PROVE YOURSELF READY FOR JEHOVAH'S DAY- Shun Spiritually Damaging Life-Styles

Shun Spiritually Damaging Life-Styles

In his great prophecy about the sign of his presence, Jesus gave yet another warning.  He said:  "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed  down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare.  For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the earth.  Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destine to occur, and in standing before the Son of man."  (Luke 21:34-36)  Jesus accurately described the  life-styles that people in general pursue: overindulgence in food, drunkenness, and a way of life that brings anxieties.

Overeating and heavy drinking are out of harmony with Bible principles and are to be shunned.  "Do no come to be among heavy drinkers of wine, among those who are gluttonous eaters of flesh," states the Bible.  (Proverbs 23:20) For it to be dangerous, though, eating and drinking does not have to reach that level.  It can make one drowsy and lazy long before that .  "The lazy one is showing himself desirous," says a Bible proverb,  "but his soul has nothing."  (Proverbs 13:4) Such a person may want to do God's will, but his desire remains unfulfilled because of negligence.

What are the anxieties of life that Jesus warned about?  They involve personal concerns, providing for the family, and the like. How unwise to allow these to weigh us down!  "Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to their life span?"  Asked Jesus.  He admonished his listeners:  "Never be anxious and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to put on?'  For all these things are the things the nation are eagerly pursuing.  For you heavenly Father knows you need all these things."  Putting Kingdom interests first in our lives and having confidence that Jehovah will provide for us will keep anxieties at bay and help us stay awake. - Matthew 6:25-34.

Next time: Conclusion of Shun Spiritually Damaging Life-Styles

The Watchtower, 2003