WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS

RESPECT FOR LIFE AND BLOOD
For true happiness, we need to view human life as sacred, even as Jehovah does.  His Word forbids us to commit murder.  (Matthew 19:16-18)  He also forbids just shooting people intentionally.  In fact, God's Law to Israel shows that he views the unborn child as a precious life-not something to be destroyed.  (Exodus 21:22, 23) For that matter, we must not treat life as something cheap by using tobacco, abusing our body drugs or alcohol, or taking needless risks.  Neither should we engage in any life-threatening pursuits nor should ignore safety precautions, which might in bloodguilt. -Deuteronomy 22;8. 

Jehovah told Noah and his family that blood represents the soul, or life. Therefore, God forbade them to eat any blood.  (Genesis 9:3, 4)  Since we are their descendants, that law is binding upon all of us.  Jehovah told the Israelites that blood was to be poured out on the ground and was not to be used for man's own purposes.  (Deuteronomy 12:15, 16) And God's law on blood was reiterated when first-century Christians were instructed:  "Keep abstaining from blood."  (Acts 15:28, 29)  Out of respect for the sanctity of life, godly people do not accept blood transfusions, even if others insist that this procedure would be life-saving.  Many medical  alternatives acceptable to God and Jehovah's Witnesses have proved to be very effective and do no expose one to the hazards of blood transfusions. Christians know that only Jesus' shed blood is truly life-saving.  Faith in it brings forgiveness and the prospect of eternal life. -Ephesians 1:7. 

Clearly living a Godly life requires effort. It may result in ridicule from family members or acquaintances.  (Matthew 10:32-39; 1 Peter 4:4) But the rewards of living such a life far outweigh any trials. It results in a clean conscience and provides wholesome  companionship with with fellow worshipers of Jehovah.  (Matthew 19:27, 29)  Then, too, imagine living forever in God's righteous new world.  (Isaiah 65:17, 18) And what joy there is in complying with Bible counsel and thus making Jehovah's heart rejoice! (Proverbs 27:11) No wonder that living a Godly life brings happiness! -Psalm 128:1, 2. 

Next time: CHAPTER FOURTEEN: WHOSE AUTHORITY SHOULD YOU RECOGNIZE?

From the book:KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life