Some Who Benefited

Most people find that learning the Bible's doctrines and it moral and spiritual requirements is not too difficult. What can be difficult, however, is putting these things into practice. As the following examples show, wholesome peer influence can help us serve Jehovah whole-souled.

One Witness who is in the full-time ministry with is wife said that the examples of his peers affected his goals in life. While he was growing up, he had to put up with unwholesome influences. But he chose as his friends those who encouraged him to be a regular in the ministry and in attending Christian meetings. Sticking with these associates helped him along the path to spiritual maturity.

Another Witness writes: " After my wife and I got married, we moved to a congregation where a couple about our age were regular pioneers. Their example contributed toward our getting into the full-time ministry. Then we too worked on building up the pioneer spirit in the congregation. As a result, many joined us as pioneers."

Association with those who have theocratic goals can make obedience to Jehovah easier. This is another beneficial effect of wholesome peer influence. A Witness who started in the full-time ministry as a young man and later became a traveling overseer now serves at one of the branch offices of the Watch Tower Society. He writes: " Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories are of full-time servants visiting our home. There was always room for one more chair at our dining-room table. One circuit overseer gave me a witnessing bag when I was ten years old. I treasure that bag to this day."

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