ARE YOU READY FOR BAPTISM?

Since baptism means so much and is the most important milestone in a person's life, is it a step that you should fear?  Not at all! While the decision to be baptized is not to be taken lightly, it is unquestionably the wisest one you could possibly make.

Baptism gives evidence  of your choice  to serve Jehovah God. Think about people with whom you come in contact.  In one way or another, is not each one of them serving  a master? Some slave for riches. (Matthew 6:24) Others diligently pursue their careers or serve themselves by making the fulfillment of their own desires  paramount in life.  Still others serve false gods.  But you have chosen to serve the true God, Jehovah.  No one else shows as much kindness, compassion and love.  God dignifies humans with purposeful work that points them to salvation.  He rewards  his servants with everlasting life.  Surely, following Jesus' example and giving your life to Jehovah is not a course to fear.  Actually, it is the only one that pleases God and makes perfect sense. -1 Kings 18:21.

Yet, baptism is not a step to be taken because of pressure.  It is a personal matter between you and Jehovah. (Galatians 6:4)  as you have made spiritual progress, you may have wondered: "What prevents me from getting baptized?"  (Acts 8:35, 36) You might ask yourself, 'Is family opposition holding me back? Am I still involved in some unscriptural situation or sinful practice?  Could it be that I am afraid of losing favor in the community?' These are some of the factors to consider, but weigh them realistically.

It is not realistic to weigh the costs without considering the benefits of serving Jehovah.  For instance, consider the matter of family opposition.  Jesus promised that  even if his disciples lost their relatives because of following him, they would gain a larger spiritual family.  (Mark 10:29, 30)  These fellow believers will show you brotherly love, help you to endure persecution, and support  the road to life. (1 Peter 5:9) Especially can the congregation elders help  you to cope with problems and to meet other challenges successfully. (James 5:14-16)  As to losing favor in this world, you may well ask  yourself, 'what can possibly compare to having the approval of the Creator of the universe, causing him to rejoice over my chosen life course?' -Proverbs 27:11.

Next time: LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION AND BAPTISM

The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life,1995