The Candid Christian

As we’ve been reading through the book of Genesis using the Open Heavens Devotional, the Holy Spirit gave me a deeper insight into a familiar passage—the story of Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah.

In Genesis 18:23–33, we see Abraham boldly approaching God, asking:

“Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23, ESV)

He begins by asking if God would spare the city for 50 righteous people, then gradually works his way down to 10.

For the first time, I wondered: Why did Abraham stop at 10?

Abraham Was Hoping Lot Had Influenced His Household

The Holy Spirit showed me that Abraham wasn’t bargaining randomly. He was being intentional.

He was likely counting on the possibility that Lot had raised at least a small righteous household:

• Himself
• His wife
• His daughters
• Their fiancés
• Possibly servants

In other words, Abraham believed that righteousness could—and should—spread within a home.

“Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked…” – (Genesis 18:25, NIV)

Abraham knew God’s character. He knew God was just. And he believed righteousness mattered.

Abraham Raised His Household in the Ways of the Lord

One of the clearest proofs of Abraham’s spiritual leadership is found in Genesis 24, when he sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac.

The very first thing that servant does when he arrives is pray.

“Then he prayed, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today…’” – (Genesis 24:12, NIV)

That prayer didn’t come out of nowhere. It tells us something powerful:

Abraham didn’t only raise his biological family in the ways of the Lord—he raised his servants too.

And God Himself confirms this about Abraham:

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord…” – (Genesis 18:19, NIV)

This is why Abraham could intercede with confidence. He understood what it meant to build a righteous household.

Lot Was Righteous — And So Were His Daughters

The Bible tells us plainly that Lot was righteous:

“…and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless…” – (2 Peter 2:7, NIV)

We also learn that his daughters were virgins (Genesis 19:8), which, in that cultural context, reflected moral restraint.

Yet, when the angels came to warn Lot, his sons-in-law mocked him.

“When he spoke to his sons-in-law… they thought he was joking.” – (Genesis 19:14, NIV)

This shows us something sobering: Being righteous is not the same as making disciples.

God Is Calling Us to Raise Righteous Homes, Not Just Righteous Individuals

This story speaks powerfully to us today.

We were never meant to be comfortable being the only saved ones in our:

• Homes
• Schools
• Offices
• Friend groups
• Communities

Jesus commands us:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” – (Matthew 28:19, ESV)

And that discipleship starts at home.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – (Joshua 24:15, NIV)

God’s desire is not that we merely escape judgment, but that we bring others into salvation.

A Personal Reflection

Abraham didn’t just love God, he influenced people for God.

He built an environment where prayer was normal, obedience was expected, and righteousness was taught.

That’s the kind of faith God is calling us into.

Not quiet faith.

Not hidden faith.

Not private faith.

But transmissible faith.

A Prayer

Lord, help us to not only walk with You, but to bring others along. Teach us how to disciple our homes, our friends, our workplaces, and our communities. Let our lives be living sermons that draw others into Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.