PROVE YOURSELF READY FOR JEHOVAH'S DAY

Conclusion of  Shun Spiritually Damaging Life-Styles

Anxiety may also be brought on by materialistic pursuits.  For example,m some complicate their lives by living beyond their means.  Others have been enticed  by get-rich-quick schemes and risky financial investments.  For others, secular education as a means to attain financial success becomes a snare.  Granted, a certain level of schooling may be useful to obtain employment.   However, the truth is that in the time-consuming pursuit of obtaining advanced education, some have harmed themselves spiritually.  What a dangerous situation to be in as the day of Jehovah nears!  The Bible warns:  "Those who are determined to  be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin." -1 Timothy 6:9.


Essential to not being drawn into a materialistic way of life is cultivating the ability to distinguish between right and wrong when making decisions.  This ability is developed  by regularly partaking of 'solid spiritual food belonging to mature  people' and by 'having our perceptive powers trained through use.'   (Hebrews 5:13, 14) Making sure "of the more important things"  when setting priorities will also safeguard us from making wrong choices. -Philippians 1:10.

 A materialistic life-style can blind us, leaving little or no time for spiritual pursuits.  How can we examine ourselves and avoid being ensnared  by such a life-style?  We need to consider prayerfully how and to what extent we can simplify our life.   King Solomon of ancient Israel said:  "Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, regardless of whether it is little or much that he eats; but the plenty belonging to the rich one is not permitting him to sleep."  (Ecclesiastes 5:12)  Does taking care of unnecessary material possessions consume a lot of our time and energy?  The more we own, the more we have to maintain, insure, and protect.  Could it be to  our advantage to simplify our life by freeing ourselves of certain belongings? 

Next time: By All Means, Prove Yourself Ready

The Watchtower, 2003