HAVE YOU MADE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN?

Treasure What We Have

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," said Jesus. (John 8:32) Most Witnesses have had to break away from their former life-style and religious associations. Therefore, they may more readily appreciate the freedom that the truth brings. On the other hand, some young people who have been brought up by parents who are in the truth may find it difficult to appreciate their spiritual heritage. They have never been a part of false religion or a part of this world with it emphasis on pleasure - seeking, its drug addiction, and its immorality. As a consequence, they may fail to see the dark contrast between our spiritual paradise and Satan's corrupt world. Some may even give in to the temptation to taste the world's poison to see what they have missed! -1 John 2:15-17; Revelation 18:1-5.

Do we really need to burn our fingers in order to know pain and suffering? Can we not learn from the negative experiences of others? do we need to turn to "the mire" of this world to see if we have missed out on something? (2 Peter 2:20-21 ) Peter reminded Christians of the first century who had formerly been a part of Satan's world: "The time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have worked out the will of the nations when you proceeded in deeds of loose conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking matches and illegal idolatries." Certainly, we do not need to experience the world's "low sink of debauchery" to see how debased life can be. ( 1 Peter 4:3, 4) On the contrary, we are taught high moral standards at our Kingdom Halls, which are centers for Bible education. And we are encouraged to use our powers of reason to prove to ourselves that we have the truth and thus make the truth our own. -Joshua 1:8; Romans 12:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

Next time: Our Name Not Merely a Label

Watchtower, 2001