Conclusion of Do You Love Life?

Confirming this, a judge who deals with juvenile offenders says that "crisis of values, exaltations of negative role models, and success by quick and easy enrichment" tend to "promote an exaggerated spirit of competition." This leads to behavior that is damaging to society and destructive to youths, especially when they turn to drugs.

You know that life offers many attractions-vacations in fascinating places, interesting reading or research, pleasant company, beautiful music. And there are other activities that bring satisfaction great and small. Those with a deep faith in God, and particularly in the God of the Bible, Jehovah, have more reasons to love life. True faith is a source of strength and serenity that can help people to deal with difficult times. Believers in the true God can confidently say: "Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:6) People acquainted with God's love feel loved by him. They respond to his love, drawing deep joy from it. (1 John 4:7, 8, 16) They can lead an active and altruistic life that is a source of satisfaction. It is just as Jesus Christ said. "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." Acts 20:35.

Sadly, there is another side to the present life. There is widespread suffering, injustice, poverty, sickness and death-to mention just some of the painful features that often make life barely tolerable. The rich, powerful, and wise King Solomon of the ancient nation of Israel lacked none of the resources that can make people happy. Yet, there was something that troubled him-the realization that death he would have to leave to someone else all that 'his hard work,' performed "with wisdom and with knowledge and with proficiency," had procured for him. - Ecclesiastes 2:17-21.

Like Solomon, most are aware of the brevity of life, which slips by all too rapidly. The Scriptures say that God 'has put eternity into our minds.' (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Byington) This sense of eternity moves man to ponder life's brevity. In the long run, without finding convincing answers to the meaning of life and death, one can become burdened with feelings of pessimism and futility. This can make life sad.

Are there answers to this man's anguished questions? Will there ever be conditions to make life more attractive and lasting?

Next time: Enjoy "The Real Life"

Watchtower, 1999