"PAY MORE THAN USUAL ATTENTION"

Paying "More Than the Usual Attention" Today

Like first-century Christians, we need to "pay more attention" to the truths of God's Word. Why? Because we too face an impending destruction, not of just one nation, but of an entire system of things. (Revelation 11:18; 16:14, 16) Of course, we do not know the precise day and hour when Jehovah will take this action. (Matthew 24:36) Nevertheless, we are eyewitnesses to the fulfillment of Bible prophecies that clearly indicate that we are living in "the last days." ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5) Hence, we should be on guard against anythings that could distract us. We need to pay attention to God's Word and maintain a keen sense of urgency. Only by doing so will we "succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur." -Luke 21:36.

In these momentous times, how can we show that we are paying "more than the usual attention" to spiritual things? One way is to be regular in our attendance at Christian meetings, assemblies and conventions. We should also be ardent students of the Bible so that we can draw close to its Author, Jehovah. (James 4:8) If we take in knowledge of Jehovah through personal study and meetings we will be like he psalmist who said to God: "Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway." -Psalm 119:105.

The Bible serves as 'a light to our roadway' when it tells us God's purposes for the future. It is also 'a lamp to our foot.' In other words, it can help us with our next step when we face the trialsome problems of life. that is why it is vital that we "pay more than the usual attention" when we gather for instruction with fellow believers and when we personally read God's Word. The information we take in will help us to make wise and beneficial decisions that please Jehovah and make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11; Isaiah 48:17) How can we increase our attention span at meetings and during periods of personal study so that we get the most benefit from God's spiritual provisions?

Next time: Improving Our Concentration at Meetings

Watchtower, 2002