Paradise Among Those Who Do God's Will

There is no place in the spiritual paradise for greed, immorality and selfishness.  Christians are told: "Quit being fashioned after this system of things,but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  (Romans 12:2) When we live clean, moral lives and do God's will in other ways, we help build the spiritual paradise and we contribute to our own happiness. Carla found this to be true.  She says:  "My father taught me to work hard to become financially independent.  But although my university studies gave me a sense of security, I missed the family unity and the security that only knowledge from God's Word can give us." 

Of course, enjoying the spiritual paradise does not remove the physical problems of life. Christians till get sick.  The nation they live in might get embroiled in civil strife. Many endure poverty.  Still, having a close relationship with Jehovah God-which is a crucial part of the spiritual paradise-means that we can look to him for support.  Indeed, he invites us to 'throw our burdens upon him,' and many can testify to the wonderful way he has supported them in the most difficult situations.  (Psalm 55:22; 86:16, 17) God promises to be with his worshipers even in "the valley of deep shadow."  (Psalm 23:4) Confidence in God's readiness to support us helps to preserve our "peace of God that excels all thought," which is a key to the spiritual paradise. -Philippians 4:7.

Next time: Contributing to the Spiritual Paradise

The Watchtower, 2001