KEEP PRACTICING THE THINGS YOU HAVE LEARNED

Positive Results of Practicing the Truth

Practicing what we learn through personal Bible study and Christians meetings will bring many benefits. For example, we might find that our relationships with those related to us in the faith improve. (Galatians 6:10) Our own disposition will change for the better when we apply Bible principles. (Psalm 19:8) Moreover, by practicing what we learn, we 'adorn the teaching of God' and are likely to attract others to true worship. -Titus 2:6-10.

Among Jehovah's Witnesses are many young people who practice what they have learned through personal study of the Bible and Christian publications as well as by regular presence at congregation meetings. Their fine conduct is a powerful witness to teachers and fellow students at school. (1 Peter 2:12) Consider Leslie, a 13-year old girl in the United States. she admits that she used to find it hard to speak to schoolmates about her faith, but one day that changed. "The class talked about how people try to sell you things. One girl raised her hand and mentioned Jehovah's Witnesses." As a Witness, how did Leslie react? "I defended my faith," she says, "which I'm sure surprised everyone, since I am usually so quiet in school." The result of Leslie's boldness? "I was able to place a brochure and a tract with a student, since she had other questions," Leslie says. How Jehovah must rejoice when young ones who practice what they have learned muster up courage to witness at school! -Proverbs 27:11; Hebrews 6:10.

Another example is that of Elizabeth. Beginning at age seven and throughout her years in elementary school, this young girl invited her teachers to the Kingdom Hall whenever she had an assignment in the Theocratic ministry School. If a teacher could not attend, Elizabeth stayed after school and presented the talk to the teacher. In her last year of high school, Elizabeth wrote a ten-page report on the benefits of the Theocratic Ministry School and made a presentation before a panel of four teachers. She was also invited to give a model Theocratic Ministry School talk, for which she chose the subject "Why Does God Permit Wickedness? Elizabeth has benefited from the educational program carried on by Jehovah's Witnesses in the Theocratic Ministry School. She is just one of many young Christians who bring praise to Jehovah by practicing the things they have learned from his Word.

The Bible admonishes Christians to conduct themselves honestly in all things. (Hebrews 13:18) Dishonesty can ruin our relationship with others and, more important, with Jehovah himself. (Proverbs 12:22) Our trustworthy conduct gives evidence that we are practicing the things we have learned, and it has caused many to have greater respect for Jehovah's Witnesses.

Consider the experience of a military man named Phillip. He misplaced a blank signed check and did not realize this until it was returned to him in the mail. The check was found by one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and a note attached to it said that the finder's religious beliefs had motivated the return. Phillip was stunned. "They could have cleaned me out for $9,000!" He said. He had been disappointed on another occasion when his hat was stolen in church. Apparently, an acquaintance had taken his hat, whereas a stranger had returned a check worth thousands of dollars! Truly, honest Christians bring honor to Jehovah God!

Next time: Continue Practicing What You Have Learned

Watchtower, 2002