Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

love, in honor giving preference to one another." Romans 12:10. A
willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us would
prevent or end half the troubles of life. The heart in which the love
of Christ is cherished will possess that unselfish love that "does not
seek its own" (see also Philippians 2:4).
Lot did not show any gratitude to his generous uncle. Instead,
he selfishly tried to grasp all the advantages. He "lifted his eyes and
saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere ...
like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt." The most fertile
region in all Palestine was the Jordan valley, reminding its viewers
of the lost Paradise and equaling the beauty and productiveness of
the Nile-enriched plains they had left. There were cities, wealthy
and beautiful, inviting for profitable business. Dazzled with visions
of worldly gain, Lot overlooked the moral evils found there. He
"chose for himself all the plain of Jordan," and "pitched his tent
even as far as Sodom." Little did he foresee the terrible results of
that selfish choice!
Soon after this, Abraham moved to Hebron. Leaving to Lot the
perilous luxury of Sodom, Abraham settled in the free air of those
upland plains with their olive groves and vineyards, their fields of
grain, and the wide pasture of the encircling hills, content with his
simple life.
Abraham did not shut away his influence from his neighbors.
In contrast to the worshipers of idols, his life and character exerted a
telling influence in favor of the true faith. His loyalty to God was
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