In What Direction Is Your Tent Pitched?

Brother Andy Diestelkamp, one of the writers for the “Think On These Things” online publication, has written an excellent article entitled, “Where We Pitch Our Tents.”

In the article, brother Diestelkamp points out the sad fact that Lot “chose” to move to the “plain of Jordan” where the wicked city of Sodom was located (Genesis 13:10-12). Even more sad, was the fact he and his sons-in-law wanted to remain there, even though God’s angels “urged Lot to hurry” and get him and his family out before the city was consumed (Genesis 19:12-16).

As Lot told his sons-in-law to “Get up, get out of this place” [of evil allurements and influences] (Genesis 19:14), will we, as members of the Lord’s body do the same? (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – see commentary on verse 17), or will we want to “linger” a while longer? (Genesis 19:16).

At the close of his article, brother Diestelkamp reminds us that we are merely “sojourners” here on earth (Hebrews 11:13-16), and thus should be seeking that “better [heavenly] country” (Hebrews 11:16), not longing to stay on this sin-cursed earth (Genesis 3:17-19), which will be destroyed by fire as Sodom was (Genesis 19:24; 2 Peter 3:10-12; cf. Luke 17:29).

Brother Diestelkamp then asks the question, “could you pull up stakes and not look back?” (“Remember Lot’s wife” – Luke 17:32; cf. Genesis 19:26).

And then the most soul-searching question of all:

“In what direction is your tent pitched?” — Is it toward Sodom, i.e., the world (Genesis 13:12), or is it toward the heavenly realm (Colossians 3:1-4). Like Lot of old, the choice is ours (Joshua 24:14-15).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets