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