DO YOU LOVE JEHOVAH'S REMINDERS EXCEEDINGLY?

Set Apart by Jehovah's Reminders

Observing God's reminders helps to set  us apart from this wicked world.  For instance, heeding God's reminders prevents us from engaging in sexual immorality.  (Deuteronomy 5:18; Proverbs 6:29-35;  Hebrews 13:14) Temptation to lie, to be dishonest, or to steal can be successfully suppressed by  complying with divine reminders.  (Exodus 20:15, 16; Leviticus  19:11; Proverbs 30:7-9; Ephesians 4:25, 28; Hebrews 13:18) Observing Jehovah's reminders also restrains us from taking vengeance, holding a grudge, or slandering anyone. -Leviticus 19:16, 18; Psalm 15:1, 3.

By heeding God's reminders, we remain sanctified, or set apart, for his service.  And how important it is to be separate from this world!  In prayer to Jehovah on the last night of his earthly life, Jesus made this plea for his followers:  "I have give your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.  Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth."  (John 17:14-17)  Let us continue to cherish God's Word, which sets us apart for his sacred service.

As Jehovah's servants, we want to remain acceptable for his service. If we were to ignore God's reminders, however, we could be overcome by this world's spirit, promoted in much  of its speech, literature, entertainment and conduct.  And we certainly do not want to become lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, unthankful, disloyal, fierce, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-to name only a few  of the traits manifested by those alienated from God.  ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5) Since we are living deep in the last days of this wicked system of things, let us keep praying for divine help so that we can continue to observe Jehovah's reminders and thus 'keep on guard according to his word.' -Psalm 119:9.

The reminders of Jehovah do more than alert  us to things we must not do.  Observing his reminders will cause  us to take positive action, moving us to trust  Jehovah implicitly and to love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  (Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 4:5; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30) God's reminders also motivate us to love our neighbor.  (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39)  Especially do we display love of God and neighbor by doing the divine will and sharing with others the life-giving "knowledge of God." -Proverbs 2:1-5.

Next time: Observing Jehovah's Reminders Means Life!

Watchtower, 2000