Safeguard Your Conscience
The idea of flying in a plane with a wrongly programmed computer is frightening. Imagine, instead, that someone had tampered with the aircraft's guidance system or had deliberately falsified its data! Well, in a figurative sense, that is exactly what someone is trying to do to your conscience. He is out to sabbotage your moral guidance system. His objective is to put you on a collision course with God! - Job 2:2-5; John 8:44.
Who is this vicious saboteur? In the Bible, he is called "the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire enhabited earth." (Revelation 12:9) He was seen in action in the garden of Eden when, by using specious reasoning, he persuaded Eve to ignore what she knew was right and to rebel against God. (Genesis 3:1-6; 16-19) Since then, Satan has masterminded the development of entire institutions of deception to lead people en masse into enmity with God. The most reprehensible of these institutions is false religion. - 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15/
Next time: False Religion Corrupts The Conscience
6.30.2006
6.27.2006
You Need A Trained Conscience
The captain, a pilot for 15 years, had accumulated over 11,000 hours of flying time. Prior to takeoff, he had carefully entered the flight plan into his onboard computer, unaware that the coordinates he had been given were incorrect. Flying through a cloud at just under 2,000 feet, the DC-10 slammed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, killing 257 on board.
Just as airplanes today rely on computers to guide them through the skies, humans have been given a conscience to guide them on their path through life. And the terrible tragedy of Flight 901 can teach us some powerful lessons about our conscience. For instance, in the same way that flight safety depends on a properly functioning navigational system and precise points of reference, so our spiritual, moral, and even physical well-being depends on a responsive conscience guided by correct moral points of reference.
Unhappily, in today's world, such points of reference are quickly disappearing or are being ignored. "We hear a lot today about how Johnny can't read, how he can't write, and the trouble he is having finding France on a map," said an American educator. "It is also true that Johnny is having difficulty distinguishing right from wrong. Along with illiteracy and innumeracy, we must add deep moral confusion to the list of educational problems." She also observed young people live in a moral haze. Ask one of them if there are such things as 'right and wrong," and suddenly you are confronted with a confused, tongue-tied, nervous and insecure individual...... This confusion gets worse rather than better once they go to college."
One cause of this confusion is moral relativism, a widespread view that standards vary according to personal or cultural preferences. Imagine what would happen if pilots were to navigate, not by fixed reference points, but by beacons that moved about unpredictably and sometimes disappeared altogether! Disasters like the one at Mount Erebus would undoubtedly be common. Similarly, having abandoned fixed moral standards, the world reaps a grim and growing harvest of misery and death as families are torn apart by infidelity and millions suffer because of AIDS or some other sexually transmitted disease.
Moral relativism may sound sophisicated, but in reality its followers are like the ancient Ninevites who did not know ' their right hand from their left.' Practicers of moral relativism resemble the apostate Israelites who said that "good is bad and bad is good." - Jonah 4:11;Isaiah 5:20.
So where can we turn for clear, unambiguous laws and principles with which to train our conscience to be a safe guide? Millions have found that the Bible perfectly fills that need. From morality to work ethic and from the training of children to the worship of God, the Bible omits nothing important (2Timothy 3:16) It has proved completely reliable over the centuries. Because the Bible's moral standards were established by the very highest authority, our Creator, they are relevant for all humans. Hence, we have no reason to live a live of moral uncertainty.
Nowadays, however, your conscience is under assault as never before. How is that possible? And how can you safeguard your conscience? A good way to begin is to get to know the source of the assault and his tactics. These will be discussed in the following article.
Next time: Safeguard Your Conscience
The captain, a pilot for 15 years, had accumulated over 11,000 hours of flying time. Prior to takeoff, he had carefully entered the flight plan into his onboard computer, unaware that the coordinates he had been given were incorrect. Flying through a cloud at just under 2,000 feet, the DC-10 slammed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, killing 257 on board.
Just as airplanes today rely on computers to guide them through the skies, humans have been given a conscience to guide them on their path through life. And the terrible tragedy of Flight 901 can teach us some powerful lessons about our conscience. For instance, in the same way that flight safety depends on a properly functioning navigational system and precise points of reference, so our spiritual, moral, and even physical well-being depends on a responsive conscience guided by correct moral points of reference.
Unhappily, in today's world, such points of reference are quickly disappearing or are being ignored. "We hear a lot today about how Johnny can't read, how he can't write, and the trouble he is having finding France on a map," said an American educator. "It is also true that Johnny is having difficulty distinguishing right from wrong. Along with illiteracy and innumeracy, we must add deep moral confusion to the list of educational problems." She also observed young people live in a moral haze. Ask one of them if there are such things as 'right and wrong," and suddenly you are confronted with a confused, tongue-tied, nervous and insecure individual...... This confusion gets worse rather than better once they go to college."
One cause of this confusion is moral relativism, a widespread view that standards vary according to personal or cultural preferences. Imagine what would happen if pilots were to navigate, not by fixed reference points, but by beacons that moved about unpredictably and sometimes disappeared altogether! Disasters like the one at Mount Erebus would undoubtedly be common. Similarly, having abandoned fixed moral standards, the world reaps a grim and growing harvest of misery and death as families are torn apart by infidelity and millions suffer because of AIDS or some other sexually transmitted disease.
Moral relativism may sound sophisicated, but in reality its followers are like the ancient Ninevites who did not know ' their right hand from their left.' Practicers of moral relativism resemble the apostate Israelites who said that "good is bad and bad is good." - Jonah 4:11;Isaiah 5:20.
So where can we turn for clear, unambiguous laws and principles with which to train our conscience to be a safe guide? Millions have found that the Bible perfectly fills that need. From morality to work ethic and from the training of children to the worship of God, the Bible omits nothing important (2Timothy 3:16) It has proved completely reliable over the centuries. Because the Bible's moral standards were established by the very highest authority, our Creator, they are relevant for all humans. Hence, we have no reason to live a live of moral uncertainty.
Nowadays, however, your conscience is under assault as never before. How is that possible? And how can you safeguard your conscience? A good way to begin is to get to know the source of the assault and his tactics. These will be discussed in the following article.
Next time: Safeguard Your Conscience
6.18.2006
'Love Jehovah With Your Whole Heart'
More than all other qualities, love truly makes our heart responsive to Jehovah's direction. A heart filled wiht love for God makes a person eager to learn what pleases God and what displeases him. (1John 5:3) Jesus said: " You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind." (Matthew 22:37) May we deepen our love for God by making it a habit to reflect on his goodness, by regularly speaking to him as to an intimate friend, and by eagerly talking about him to others.
By way of review: Acquiring a heart agreeable to Jehovah involves allowing God's Word to influence what we are inside, the secret person of the heart. Meaningful personal study of the Scriptures and appreciative meditation are a must. This is best done with a prepared heart-a heart free from preconcieved ideas, one that is filled with qualities that make us teachable! Yes, with Jehovah's help, a good heart can be acquired. However, what measures can we take to safeguard our heart?
More than all other qualities, love truly makes our heart responsive to Jehovah's direction. A heart filled wiht love for God makes a person eager to learn what pleases God and what displeases him. (1John 5:3) Jesus said: " You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind." (Matthew 22:37) May we deepen our love for God by making it a habit to reflect on his goodness, by regularly speaking to him as to an intimate friend, and by eagerly talking about him to others.
By way of review: Acquiring a heart agreeable to Jehovah involves allowing God's Word to influence what we are inside, the secret person of the heart. Meaningful personal study of the Scriptures and appreciative meditation are a must. This is best done with a prepared heart-a heart free from preconcieved ideas, one that is filled with qualities that make us teachable! Yes, with Jehovah's help, a good heart can be acquired. However, what measures can we take to safeguard our heart?
6.16.2006
Continue from 'Prepare To Consult God's Word'
Jesus said: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3) While we are endowed with a capacity for spirituality, pressures from this wicked world or such traits as laziness may dull our consciousness of our need. (Matthew 4:4)We must develop a wholesome appetite for spiritual food. Even if we at first do not find pleasure in Bible reading and personal study, with persistence we will find that knowledge will 'become pleasant to our very soul,' so that we eagerly look forward to study periods. -Proverbs 2:10, 11.
Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding," admonished King Solomon. (Proverbs 3:5) A heart that is trusting in Jehovah knows that whatever he asks or directs through his Word is always right. (Isaiah 48:17) Jehovah is certainly worthy of our complete trust. He is able to carry out all that he has purposed. (Isaiah 40:26, 29) Why, his very name literally means "He causes to become," which builds confidence in his ability to fulfill what he has promised! He is "righteous in all his ways and loyal in allhis works." (Psalm 145:17) Of course, to cultivated trust in him, we need to "taste and see that Jehovah is good" by applying what we learn from the Bible in our personal life and by reflecting upon the good that this produces.- Psalm 34:8.
Pointing to yet another quality that makes our heart receptive to divine guidance, Solomon stated: "Fear Jehovah and turn away from the bad." (Proverbs 3:7) Jehovah sid concerning ancient Israel: "If only they would develop this heart of theirs to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, in order that it might go well with them and their sons to time indefinite!" (Deuteronomy 5:29) Yes, those who fear God obey him. Jehovah has the ability "to show his strength in behalf of those whoe heart is complete toward him" and to inflict punishment upon those who disobey him. (2 Corinthians 16:9) May reverential fear of displeasing God govern all our actions, thoughts and emotions.
Next time: 'Love Jehovah With Your Whole Heart'
Jesus said: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3) While we are endowed with a capacity for spirituality, pressures from this wicked world or such traits as laziness may dull our consciousness of our need. (Matthew 4:4)We must develop a wholesome appetite for spiritual food. Even if we at first do not find pleasure in Bible reading and personal study, with persistence we will find that knowledge will 'become pleasant to our very soul,' so that we eagerly look forward to study periods. -Proverbs 2:10, 11.
Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding," admonished King Solomon. (Proverbs 3:5) A heart that is trusting in Jehovah knows that whatever he asks or directs through his Word is always right. (Isaiah 48:17) Jehovah is certainly worthy of our complete trust. He is able to carry out all that he has purposed. (Isaiah 40:26, 29) Why, his very name literally means "He causes to become," which builds confidence in his ability to fulfill what he has promised! He is "righteous in all his ways and loyal in allhis works." (Psalm 145:17) Of course, to cultivated trust in him, we need to "taste and see that Jehovah is good" by applying what we learn from the Bible in our personal life and by reflecting upon the good that this produces.- Psalm 34:8.
Pointing to yet another quality that makes our heart receptive to divine guidance, Solomon stated: "Fear Jehovah and turn away from the bad." (Proverbs 3:7) Jehovah sid concerning ancient Israel: "If only they would develop this heart of theirs to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, in order that it might go well with them and their sons to time indefinite!" (Deuteronomy 5:29) Yes, those who fear God obey him. Jehovah has the ability "to show his strength in behalf of those whoe heart is complete toward him" and to inflict punishment upon those who disobey him. (2 Corinthians 16:9) May reverential fear of displeasing God govern all our actions, thoughts and emotions.
Next time: 'Love Jehovah With Your Whole Heart'
6.10.2006
'Prepare Your Heart To Consult God's Word'
The figurative heart can be likened to soil in which the seed of the truth can be planted. (Matthew 13:19-23) Literal soil is usually cultivated to ensure the healthy growth of the crop. Similarly, the heart should be prepared, or made ready, so that it is more receptive to the Word of God. Ezra the priest "prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." (Ezra 7:10) How may we prepare our heart?
An excellent preparation of the heart when we consult God's Word is hearfelt prayer. Christian meeetings of true worshipers open and close with prayer. How appropriate that we begin each period of personal Bible study with a sincere prayer and then maintain a prayerful attitude during our study!
The figurative heart must be prepared to set aside preconceived opinions. The religious leaders of Jesus' day were unwilling to do this. (Matthew 13:15) On the other hand, Jesus' mother, Mary, drew conclusions "in her heart" based on truths that she had heard. (Luke 2:19, 51) She became a faithful disciple of Jesus. Lydia of Thyatira listened to Paul, "and Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention." She too became a believer. (Acts 16:14, 15) May we never rigidly hold to personal ideas or cherished doctrinal views. Rather, let us be willing to "let God be found true, though every man found a liar."- Romans 3:4.
Preparing the heart to listen at Christian meetings particularly important. Distractions may turn our attentions away from what is being said. The spoken words can exert little influence on us if we are preoccupied with things that happpened during the day or are concerned about what is awaiting us tomorrow. We need to be firmly resolved to listen and learn if we are to benefit from what is being said. What benefits can we receive if we are determined to understand the scriptures being expounded and the meaning that is being put into them! - Nehemiah 8:5-8, 12.
Just as adding the proper supplements may enhance the physical soil, so our cultivatiing humility, hunger for spirituality, trust, godly fear, and love for God can enrich our figurative heart. Humility softens the heart helping us to become more teachable . Jehovah said to Judean King Josiah: " For the reason that your heart was soft so that you humbled yourself because of Jehovah at your hearing what I have spoken....and began weeping before me, I, even I, have heard." (2Kings 22:19) Josiah's heart was humble and receptive. Humility enabled Jesus' unlettered and ordinary" disciples to grasp and apply spiritual truths that escaped "wise and intellectual" men. (Acts 4:13; Luke 10:21) May we "humble ourselves before God" as we try to acquire a heart agreeable to Jehovah. - Ezra 8:21.
Next time: Continue this subject.
The figurative heart can be likened to soil in which the seed of the truth can be planted. (Matthew 13:19-23) Literal soil is usually cultivated to ensure the healthy growth of the crop. Similarly, the heart should be prepared, or made ready, so that it is more receptive to the Word of God. Ezra the priest "prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it." (Ezra 7:10) How may we prepare our heart?
An excellent preparation of the heart when we consult God's Word is hearfelt prayer. Christian meeetings of true worshipers open and close with prayer. How appropriate that we begin each period of personal Bible study with a sincere prayer and then maintain a prayerful attitude during our study!
The figurative heart must be prepared to set aside preconceived opinions. The religious leaders of Jesus' day were unwilling to do this. (Matthew 13:15) On the other hand, Jesus' mother, Mary, drew conclusions "in her heart" based on truths that she had heard. (Luke 2:19, 51) She became a faithful disciple of Jesus. Lydia of Thyatira listened to Paul, "and Jehovah opened her heart wide to pay attention." She too became a believer. (Acts 16:14, 15) May we never rigidly hold to personal ideas or cherished doctrinal views. Rather, let us be willing to "let God be found true, though every man found a liar."- Romans 3:4.
Preparing the heart to listen at Christian meetings particularly important. Distractions may turn our attentions away from what is being said. The spoken words can exert little influence on us if we are preoccupied with things that happpened during the day or are concerned about what is awaiting us tomorrow. We need to be firmly resolved to listen and learn if we are to benefit from what is being said. What benefits can we receive if we are determined to understand the scriptures being expounded and the meaning that is being put into them! - Nehemiah 8:5-8, 12.
Just as adding the proper supplements may enhance the physical soil, so our cultivatiing humility, hunger for spirituality, trust, godly fear, and love for God can enrich our figurative heart. Humility softens the heart helping us to become more teachable . Jehovah said to Judean King Josiah: " For the reason that your heart was soft so that you humbled yourself because of Jehovah at your hearing what I have spoken....and began weeping before me, I, even I, have heard." (2Kings 22:19) Josiah's heart was humble and receptive. Humility enabled Jesus' unlettered and ordinary" disciples to grasp and apply spiritual truths that escaped "wise and intellectual" men. (Acts 4:13; Luke 10:21) May we "humble ourselves before God" as we try to acquire a heart agreeable to Jehovah. - Ezra 8:21.
Next time: Continue this subject.
6.05.2006
Continue from last week:
Thirty-two-year-old Lisa explains how she came to appreciate the value of purposeful study and meditation: "After my baptism in 1994, I was quite active in the truth for about two years. I attended all the Christian meetings, devoted from 30 to 40 hours per month to the field ministry, and associated with fellow Christians. Then I started to drift away. I sank so low that I even violated God's law. But I woke up and decided to clean up my life. How glad I am that Jehovah has recognized my repentance and accepted m back! I have often pondered: 'Why did I fall away?' The answer that I keep coming back to is that I neglected purposeful study and meditation. Bible truth just had not reached my heart. From now on, personal study and meditation will always be a significant part of my life." As we grow in our knowledge of Jehovah, and his Son, and his Word, how vital that we make time for meaningful reflection!
In this busy world, finding time for study and meditation is indeed a challenge. However, Christians today stand at the threshold of a wonderful Promised Land - God's righteous new world. (2Peter 3:13) Startling events, such as the destruction of "Babylon the Great" and the attack by "Gog of the land of Magog" upon Jehovah's people, are the offing. (Revelation 17:1, 2, 5, 15-17; Ezekiel 38:1-4, 14-16; 39:2) What lies ahead may put our love for Jehovah to the test. It is urgent that we now buy out the opportune time and apply our heart to God's Word! - Ephesians 5:15, 16.
Next time: 'Prepare Your Heart To Consult God's Word'
Thirty-two-year-old Lisa explains how she came to appreciate the value of purposeful study and meditation: "After my baptism in 1994, I was quite active in the truth for about two years. I attended all the Christian meetings, devoted from 30 to 40 hours per month to the field ministry, and associated with fellow Christians. Then I started to drift away. I sank so low that I even violated God's law. But I woke up and decided to clean up my life. How glad I am that Jehovah has recognized my repentance and accepted m back! I have often pondered: 'Why did I fall away?' The answer that I keep coming back to is that I neglected purposeful study and meditation. Bible truth just had not reached my heart. From now on, personal study and meditation will always be a significant part of my life." As we grow in our knowledge of Jehovah, and his Son, and his Word, how vital that we make time for meaningful reflection!
In this busy world, finding time for study and meditation is indeed a challenge. However, Christians today stand at the threshold of a wonderful Promised Land - God's righteous new world. (2Peter 3:13) Startling events, such as the destruction of "Babylon the Great" and the attack by "Gog of the land of Magog" upon Jehovah's people, are the offing. (Revelation 17:1, 2, 5, 15-17; Ezekiel 38:1-4, 14-16; 39:2) What lies ahead may put our love for Jehovah to the test. It is urgent that we now buy out the opportune time and apply our heart to God's Word! - Ephesians 5:15, 16.
Next time: 'Prepare Your Heart To Consult God's Word'
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