Maintain Your Loyalty to God's Kingdom

Conclusion of:  TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE LOYAL TO JEHOVAH

Has your upbringing or environment exposed you to national or regional loyalties?  Do any such feelings still linger in your heart?  Christians should not allow nationalistic fervor to taint their view of others. But what if you realize that you do have negative thoughts toward people of other nations, cultures, languages, or races?  Then it would certainly be profitable to meditate on how Jehovah views nationalism and prejudice. Researching these and related topics may prove to be a worthwhile project for personal study or family worship. Then petition Jehovah for help to embrace his point of view on these matters. -Read Romans 12:2.

Sooner or later, all of Jehovah's servants will find themselves in situations to stand out as different from those around them-whether colleagues, classmates, neighbors, relatives, or  others. (1 Peter 2:19) Yet, stand out we must!  We should not be surprised if the world hates us for our stand; Jesus warned  us that it would. Most opposers do not appreciate  the importance of issues involved  in Christian neutrality. For us, though, these are matters of utmost importance. 

Loyalty to Jehovah requires that we be steadfast in the face of threats.  (Daniel 3:16-18)  Fear of man can affect people of all ages, but young people may find it especially difficult to go against the flow, so to speak. If your children are facing such issues as the flag salute or nationalistic celebrations, do not hesitate to assist them. Use Family Worship sessions to help your children understand the issues involved so that they can meet those challenges courageously. Help them to express their personal convictions clearly and respectfully.  (Romans 1:16) To back up your children with their teachers about these matters if necessary. 

Next time: Maintain Your Loyalty to God's Kingdom - APPRECIATE ALL OF JEHOVAH'S CREATION!

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015