A SATISFYING LIFE How to Attain It

Conclusion of Hints for Living a Satisfying Life

How can we maintain wholesome relationships with others?  Note this guiding principle:  'Keep an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.'   Thus we will be living up to what many call the Golden Rule:  "All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do likewise to them."

Stress:  How can we maintain emotional balance in this world full of stress?  "A joyful heart has  as good effect on the countenance, but because of the pain of the heart there is a stricken spirit."  We may easily lose "a joyful heart" when we see others ignore what seems right in our eyes.  Yet, we do well to remember these words:  "Do not become righteous overmuch, no show yourself excessively wise.  Why should you cause desolation to yourself?"   On the other hand, anxieties of life may constantly afflict us.  Then what?  Let us remember:  Anxious care in the heart of a man is what will cause it  to bow down, but the good word is what makes it rejoice."  We might ponder over "the good word," the kind word that encourages us.  Having a positive attitude   despite  depressing circumstances may even have  a healthful effect:  "A heart that is joyful does good as a curer. "  When we become depressed because others do not seem to care about us, we could try practicing this formula:  "There is more  happiness in giving than there is in receiving."  By having a positive attitude, we can cope with the stress we face each day.  

Do you think that the aforementioned words of wisdom can work for you living in the 21st century?  In fact, they are found in an ancient book-the Bible.  But why look to the Bible instead of to other sources of wisdom? Because, among other reasons, the principles found in the Bible have time-tested value.  Take, for example, Yasuhiro and Kayoko, who were involved in the women's liberation movement.  They got married only because Kayoko was pregnant with Yahuhiro's baby. On account of financial problems and a sense of incompatibility, however, they soon got a divorce.  Later, unknown to each other, bot of them started to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses.  Each of them observed significant changes in each other's life. Yasuhiro and Kayoko decided to remarry. Although, their life is not problem-free, they now have Bible principles to live by, and both are making concessions to solve their problems. Among Jehovah's Witnesses, you will see the fine results of applying |Bible principles in life.  How about attending one of their meetings to get acquainted with people who are trying to live by the Bible? 

The advice quoted above is merely a sampling of the inexhaustible supply of practical wisdom you can find in this gold mine of enlightenment, the Bible.   There are reasons why Jehovah's Witnesses willingly apply Bible principles in their lives.   Why not find out the reasons behind that willingness and learn some basic facts about the Bible?

Next time: A SATISFYING LIFE How to Attain It - 3. The Book of Reliable Guidance

From The Watchtower magazine