The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah have become legendary as benchmarks for violent depravity and the drastic punishment brought upon them by God. Though at one time they occupied some of the most fertile land anywhere in the Middle East, after God was done with them the plain that they inhabited became a smoking ruin. Burning sulfur rained down from heaven. The region south of the Dead Sea is still desolate and bone-dry today, four millennia later. 

A remarkable side story is added for our wonder and learning. Angels of God visited Abraham’s nephew Lot and his wife in Sodom a short time before the fury descended and ordered them to get out. Immediately! They did leave, but Lot’s wife was sick at heart about all the wonderful things she was going to have to leave behind: “Thus [God] overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:25,26).

Let’s not be too hard on the woman. Her sacrifice was considerable, and the fact that she lost her life does not mean that she lost her salvation. Perhaps we’ll see her in heaven and can hear her incredible story firsthand. But God’s warning is crystal clear—this earth is not our real home. It is corrupt beyond saving and will be destroyed. Don’t get too attached or addicted.

Travel light. Heaven is your real home.