Continued - Having No Natural Affection

"Having no natural affection." (2 Timothy 3:3) This phrase is translated from a Greek word meaning "heartless, inhuman" and denoting a "lack of natural, family affection." (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology) Yes, affection is often missing in the very environment in which it should flourish - the home. Reports of abusive treatment of marriage mates, children and even of elderly parents have become disturbingly common. One research team commented: "Human violence - be it a slap or a shove, a knifing or a shoot-out - occurs more frequently within the family circle than anywhere else in our society."

"Having a form of Godly devotion but proving false to its power." (2 Timothy 3:5) The Bible has the power to change lives for the better. (Ephesians 4:22-24) Yet, many today use their religion as a screen behind which they carry on unrighteous activities that displease God. Lying, stealing, and sexual misconduct are often condoned by religious leaders. Many religions preach love but support warfare. "In the name of the Supreme Creator," observes an editoral in the magazine India Today, "human beings have perpetrated the most abominable atrocities against thier fellow creatures." In fact, the two bloodiest conflicts of recent times -- World Wars I and II - errupted in the heart of Christendom.

"Ruining the earth." (Revelation 11:18) More than 1,600 scientists,including 104 Nobel laureates, from around the world endorsed a warning, issued by the Union of Concerned Scientist (UCS), that stated: "Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course... No more than a few decades remain before the chance to avert the threats will be lost." The report said that the man's life-threatening practices "may so alter the world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know." Ozone depletion, water pollution, deforestation, loss of soil productivity, and the extinction of many animal and plant species were cited as urgent problems that must be addressed. " our tampering with the interdependent web of life," said the UCS, "could trigger widespread effects, including collapses of biological systems whose dynamics we imperfectly understand."

"This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth." (Matthew 24:14) Jesus foretold that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached earthwide, for a witness to all nations. With divine help and blessing, millions of Jehovah's Witnesses are devoting billions of hours to this preaching and disciple-making work. (Matthew 28:19,20) Yes, the Witnesses realize that they would be bloodguilty if they did not declare the good news. (Ezekiel 3:18,19) But they are delighted that each year thousands gratefully respond to the Kingdom message and take their stand as true Christians, that is, as Witnesses of Jehovah. It is an inestimable privilege to serve Jehovah and thus spread the knowledge of God, and after this good news is preached in all the inhabited earth, the end of this wicked system will come.

Next: Respond To The Evidence