Putting Yourself Out For Your Family
Your closest neighbors are your family members - parents, brothers and sisters. You may feel, however, that those closest to you should understand your busy life and not make undue demands on you. Nevertheless, the Bible exhorts: "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." (I Peter 4:9) Try viewing the seeming inconveniences that may result, not as annoyances, but as an opportunity to strengthen the family bond.
Eddy recalls: "Mom's schedule often left her exhausted. But I'll never forget the look on her face as she opened the door and found the dishes washed,floors scrubbed, and table set for dinner. I'll admit I would have loved to have been playing ball on those occasions, but putting myself out helped draw our family closer together." Can you think of some ways to put yourself out for your family members?
Next time: Being Neighborly To Fellow Christians.
5.31.2004
5.27.2004
What Helping Others Involves
The parable of the neighborly Samaritan recorded at Luke 10:29-37 shows that helping others may involve real self-sacrifice. IN answer to the question, "Who really is my neighbor?" Jesus told of a Jewish man who was beaten by robbers and left for dead. Despite racial tensions that existed between Jews and Samaritans, a Samaritan man was moved to put himself out for a crime victim. He cared for the man's wounds, using wine and oil from his own provisions. Then he gently lifted the man onto his beast and took him to an inn. He paid the innkeeper about two days' worth of wages and promised to pay an additional expenses incurred.
This moving illustration captures the essence of what it means to put oneself out for others: to take the initiative, to make oneself a neighbor to others. It involves being willing to sacrifice time, energy and expense. Let's discuss some ways to do this.
Next time: Putting Yourself Out For Your Family.
The parable of the neighborly Samaritan recorded at Luke 10:29-37 shows that helping others may involve real self-sacrifice. IN answer to the question, "Who really is my neighbor?" Jesus told of a Jewish man who was beaten by robbers and left for dead. Despite racial tensions that existed between Jews and Samaritans, a Samaritan man was moved to put himself out for a crime victim. He cared for the man's wounds, using wine and oil from his own provisions. Then he gently lifted the man onto his beast and took him to an inn. He paid the innkeeper about two days' worth of wages and promised to pay an additional expenses incurred.
This moving illustration captures the essence of what it means to put oneself out for others: to take the initiative, to make oneself a neighbor to others. It involves being willing to sacrifice time, energy and expense. Let's discuss some ways to do this.
Next time: Putting Yourself Out For Your Family.
5.24.2004
The Origin Of Selfishness
God's law for his people is: "You must love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39) This means we are obliged to be caring, selfless, sensitive to the needs of others. Nevertheless, we do not always measure up to this shining ideal, and the Bible helps us to understand why. At Genesis 8:21 it says: "The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up."
Our forefather Adam cared little how his rebellious deed would affect others. It should not surprise us, then, that we, his offspring, are born with a selfish streak. (Compare Psalm 51:5) This becomes manifest surprisingly early in life. Parents magazine observes: " All toddlers are self-centered... They're interested in you but only when you're doing something for them." Left unchecked, selfishness may become a persisting character trait.
Another trait that hinders one from putting oneself out for others is laziness. (Proverbs 21:25) Indeed, when laziness reigns, one will concoct outlandish excuses to avoid doing things. Says Proverbs 22:13: "The lazy one has said: 'There is a lion outside! In the midst of the public squares I shall be murdered!"
God's law for his people is: "You must love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39) This means we are obliged to be caring, selfless, sensitive to the needs of others. Nevertheless, we do not always measure up to this shining ideal, and the Bible helps us to understand why. At Genesis 8:21 it says: "The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up."
Our forefather Adam cared little how his rebellious deed would affect others. It should not surprise us, then, that we, his offspring, are born with a selfish streak. (Compare Psalm 51:5) This becomes manifest surprisingly early in life. Parents magazine observes: " All toddlers are self-centered... They're interested in you but only when you're doing something for them." Left unchecked, selfishness may become a persisting character trait.
Another trait that hinders one from putting oneself out for others is laziness. (Proverbs 21:25) Indeed, when laziness reigns, one will concoct outlandish excuses to avoid doing things. Says Proverbs 22:13: "The lazy one has said: 'There is a lion outside! In the midst of the public squares I shall be murdered!"
5.20.2004
Why Should I Put Myself Out For Others?
" Whose interests come first in your life?" An Awake! reporter posed this question to a group of youths on a crowded street. "My own," said Mike. "I look out for 'number one' first, last and always. "Seventeen-year-old Susie said: "If it came down to either my family's welfare or mine, mine would take first place."
Sad to say, such sentiments are common. A book called The Postponed Generation tells of a study of 1,125 students in which two sociologists tried to find out whether young people were primarily concerned about themselves or about society. The Results? About 80 percent proved to be "looking out for themselves, without sensitivity or obligation to society."
Little wonder, then, that few are willing to put themselves out for others, to be inconvenienced or to go out of their way for someone other than themselves. Books such as The Art Of Selfishness and Looking Out For Number One become best-sellers, serving as little more than blueprints for the development of self-centered behavior. As the Bible prophesied, people today are "lovers of themselves." - 2 Timothy 3:1, 2.
How, though, do you respond to the needs of others? If, for example, you're ready to settle down and watch your favorite television program and Mom or Dad asks you to go to the store, do you become angry or resentful? Do you balk at the idea of doing chores around the home, sharing clothing or living space with a brother or sister, or simply doing someone a favor when it is inconvenient? Then it is time for you to make some changes. But why? and more important, how?
" Whose interests come first in your life?" An Awake! reporter posed this question to a group of youths on a crowded street. "My own," said Mike. "I look out for 'number one' first, last and always. "Seventeen-year-old Susie said: "If it came down to either my family's welfare or mine, mine would take first place."
Sad to say, such sentiments are common. A book called The Postponed Generation tells of a study of 1,125 students in which two sociologists tried to find out whether young people were primarily concerned about themselves or about society. The Results? About 80 percent proved to be "looking out for themselves, without sensitivity or obligation to society."
Little wonder, then, that few are willing to put themselves out for others, to be inconvenienced or to go out of their way for someone other than themselves. Books such as The Art Of Selfishness and Looking Out For Number One become best-sellers, serving as little more than blueprints for the development of self-centered behavior. As the Bible prophesied, people today are "lovers of themselves." - 2 Timothy 3:1, 2.
How, though, do you respond to the needs of others? If, for example, you're ready to settle down and watch your favorite television program and Mom or Dad asks you to go to the store, do you become angry or resentful? Do you balk at the idea of doing chores around the home, sharing clothing or living space with a brother or sister, or simply doing someone a favor when it is inconvenient? Then it is time for you to make some changes. But why? and more important, how?
5.17.2004
How To Approach God
The only acceptable way to gain access to the "Hearer of prayer" is through Jesus christ. (Psalm 65:2) Jesus plainly taught: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, JB) Mary was not invited to share this responsibility and serve as an intermediary. If Mary had been granted this unique privilege, surely Jehovah would have made it known. - Hebrews 4:14-16; I John 2:1, 2.
The Rosary and recitation of memorized prayers originated outside of professedly Christian lands. Praying To Mary ignores what Jesus taught, that "no one can come to the Father except through [him]." Thus, the Rosary and Mary are not God's way to approach Him in prayer.
The only acceptable way to gain access to the "Hearer of prayer" is through Jesus christ. (Psalm 65:2) Jesus plainly taught: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, JB) Mary was not invited to share this responsibility and serve as an intermediary. If Mary had been granted this unique privilege, surely Jehovah would have made it known. - Hebrews 4:14-16; I John 2:1, 2.
The Rosary and recitation of memorized prayers originated outside of professedly Christian lands. Praying To Mary ignores what Jesus taught, that "no one can come to the Father except through [him]." Thus, the Rosary and Mary are not God's way to approach Him in prayer.
5.14.2004
Prayer And The Rosary
Christians view prayer as a most valuable provision of the Creator - a real gift to be highly prized. Prayer is a respectful speech to Almighty God. It should convey our innermost feelings and hearfelt thought. "Prayer should be an expression of one's friendship with God, "says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. Petitioning God should never become a meaningless routine, nor should we hold rigidly to some favorite set of memorized words. - Matthew 6:7, 8.
Does the Rosary contribute to such meaningful prayers? Jeannine observed that reciting "Hail Marys" on the Rosary "became unconsciously repetitious." Repeating the same words on the Rosary did not bring her closer to God. Said another former Catholic nun, Lydia: "I did not find anything instructive in reciting the Rosary. I would have preferred reading books on religion." Repetitious prayers serve no purpose, since God has promised: "Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 35:24, NAB; Matthew 6:7, 8, 32) Almighty God appreciates and answers petitions that come from an honest and sincere heart. The Rosary does not help a person to approach God with meaningful, heartfelt prayers. - Psalm 119:145; Hebrews 10:22.
Next time: How To Approach God
Christians view prayer as a most valuable provision of the Creator - a real gift to be highly prized. Prayer is a respectful speech to Almighty God. It should convey our innermost feelings and hearfelt thought. "Prayer should be an expression of one's friendship with God, "says the New Catholic Encyclopedia. Petitioning God should never become a meaningless routine, nor should we hold rigidly to some favorite set of memorized words. - Matthew 6:7, 8.
Does the Rosary contribute to such meaningful prayers? Jeannine observed that reciting "Hail Marys" on the Rosary "became unconsciously repetitious." Repeating the same words on the Rosary did not bring her closer to God. Said another former Catholic nun, Lydia: "I did not find anything instructive in reciting the Rosary. I would have preferred reading books on religion." Repetitious prayers serve no purpose, since God has promised: "Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 35:24, NAB; Matthew 6:7, 8, 32) Almighty God appreciates and answers petitions that come from an honest and sincere heart. The Rosary does not help a person to approach God with meaningful, heartfelt prayers. - Psalm 119:145; Hebrews 10:22.
Next time: How To Approach God
5.12.2004
Mary And The Rosary
Mary is called the "Queen of the Holy Rosary." She is accredited with admonishing Catholics to "Pray the Rosary." The most common Rosary, "The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary," is traced to the 12th century. The Rosary and Mary go hand in hand, since she is seen as the Promoter of the Rosary and the one to whom the greatest importance is given in prayer.
Why all the emphasis on Mary and the Rosary? In reply Catholic authorities point to what the angel Gabriel said to her: "Rejoice, O highly favored daughter! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28, The New American Bible) Mary appreciated that her part in the conception and birth of Jesus, although important, was insignificant when compared to the exalted position that the Son she was to bear would receive. Concerning him, the angel Gabriel went on to say: "Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father...His reign will be without end." - Luke 1:32, 33.
Notice that attention was to focus, not on Mary, but on the Son she was to conceive - Jesus. He was the one who could be great and rule as King. (Philippians 2:9, 10) Nothing is said about appointing Mary as the "Queen of the Holy Rosary." Mary did, however, receive a blessing; she became the mother of Jesus. - Luke 1:42.
Mary was not an ambitious woman, seeking prominence. She was happy and content to be a humble worshiper of the Most High God. Her meek, submissive disposition is revealed by her response to the angel Gabriel when she said: "I am the handmaid [servant] of the Lord." (Luke 1:38, the Jerusalem Bible) Throughout he life, Mary proved to be a sincere woman of faith, a lover of righteousness, a loyal and faithful disciple to Jesus Christ who joined with fellow worshipers in humbly praying to Almighty God. The early Christians prayed with Mary not to her. - Acts 1:13, 14.
Next time: Prayer And The Rosary
Mary is called the "Queen of the Holy Rosary." She is accredited with admonishing Catholics to "Pray the Rosary." The most common Rosary, "The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary," is traced to the 12th century. The Rosary and Mary go hand in hand, since she is seen as the Promoter of the Rosary and the one to whom the greatest importance is given in prayer.
Why all the emphasis on Mary and the Rosary? In reply Catholic authorities point to what the angel Gabriel said to her: "Rejoice, O highly favored daughter! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28, The New American Bible) Mary appreciated that her part in the conception and birth of Jesus, although important, was insignificant when compared to the exalted position that the Son she was to bear would receive. Concerning him, the angel Gabriel went on to say: "Great will be his dignity and he will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father...His reign will be without end." - Luke 1:32, 33.
Notice that attention was to focus, not on Mary, but on the Son she was to conceive - Jesus. He was the one who could be great and rule as King. (Philippians 2:9, 10) Nothing is said about appointing Mary as the "Queen of the Holy Rosary." Mary did, however, receive a blessing; she became the mother of Jesus. - Luke 1:42.
Mary was not an ambitious woman, seeking prominence. She was happy and content to be a humble worshiper of the Most High God. Her meek, submissive disposition is revealed by her response to the angel Gabriel when she said: "I am the handmaid [servant] of the Lord." (Luke 1:38, the Jerusalem Bible) Throughout he life, Mary proved to be a sincere woman of faith, a lover of righteousness, a loyal and faithful disciple to Jesus Christ who joined with fellow worshipers in humbly praying to Almighty God. The early Christians prayed with Mary not to her. - Acts 1:13, 14.
Next time: Prayer And The Rosary
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