DIVINE LAWS ARE FOR OUR BENEFIT - Blessings for Those Obeying God's Laws

Blessings for Those Obeying God's Laws



Through his prophet Isaiah, God said:  "My word that goes forth from my mouth . . .will have certain success."  (Isaiah 55:11)  Just as surely, when we earnestly strive to follow the standards found in his Word, we will have success, accomplish good, and find happiness.

Consider how God's laws are a sound guide to a successful marriage.  "Let marriage be honorable among all," wrote Paul, "and God will judge fornicators and adulterers."  (Hebrews 13:4)  Marriage mates are to be respectful and loving toward each other:  "Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband."  (Ephesians 5:33)  The kind of love that is needed is described at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:  "Love is long-suffering and kind.  Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked.  It does not rejoice over  unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.  It bears all things,  believes all things,  hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."  A marriage marked by this kind of love will not fail.

Another evidence that Jehovah's standards are beneficial, is the fact that he condemns drunkenness.  He even disapproves of 'giving oneself to a lot of wine.'  ( 1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Romans 13:13) Many who ignore God's standards on this matter suffer diseases caused or aggravated by excessive drinking.  Ignoring the Bible's counsel on moderation, some have got into the habit of heavy drinking to "help them relax."  The problems resulting from over drinking are many, including loss of respect, strained family relationships or family break-up, wasted income, and loss of employment.  (Proverbs 23:19-21, 29-35)  Are not Jehovah's standards regarding the use of alcohol a safeguard? 

God's standards have also proved to be practical in financial matters.  The Bible urges Christians to be honest and diligent.   (Luke 16:10; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23)  Because they follow this counsel, many Christians have been promoted or have kept  their jobs when others were laid off.  Financial benefits also result when a person avoids such unscriptural habits and addictions as gambling, smoking, and drug abuse.  No doubt  you can think of other examples of the economic  practicality of God's standards.

It is easy for imperfect humans to stray from God's laws and standards.  Think about the Israelites at Mount Sinai.  God said to them:  "If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples."  They responded:  "All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do."  Yet, how contrary was the course they chose to follow!  (Exodus 19:5, 8; Psalm 106:12-43)   In contrast, let us accept and hold to God's standards.

The course of wisdom and happiness is to stick closely to the incomparable laws that Jehovah has provided  to help guide our lives.  (Psalm 19:7-11)  In order to do this successfully, we also need to appreciate the value of godly principles.  This is the subject of the following article.

Next time: GUIDE YOUR STEPS BY GODLY PRINCIPLES

 The Watchtower, 2002