What Would You Do?

Perhaps you have only recently heard the good news.  Does the hope of living forever in a perfect paradise appeal to you?  It well should, for all of us have an inborn desire to live and to enjoy life in peace and security.  The Bible says that God has put "time indefinite" in our heart.  (Ecclesiastes 3:11) So it is natural for us  to hope for the time when people can live forever in peace and  happiness. And that is what the Kingdom good news offers. 

To make that hope a reality, however, you need to investigate and find out what the good news is about.  The apostle Paul admonished:  "Prove to [yourself] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) So like Paul, after gaining knowledge and understanding, you must make a choice. 

On the other hand, you may already have certain beliefs concerning your future. Remember  that Saul had his ideas about God's will before he became the apostle Paul. But rather than expecting a miraculous revelation from God, why not look at he matter objectively? Ask yourself:  "Do I really know what God's will is regarding mankind and the earth?  Can my proof can I offer to substantiate my beliefs? Can my proof stand up under examination in the light of God's Word, the Bible?  You have nothing to lose from examining your religious beliefs in this way.  In fact, you should want to do because the Bible urges us:  "Make sure of all things, hold fast to what is fine." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21) After all, is it not God's approval that matters?

Religious leaders may promise us an eternal future. But unless that promise is based on the teachings of the Bible, it will not help us to gain the blessings of God's Kingdom. In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus forcefully warned:  "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will." -Matthew 7:21.

Notice Jesus' emphasis on doing the will of his Father as the criterion for receiving the blessings of God's Kingdom. In other words, what may have the appearance of godliness is not necessarily  approved by God. In fact, Jesus went on to say: "Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?' And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:22, 23) 

Next time: Help Is Available

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001