Continue with Some Who Benefited

Reflecting on his teenage years, this Witness adds: " Many of the young men in the congregation wanted to be involved in congregation activities, and their example incited others of us to desire the same." Wholesome peers helped this youth, like a sprout, grow into a fine, treelike Christian man. Parents, do you invite to your home those who can have a positive, up building influence on your children? - Malachi 3:16.

Of course, not all of us can share in the full-time ministry like the individuals just mentioned. But all of us can learn to love Jehovah 'with your whole hear, soul and mind.' (Matthew 22:37) Our choice of peers plays a major role in our developing that love and, thereby, in our prospects for everlasting life.

The psalmist gave a simple but effective formula for true success in life: "Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones, and in the way of sinners has not stood, and in the seat of ridiculers has not sat. But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night. And he will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water, that gives its own fruit in its season and the foliage of which does not wither, and everything he does will succeed." - Psalm 1:1-3.

What a wonderful guarantee! Even though we are imperfect and make mistakes, our life will be successful! IF we let Jehovah guide us and if we liberally tap into that God given reservoir of wholesome peer influence - "the entire association of [our] brothers in the world." - 1 Peter 5:9.

Next time: Inequality Did God Intend It?