Seeing the Sins of Sodom in Myself

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.” 

Ezekiel 16:49-50

What comes to mind when you think about the sin of Sodom? Do you ever really admit to having the same struggles as those fellow image bearers who lived in that vile city? I am not quick to embrace identifying with the people of Sodom, yet I see in this text that the cloth of their hearts and that of mine are woven from the same thread.

My heart reeks of arrogance as indicated by my denial of any association with the people of Sodom. I live in a literal and proverbial state of fullness. I never wonder where my next meal is coming from and the spiritual resources at my fingertips are enough for endless hours of spiritual gluttony. Perhaps, in all of this, my ambivalence, my state of malaise, my lack of concern for those around me is most concerning. Comfort looms large as one of my pet idols. Where, O God, is your passion in me to help the poor and needy?

“In repentance and rest is my salvation. In quietness and trust is my strength.” Isaiah 30:15.

May the cry of my heart be to turn back to the mercy of God found in Christ. As I draw near to Jesus, He is my hope of heart change. I am asking that He makes my heart like His and that He incarnates His life through me as He prompts me to action. God give me the grace to walk in humility and obedience. Set me free from the bondage of the sins of Sodom.

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Carrie Walker Louer is the team leader for Cru Inner City’s New Jersey millennials and justice causes. Find out more at http://www.flourishingcity.com/.