This Is Our Place of Worship

MAINTAINING OUR PLACE OF WORSHIP 

Jehovah's servants also make diligent efforts to keep their places of worship in good repair. King Jehoash of Judah ordered the priests to use contributions  that had been made to the house of Jehovah "to repair the house, wherever any damage [was] found." (2 Kings 12:4, 5) Over 200 years later, King Josiah also used temple contributions to finance necessary repairs. -Read 2 Chronicles 34:9-11. 

Branch offices report that in some countries, people do not generally give priority to the maintenance of buildings or equipment. Perhaps few in such lands have the know-how or the resources to do the work.  Clearly, though, if Kingdom Hall maintenance were neglected, such neglect would result in the premature deterioration of the building and would not be a good witness to the local community. On the other hand, when congregation members do all they can to keep the Kingdom hall in good condition, this brings praise to Jehovah and saves funds donated by fellow believers. 

A Kingdom Hall is a building dedicated to Jehovah. Therefore, it cannot be rightly said to belong to any individual or congregation, whatever its legal  title may indicate. Christian principles dictate that we cooperate fully  to make sure that this building measures up to the purpose  for which it was built. All in the congregation can contribute to that end by showing appropriate respect for our places of worship, by making donations for new construction, and by volunteering their time and energy to keep existing Kingdom Halls  properly cleaned and maintained. By supporting these efforts, we show our zeal for Jehovah's place of worship, as Jesus did. -John 2:17.

Next time: HOW JESUS' DEATH CAN SAVE YOU 

From the Watchtower magazine