The story of Lot’s wife in the Bible is a vivid reminder of what disobedience to God really costs. In Genesis 19:17 the Bible says, “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” (Emphasis mine) God simply and pointedly ordered Lot and his family not to look back; however Lot’s wife disobeyed. Our sin problem is not with the difficult or uncertain commands but with the plain commands of God.
Often, people dismiss disobedience. It’s no big deal. I know I shouldn’t, but does it really even matter? We hear preachers all the time talk about how the path of sin is a deathly path, but our small choice to disobey seems rather harmless at the time.
But, when we look at how God responds to disobedience through the example of Lot’s wife, we find a colossal consequence. Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt! The Bible says in Genesis 19:26, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” By being turned into a pillar of salt she became useless. Salt is not useless in itself, but a pillar of salt certainly is. As a pillar of salt, Lot’s wife was no longer useful to her God or her family. Sin makes us useless. It renders you and me ineffective in our service to our Lord. Our disobedience will not only make us useless it will also bring about great shame. Forever Lot’s wife is known for being turned into a pillar of salt. It is amazing how simple disobedience can change a person’s reputation. What will you be remembered by? Remember “…to obey is better than sacrifice…” 1 Samuel 15:22.
