Zeal Can Be Misdirected

"Formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man," wrote Saul after his conversion, when he was better know as Paul.  "Nevertheless, I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith."  (1 Timothy 1:13)  Being sincere and active in one's religion, therefore, is not guarantee of having God's approval.  Saul was zealous and acted according to conscience, but that did not make him right.  His fiery zeal was misdirected.  (Compare Romans 10:2, 3.) That should make us reflect.

Many today are firmly convinced that good conduct is all that God requires of them.  But is it? Each one would do well to listen to Paul's exhortation:  "Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine."  (1 Thessalonians 5:21)  That means taking time to acquire  accurate knowledge of God's Word of truth and then living in full harmony with it.  If we realize from examining the Bible that we have changes to make, then we should by all means make them without delay.  Perhaps few of us were ever blasphemers, persecutors, or insolent men to the extent Saul was.  Nevertheless, only by acting according to faith and accurate knowledge can we, like him, gain God's favor. -John 17:3, 17.

Next time: Compassion in a Cruel World

The Watchtower, 1999

Protagonist in Persecution

After Stephen's death, Saul no longer figures as a mere accessory to persecution but as its champion. As such, he must have acquired a certain notoriety, since even after his conversion, when he made efforts to join himself to the disciples,  "they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe he was a disciple."  When it became clear that he really was a Christian, his conversion became a  cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving among the disciples, who heard, not that just any former opposer had undergone a change of heart, but rather that "the man formerly persecuted us is now declaring  the good news about faith which he formerly devastated." -Acts 9:26; Galatians 1:23, 24.

Damascus lay some 140 miles - a seven or eight-day walk - from Jerusalem.  Yet,  "breathing threat and murder against the disciples," Saul went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus.  Why?  So that Saul might bring bound to Jerusalem any whom he found  who belonged to "The Way."  With official approval, he  'began to deal outrageously with the congregation,invading one house after another, dragging out both men and women to turn them over to prison.'  Others he had 'flogged in the synagogues,' and he 'cast his vote' (literally, his "voting pebble")  in favor of their execution. -Acts 8:3; 9:1, 2, 14; 22:5, 19; 26:10.

Considering the schooling Saul received under Gamaliel and the powers he now wielded, some scholars believe that he had progressed from being a mere student to the Law to the point of exercising a measure of authority in Judaism.  One supposed , for example, that Saul may have become a teacher in a Jerusalem  synagogue.  However, what is meant  by Saul's 'casting his vote' - whether as a member of court or as one expressing his moral support for the executions of Christians -we cannot be certain."

Since at the outset all Christians were Jews or Jewish proselytes, Saul apparently understood Christianity to be an apostate movement within Judaism to set  its adherents straight.  "It is  not likely," says scholar Arland J. Hultgren, "that Paul the persecutor would have opposed Christianity because he saw it as a religion outside of Judaism, a competitor.  The Christian movement would have been seen by him and others as subject yet to Jewish authority."  His intention then was to force wayward Jews to recant and return  to orthodoxy, using all available means.  (Acts 26:11)  One method open to him was imprisonment.  Another was flogging in the synagogues, a common means of discipline that could be administered as a chastisement for disobedience against rabbinical authority in any local court of three judges.

Jesus' appearance to Saul on the road to Damascus, of course, put a stop to all of that;.  From being  a fierce enemy of Christianity, Saul suddenly became an ardent advocate of it, and soon enough the Jews in Damascus were seeking his death.  (Acts 9:21-23)  Paradoxically, as a Christian, Saul was to suffer many tings he himself had meted out as a persecutor, so that years later he could say: "By Jews I five times received forty strokes less one." -2 Corinthians 11:24.

Next time: Zeal Can Be Misdirected

The Watchtower, 1999

Why Did Saul Persecute Christians?

'I REALLY THOUGHT I OUGHT to commit many acts of opposition against the name of Jesus the Nazarene; which, in fact, I did in Jerusalem.  Many of the holy ones I locked up in prisons, as I had received authority from the chief priests.  When the disciples were to be executed, I cast my vote against them.  By punishing them many times in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to make a recantation.  Since I was extremely mad against them, I went so far as to persecuting them even in outside cities.' -Acts 26:9-11.


SO SAID Saul of Tarsus, also known as the apostle Paul.  By the time he said this, of course, he was a new man.  No longer an opposer of Christianity, he was not one of its most ardent promoters.  But what had formerly motivated Saul to persecute Christians?  Why did he think 'he ought to commit ' such deeds? And is there any lesson to be drawn from his story?


The Stoning of Stephen

Saul enters the Bible record among those killing Stephen.  "After throwing [Stephen] outside the city, they began casting stones at him.  And the witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of  a young man called Saul."   "Saul, for his part, was approving of the murder of him."  (Acts 7:58; 8:1)  What led to that assault?  Jews, including some from Cilicia, disputed with Stephen but were unable to hold their own against him.  Whether Saul, also a Cilician, was among them is not stated.  In any case, they used false witnesses to accuse Stephen of blasphemy and dragged him before the Sanhedrin.  (Acts 6:9-14) This assembly, presided over  by the high priest, acted as the Jewish  high court.  as the ultimate religious authority, its members also safeguarded what they held to be doctrinal purity.  In their view Stephen was deserving of death.  He dared to accuse  them of not observing the law, did he?  (Acts 7:53)  They would show him how it was to be observed!

Saul's approval of that opinion was a logical consequence of his convictions.  He was a Pharisee.  This powerful sect demanded  strict observance of law and  tradition.  Christianity was held to be the antithesis of those tenets, teaching a new way to salvation through Jesus.  First-century Jews expected the Messiah to be a glorious King who would free them from the hated yoke of Roman domination.  That the one who was condemned by the Great Sanhedrin on a charge of blasphemy and thereafter impaled on a torture stake like the accursed Criminal could be the  Messiah was thus completely alien, unacceptable, and repellent to their mentality.

The Law stated that a man hung upon a stake was "accursed of God."  (Deuteronomy 21:22, 23; Galatians 3:13) From Saul's viewpoint,  "these words were clearly applicable to Jesus,"  comments Frederick F. Bruce.  "He had died under the curse of God, and therefore could not conceivably be the Messiah, upon whom, almost by definition, the blessing of God rested in unique measure.  To claim that Jesus was the Messiah was therefore blasphemous; those who made such  a preposterous claim deserved to suffer as blasphemers." As Saul himself later acknowledged, the very idea of the "Christ impaled [was] tot he Jews a cause for stumbling." -1 Corinthians 1:23.

Saul's reaction to such a teaching was to oppose it with the greatest possible determination.  Even brute force was to be used in an effort to stamp it out.  He was sure that this was what God wanted.  Describing the spirit he nurtured, Saul said:  "As respects righteousness that is by means of law, one who proved himself blameless."  to the point of excess I kept on persecuting the congregation of God and devastating it, and I was making greater progress in Judaism than many of my own age in my race, as I was far more zealous for the traditions of my fathers." -Philippians 3:6; Galatians 1:13, 14.

Next time: Protagonist in Persecution

The Watchtower, 1999

How Can You Help Others Learn About Him

A lot is required for some people to believe that there is a compassionate Creator who cares about us and to appreciate  what he is like.  There are millions upon millions who are yet skeptical about the Creator or whose view of him does not correspond to what is found in the Bible.  How can you help them?  At the 1998/99 district  and international conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses, an effective new tool was released in many languages - the book Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?

It is a publication that will enhance  your own faith in our Creator and your appreciation for his personality and ways.  Why is this certain?  Because  Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? has been specially designed with such goals in mind.  A thread running through the book is "What can add meaning to your life?" The contents are presented in a way that even people with considerable education will find intriguing.  Yet, it touches  on longings that all of us have.  There is fascinating  and persuasive  material for readers who doubt the Creator's  existence.  The book does not assume that the reader  believes in a Creator.  Those who are skeptical will be captivated by the treatment of recent scientific discoveries and concepts.  Such facts will even strengthen the faith of those who believe in God.

In studying the new book,it will be seen that parts of it present an overview of Bible history in a way that highlights  aspects of God's personality, helping readers come to know God better.  Many who have already read it have commented on ow that has been true in their case. May that also be so with you as you familiarize yourself with the book and use it to help others to come to know their Creator better.

Next time:Why Did Saul Persecute Christians?

The Watchtower, 1999

A Great Teacher Helps Us to Know the Creator

Granted, people who doubt the Creator's existence or whose view of God is vague may know little about the Bible.  Perhaps you have met individuals who could not say whether Moses lived before or after Matthew and who know virtually nothing of Jesus' deeds or teachings.  That is most sad because one can learn so much about the Creator from the Great Teacher, Jesus.  Having had a close relationship with God, he could reveal what our Creator is like.  (John 1:18; 2  Corinthians 4:6; Hebrews 1:3)  And he did so.  In fact, he once said: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also." -John 14:9. 

Consider this example.  On an occasion when Jesus was tired from traveling, he spoke with a Samaritan woman near Sychar.  He shared profound truths, centering on the need to "worship the Father with spirit and truth."  Jews of that era shunned Samaritans.  In contrast, Jesus reflected Jehovah's  willingness to accept sincere men and women of all nations, even as we noted from the incident involving Elisha and Naaman.   It should reassure us that Jehovah is above the narrow-minded religious hostility that permeates the world today.  We can also take note of the fact that Jesus was willing to teach a woman, and in this case a woman living with a man not her husband.  Instead of condemning her, Jesus treated her with dignity, in a way that could really help her.  Thereafter, other Samaritans listened to Jesus and concluded:  "We know that this man is for a certainty the  savior of the world." -John 4:2-30, 39-42; 1 Kings 8:41-43; Matthew 9:10-13.

Let us consider another illustration of how we can learn about the Creator by familiarizing ourselves with Jesus' actions and teachings.  Reflect on the occasion when Jesus' friend Lazarus died.  Jesus had previously proved his power to bring the dead back to life.  (Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-56) How, though, did he react  to seeing Lazarus' sister Mary mourning?  Jesus  "groaned in the spirit and became troubled."  He was not indifferent or aloof; he "gave way to tears."  (John 11:33-35) And this was not a mere display of emotion.  Jesus was moved to positive action - he resurrected Lazarus.  You can imagine how this helped the apostles to appreciate the Creator's feelings and actions.  It should also help us an do others to understand the Creator's personality and ways.

There is no reason to be ashamed of studying the Bible and learning more about our Creator.  The Bible is not an antiquated book.  One who studied it and became a close associate of Jesus was John.  He later wrote: "We know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us intellectual capacity that we may gain the knowledge  of the true one.  And we are in union with the true one, by means of his Son Jesus Christ.  This is the true God and life everlasting."  (1 J0hn 5:20)  Observe that employing "intellectual  capacity" to gain knowledge  of  "the true one,"  the Creator, can lead to"life everlasting."

Next time: How Can You Help Others to Learn About Him?

The watchtower, 1999

Conclusion of He Reveals What He Is Like

The Bible can also help us to come to know our Creator better in that it reveals his actions and reactions when dealing with ancient Israel.  Consider an example involving Elisha and Naaman, the military chief of the hostile Syrians. As you read this account in 2 Kings chapter 5, you will see that a captive Israelite girl urged  that Naaman's leprosy might be cured with help from Elisha in Israel.  Naaman went there expecting Elisha to wave his hands in a mystical curing rite.  Rather, Elisha told the Syrian to bathe in the Jordan River.  Though Naaman's underlings had to convince him to comply, when he did, he was healed.  Naaman proffered  valuable gifts, which Elisha decline. Later an associate sneaked off to Naaman and by a lie got some valuables.  His dishonesty let to his being struck with Leprosy. This is a  fascinating, human account - one from which we can  learn.

 The account, in an appeali9ng way, shows that the Grand Creator of the universe is not too lofty to note with favor a little girl, quite in contrast with the norm in many cultures today.  It also proves that the Creator does not favor only one race or nation.  (Acts 10:34, 35)  Interestingly, instead  of expecting people to use hocus-pocus - common with some "healers" of the past and present - the Creator displayed marvelous wisdom.  He knew how to cure leprosy.  He also manifested insight and justice in not permitting fraud to succeed. Again, is that not consistent with Jehovah's personality that Moses heard about?  Though that Bible account is brief, how much we can detect from it about what our Creator is like! -Psalm 33:5;  37:28.

Other accounts about Israel's ungrateful actions and God's response prove that Jehovah truly cares. The Bible says that the Israelites put him to the test again and again, making him feel hurt and pained.  (Psalm 78:40, 41)  Hence, the Creator has feelings, and he cares about what humans do.  There is much to be learned, too, from accounts about well-known individuals.  When David was chosen to be king of Israel, God told Samuel:  "Mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is."   (1 Samuel 16:7) Yes, the Creator looks at what we are inside, not at mere outward appearances.  How satisfying! 

Thirty-nine of the Bible books were written before the time of Jesus, and it behooves us  to read them.  This should not  be merely to learn Bible accounts or history.  If we really want to learn what our Creator is like, we should meditate on those accounts, perhaps thinking, 'What does this episode bring to light about his personality?  Which of his qualities shine through here?' Doing so may help even skeptics to see that the Bible must be of divine origin, thus laying a basis for their coming to know his loving Author better.

Next time: A Great Teacher Helps Us to Know the Creator

The Watchtower, 1999

He Reveals What He Is Like

There is another way, though, to come to know our Creator better - by means of the Bible.  This is particularly important because there are tings about him that science and the universe cannot reveal at all and other things that are much clearer from the Bible. An Example of the former is the Creator's personal name.  Only the Bible discloses  both the Creator's name and its import.  In Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible, his name appears some 7,000 times as four consonants that can be transliterated YHWH or JHVH, commonly pronounced Jehovah in English. -Exodus 3:15;  6:3.

For us to come to know the Creator better, we need to appreciate that he is not just an abstract "First Cause" or a vague  "I Am."  His personal name shows that.  It is a form of a Hebrew verb  meaning  "become"  or "prove to be."  (Compare Genesis 27:29;  Ecclesiastes 11:3)  God's name signifies "He Causes to Become" and emphasizes that he both purposes and acts.  By our knowing and using his name, we can better appreciate that he fulfills promises and actively brings his purpose to realization.


The Bible is the source of knowledge of God's purposes and personality.  The genesis record reveals that at one time mankind was at peace with God and had the prospect of a long, meaningful life.  (Genesis 1:28; 27-9) Consistent with the import of his name, we can be sure that Jehovah will end the suffering and frustration that humans have long faced.  We read about the fulfilling of his purpose:  "The physical world was made subject to frustration, not by its own desire, but by the will of the Creator, who in making it so, gave it a hope that it might one day be . . . made to share the glorious liberty of the children of God." -Romans 8:20, 21, The New Testament Letters by J.W. C. Wand.

Next time: Conclusion of He Reveals What He Is Like

The Watchtower, 1999

Conclusion of YOUR CREATOR - LEARN WHAT HE IS LIKE

Yet, did you know that some months after the Israelites left Egypt in 1513 B.C.E., Moses begged the Creator: "Cause me to see, please, your glory."  (Exodus 33:18)  Remembering that God is the Source of even the sun,  you can understand why he told Moses:  "You are not able to see my face, because no man may see my face and yet live."    The Creator permitted Moses to take a hiding place on Mount Sinai while he "passed by."  Moses was then exposed to God's  "back," as it were, to some type of afterglow of the Creator's glory, or presence. -Exodus 33:20-23; John 1:18.

Moses' desire to get to know the Creator better did not go unsatisfied. Evidently speaking through an angel, God passed by Moses and declared:  "Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving  loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment."  (Exodus 34:6, 7)  This shows that getting to know our Creator better involves, not seeing a physical shape, but sensing in fuller measure what he is like, his personality and characteristics. 

On way we can do that is by discerning God's qualities from what he created.  Consider your immune system.  In an issue on immunity, Scientific American said:  "From before birth until death, the immune system is in a state of constant alert.  A diverse array of molecules and cells . . . protects us against the parasites and pathogens.  Without  those defenses, humans could not survive."  What is the Source of that system? And article in that magazine said:  "The marvelous array of deftly interacting cells that defend the body against microbial and viral invaders  arises from a few precursor cells that first appear about nine weeks after conception."  A pregnant woman passes some immunity to her developing fetus.  Later, via her breast milk, she also provides immune cells and beneficial chemicals for her baby.

You have good reason to conclude that your immune system surpasses  anything that modern medicine can provide.  Hence, ask yourself,  'What does this suggest about its Originator and Supplier?'   This system, which 'first appears about nine weeks after conception' and which is ready to protect a newborn, certainly reflects wisdom and forethought.  But could we discern even more about the Creator from this system? Schweitzer and others  who devoted their lives to providing medical care for  the underprivileged?  We usually ascribe good qualities to such com0passionate  humanitarians.  Comparably, what can we conclude about our Creator, who provides an immune system to rich and poor alike?  Clearly, he is loving, impartial, compassionate, and just. Is this not consistent with the description of the Creator that Moses  heard?

Next time: He Reveals What He Is Like

The Watchtower, 1999

YOUR CREATOR - LEARN WHAT HE IS LIKE

"I myself shall cause all my goodness to pass before your face, and I will declare the name of Jehovah before you." -Exodus 33:19.



THE apostle John, writer of the last Bible book, recorded this profound declaration about the Creator:  "You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created."  (Revelation 4:11)  As the preceding article established, the findings  of modern science often add to reasons for believing in the Creator of all things.

As important as it is to accept that the Creator exists, it is equally important to learn what he is like - that he is a real person, with a personality and ways that draw people to him.  To whatever extent you have done that, would it not be beneficial to get to know him better?  That does not require meeting him personally, in the sense that we meet other humans.

Jehovah is the Source of even the stars, our sin being just a medium-sized star.  Would you think of trying to have a close physical encounter with the sun?  Hardly! Most people are careful about even glancing at it or exposing their skin to its powerful rays for  a long time.  Its core temperature is some 15,000,000 degrees Celsius (27,000,000 degrees F)   Each second, this thermonuclear  furnace transforms some four million tons of mass into energy.  Just a fraction of it reaches  earth as heat and light, but that amount sustains all life here.  Those basic facts should impress us with the Creator's awesome power.  Well could Isaiah write about "the abundance of [the Creator's ] dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power." -Isaiah 40:26. 


Next time: Conclusion of YOUR CREATOR - LEARN WHAT HE IS LIKE

The Watchtower, 1999

Let the Creator Add Meaning

We have touched on just three areas: the precision seen in the vast universe, the origin of life on earth, and the undeniable uniqueness of the human brain, with its  varied capacities.  To what do these three point?  Here is a line of reasoning that you could use in helping others reach a conclusion.  you could first ask:  Did the universe have a beginning?  Most would agree that it did.  Then ask: Was that beginning without any cause or was it caused?   This leads to  the final question: Was the beginning caused by some thing eternal or by some One eternal?    With the issues thus presented clearly and logically, many can be led to conclude:  There must be a Creator!  That being so, should not meaning in our life be possible?

Our whole existence, including our sense of morality and the morality itself should be connected with the Creator. Dr. Rollo May once wrote:  "The only adequate structure for morality is that based upon the ultimate meaning of life."  Where is that to be found?  He continued:  "The ultimate structure is the nature of God.  The principles of God are the principles which underlie life from the beginning of creation to the end."

We can understand, then, why the psalmist was displaying both humility and wisdom when he begged the Creator:  "Make me know you own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me, for you are my God of salvation."  (Psalm  25:4, 5) As he came to know the Creator better, the psalmist's life certainly would have had more meaning, purpose and direction.  The same can be so with each of us. -Exodus 33:13.

Coming to know the Creator's "own ways" includes coming to know even better what he is like, both his personality and his ways. But since  the Creator is invisible and awesomely powerful, how can we get to know him better?  The  next article will consider this. 

Next time: YOUR CREATOR - LEARN WHAT HE IS LIKE

The Watchtower, 1999

Conclusion of Reasons to Believe

  After spending decades studying the universe and life in it, British scientist Sir Fred Hoyle commented: "Rather than accept the fantastically small probability of life having arisen through the blind forces of nature, it seemed better to suppose that the origin of life was a deliberate intellectual act."   Yes, the more we learn about the wonders of life, the more logical it is that it came from one intelligent Source. -Job 33:4; Psalm 8:3, 4; 36:9; Acts 17:28.

So a first line of reasoning involves the universe, and a second, the origin of life on earth.  Note a third - our uniqueness.  In many ways all humans are unique, so that means that you are too.  How so?  You have probably heard that the brain has been compare to a powerful computer.  Really, though, recent discoveries show that this comparison  falls far short.  A scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said:  "Today's computers are not even close to a 4-year-old human in their ability  to see, talk, move, or use  common sense. . . .It has been estimated that the information processing capacity of even the most powerful supercomputer is equal to the nervous system of a snail -a tiny fraction  of the power available to the supercomputer inside [your] skull."

Language is an ability that you have because of  your brain.  Some people speak two, three, or more languages, yet the ability to speak even one marks us as unique.  (Isaiah 36:11; Acts 21:37-40)  Professors R.S. and D.H. Fouts asked:  "IS only man . . .capable of communicating  by language? . . .All the higher animals certainly communicate with . . . gestures, odours, calls, cries and songs, and even the dance of the bees.  Yet animals other than man do not appear to have structured  grammatical language.  And animals do not, which may be highly significant, draw representational pictures.  At best they only doodle."  Truly, only humans  can use the brain to speak a language and draw meaningful pictures. -Compare Isaiah 8:1; 30:8; Luke 1:3.

Moreover, you have an awareness of self; you are conscious of you.  (Proverbs 14:10)  Have you watched  a bird, dog, or cat look into a mirror and then peck, growl, or attack?  It thinks it sees another  animal, not recognizing itself.  In contrast, when you look into the mirror, you know it is you.  (James 1:23, 24) You may check your appearance or wonder what you will look like in a few years.  Animals do not do that.  Yes, your brain makes you unique.  To where does the credit go?  How did you brain come to be, if not from God?

Your brain also allows you to appreciate art and music as well as to have a moral sense.  (Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Kings 6:1, 29-35; Matthew 11:16)  Why  you and not the animals?  They use their brains primarily to care for immediate needs -getting food, finding a mate, or making a nest.  Only humans think beyond the short term.  Some even think about how their actions will affect  the environment or their descendants long into the future.  Why?  Ecclesiastes 3:11 says of humans:  "Even time indefinite [the Creator] has put in their heart."  Yes, your capacity for considering the meaning of time indefinite or for imagining endless life is special. 

Next time: Let the Creator Add Meaning

The Watchtower, 1999

Reasons to Believe

How did our universe get here? You may know from reports about space telescopes and probes that most scientists realize that our universe did not always exist.  It had a beginning, and it is expanding.  What does this imply?  Listen to astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell:  "If  at some point in the past, the Universe was once close to a singular state of infinitely small size and infinite density, we have to ask what was there before . . . We have to face the problem of a Beginning."

The makeup of the universe, including our earth reflects  amazing fine-tuning.  For example,  two remarkable qualities of our sun and other stars are long-term efficiency and stability.  Current estimates of the number of galaxies in the visible  universe range from 50 billion (50,000,000,000) to 125  billion.  And our Milky Way galaxy has billions upon billions of stars in it.  Now consider: We know that an automobile engine requires a critical ratio of fuel and air.  If  you own a car, you may hire a trained mechanic to tune its engine, so that your car will run smoother, more efficiently.  If such precision is important  with a mere engine, what of our efficiently "burning" sun, for example?  Clearly, the key forces involved are precisely tuned for life to exist on earth.  Did that  just happen?  Job of old was asked:  "Did you proclaim the rules that govern the heavens, or determine the laws of nature on earth?"  (Job 38:33< The New English Bible) No human did.  So from whence came the precision? -Psalm 19:1.

Might it be from some thing or some One that cannot be seen with human eyes?  Consider this  question in the light of modern science.  Most astronomers now accept that there are very powerful heavenly bodies - black holes.  These black holes cannot be seen, yet experts are convinced that they exist.  Comparably, the Bible reports that in another realm there exists powerful creatures. If such powerful, invisible beings exist, is it not plausible that the precision revealed throughout the universe originated with a powerful  intelligence? -Nehemiah 9:6.

A second line of evidence that can help people to acknowledge a Creator involves the origin of life.  Since the last time of experiments by Louis Pasteur, it has been accepted that life does not spring into existence out of nothing by spontaneous generation.  So how did early life originate? In the  1950's, scientists tried to prove that it could have developed slowly in some  early ocean  (Oh come on! Aren't scientists suppose to be smart? Get a clue! Who else could have made things and people so complicated, even they can't figure it all out. Only Jehovah God, He is the genius here.)  when a primitive atmosphere  was constantly being hit by lightning.  More recent evidence shows, however, that such an origin of terrestrial life is improbable because that sort of atmosphere never existed. Consequently, some scientists are searching for a less flawed explanation.  But  are they also missing the point?  (You bet your booties they are)

Next time: Conclusion of Reasons to Believe

The Watchtower, 1999

Finding Answers and Meaning

Yes, we want to understand why life exists - and especially why we are here.  Moreover, we should be interested in people who have not yet concluded that there is a Creator and certainly know little about his ways.  Or think of those whose background involves a concept of God very different from what the Bible presents.  Billions have grown up in the Orient or in other places where most people do not think of a personal God, a real being with an appealing personality.  To them the word "God" may evoke an impression of  a vague force or an abstract cause.  They have not 'come to know the Creator '  or his ways.  If they, or millions with similar views, could become convinced that the Creator  exists, what benefits they could receive, including everlasting prospects!  They could also gain something that is rare  indeed -real meaning, real purpose and peace of  mind, in life. 

To illustrate:  In 1891, French artist Paul Gauguin went to find a fulfilling life in French Polynesia, in a virtual paradise.  But his dissolute past soon brought disease to himself and others.  As he felt death approaching, he painted a large canvas in which he seemed  to 'interpret  life as a great mystery.'   Do you know what Gauguin named that painting   "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?"  You may have heard others ask similar questions.  Many do.   But when they find no satisfying answers - no meaning in life - where can they go?  They may conclude that their life differs little from that of the animals. -2 Peter 2:12.

You can thus understand why someone like professor of physics Freeman Dyson could write:  "I stand in good company when I ask again the questions Job asked.  Why do we suffer?   Why is the world so unjust? What is the purpose of pain and tragedy?"   (Job  3:20, 21; 10:2, 18; 21:7)  As mentioned, many people turn to science for answers instead of to God.  Biologists, oceanographers, and others are adding to the knowledge about our globe and life on it.  Searching in another direction, astronomers and physicists are learning ever more about our solar system, the stars, even distant galaxies.  (Compare Genesis 11:6)  To what reasonable conclusions can such facts point? 

Some scientists speak of the "mind" of God or the "Handwriting" revealed in the universe.  But might that miss the key point?  Science magazine observed:  "When researchers say cosmology reveals the 'mind'  or 'handwriting' of God, they are ascribing to the divine   what ultimately may be the lesser aspect of the universe - its physical structure."  In fact, Nobel  laureate physicist Steven Weinberg wrote:  "The more it also seems pointless."

Still, you may be among the millions who have seriously studied the matter and who grasp that real meaning in life relates to knowing the Creator.  Recall what the apostle Paul wrote:  "Men cannot say they do not know about God.  From the beginning of the world, men could see what God is like through the things He has made.  This shows that He is  God."  (Romans 1:20, Holy Bible, New Life Version)  Yes, there are facts about our world and about us that can help people to recognize the Creator and to find meaning in connection with him.  Consider three aspects of this: the universe around us, the origin of life, and our own mental abilities.

Next time:  Reasons to Believe

The Watchtower, 1999

THE CREATOR CAN ADD MEANING TO YOUR LIFE

"Let them praise the name of Jehovah; for he himself commanded, and they were created." -Psalm 148:5.



"HAVE  you not come to know?"  That may sound like a leading question, moving many to respond, 'Come to know what?'  But  it is a serious question.  And we can best appreciate  the answer by noting its setting -the 40th chapter of the Bible book of Isaiah.  An ancient Hebrew, Isaiah, wrote it, so the question is an old one.  Yet, it is also very modern, relating to the core meaning of your life.

Being that important, the question at Isaiah 40:28 merits our serious attention:  "Have you not come to know or have you not heard? Jehovah the Creator of the extremities of the earth, is a God to time indefinite."  So the 'coming to know' involved earth's Creator, and the context shows that more that the earth is included.  Two verses earlier Isaiah wrote about the stars: "Raise your eyes high and see.  Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number . . .Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing."

 Yes, the question "Have you not come to know? " Is actually about the Creator of our universe.  You personally may be convinced that Jehovah God is "the Creator of the extremities of the earth."  You also may know much about his personality and his ways.  But what if you meet a man or a woman who doubts   that there is a Creator and clearly does not know what he is like?  Such an encounter should not be surprise because there are millions upon millions who do not know of or believe in the Creator. -Psalm 14:1;  53:1.

Schools turn out many skeptics who feel that science has (or will find) answers   to questions about the origin of the universe  and life.  In the Origin of Life (original French title: Aux Origines de la Vie) authors Hagene and Lenay note: "The origin of life is still debated at the beginning of the twenty-first century.  This problem, so difficult to resolve, requires investigations in all fields, from the immensity of space to the infinite smallness of matter."  Still, the last chapter,  "The Question Remains Alive," admits: "We have explored some scientific answers to the question, How did life on earth appear?   (Jehovah God, that is who) But why did life appear?  (Jehovah wanted it to) Does life have a goal? (Yes, it is up to God on that level  to show you the way) These questions science cannot answer. (you got that right)  It merely searches for the 'how' of things.  'How' and 'why' are two completely different questions. . . .As to the question of 'why,' philosophy, religion and - above all - each one of us must find the answer."

Next time: Finding Answers and Meaning

The Watchtower, 1999

Work to Broaden Out

While you may not intentionally or knowingly hold prejudices, it will still take determined effort to broaden out your thinking.  As you study God's Word, meditate on it so as to grasp and appreciate  Jehovah's way of thinking.  (Psalm 139:17)  Try to understand the reasons for statements made in the Bible and the principles involved, and strive to evaluate matters as Jehovah does.  This will be in harmony with David's prayer: "Make me know your ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths.  Make me walk in your truth and teach me." -Psalm 25:4, 5.

As you adopt a broader perspective, you will be blessed.  One blessing of a broadened viewpoint will be your gaining a reputation for being balanced and understanding.  You will be able  to respond in a more reasonable and understanding manner when rendering aid in varying situations.  This, in turn, will contribute to the marvelous unity and harmony of the Christian brotherhood.

Next time: THE CREATOR CAN ADD MEANING TO YOUR LIFE

The Watchtower, 1999

When Giving Counsel

When called on to give counsel or correction, considerate and balanced reasoning will help us to gain the respect of our spiritual  brothers and to render truly effective assistance.  It is so easy to concentrate on a few facts and jump to a hasty, one-sided conclusion.  This gives the impression that we are narrow-minded, if not close-minded, like the religious leaders of Jesus' day, who tended to burden others with their endless regulations.  (Matthew 23:2-4)  On the other hand, if we avoid extremes and provide fine counsel solidly based on Scriptural principles, reflecting Jehovah's righteous yet balanced and merciful thinking, it will be much easier for others to accept and to apply our suggestions.

Some years agon young brothers from several congregations got together to engage in sports.  Unfortunately, a spirit of competition developed among them, resulting in harsh verbal encounters.  How did the local elders handle the problem?  Recognizing the need for young ones to have recreation, they did not recommend that they stop altogether.  (Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 4:8)  Rather, they gave firm yet reasonable warnings about what the spirit of competition could lead to.  They also offered helpful suggestions, such as having older, responsible ones present.  The youths appreciated the wisdom and balance of the counsel and responded well.  Moreover, their respect and affection for the elders grew.

Next time: Work to Broaden Out

The Watchtower, 1999

In Material Giving

The privilege of giving is one of the joys extended to Christians.  But need we limit  our giving to just one activity, say for example, engaging in field ministry?  (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)  Or could your thinking be broadened to include the physical needs and welfare of others?  Of course, all Christians appreciate that giving spiritually is of utmost importance.  (John 6:26, 27; Acts 1:8)  Yet, as important as giving spiritually is, giving materially is certainly not to be neglected. -James 2:15, 16.

As we contemplate the urgent needs of our spiritual brothers in our own congregation and the world over, we can see more fully what we can do to help them.  When those who are in a position to do so share generously with others, an equalizing takes place.  In this manner the needs of all of our brothers are cared for.  A Christian elder expressed it this way:  "If  a need arises in one part of the world will come to their aid.  If they are not in a position to help, then brothers somewhere else  will do so.  Thus the needs of our brothers worldwide are cared for.  The worldwide brotherhood is certainly marvelous." -2 Corinthians 8:13-15; 1 Peter 2:17.

One Christian sister who sincerely desired to attend one of the international conventions  held in Easter Europe was just not in a position to do so.  She heard, however, that the brothers there had a great need for Bibles, so she made a contribution for such Bibles through someone who attended.  Thus she experienced the happiness of giving, of sharing with her brothers in a foreign land. -Acts 20:35. 

Perhaps by widening out in your thinking you can make an even greater contribution to the ever-expanding worldwide Bible educational work, bringing joy to yourself and to others as well. -Deuteronomy 15:7; Proverbs 11:24; Philippians 4:14-19.

Next time: When Giving Counsel

The Watchtower, 1999

Your View of Others

What do you see when you look at others? Do you have the tendency to view what they say or do as either black or white, as if no other colors or shades  existed?  Is  a comment someone makes either a compliment or an insult?  Is someone either a completely right or thoroughly wrong?  Having that viewpoint would be like a photographer who ignores the large variety of brilliant hues and shades in an autumn landscape, as if only black  and white images  existed.  Or do you tend to concentrate on the negative areas of a persons  personality, much like  a traveler who lets his enjoyment of a beautiful scene be spoiled by a bit  of litter left by some inconsiderate visitor? -Compare Ecclesiastes 7:16.

Much can be learned by considering Jehovah's view of human error.  While aware of man's many weaknesses and failings, he chooses not to focus or dwell on them.  The grateful psalmist observed:  "If errors were what you watch . . .O Jehovah, who could stand?  (Psalm 1230:3) Jehovah is willing to put errors far off from repentant sinners, yes, magnanimously wiping them out, so that they are not a blemish on our relationship with him.  (Psalm 51:1; 103:12)  Jehovah could say of King David, who had at one point committed serious sins with Bathsheba, that he was a man "who walked after me with all his heart by doing only what was right in my eyes."  (1 Kings 14:8)  Why could God say this of David?  Because he focused  on repentant David's better qualities.  He considered all the pertinent factors and chose to continue to extend mercy to his servant.

Christ Jesus flawlessly mirrored this broad view of the faults of others.  (John 5:19)  When faced with the shortcomings of his apostles, Jesus was merciful and understanding.  He recognized regarding imperfect humans that even when 'the spirit was eager, the flesh is weak.'  (Matthew 26:41)  With this in mind, Jesus could deal with the weaknesses and fault of his disciples in a patient and understanding manner.  He did not concentrate on  their failings but, rather, focused on their good qualities.

On one occasion after correcting the apostles because they argued  about who  seemed to be the greatest, Jesus added:  "However, you are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; and I make a covenant with you, just as my Father had made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit  on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel."  (Luke 22:24-30)  Yes, despite the apostles' many failings, Jesus remembered their faithfulness and their love for him.  (Proverbs 17:17)  Jesus had confidence in what they could and would do, so he  concluded a covenant for a Kingdom with them.  Yes, 'Jesus loved his disciples to the end.'
 -John 13:1.

So if someone's personality quirks and faults tend to irritate you, be like Jehovah and Jesus.  Broaden your thinking, and try to take all factors into consideration.  By putting things in their proper perspective, you will find it easier to love and appreciate your brothers. 

Next time:In Material Giving

The Watchtower, 1999

Get the Complete Picture

It is common for individuals to look at matters from just one angle, or point of view, thereby limiting their perception  and understanding of matters.  Often this is due to such factors as education, experience in life and background.  Wiser decisions can be reached when one endeavors to get the  complete picture.  For instance, if you were crossing a busy intersection where there are no stoplights, would it be wise just to look straight ahead?   Certainly not!  Similarly, broadening your thinking to get the entire view can be very helpful in making decisions and acting in a responsible manner.  It can even be lifesaving.

Likely, all of us could make improvement  in this regard.  So ask yourself.  'What are some areas where I could possibly benefit by broadening my thinking?

Next time: Your View of Others

The Watchtower, 1999

Should You Broaden Your Viewpoint?

A DEVASTATING earthquake struck Kobe City in western  Japan, and self-sacrificing volunteers quickly came to the aid of stricken residents.  However,  a visiting team of doctors found their request for medical supplies rebuffed by someone at the city's Health Bureau.  That official, who was also the director of a large municipal hospital, wanted the victims to go to Kobe hospitals rather than have thte doctors administer expensive injections and intravenous fluids at relief centers. Eventually, the doctor's request was granted, but the official's initial inflexible attitude and seemingly lack of compassion drew widespread criticism.

Perhaps you have been on the receiving end of similar intransigence by someone in authority.  You may even have been guilty of it yourself.  Could you benefit from developing a broader point of view?

Next time: Get the Complete Picture

The Watchtower, 1999

Love Toward Those 'Related in the Faith'

Genuine Christians have a family-like bond among themselves.  Indeed, since the first century C.E., they have referred to one another as "brother" and "sister."  (Mark 3:31-25; Philemon 1, 2) These are not just words; they constitute a description of how worshipers of God feel about one another.  (Compare 1 John 4:7, 8) Jesus said:  "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." -John 13:35.

Such love was evident in July 1997 when a prolonged drought was followed by torrential rains and flooding in Chile.  Suddenly, many were in need of food, clothing and other items.  In disaster situations,Jehovah's Witnesses strive to follow Paul's admonition to the Galatians:  "Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." -Galatians 6:10.

Hence, Jehovah's Witnesses quickly organized themselves to respond.  Food, clothing, and the like were collected, sorted, packed and then shipped to the disaster area.  Children even donated toys!  One sister was amazed when she saw the Kingdom Hall filled with relief supplies.  "I stood dumbfounded, not knowing whether to laugh or to cry," she says.  "It was just what we needed." 

Then unexpectedly, an earthquake struck a portion of the same area affected by the flooding.  Many homes were demolished.  To meet the need, more relief committees were formed.  Regional Building Committees, which normally handled the construction of Jehovah's Witnesses meeting facilities, pitched in and gave their support.  The result?  Modes houses -designed and built by the brothers-were donated to those who lost their homes.  While these homes were not elaborate, they stood in stark contrast with the ones provided on  loan basis by secular relief efforts and which were without floors and windows and were unpainted. 

Some brothers traveled long distances to help out.  The chairman of one Regional Building Committee made and extensive tour  on two  consecutive days - despite being confined to a wheelchair.  A blind brother worked arduously, carrying beams to the carpenter who cut them to the desired size. 

A deaf brother collected the beams and delivered them to where they were needed   Many 0bservers were impressed with the assistance provided by the brothers.  In one town a police vehicle was parked near a sister's house that was being repaired.  The policemen were curious.  One asked a brother:  "Who  are these workers who seem to be so happy, and how much are they getting paid?"  The brother explained that they were all volunteers.  One of the officers explained that he paid a monthly tithe to his church, yet his pastor had not even visited him since the earthquake!  The next day the sister received  a phone call from a police official.  He too had observed the workers.  He said that he was so impressed by the enthusiastic  spirit of the workers that he was tempted to join in!

Truly, the relief effort in Chile was a joyful experience for the volunteers and an excellent witness to observers.

Next time:Should You Broaden Your Viewpoint?

The Watchtower, 1999

A New World Free From Vandalism Is Possible

Do you believe that vandalism really can be eradicated?  If so, how will such a momentous change come about?  God's Kingdom will soon eliminate this wicked system. Those inhabiting the earth will be held responsible for any deliberate breaking of God's righteous law.  (Compare Isaiah 24:5, 6) While "transgressors themselves will certainly be annihilated together," those who love righteousness will be delivered.  "Jehovah will help them and provide them with escape from wicked people and save them, because they have taken refuge in him." -Psalm 37:38-40.

Really, the roots  of vandalism will be eliminated completely. And so will all crime, oppression, suffering and wickedness.  Instead, peace, true righteousness, quietness and security will characterize life in the new world.  Isaiah 32:18 describes what will prove true in a literal way:  "My people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting places."  Yes, a beautiful, global Paradise will be inhabited by people who show love and consideration toward others.  (And you just can't pretend to do so, you have to be sincere, because Jehovah will see, hear and know if you aren't)

Together with millions of others, former vandals already enjoy an intimate relationship with Jehovah God.  They no longer have any share in acts of vandalism.  Will you too allow God's Word to guide you to life in his new world?  Why not imitate the ancient psalmist who recorded Jehovah's declaration:  "I shall make you have insight and instruct you  in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you." -Psalm 32:8.

Next time: Love Toward Those 'Related in the Faith'

The Watchtower, 1999

Something Better Than Protest

In addition to showing consideration And love for their fellowmen, these former vandals have learned to "hate what is bad."  (Psalm 97:10;  Matthew 7:12)  what about you?  Even if you are just one who suffers from the effects of widespread vandalism, a study of God's Word will make Jehovah real to you as a lovingly heavenly Father who wants to care for you.  (1 Peter 5:6, 7)  God can help you to grow spiritually, despite personal weaknesses or poverty.   That in itself is a marvelous experience!

Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ, truly want all kinds of people to have the opportunity to learn Bible truth.  God's Word can do more than help individuals to stop being vandals right now.  It can motivate them to make further progress in applying divine principles. As a result, they become members of an international brotherhood known for cleanness and good manners, the worldwide congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.   In harmony  with Ephesians 4:24, these sincere Christians have "put on the new personality which was created according  to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."  Soon the world  will be filled with such people because these will be the only ones who will survive and live forever. -Compare Luke 23:43.

Next time: A New World Free From Vandalism Is Possible

The Watchtower, 1999

Sound Guidance for Young People

What has helped vandals and others to change their personality?  Although it may seem incredible go some educators and parents, the Bible provides  excellent and up-to-date guidance.  By following it, former vandals have been moved to obey God's specific law:  "You must not follow after  the crowd for evil ends."  (Exodus 23:2)  many have been attracted  to the truth from God's Word about beliefs and doctrines that they never before understood, and what they have learned has affected them for the better.  Consider the experience of Jose', a  youth in Sao Paulo.   He was raised believing in the use of images in worship.  When he learned  that God has a name, Jehovah, and that He does not approve of image worship, (like pictures or statues of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Buddha etc.) Jose'  made changes so as to do what is pleasing in God's eyes. -Exodus 20:4, 5; Psalm 83:18; 1 John 5:21; Revelation 4:11. 

Nelson, rather than having one frustrating experience after another in violent gangs and strikes, found a real hope for the future , and that has given him enormous relief.   He says: Instead of being rejected by my family because of bad company and a life of a drug addict, now i am the one who is most respected at home.  Often my father asks me to counsel my older brothers.  Since I began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, I have known joy because now I have a purpose in life."  And for an urban youth like Marco -accustomed to living in a violent environment  - getting to know that God's Kingdom will make the earth a paradise has indeed been heartwarming. -Revelation 21:3, 4.

Consider also the case of a former gang member, street brawler, and vandal.  Being an orphan with a very sad childhood, Valter was impressed that in the midst of a corrupt, wicked system, God has people.  They sincerely endeavor to apply Bible principles in their lives, showing compassion, consideration and kindness.  Valter explains:  "True to Jesus' promise, I now have an enormous family, 'brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers.' Regarding the future, I look forward to the time when people will live in happiness and unity under God's righteous government." -Mark 10:29, 30; Psalm 37:10.

Next time: Something Better Than Protest

The Watchtower, 1999

Some Deeper Causes of Vandalism

Let us examine more closely why some youngsters engage in vandalism.  Many adolescents are confused and  "describe the world as a mixed - up crazy place, filled with crazy people."  Nonetheless, and contrary to what some believe, one report said: "Teenagers do worry about the direction of their lives.  They care more than adults think they do."  Unwittingly or not, a youth involved in vandalism may in this way be expressing his deep-seated frustrations, unresolved problems, or unfulfilled needs.(still no excuse!)  According to the study mentioned at the outset, "not one of [the] respondents defenced or justified vandalism, not even those who [had] engaged in it."

A youth may seldom hear a word of appreciation or encouragement.  Since education is increasingly important and more jobs require a high degree of specialized knowledge or technical skill, he or she may feel intimidated.  Moreover, parents, teachers or peers may be very critical and demanding, putting the emphasis on what the youth achieves and not on what he or she is as a person.  Many a rebel or vandalize simply because they are disappointed with themselves.  Would not the love and attention of parents greatly reduce such distress?

You may have seen that while certain authorities have seemingly given up on trying to control graffiti and other kinds of delinquency, concerned citizens in general still look to teachers and school personnel to control vandalism.  Regarding law enforcement,  The World Book Encyclopedia says:  "Vandalism is punishable by fine or imprisonment.  Some local governments have laws that hold parents responsible for vandalism committed by their children.  But most  acts of vandalism are not punished.  Law enforcement is difficult in such cases, and he cost of most individual acts of damage is not large enough to make legal action worthwhile."  One report showed that only 3 percent of offenders were ever caught. 

You likely will agree that adequate parenting may be the best way to attack a root cause of delinquency.  But when family life deteriorates, communities suffer.  Professor Ana Luisa Vieira de Mattos, of Sao Paulo University, Brazil,  notes  that some of the reasons for problems with young people are "weak parental supervision, lack of rules, lack of communication, neglect, indifference or apathy."

In our time we certainly have seen a fulfillment of Jesus' words:  "Because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off."  (Matthew 24:12)  And who will deny that the words recorded at 2 Timothy 3A:1-4 are proving true?  The apostle Paul wrote:  "Know this, that in the last days critical times  hard to deal with will be here.  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God."  The fact  is, just living among people with such characteristics contributes to delinquency.  We need not to give up though.  Communities in general have failed to eliminate vandalism, but we can find people who have succeeded in changing their own life-style, no longer being ill-mannered or reckless.  In their cases vandalism has been stopped.

Next time: Sound Guidance for Young People

The Watchtower, 1999

VANDALISM Can Be Eliminated

"TEENAGE vandalism has always been considered an expression of disrespect for and hostility toward adults and their standards,"  explain  authors Jane Norman and Myron W. Harris.  While many youths believe that nothing can be done to change the situation, "one out of 3 thinks that teenage vandalism could be curbed if parents paid more attention to their children, and if teenagers weren't so bored,"  The authors reported.  While keeping young people occupied and giving them better parental control may reduce vandalism, would that in itself get at the root causes?  (I don't think  so, when I was a teenager, I listened to music and drew and found other things to keep me busy around the house. My dad was strict, so I could go just anywhere anytime. ) The thing is today, if parents do show control, some teenagers take offense to that as well. I did  a little, but I had enough respect to know that my parents knew more than I did and did things for my own good.

When alone, many young people are not troublemakers, yet in a group or in pairs, they may try to get attention, doing foolish and nasty things.  That was the case with Nelson, who under the influence of drugs or  alcohol often expressed his anger and discontent by acts of vandalism.  ( note: Kids, who have better sense or are taught right,  know better and has the good sense to stay out of trouble, despite what their peers may do. They know right from wrong. There is no excuse! Not in my book or God's.)  Jose', stirred up by sermons in the Catholic Church about land reform and labor rights, felt that he should take part in strikes and organized vandalism as a means of protest.  However,  both Nelson and Jose' found something far better than riots or vandalism. 

Next time: Some Deeper Causes of Vandalism

The Watchtower, 1999

Who Can Stop Vandalism

Can the police and the schools prevent vandalism?  One problem is that the authorities may be occupied with more serious crimes,such as drug trafficking or murder cases, rather than with "victimless" offenses.  According to one police officer, when a youth gets in trouble, the parents often "blame the kids he hangs out with, or the school, or the  police for catching him."  Education and law enforcement may reduce vandalism; yet, what if parental attitudes do not change?  One juvenile -probation officer says:  "It's boredom and opportunity.  [The children are] out late, and they have nothing to do.  And they're probably not supervised-otherwise they wouldn't be out."

Although vandalism is a serious problem in many places, consider how things might  be reversed.  The young vandals mentioned int he beginning changed; now they completely avoid antisocial behavior.  What made these former delinquents change their life-style?  Also, would you be surprised if vandalism were to be not only reduced but eliminated?  We invite you to read the next article.

Next time: VANDALISM Can Be Eliminated

The Watchtower, 1999

VANDALISM - Why

"I HAVE nothing to say."  These words were written in huge letters on a newly painted wall in a pleasant neighborhood of Sao Paulo. An act of vandalism, you might think. And graffiti is just one kind of vandalism.

Imagine that irresponsible vandals have damaged your car.  Or you may note that public property-useful to many- has been damaged or destroyed by vandals.  Why?  Yes, Why?  Have you ever wondered why acts of vandalism abound?  In many places, vandals seem to find delight in deffacing or ruining telephone booths.  Public transports, such as trains or buses, is often a target.  Seemingly, vandals do not care about anything.  But what is behind much of the vandalism that we see or suffer from?

Marco, a youth from Rio de Janeiro, became frustrated after his team lost a soccer game-so frustrated  that he began throwing stones at a bus loaded with fans of the winning team.  Or consider  Claus.  When he did not do well in school, he became so enraged that he hurled stones  and broke windows.  However, the "fun" evaporated when his father was asked to pay for the damage.  Another youth, Erwin, was studying in school and working.  He and his peers were seen as nice youths. Yet, their pastime was to vandalize the neighborhood.  Erwin's parents knew nothing about that.  Valter was an orphan who and little choice but the make the streets of Sao Paulo his home.  His best friends were a gang of vandals, and he went along with them and also learned marshal arts.  Such examples show that there are faces behind vandalism, and the trigger for, or emotions  involved in, vandalism vary.

"Vandalism may be an act of revenge or a way of expressing a political opinion.  Both  young people and adults sometimes commit the crime just for "fun,' " says The World Book Encyclopedia.  However, rather than being just youthful fun, vandalism can be seriously destructive, even deadly.  A group of youths wanted to "have some fun," and when they saw a man asleep, they doused him with flammable liquid and set him on fire. The victim, an Indian, later died in the hospital. According to a report, 'the young men allegedly said they did not think  anyone would care as several beggars had been burned on the street, and  no action had been taken."  Whether vandalism seems victimless or not,k the cost, financial and emotional, is incalculable.  So, what can control or end vandalism?

Next time: Who Can Stop Vandalism?

The Watchtower, 1999

Maintain Urgency and Moral Purity

"Hence, beloved ones,"  Peter continues,  "since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.  Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation."  Waiting with eager anticipation and viewing any seeming delay of Jehovah's day as an expression of divine patience will help us avoid any spiritual spot or blemish.  Yet, there is danger! Peter warns that in the writings  of "our beloved brother Paul . . . are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unsteady are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction." -2 Peter 3:14-16.

False teachers evidently twisted Paul's writings about God's undeserved kindness, using them as an excuse for loose conduct.  Perhaps Peter had this in mind when he writes his parting admonition:  "You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard that you may not be led away with them by the error of the law-defying people and fall from your own steadfastness."  He then concludes his letter, urging:  "Go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." -2 Peter 3:17, 18.

Clearly, Peter wants us to strengthen his brothers.  He desires all to have the attitude expressed by the faithful 82-year-old Witness quoted at the outset:  "I have lived my life as the apostle urged, 'keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.'  I have always viewed the promised new world as a 'reality though not beheld.' " May we all live our life in the same way.

Next time: VANDALISM - Why?

THE WATCHTOWER, 1997

Keep Focused on Your Hope

Since these dramatic events are at hand, Peter says that we ought to be involved "in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah." There can be no doubt about it!  "The heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements being intensely hot will melt!"  (2 Peter 3:11, 12) The fact that these dramatic events could begin to occur tomorrow should affect everything we do or plan to do.

Peter now tells us what will replace the old system, saying:  "But these are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."  (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17) Ah, what grand relief!  Christ and his 144,000 co-rulers will compose a  "new" governmental "heavens," and people b who survive the end of this world will make up the "new earth." -1 John 2:17; Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:1, 3.

Next time: Maintain Urgency and Moral Purity

The Watchtower, 1997

What Will Pass Away?

Because Jehovah truly loves those who serve him, he will wipe out all those who cause them distress.  (Psalm 37:9-11, 29) Noting, as did Paul earlier, that this destruction would come at an unexpected time, Peter writes: "Jehovah's day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered."  (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2)  The literal heavens and earth did not perish in the Deluge, neither will they during Jehovah's day.  What, then, will "pass away," or be destroyed?

Human governments that have dominated mankind like "heavens"  will end and so will the "earth," or human ungodly society. The "hissing noise" perhaps  indicates the rapid passage of the heavens.  "The elements"  that make up today's decadent human society will be "dissolved," or destroyed.  And the "earth," including "the works in it," will be "discovered."  Jehovah will thoroughly expose the wicked acts of men, as he brings an entire system to its well-deserved end.

Next time: Keep Focused on Your Hope

The Watchtower, 1997

Need to Have Jehovah's View

We need to have Jehovah's view of time, as Peter now reminds us:  "However, let this one fact not be escaping your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day."  How short by comparison is our life span of 70 or 80 years!  (2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4, 10) So if the fulfillment of God's promise seems to delay, we need to accept the admonition  of God's prophet:   "Even if [the appointed time] should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true.  It will not be late." - Habakkuk 2:3.

Why have the last days of this system continued longer than many expected?  For a fine reason, as Peter next explains:  "Jehovah is  not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance."  (2 Peter 3:9) Jehovah takes into consideration what is in the best interests of humankind.  His concern is with the lives of people, as he says: "I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one,but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living."  (Ezekiel 33:11)  So we can be confident that he end will come at just the right time to fulfill the purpose of our all-wise, loving Creator!


Next time: What Will Pass Away?

The Watchtower, 1997

Eagerness for the End to Come

Jesus' disciples wanted to know when the end would come, so they asked him:  "What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?"  They evidently were asking about when the Jewish system would end, but Jesus' answer focused primarily on when the present 'heavens and earth' would suffer destruction.  Jesus foretold such things as great wars,food shortages, earthquakes, disease, and crime.  (Matthew 24:2-14; Luke 21:5-36)  Since the year 1914, we have seen the sign being fulfilled that Jesus gave for "the conclusion of the system of things" as well as the things the apostle Paul mentioned would identify "the last days."  (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Truly, the evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the time of the end of this system of things!

Jehovah's Witnesses have been eager to know when the day of Jehovah will occur.  In their eagerness they have at times made attempts to estimate when it might come.  But by doing so, they have failed, as did Jesus' early disciples, heed their Master's caution that we "do not know when the appointed time is."  (Mark 13:32, 33)  Ridiculers have mocked faithful Christians for their premature expectations.  (2 Peter 3:3, 4) Nevertheless, Jehovah's day will come, Peter affirms, according to His timetable.


Next time: Need to Have Jehovah's View

The Watchtower, 1997

God's Word Is Dependable

As noted earlier, pre-Christian prophets often warned that Jehovah's day of vengeance was near. A miniature "day of Jehovah" came in 607 B.C.E. when Jehovah executed vengeance upon his wayward people.  (Zephaniah 1:14-18)  Later, other nations, including Babylon and Egypt, suffered such a "day of Jehovah."  (Isaiah 13:6-9; Jeremiah 46:1-10; Obadiah 15)  The end of the first-century Jewish system of things was also foretold, and it occurred when Roman armies devastated Judea in 70 C.E.  (Luke 19:41-44; 1 Peter 4:7) But Peter points to a future  "day of Jehovah," one that will dwarf even the global Flood in magnitude!

Peter introduces his description of that coming destruction, saying:  "But by the same word."  He had just said that "by the word of God," the pre-Flood earth stood "out of water and in the midst of water."  This situation, described in the Bible's creation account, made possible the Deluge when the waters poured down at God's direction, or word.  Peter continues: "By the same word [of God] the heavens and the earth that are now stored up for fire are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men."  (2 Peter 3:5-7; Genesis 1:6-8) We have Jehovah's dependable word for it! He will bring an end to "the heavens and the earth" -This system of things -  in the fiery wrath of his great day!  (Zephaniah 3:8) But when?

Next time: Eagerness for the End to Come

The Watchtower, 1997

Willful and Despicable

Such ridiculers ignore a vital fact.  They deliberately ignore it and try to cause others to forget it.  Why? In order more easily to seduce the people.  "For, according to their wish," Peter writes, "this fact escapes their notice."  What fact?  "That there were heavens from old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water."  (2 Peter 3:5, 6) Yes,  Jehovah did rid the earth of wickedness during the Flood in Noah's day, a fact that Jesus also emphasized.  (Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26, 27; 2 Peter 2:5) So, contrary to what ridiculers say, all things have not continued "exactly as from creation's beginning."

Ridiculers may have mocked faithful Christians because these had as yet unrealized expectations.  Shortly before Jesus died,his disciples "were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly."  Then, after his resurrection they asked whether the Kingdom would be set up right away.  Also, about ten years before Peter wrote his second letter, some were "excited"  by "a verbal message" or  "a letter," reputedly from the apostle Paul or his companions, "to the effect that the day of  Jehovah is here."  (Luke 19:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 1:6)  Such expectations of Jesus' disciples, however, were not false, only premature.  Jehovah's day would come!

Next time: God's Word is Dependable

The Watchtower, 1997

The Desires of the Ridiculer

As noted before, the reason for Peter's admonition is that some had begun to scoff at such warnings, even as Israelites of earlier times had mocked Jehovah's prophets.  (2 Chronicles 36:16) Peter explains:  "For you know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding  according to their own desires."  (2 Peter 3:3)  Jude says that the desires of these ridiculers are "for ungodly things."  He calls them "animalistic men, not having spirituality." - Jude 17-19.

The false teachers who Peter said "go on after flesh with the desire to defile it" are likely among these ridiculers who are without spirituality.  (2 Peter 2:1, 10, 14)  They mockingly ask faithful Christians:  "Where is this promised presence of his?  Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning." -2 Peter 3:4.

Why this ridicule?  Why suggest that Christ's presence may never occur, that God has never intervened in human affairs and never will? Well, by undermining the sense of urgency that permeates the Word of God, these animalistic ridiculers seek to lull others into a state of spiritual apathy and thus make them easy prey to selfish seductions.  What powerful encouragement for us today to remain spiritually awake!   May we keep close in mind Jehovah's day and always remember that his eyes are upon us!  Thus we will be moved to serve Jehovah with zeal and maintain our moral purity. -Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 29:15; Ezekiel 8:12; 12:27; Zephaniah 1:12.

Next time: Willful and Despicable

The Watchtower, 1997

Warm Appeal to Remember

I am sorry that I have not been able to get online as the mother board in my computer went out and had to have a new one put in.  I have been chomping at the bit while it was in the shop to do my blogs, now that it is fixed, I am happy as I can be.  I hope you don't think I abandoned you all.


Peter's affection for his brothers is shown by his repeatedly addressing them in this  chapter as "beloved ones."  Warmly appealing to them not to forget what they had been taught, Peter begins: "beloved ones, . . . I am arousing  your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles." -2 Peter 3:1, 2, 8, 14, 17; Jude 17.

What "sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets"does Peter urge readers to remember?  Why those about the presence of Christ in Kingdom power and about the judgment of the ungodly. Peter had earlier drawn attention to these sayings.  (2 Peter 1:16-`9; 2:3-10) Jude refers to Enoch, who was the first recorded prophet to warn about the adverse judgment of God upon evildoers.  (Jude 14, 15) Other prophets followed Enoch, and Peter does not want us to forget what they wrote. -Isaiah 66:15-18;  Zechariah  14:6-9.

In addition, Peter tells his read3ers to remember  "the commandments  of the Lord and Savior."  Jesus' commandments includes the exhortation:  "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down . . . and suddenly  be instantly upon you as a snare."  Keep looking, keep awake, for you, do not know when the appointed time is."  (Luke 21:34-36; Mark 13:33) Peter also urges us to heed the sayings of the apostles.  The apostle Paul for example wrote: "Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night.  So, then, let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay  awake and keep our senses." -1 Thessalonians 5:2, 6.

Next time: The Desires of Ridiculers

The Watchtower, 1997

KEEP JEHOVAH'S DAY CLOSE IN MIND

"In the last days there will come ridiculers." -2 Peter 3:3.


A FULL-TIME minister for more than 66 years wrote:  "I have always felt a keen sense of urgency.  Armageddon has always been, in my thinking, he day after tomorrow.  (Revelation 16:14, 16) Like my father, and his father before him, I have lived my life as the apostle [Peter] urged, 'keeping close in mind the presence for  the day of Jehovah.'  I have always viewed the promised new world as  a "reality though not beheld.' " -2 Peter 3:11, 12; Hebrews 11:1; Isaiah 11:6-9; Revelation 21:3, 4.

Peter's expression "keeping close in mind" in reference to Jehovah's day means that we do not put it off in our minds.  We should not forget that the day when Jehovah will destroy this system of things as a preliminary to establishing his promised new world is very near.  It should be so real to us that we see it clearly, as being immediately ahead of us.  That was how real it was to God's prophets of old, and they often spoke of it as being near. -Isaiah 13:6; Joel 1:15; 2:1; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14.

Why did Peter urge us to view the day of Jehovah as though it could come, so to speak, "the day after tomorrow"?  Because some had evidently begun to ridicule the idea of Christ's promised presence during which wrongdoers would be punished.  (2 Peter 3:3, 4) So in chapter 3 of his second letter, which we will now consider , Peter answers the chargers of these ridiculers.

Next time: Warm Appeal to Remember

The Watchtower, 1997