IN our human experiences we find it necessary daily, hourly, to make decisions as to what to do, and how and when to do it. Many times there are footsteps to be taken which require careful and prayerful consideration, that we may realize the Scriptural promise, "Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
In the thirteenth chapter of Genesis we find a wonderful lesson in the account of Abram and Lot, as they came to the crossroads in their journeyings where a decision was to be made as to which road to follow. They had come together to Bethel, and both men were rich in gold, silver, flocks, and herds. Because of the great numbers to be fed, it seemed that "the land was not able to bear them." This belief in limitation brought in its train much discord, and we read that there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. What was to be done? Abram, a peace-loving kinsman, proposed to his nephew a solution of the problem. Since an extensive territory lay before them, what could be simpler than to divide their flocks and herds, and to go, the one to the right, the other to the left? Abram, who had in a large measure risen above selfishness and greed, was willing that Lot should take what he would, and to accept for himself what remained.
Mrs. Eddy has given us this succinct statement (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 392): "Your decisions will master you, whichever direction they take." Lot's thinking was very material; he looked for material gain, and in this way he studied the situation. The plains of the Jordan were well watered; consequently, the land was productive. Surely, here he would experience no lack. But he reasoned imperfectly, in that he looked not to Mind for guidance. In this valley were the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities of such wickedness that it was possible to find within their borders but few righteous ones. Impelled with a desire for gain, Lot "pitched his tent toward Sodom," and traveled the pathway toward the city of destruction, a thorny, sorrow-strewn pathway, as later he was to find it. As did Lot, so do we ourselves find that our decisions are determined by our thinking, the standards to which we cling, the goal for which we are striving, the awareness of God which we cultivate.
