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Family, Choices, and Returning to God

Life is full of choices, and every choice we make reflects what’s in our hearts. When we take a step back and think about it, we realize that what we set our eyes on shapes the direction of our lives. Are we looking at the things God wants us to see, or are we drawn to what simply looks good on the surface? This was exactly the difference between Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13.

Abraham and Lot weren’t just two men making separate choices—they were family. Abraham was Lot’s uncle, but he treated him like a son, always looking out for him. When their herds and possessions grew too large for them to live together peacefully, Abraham, the elder and rightful leader, didn’t demand his own way. Instead, he gave Lot the first choice of land, showing humility and love.

Lot, however, lifted his eyes and saw something that pleased him. The Bible tells us: “And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.” (Genesis 13:10) Lot saw the lush green land, full of potential for prosperity. But here’s the key—he based his decision solely on what looked good. He didn’t ask God. He didn’t seek wisdom. He just went for it, unknowingly moving closer to destruction.

On the other hand, Abraham did something different. He didn’t lift his eyes until God told him to: “And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: ‘Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward.’” (Genesis 13:14) Abraham waited for God’s direction. He didn’t chase after what looked appealing. Instead, he trusted God’s plan for him. And because of that, God gave him and his descendants a land of eternal promise.

Lot’s decision to follow what looked good on the outside led him toward disaster. Eventually, he found himself living in Sodom, a city full of wickedness. What started as an innocent choice turned into a trap, one that cost him dearly. Though Abraham and Lot were family, their choices led them on very different paths.

This reminds us of another moment in the Bible: “So I said to you, ‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I will return to you.’” (Zechariah 1:3) God calls us to return to Him because He knows how easily our hearts wander. The world offers plenty of things that seem appealing — success, comfort, entertainment — but not all of it is good for us spiritually. If we’re not careful, we might find ourselves inching closer and closer to something that eventually pulls us away from God.

Instead of being like Lot, we should strive to be like Abraham. He didn’t just look at what was in front of him; he trusted in God’s promises, even when he couldn’t see them yet. The psalmist expressed this desire beautifully: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.” (Psalm 27:4)

Where are your eyes fixed today? Are you chasing after things that only satisfy temporarily, or are you looking toward the eternal promises of God? Jesus reminds us: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) If we return to God and focus on Him, He will take care of everything else. Let’s lift our eyes—not to the world, but to the One who truly provides.

We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) to discover how we can ensure a lasting spiritual legacy. Come, bring your family, and let’s grow together in faith!

You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming. 

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Please find our church location below:

True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org