Enjoying Equality Among Brothers

As regards education, health care, and economic and social standing, circumstances among Jehovah's Witnesses differ greatly. These differences merely mirror the imperfect worldly conditions in which they live. But in contrast with other religious groups, racial, social and economic prejudices have been virtually eradicated from their ranks.

They have accomplished this by doing their best in practicing what they have learned from the Bible. They wholeheartedly embrace such Bible principles as: "Not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is." (1Samuel 16:7) "God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." (Acts 10:34, 35) "Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men." - Romans 12:17, 18; see also 1Timothy 6:17-19; James 2:5, 9.

Closely adhering to these Bible principles that promote unity, Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to tolerate within their ranks any exercise of inequality based upon racial, social or economic differences. These factors play no part, for example, in deciding who is to be extended privileges of service in the Christian congregation. Positions of responsibility, such as teaching and oversight, are granted solely on the basis of spiritual qualifications. - 1Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9.

For individuals who have suffered under the inequalities of a biased world, how refreshing it is to have others treat them as brothers and sisters with equal standing before their Creator! Martina can attest to this. After her father deserted the family, she was raised in a poor, one-parent home. She was often treated like a social outcast, had little self-confidence, and found it hard to get along with others. She developed a couldn't-care-less attitude. Things changes, however, after she began studying the Bible and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She says: "I must still fight negative thinking, but now I am better able to cope with the problem.

My self-respect has improved, and I speak with greater influence. The truth has given me a sense of responsibility. Now I know that Jehovah loves me and that life is worth living.

As an international group of Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses are realistic. They readily admit that being products of an imperfect environment, they can no more blot out human inequality than could any of the others who over the centuries have tried to do so - and failed. Never the less, they rejoice that within their own ranks, they have done much to curb this deadly scourge. And with strong faith in God's promise, they look forward to a new world of righteousness where inequality will forever be a thing of the past.

Yes, all obedient humans will soon b restored to the equality "in dignity and rights" that their Creator purposed for them to enjoy in the first place. what a beautiful thought! And this time it will be a reality!