More than not, when we think of Sodom we recall the record of that city in the book of Genesis. It is said of them that “the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD” (Genesis 13:13). We then read that “the LORD said, ‘Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to Me. And if not, I will know'” (Genesis 18:20-21).
The wickedness of Sodom is further revealed in Genesis 19 when the angels of God went to the city and ended up staying with Lot: “the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. And they called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.'” (19:4-9). They wanted to rape them. We then read that the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness. And so we see a glimpse of some of the sin that Sodom was guilty of and why they were destroyed.
But one sin of Sodom that we don’t often talk about or may not even realize is this: “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before Me. So I removed them, when I saw it” (Ezekiel 16:49-50).
Not only was Sodom guilty of sexual corruption, they were also guilty of PRIDE and GREED. Even though they had an excess of food and prosperity, they didn’t show compassion towards the poor or assist the needy. For them to have physical blessings and not help those in need was an abomination to our LORD. If such was a sin to God then, do you think He feels any differently today? If we have the means and ability to help those in need, but instead we clinch our money in our fists, do you really think God will be pleased with that?
Consider the following teachings from God’s Word that clearly show us how God wants us to live in love and good works toward all men: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:24-25). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).
We all are to strive every day to be more and more loving, giving, serving, caring, and compassionate. Where do you fall on the giving scale? Where do I fall on the giving scale? A sobering question for us all.
To the GOD of all blessings be all glory and thanks!
A Cord of Blue 