"No Part Of The World"

Those desiring to please Jehovah and enjoy his blessings avoid idolatry in any form. The Bible shows that it is wrong to make and worship images, including those of Christ, or of Jesus' mother, Mary. (Exodus 20:4,5; I John 5:21) So, true Christians do not venerate icons, crosses and images. They also avoid more subtle forms of idolatry, such as acts of devotion to flags and the singing of songs that glorify nations. When pressured to perform such acts, they recall Jesus' words to Satan: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:8-10) Jesus said that his followers are "no part of the world." (John 17:14) This means being neutral in political affairs and living peacefully in harmony with Isaiah 2:4, which says: "He [Jehovah God] will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."

Being "no part of the world" also means breaking off all association with "Babylon the Great," the world empire of false religion. Unclean worship spread from ancient Babylon until it held harmful spiritual dominion over people earth wide. "Babylon the Great" embraces all religions whose doctrines and practices are out of harmony with the knowledge of God. (Revelation 17:1,5,15) No faithful worshiper of Jehovah will engage in interfaith activities by sharing in worship wih different religions or by having spiritual fellowship with any part of Babylon the Great. (Numbers 25:1-9, 2 Corinthians 6:14) Consequently, many new Bible students send a letter of resignation to the religious organization to which they belong. This has brought them closer to the true God, as promised: " Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing;' 'and I will take you in.'" (2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4,5) Is not such acceptance by our heavenly Father what you keenly desire?

Next time: Weighing Annual Observances