Association to Participation to Assimilation...

ASSOCIATION~PARTICIPATION~ASSIMILATION

"Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possession were so great that they could not dwell together"

In Genesis 13:6, we find Abraham and Lot in a position where separation became necessary. Both men had become prosperous and the present land could not handle all the livestock. Abraham did not want a dispute with his nephew. Therefore, he let Lot choose what land he would take. 

"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

It is interesting that Lot thought of himself and not the Uncle who had taken care of him. The Uncle who treated him like a son. Instead, Lot saw the better land and grabbed it with no thought for his elder. He did not consider his family bond with his Uncle when his eyes saw something better. Lot went towards the land of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot associated himself with Sodom and Gomorrah.  In Genesis 14, we see Lot living in Sodom. This results in him being captured when Sodom is attacked by other Kings. Abraham did not forget his nephew. Upon hearing of his capture, Abraham went with his men to retrieve Lot. Abraham brought back not only Lot but all the goods, women and the people of Sodom (Genesis 14:16). We see here that Lot's association (living near Sodom) lead to participation (living and fighting the war of Sodom against other kings.) 

We are so like Lot. 

We start associating, which leads to participating in areas marked "Do No Enter". Areas, we know that are not good for us. 

It could be reading books (certain popular erotica titles) that produce lustful thoughts.

We must be careful for participation normally leads to assimilation.

Hop on over to Genesis 19 with me. 

"Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom."

Genesis 19:1a

We find Lot is no longer only living near Sodom (Association) or fighting Sodom's battles (Participation), but he is among the leadership (Assimilation). Leadership of an area would be at the gate of a city. Proverbs 31:23 shows the proverbial woman's husband sitting among the elders of the gate. It is not stated whether Lot is a part of  the leadership or just amongst them. This is not the point. The point is Lot has progressed from association with Sodom & Gomorrah to participation and now to assimilation. 

What exactly is assimilation? 

Whenever I hear the word, my first thought is The Borg in "Star Trek: Next Generation." 

You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. 

Yet, I digress. 

Bing.com's definition is "integration into a group, the process in which one group takes on the cultural and other traits of a larger group."

What does all of this have to do with you & me?

 It is imperative that we see the slide from one step to the next is a slow progression. A former client would always say in her testimony, "I didn't wake up one day and decide to be a drug addict." 

Do you see association, participation or assimilation in your life? Don't despair. The great thing about God is He made a way for Lot to be saved when Sodom & Gomorrah were destroyed. And He has made a way for you too. Run to Jesus today & let Him bring you back to where you belong...

In loving fellowship with Him 

Now, Lot's wife...that is a story for another day.

Thanks to Pastor Dale Hewitt @ Grace Church of Fredericksburg for introducing the concept of "Association~Participation~Assimilation" in his June 3rd sermon. You can listen to his sermon on the church website: www.gcofonline.com