"THE LITTLE ONE" HAS BECOME "A THOUSAND"

High Moral Standards

Jesus said:  "He  that practices vile things hates the light."  (John 3:20)  On the other hand, those who remain in the light love Jehovah's high standards.  Jehovah, through Isaiah says:  "As  for your people, all of them will be righteous."  (Isaiah 60:21)  It can be a challenge to maintain righteous standards, in a world where sexual immorality, lying, greed, and pride are so prevalent.   For example, in some lands, economies are booming and it is easy to get sidetracked into a single-minded pursuit of wealth.  However, Paul warned:  "Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin."  (1 Timothy 6z;9z0  How tragic it is when someone gets so deeply involved  in business enterprises that he sacrifices  the truly  important things, such as Christian  association, sacred service,  moral principles and family responsibilities!

Maintaining righteous standards can be especially difficult for the young, when so many of their peers are involved in drug abuse and immorality.  In Suriname, a 14-year -old girl was approached by a good-looking boy at school and invited to have sexual relations.  She refused, explaining that the Bible forbids such things outside marriage.  Other girls at school mocked her and tried to pressure here to change her mind, saying  that everyone wanted to sleep with that particular boy.  Still, the young girl stood firm.  A few weeks later, the boy was diagnosed HIV positive and became very  ill.  The girl was happy that she had obeyed Jehovah's command to 'abstain from fornication.'  (Acts 15:28, 29)  Jehovah's Witnesses are truly very proud of the young ones among them who stand firm for what is right.  Their faith, and that of their parents,  'beautifies'-brings honor to-Jehovah God's name. -Isaiah 60:21b.

Next time: Jehovah Has Given the Increase

Watchtower, 2000