be regarding what we can learn, and then apply in our lives, from their experiences.

Abram and his nephew, Lot, under the direction of the Lord (Genesis 12:1), had left Haran, They were led by the Lord to the land of Canaan. Upon their arrival, the Lord told Abram the land upon which he had been led was to be the land of his inheritance (Genesis 12:7). While living in the new land, a famine occurred. It was so pervasive they determined to go to Egypt where there was sufficient food available. After their stay in Egypt, following the famine, they returned to the land of Canaan. It was agreed between Abram and Lot they would each take adjoining parcels of land.

Abram determined to resolve the differences between his nephew, Lot, and himself in a fair and equitable manner. He offered a specific option and gave Lot his choice of the two options. It was more important to Abram to maintain a positive relationship with his nephew, than the choice of land upon which he would live.

Why is it important to seek resolutions to issues of conflict?

If we do not seek resolution to conflicts which we have with others, these feelings can act to drive a wedge in our relationship. If they are not addressed, they will adversely affecting our relationship with the individual. Often these unresolved conflicts can lead to grudges or unaddressed conflicts. In too many cases, the participants no longer recall the original reason for their dispute, but remain unable to admit the part they contributed to the conflict.

The Lord admonished each of us in His Sermon on the Mount, to be peacemakers and to reconcile our differences with others.

Often each of the offended members feel the other should approach them and apologize for their actions. Each waits for the other to come seeking resolution for their hurt feelings. The Lord provides the following direction regarding the importance of our forgiving others.

In the Lord’s eyes, the consequences reserved for those who do not forgive and seek reconciliation are greater when we choose not to forgive our neighbor. In truth, don’t we all error, and aren’t we in need of forgiveness. It is my belief the Lord will forgive us in proportion to the manner in which we forgive others. If we withhold our forgiveness of others, the Lord will withhold His blessings to us. In truth, we pay a high price when we refuse to forgive those who transgress against us.

For your consideration, I share excerpts from Leland E. Anderson, entitled, “Bridging the Ditch:

I don’t believe there would have been such a favorable outcome, had the farmer treated his neighbor as his neighbor had treated him.

It is apparent there is a difference between the two choices of land. What is the difference in the two choices?

The difference in the two choices was one had an abundance of water and land was beautiful to look upon. Lot did not defer to his uncle, who has been like a father to him, and encourage Abram to take the better land. Instead, he chose it for himself. By his choice, we also learn about Lot’s character.

Abram does not dispute, but defers to Lot’s choice of land, and he takes the other land. He accepts his nephew’s choice without ranker or questioning.

In this instance, near by the land Lot had chosen, is was located the established city of Sodom. The city of Sodom was noted for its “wickedness and [its occupants as being] sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13). Once, however, Lot established himself and his family in the land, he chose to “pitch his tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12).

What is the spiritual equivalent of pitching our tents toward Sodom?

We assume we can associate with evil things instead of shunning them, or we may even allow ourselves to commit small sins without thinking they can lead to bigger ones.

It is not unusual those who lose their way, often begin by neglecting first to say their personal prayers. Next, their attendance at church is less frequent. They then begin to question the doctrine of the church, concluding the commandments are “too strict.” Next comes the breaking of previously honored commandments. Frequently these include the law of chastity and the word of wisdom.

When we choose to direct our vision “toward” [in the direction of; so as to face, facing], we are expressing our longing, or desire, for what we view. If we do not turn away, or advert our attention, it is likely, we will follow the desire of our longing and move toward the direction of our vision. It is not surprising to learn, shortly after, “Lot, Abram’s brother’s son,…[now] dwelt in Sodom…” (Genesis 14:12).

The decision of Lot and his family to relocate to the city of Sodom, will have a profound effect upon his family in the future.

We often think we can live with wickedness, but not be affected by it. Many have learned from sad experience that this is a most difficult challenge. Often, instead of influencing others for good, they find themselves being negatively influenced by those with whom they chose to associate.

It is important which direction we chose to pitch our tents. In ancient America, the people of King Benjamin were instructed to gather at the temple in order to hear the final words of their king. They made the decision to pitch their tents facing a specific direction.

Does it really matter which way our “tent” [homes, eyes] face?

It does. If we choose to associate with evil, we will be adversely affected by it. We must seek at all times to avoid even the appearance of evil.

How can we point our homes more toward the temple instead of worldly places?

As we seek for that which uplifts and surround ourselves with the pure and the spiritual, we will be strengthened in our ability to avoid sin and evil. One day, we may even cringe at the sight of evil. No longer will wickedness be enticing to us.

Mark E. Peterson states,

Abram, upon learning of Lot’s capture, immediately takes action to rescue him and his family.

At this time, Melchizedek, the King of Salem, came to greet Abram and to honor his success in retrieving the residents.

Abram pays a tithing on his wealth to Melchizedek. We learn more about Melchizedek from the Prophet Alma, as recorded in the Book of Mormon.

We will later learn that Melchizedek was so righteous that, like Enoch, he and his city will be translated. Later, as Alma stated, the higher priesthood authority will be called after the name of Melchizedek.

The King of Sodom come to Abram and offers him a reward for his efforts.

Why did Abram refuse to accept even a thread as a reward from the king of Sodom?

He did not want to receive anything from an unrighteous king.

What might be considered a “thread” of immorality in today’s world? What might be a “thread” of dishonesty?

Anytime we compromise our standards, we have accepted a thread of wickedness into our lives. We cannot be partially clean in our associations with those of the opposite sex; or partially honest in our dealings with others. We must never compromise our standards of morality or our conduct with others. To do so, is to take one step down a very slippery path that will leave us with regret and unhappiness. If we find ourselves in these circumstances, it is important we immediately take the steps of repentance, including confession. Like Abram, we must remain fully and completely pure and clean in all our actions, public and private.

Abram, now, called, Abraham having demonstrated his determination to serve the Lord, is visited by three servants sent by the Lord. They will inform Abraham and his elderly wife, Sarah, that they are going to have a son. They also inform him that due to the wickedness of the cities, Sodom and Gomorrah are going to be destroyed. Abraham’s concern must have been great as he knew that his nephew, Lot, and his family lived in Sodom.

The Lord, in response to Abraham’s desire of the servants, sends two angels to warn Lot of the pending destruction.

After the failure of Lot’s son’s in law to heed his warning of the cities destruction, he returned to his home. One can only imagine the grief Lot and his wife felt as he knew the fate that awaited those who remained, including his own family members.

Note the two angels gave Lot and his family strict commands. They were to “look not behind thee;…[and] escape to the mountain.” (Genesis 19:17).

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed by the Lord. They are remembered throughout history as cities that were destroyed in response to their wickedness.

Often when we reference the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, we also speak of Lot’s wife.

She could have survived the destruction of her home, if, and that is an important if, she had not chosen to look back. She had heard the instructions of the angels not to look back. Was her disobedience to the angel’s directive, figurative or actual? We may also ask, Why did she?

The Old Testament Institute Student Manual states,

Old Testament Institute Student Manual states,

The predominate opinion is Lot’s wife, didn’t just “look back,” she went back. In the process of returning, she was killed along with the other inhabitants of the city.

Why did she go back? She was with her husband and other family members. They were going away from promised destruction. She may have returned because she could not bear leaving those family members who had chosen to remain behind. I also believe, however, she went back because she lacked the commitment and testimony to go forward in faith and trust in the Lord. In this regard, her decision is a warning to each of us not to neglect our testimony, believing we will be able to weather the storm on borrowed light. When the going gets tough, we will all need to be firm in the faith. We each need to go forward with complete obedience to the commandments of the Lord. In that sense, we would do well never to forget Lot’s wife.

As we conclude these chapters from Genesis, we have been taught important truths that can bless our lives today. These include: (1) Avoiding conflict and seeking reconciliation with others; (2) Remembering the direction we face does matter and it is determined by our daily thoughts, choices, and actions; (3) It is important to stand up for what is right and rescue those who make foolish decisions; (4) We must always remember who we serve and be diligent in our giving of tithes and offerings; (5) The wicked will be destroyed in the Lord’s due time. Wickedness never will bring happiness; and (6) It is important to gain our own testimony and to be obedient so we can be a light to others.

Why was Lot and his family spared the destruction of Sodom?

In conclusion, we must not underestimate the influence our lives can have upon others. The light of the gospel we emulate by the righteous choices we make daily, can serve to also bless those around us. We never know how another may be positively affected by our simple obedience to what we know is right.

Spencer W. Kimball states,

Let us be a light to others as we choose to do the right, and we will affect the lives of others for good.