"Stand Firm in the Faith"

Conclusion of LOSS OF FOCUS CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF FAITH

Do I struggle to forgive personal offenses?   When others offend or hurt us, we could focus on how we feel and then be tempted to tell them off or to cut them off by not speaking to them. On the other hand, if we forgive, we show our faith in Jehovah.  How so?  Those who sin against us owe us a  debt, just as our sins put us in debt to God.  (Luke 11:4) When we forgive others, we have to trust that gaining God's favor by doing so is worth more than making them pay back their debt.  Jesus' disciples recognized that forgiving others requires faith.  When he told them to forgive even those who had sinned against them repeatedly, they begged:  "Give us more faith." -Luke 17:1-5. 

Do I chafe at Scriptural counsel?  Instead of looking for a way to benefit from the counsel, we might be focusing on some defect in the counsel or in the counselor.  (Proverbs  19:20) We might thus miss an opportunity to bring our thinking into line with God's .

Do I murmur against appointed brothers in the congregation?   When the Israelites focused on the bad report of the ten faithless spies, they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron. Jehovah then asked Moses;  "How much longer will they not put faith in me?" (Numbers 14:2-4, 11) Yes, the Israelites' murmuring actually showed  a lack of trust in God, who had appointed Moses and Aaron.  Likewise, if we constantly grumble about those whom God is using to lead his people, is this not and indication that our faith in God has weakened? 

Still, do not be disheartened if you self-examination exposes weaknesses in your faith. Even Peter, an apostle, gave way to fear and doubt. In fact, Jesus at times reproved all the apostles for having "little faith."  (Matthew 16:8)  Keep in mind that an important lesson we learn from Peter's experience comes from what he did after his faith wavered and he started to sink into the sea. 

Next time: "Stand Firm in the Faith" - FOCUS ON JESUS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

From the jw.org publications 

"Stand Firm in the Faith"

LOSS OF FOCUS CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF FAITH

The wind and waves surrounding Peter as he walked on the water  might be compared to the trials and temptations we face in our life of dedication to God.  Even when these are severe, we can stand firm with Jehovah's support.  Recall that Peter did not sink because of a gust of wind or a big wave. Think back on the sequence of events:  "Looking at the windstorm, he became afraid."  (Matthew 14:30)  Peter lost his focus  on Jesus, and then his faith wavered.  We could begin to sink if we were to begin "looking at the windstorm,"  focusing on its power and doubting that Jehovah will support us.

We should take seriously the possibility  that our faith could diminish, for the Bible refers to a weakening of faith or loss of faith as "the sin that easily entangled   us."  (Hebrews 12:1) As Peter's  experience shows, our faith can quickly weaken if we focus on the wrong things. How can we tell whether we are in danger of that happening?  Consider some questions that we can use to examine ourselves. 

Do God's promises seem less real to me now than they once did?  For instance, God has promised to destroy the present system of things.  Yet, we are distracted by the world's array of entertainment options, thus weakening our faith in God's promise?  We might start to doubt that the end is really near. (Habakkuk 2:3)  Here is another example. God promises to forgive us on the basis of the ransom. If, though, we became obsessed  with guilt over our past mistakes, we could begin to doubt whether Jehovah has really "blotted out " all our sins.  (Acts 3:19) Consequently, we could lose our joy in God's service and become inactive. 

Am I as diligent in God's service as I once was?  The apostle Paul showed that working hard for Jehovah leads to our having "the full assurance of the hope down to the end."  However, what could happen if we began to focus our efforts  on personal pursuits, such as by taking a job that pays well but that interferes with our worship? Our faith could weaken, and we could "become sluggish," doing less for Jehovah than our circumstances allow. -Hebrews 6:10-12.

Next time: "Stand Firm in the Faith" -Conclusion of LOSS OF FOCUS CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF FAITH

From the jw.org publications 

"Stand Firm in the Faith"

FAITH IN GOD'S SUPPORT

When Peter climbed out of the boat to walk on the water, he did so in faith. Jesus had called him, and Peter trusted that God's power would support him just as it was supporting Jesus.  Similarly when we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah and got baptized, we did so because of our faith. Jesus called to us to be his followers, to walk in  his footsteps. We had to exercise faith in both Jesus and God, trusting that they would support us in various way. -John 14:1; read 1 Peter 2:21. 

Faith is truly a precious possession.  Just as Peter's faith enabled him to walk on water, our faith enables us to do things from a human standpoint may seem impossible.  (Matthew 21:21, 22) For instance, many of us have changed our attitudes and practices so drastically that we are almost unrecognizable to those who knew us before. Jehovah supported our efforts because we took these steps  based on our faith in him.  (Read Colossians 3:5-10) Once our faith moved us to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah, we became his friends, something we could never have done in our own power. -Ephesians 2:8. 

Our faith continues to empower us. In faith we are able to resist attacks of our superhuman adversary, the Devil.  (Ephesians 6:16)  In addition, trust in Jehovah helps us to minimize our anxiety during challenging times.  Jehovah says that when our faith moves us to put Kingdom interests first, he will provide for our material needs.  (Matthew 6:30-34) More than that, because of our faith, we will receive a gift no human could ever obtain by his own efforts-everlasting life. -John 3:16. 

Next time: "Stand Firm in the Faith" -LOSS OF FOCUS CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF FAITH

From the jw.org publications 

"Stand Firm in the Faith"

"Stand firm in the faith, . . . grow mighty." -1 CORINTHIANS 16:13


THE apostle peter and some other disciples are struggling to row their boat across the Sea of Galilee during a nighttime windstorm. Suddenly , they see Jesus walking  on the sea. Peter calls out to Jesus, asking if he could walk across the water to his Master.  When Jesus  tells him to come, Peter gets out of the boat and miraculously walks toward Jesus on the choppy surface.  Moments later,  though, Peter starts to sink. Why? He looked at the windstorm and became afraid. Peter cries out to Jesus, who quickly catches hold of him and says:  "You with little faith, why did you give way to doubt?" -Matthew 14:24-32. 

Let us consider three aspects of Peter's experience related to faith;  (1) how Peter first showed faith in God's support, (2) why Peter began to lose faith, and (3) what helped Peter to regain his faith. Examining these points can help us to see how we can "stand firm in the faith." - 1 Corinthians 16:13. 

Next time: "Stand Firm in the Faith" - FAITH IN GOD'S SUPPORT 

From the jw.org publications 

Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide

MOTIVATED TO ZEALOUS WORKS 

A good conscience does much more than warn us against wrongdoing.  It moves us to do good works.  Foremost among these good works is our participation in the ministry from  house to house and our taking advantage of  opportunities to witness formally. Paul's conscience moved him to do so.  He wrote: "Necessity is laid upon me.  Really, woe to me if I do not declare the good news!"  ( 1 Corinthians 9:16) As we imitate him, our conscience speaks to us, assuring  us that we are doing the right thing.  And by preaching the good news, we appeal to the conscience of those to whom we speak.  Paul said:  "By making the truth manifest, we recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God." -2 Corinthians 4:2.

When Jacqueline was 16 years old, she studied biology in school.  The theory of evolution was explained in some detail.  "My conscience would not let me  share as fully in  class discussions as I normally did. I could not support  the theory of evolution. I approached the teacher and explained my position.  To my surprise, he was very friendly and offered me the chance to speak  to the whole class on the subject of creation."  Jacqueline felt deep inner satisfaction at having listened to and acted in line with her Bible-trained conscience. Does you conscience similarly move you to do what is right?

How fine it is when our goal is to bring our lives  ever more into harmony with Jehovah's standards and ways!  To that end, the conscience  can be an invaluable tool. By regularly immersing ourselves in God's Word, meditating on what we find, and striving to put it into practice, we train our conscience. It will thus prove to be a valuable  asset in our Christian life!

Next time:  Stand Firm in the Faith

From the jw.org publications 

Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?

ENJOY UPBUILDING RECREATION

Jehovah created humans in a way that makes it possible for them to enjoy and benefit from a recreation. Solomon wrote that  there is "a time to laugh" and "a time to dance."  (Ecclesiastes 3:4)  But not every pastime is beneficial, relaxing, or refreshing; nor is it good to engage  in recreation too much or too often. How can our conscience help us to enjoy upbuilding recreation and benefit from it? 

The Scriptures warn against certain behavior identified as "the works of the flesh."  These works include "sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealously, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these."  Paul wrote that "those who practice such things will not inherit God's Kingdom."  (Galatians 5:19-21) Accordingly, we can ask ourselves:  'Does my conscience move me to shun sports that are aggressive, competitive, nationalistic, or violent?  Does my inner voice warn me when I am tempted to view a film that features pornographic scenes or one that condones immorality, drunkenness, or spiritism?

The Bible also provides principles that can help us mold our conscience with regard to recreation. One is that "physical training is beneficial for a little."  (1 Timothy 4:8) Many have concluded  that a measure of regular exercise promotes good health and refreshes the body and mind.  If  we want to enjoy exercise in a group, should we share in it with just anyone? Proverbs 13:20 tells us: "The one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly."  Does this not suggest  that we should be selective  in our choice of recreation, guided by our Bible-trained conscience? 

Christian and Daniela are the parents of two teenagers. Christian relates:  "During  our Family Worship evening, we discussed recreation. We agreed that some ways of having fun are acceptable where as others are not. Who can be considered good association?  One of our daughters complained that during recess at her school, some Witness youths behave in a way that she thought was not proper. And she felt under pressure to behave in the same way. We reasoned that each of us has a conscience, and we ought to be guided by it in choosing what we  do and with whom. - Read Romans 14:2-4.

There is also the question of when to engage in recreation. Do you plan recreation around theocratic activities, such as meetings, field ministry, and personal study? Or do you find yourself trying to fit theocratic activities between periods of leisure? What are your priorities?  Jesus said:  "Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things   will be added to you."  (Matthew 6:33) Does your conscience prompt you to set priorities that line up with Jesus advice?

Next time: Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide? - MOTIVATED TO ZEALOUS WORKS

From the jw.org publications  

Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?

BE REASONABLE

The Bible encourages us to avoid harmful practices and to be moderate in habits, such as in eating and drinking. (Proverbs 23:20;  2 Corinthians 7:1)  As we apply Bible principles, we will be safeguarding our health to a degree, even if advancing age and infirmity may still affect us.  In some lands, both conventional medicine and a range of alternative therapies are available.  Branch offices regularly receive letters from brothers and sisters who are considering one form of treatment or another. Many ask, "Can a servant of Jehovah accept such treatment?"

Neither a branch office nor the local congregation elders are authorized to make health-care decisions for a Witness, even if he asks what to do.  (Galatians 6:5)  They can, of course, call attention to what Jehovah has said that may have a bearing on the decision.  For example, a Christian needs to remember the Biblical command  "to keep abstaining from . . . blood."  (Acts 15:29) That would clearly rule out medical treatments that involve taking in whole blood or any of its four major components.  This knowledge could even influence  a Christian's  conscience when he makes a personal decision  regarding minor infractions derived from one of those four components. But what other Bible advice can guide us when we are contemplating medical treatment? 

Proverbs 14:15 says:  "The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step."  For some illnesses there may be no known cure. So it is  wise to be cautious when it comes to treatments that feature  stunning claims but that are promoted merely with hear-say testimonials. Paul was inspired to write: "Let your reasonableness become known to all men." (Philippians 4:5)  Reasonableness also holds us back from devoting so much time to health care that spiritual matters are forced into the background. Were we to allow health care to become  the main focus of our life, we would ruin the risk   of becoming self-centered.  (Philippians 2:4) Spiritual matters are most important, and with regard to health, our expectations  should remain reasonable. -Read Philippians 1:10.

A Christian who is reasonable does not impose his views on others. In one European land, a married couple were zealously advocating certain food supplements and a diet.  They persuaded some brothers to use the supplements, but others chose not to. In time, the results fell short of expectations, and there was widespread resentment.  The couple has a right to choose for themselves whether  they would follow a certain diet and take the supplements, but was it reasonable to put the unity of the congregation  at risk over health care?  For a time, Christians in ancient Rome had differing opinions  with regard to eating certain foods and observing certain days. What advice did Paul  give them?  Regarding the latter, he said:  "One man  judges one day the same as all the others; let each one be fully convinced in his own mind."  It was important not to put a stumbling block before others. -Read Romans 14:5, 13, 15, 19, 20. 

If we cannot understand the conscientiousness decision of a fellow believer on some personal matter, we should not quickly judge him or feel that we ought to  pressure him to change his mind. Perhaps his conscience is still "weak" an din need of more training or is too sensitive on certain issues.   (1 Corinthians 8:11, 12) On the other hand, it may be that we need to examine  our own conscience, which may need further training in line with divine principles. On matters like health care, each of us should be willing to make a personal decision and accept the responsibility that comes with it. 

Next time: Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide? - ENJOY UPBUILDING RECREATION

From the jw.org publications   

Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?

"The objective of this instruction is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience." 


JEHOVAH GOD  created humans with free will, that is, the liberty to choose between one option and another. God provided a valuable guide for the first man and woman and their future offspring-the conscience, an inner sense of right and wrong.  Used properly, the conscience  can  help us do good and to avoid wrongdoing. Our conscience thus is an evidence of God's love for us and of his desire that humans be united in doing good.

Today, humans still have the faculty of conscience.  (Read Romans 2:14, 15) Though many have strayed far from the Bible's standards of conduct, we find that some individuals often do what is good and abhor what is bad. The conscience holds many individuals  back from committing deeds of extreme wickedness.  Imagine how much worse world conditions would be if no one had a conscience! We would likely hear of even more evil than we do now. How grateful we can be that God has provided humans with a conscience!

Unlike people in general, servants of Jehovah want to to train their conscience . They want the proddings of their conscience to agree with the standards of right and wrong, good and bad, as reflected in God's Word.  A properly trained conscience exercises a powerful influence  for good in the Christian congregation. However, training and using our Christian  conscience is not just a mental activity.  The Bible links a good conscience to faith and love. Paul wrote:  "The objective of this instruction is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience and out of faith without hypocrisy."  (1 Timothy 1:5)  As we train our conscience and respond to it, our love for Jehovah will deepen and our faith will be strengthened. In fact, the way we use our conscience reveals the depth of our spirituality, the quality of our heart, and the intensity  of our desire to please Jehovah.  Indeed, this inner voice reflects what sort of person we truly are. 

But how can we train our conscience?  Key ways are by regularly and prayerfully studying the Bible, meditating on what we read, and then putting it into practice what we have learned. Obviously, this involves more than  accumulating facts and learning rules. Our study of the Bible should gradually give us an ever more precise picture of Jehovah, his personality, his qualities and what he likes or dislikes.  Our conscience becomes attuned to the ways of Jehovah God.  This should stir our heart, moving us to want to become more like him.  

However, we might ask: How can a well-trained conscience help us when we need to make decisions?  How can we respect the conscientious decision of a fellow believer?  And how can our conscience move us to greater works of zeal?  With those questions on mind, let us consider three areas in which our conscience can be a positive factor:  (1) health care, (2) recreation,and (3) the ministry.

Next time: Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide? - BE REASONABLE

From the jw.org publications 

Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

FRIENDS AMONG THOSE DOING GOD'S WILL

Jesus Christ was friendly toward people in general. Individuals of all sorts felt at ease in his company-men, women, young, old,  even children.  But  in choosing close friends, Jesus was selective.  He said to his faithful apostles:   "You are  my friends if you do what I am commanding you." (John 15:14)  Jesus chose such friends from among those who loyally followed him and served  Jehovah wholeheartedly. Do you similarly select your close friends from among those who serve Jehovah unreservedly? Why is this important?

Many types of fruit ripen best in warm sunlight.  Similarly, the warmth of our brotherhood can help you to progress to maturity. Perhaps you are a young person who is trying to decide what course you will pursue in life.  How wise you are if you associate  with fellow believers who have considerable experience in serving Jehovah and in contributing to the unity of the congregation!  Over the years, they may have had some ups and downs in life and may even have faced challenges  in serving God. Such ones  can help you to choose the best way of life. Warm, upbuilding association with such brothers and sisters can help you  to make your own wise decisions and to press on to maturity. -Read Hebrews 5:14. 

Helga, for instance, recalls that during her final year at school, the students in her class were comparing their personal goals. Many of them were reaching out for  a university education as a stepping-stone to what they hoped would be a promising career. Helga discussed  the situation with her friends in her congregation.  "Many of them were older than I was," she relates,  "and they helped me a lot.  They encouraged me to take up the full-time ministry.  Thereafter,  I was able to spend five years in the pioneer service. Now, years later, I am happy that I focused much of my youth on Jehovah' service. I have no reason to regret having done so."

Trying to focus our lives on the example Jesus set will help us in our Christian growth. We will draw closer to Jehovah, and we will grow in our desire to serve him to the greatest extent possible. A servant of God can give Jehovah his best when he has reached his full spiritual growth, when he is a mature Christian.  Jesus encouraged his followers:  "Let you light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens." -Matthew 5:16. 

As noted, a mature Christian can be a powerful influence for good in the congregation. And such spiritual maturity is reflected in how a Christian uses his God-given conscience. How can our conscience help us to make wise decisions?  And how can we respect the conscientious decisions of fellow believers?  We will consider these points in the following article. 

Next time: Is Your Conscience a Reliable Guide?

From the jw.org publications  

Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

JOINED TOGETHER IN  UNITY

During his life one earth as a perfect man, Jesus was surrounded by imperfect humans. He was raised by imperfect parents, and he spent years at home with imperfect relatives.  Even his closest followers were influenced  by the ambitious , manipulative spirit common around them.  For example, on the evening before Jesus was executed, there "arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them was considered to be the greatest."  (Luke 22:24)  But Jesus was confident that his imperfect followers could grow spiritually and form a united  congregation.  That same evening, Jesus prayed for the loving unity  of his apostles, and asking his heavenly Father:  "May [they] all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that   they also may be in union with us, . . . in order that they may be one just as we are one." -John 17: 21, 22. 

A mature servant of Jehovah promotes unity within the congregation.  (Read Ephesians  4:1-6, 15, 16.)  It is our goal that God's people be "harmoniously joined together" and that all members cooperate with one another. According to Jehovah's Word, to achieve this unity, we need humility.  A mature brother or sister has the humility to work for unity, even when facing the imperfections of others. How do you react when confronted with the imperfection of a brother or sister in the program?  Or what if you personally are wronged by someone in the congregation?  (Note: I think they are forgetting something here.  We are all and will be imperfect until the end of this system of things and going to meetings  and worshiping God will not change that fact, we just have to do our best to more conscientious to try harder to not make the same mistakes that would displease God.  Going to meetings does not make one perfect! ) Is it your inclination, or even your pattern, to build a wall, so to speak, that separates you from the offender?  Or do you try to construct  a bridge across the gap between the two of you?  A mature Christian wants to-yes, strives to -build bridges, not walls. 
Note: We should always forgive any wrong that others have done to us, 70 plus 7 times, or more.  It makes us the better person. And God will respect us better for it.

Consider the example of Uwe.  In the past, he tended to let the imperfections of fellow believers upset him.  Then he decided to use the Bible and  insight on the Scriptures to study the life of David. Why David?  Uwe explains: "David witnessed the unscriptural behavior   of some fellow believers. For example, King Saul tried to kill him, some of the people wanted to stone him, and even David's own wife mocked him.   (1 Samuel 19:9-11; 30:1-6; 2 Samuel 6:14-22)  But David never allowed the conduct  of others to dampen his love for Jehovah. Also, David had a merciful  heart, something I needed to cultivate.  What I learned through my study changed my view of the imperfection of fellow believers.   I no longer keep a chronicle of mistakes.  Rather, I strive  to contribute to the unity of the congregation."  Do you likewise have the goal of promoting unity in the congregation?

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? - FRIENDS AMONG THOSE DOING GOD'S WILL

From the jw.org publications 

Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

"SOLID FOOD BELONGS TO MATURE PEOPLE"

Jesus Christ had an excellent grasp of God's Word. Even when he was just 12 years old, he was able to discuss Scriptural matters with teachers in the temple.  "All those listening to him were in constant amazement at his understanding and his answers."  (Luke 2:46, 47)  Later, during his ministry, Jesus silenced his opponents with appropriate references to God's Word. -Matthew 22:41-46. 

In line with the model Jesus provided, a Christian who wants to grow spiritually will not be satisfied with a superficial knowledge of the Bible. He will regularly dig deeply into its contents, realizing  that "solid food belongs to mature people."  (Hebrews 5:14)  Clearly, a mature Christian wants to have "accurate knowledge of the Son of God."  (Ephesians 4:13) Do you schedule daily Bible reading?  Do you follow a routine of personal study, making every effort to set aside time each week for family worship?  As you consider God's Word, be alert to the Scriptural principles that will help you to see more clearly how Jehovah thinks and feels.  Then try to apply Bible principles, relying on them when you make decisions, thus drawing ever closer to Jehovah.

A mature Christian understands that more is involve than knowledge. In addition to what he knows, how much does he love what he knows of God's ways and principles?  One reflection of such love is the setting of priorities in life that are in accord with Jehovah's will rather than human inclinations. Moreover, the Christian has no doubt worked to "put away" his former attitudes and conduct. As a Christian makes that change, he puts on the new Christlike personality, which is "created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."  (Read Ephesians 4:22-24.)  The  Bible was written  under the direction of God's holy spirit. While a Christian deepens his knowledge of and love for the Bible's standards, he opens his heart and mind to the influence of holy spirit. that contributes to spiritual growth. 

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? -JOINED TOGETHER IN UNITY

From the jw.org publications

Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

CHRISTIAN GROWTH

When you examine ripe fruit at the market, you see that not all the pieces are identical. Yet, they do share  some characteristics that identify them as being ripe.  Similarly, mature Christians may be of different nationality, background, health, age, and experience.  There are even differences in personality or culture.   Still all who grow spiritually develop qualities that identify them as being mature.  How so?

A mature servant of Jehovah builds his life around the example of Jesus, who left a model for us  "to follow his steps closely."  (1 Peter 2:21)  What did Jesus highlight as being very important?  Loving Jehovah with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and loving one's neighbor as oneself.  (Matthew 27:37-39) A mature Christian strives to live in harmony with that counsel. He has established a life pattern that show that he gives priority to his relationship with Jehovah and he displays  self-sacrificing love for others. 

We understand, though, that love is just one aspect of the fruitage of the spirit that a mature Christian displays.   (Galatians 5:22, 23)  Other aspects -such as mildness, self-control, and patience-are important too. They can help him to handle difficult situations without becoming irritated and to endure heartbreaking disappointments without losing hope.  In his program of personal study, he continually searches for Scriptural principles  that can help him  to distinguish right from wrong.  Thereafter, when he makes decisions, he gives evidence of spiritual maturity.   For instance, he listens to his Bible-trained conscience. The mature Christian shows humility in that he recognizes that Jehovah's ways and standards  are always better than his own. He zealously preaches the good news and contributes to the unity of the congregation.  

No matter how long we have been serving Jehovah, each of us can ask,  'Are their areas where I yet should model myself more closely after Jesus, thus continuing to progress spiritually?' 

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? - "SOLID FOOD  BELONGS TO MATURE PEOPLE"

From the jw.org publications 

Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

"Attain . . . the full measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ." -EPHESIANS  4:13.


WHEN an experienced housewife selects fruit a the market, she does not always choose the biggest pieces or the least expensive ones.  Rather she looks for items that are ripe.  She wants fruit that has good taste and aroma and that offers healthy nutrients. Yes, she selects fruit that has reached a full state of growth, that is mature.

After a person has progressed to dedication and baptism, he continues to grow.  His goal is to become a mature servant of God.  The maturity we are speaking of is not physical but spiritual.  The apostle Paul wrote of the need for Christians in Ephesus to grow spiritually. He encouraged them to reach out to "attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to being a full-grown man, attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ." -Ephesians 4:13. 

When Paul wrote his letter, the congregation  in Ephesus had already existed for some years.  Many disciples there had reached a high level of spiritual development.  Some, however, still needed  to press on to maturity.  The situation among Jehovah's Witnesses today is much the same.  Many brothers and sister have long served God and have advanced to spiritual maturity. But obviously  not all are at that point.  For example, thousands of new ones are baptized each year, so some still need to strive for maturity. What about you? -Colossians 2:6, 7. 

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? -CHRISTIAN GROWTH 

From the jw.org publications 

Working With God A Cause for Rejoicing

WORKING WITH GOD SHOWS OUR LOVE FOR HIM AND FOR OTHERS

Just think about how the preaching of the good news fits in with Jehovah's loving purpose for humankind.  He purposed that humans would inhabit the earth without ever dying; though Adam sinned, Jehovah did not change His mind.  (Isaiah 55:11) Instead, he arranged for humans to be delivered from condemnation to sin and death. Working along with that purpose, Jesus came to earth and sacrificed his life for obedient humans.  In order to become obedient, however, they had to understand what God required of them. So Jesus also taught people what God's requirements are, and he commanded his disciples  to do the same.  By helping others to become reconciled to God, we share directly in his loving arrangement to rescue mankind from sin and death.

Helping others on the road to everlasting life demonstrates our love both for our fellow man and for Jehovah, "whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth."  (1 Timothy 2:4)   When asked what was the greatest of all the laws given to the nation of Israel, Jesus replied:  "You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart ans with your whole sou and with your whole mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment.  The second, like it, is this:  'You must love your neighbor as yourself."  (Matthew 22:37-39) By sharing in the preaching work, we demonstrate our obedience to these commandments. -Read Acts 10:42.

The rest of the commandments are: 

3. You must not take up the Lord's name in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day; for six days you may work; but on the Sabbath, you, nor your son, or your daughter or your slave man nor your slave girl, nor your domestic animal nor alien resident, none of you should work.

5. Honor your father and your mother in order that your days may prove long upon the ground that Jehovah your God is giving you. 

6. You must not murder/kill anyone.

7. You must not commit adultery. 

8. You must not steal.

9. You must not testify falsely as a  witness against your fellowman.

10.  You must not desire your fellowman's house. You must not desire your fellowman's wife, nor his slave man nor his slave girl nor his bull nor his ass not anything that belongs to your fellowman.

How blessed we are!  Jehovah has given us a work that brings us joy, that draws us closer  to him and to others, and that serves to protect us spiritually. It also gives us the opportunity to show our love for Good and for our fellow man.  The circumstances of God's people vary greatly throughout the earthy, but whether young or old, rich or poor, strong or weak, millions are seeking and finding way to share their faith with others. Likely, you will agree with Chantel, who lives in France.  She says:  "The most powerful Person in the universe, the Creator of all things, the happy God, says to me: 'Go! Speak! speak for me, speak from your heart. I give you my strength, my Word the Bible, heavenly support, earthly companions, progressive training, and precise instructions at the appropriate time.'  What an immense privilege it is to do what Jehovah asks of us and to work together with our God!" 

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ?

From the jw.org publications 

Working With God A Cause for Rejoicing

WORKING WITH GOD IS A PROTECTION

We need to safeguard our spirituality.  Because we live in a world that is dominated by Satan the Devil and because we are imperfect, it is easy for us to adopt the wrong thinking and conduct of the world.  The world's spirit might be compared to a river current that is pulling us in a direction we do not want to go.  To avoid being swept downstream, we must vigorously swim in the other direction. Similarly, effort is required to keep from being swept away by the spirit of Satan's world.  When we are preaching to others, we focus on important and beneficial spiritual  matters, not on thoughts that will erode our faith.  (Philippians 4:8)  Preaching strengthens our convictions, reminding us of God's promises and loving standards. It also helps keep our spiritual armor intact. -Read Ephesians 6:14-17. 

If we keep busy in the preaching work and in other spiritual activities, we simply do not have time to become overly concerned  with our own problems,  and that helps to protect us.  Joel, who lives in Australia, says:  "The preaching work helps me not to  lose touch with reality.  It reminds me of the challenges people are facing and of the benefits I have experienced by applying Bible principles in my life.  The preaching work helps me to try to stay humble; it gives me an opportunity to rely on Jehovah and on my brothers and sisters." 

Preaching also strengthens our conviction that God's spirit is with us.  Consider:  Suppose you were offered a job to distribute nutritious bread to people in your community.  You would neither be paid for your work nor be reimbursed  for your expenses. What is more, you would soon discover that most people did not want the bread and that some would even hate you for distributing it.  How long would continue to work at such a job?  Feeling disheartened by the people's negative response, you would probably not have the inner strength to  continue for very long. Yet, many of us have persevered in the ministry year after year at our own expense and despite the scorn and ridicule of thankless ones.  Does that not evidence that God's spirit is with us?

Note: Yes, working with God will help to protect us, having the faith and believing and true worship to him, means you are his friend and are under His protection as well.   


Next time: Working With God A Cause for Rejoicing - WORKING WITH GOD SHOWS OUR LOVE FOR HIM AND FOR OTHERS

From the jw.org publications

Working With God A Cause for Rejoicing

WORKING WITH GOD DRAWS US CLOSER TO HIM AND TO OTHERS

When we work along with those we love, we draw close to them and come to know their personality and they qualities. We learn not only  what they want to accomplish but also how they go about doing it. Jesus worked along with Jehovah for perhaps billions of years, and they forged a strong unbreakable bond of love and affection for each other.  Pointing to the closeness of their relationship, Jesus said:  "I and the Father are one."  (John 10:30)  They enjoyed a wonderful unity; always working together in full harmony.

In prayer, Jesus asked Jehovah to watch over his disciples.  The reason? He prayed:  "So that they may become one just as we are one."  (John 17:11)   As we conform to God's standards and share in the work of preaching, we come to understand his appealing qualities. We learn why it is wise to trust in him and to follow his direction. As we draw close to God, he draws close to us.  (Read James 4:8)  We also draw close to our spiritual brothers and sisters because we face similar challenges and joys and because we  share the same goals.  Yes, we work together, rejoice together, and endure together. Octavia, who lives in Britain, says:  "Working with Jehovah draws me closer to others because my friendships and relationships are no longer based on a superficial affinity but on a common goal and direction." Do you not feel  the same way?  Are you not drawn closer to others when you see the efforts they make to please Jehovah? 

The bonds of love that we enjoy with God and with fellow humans may be strong now, but they will be even stronger in the righteous new world. Think of the work that lies ahead!  There will be resurrected ones to be welcomed back and to be educated in the ways of Jehovah.  The earth will need to be transformed into a paradise.  These   are no small tasks , but how joyful it will be to work shoulder to shoulder and to grow to perfection under the Messianic Kingdom!  Those in the human family will draw ever closer to one another and to their God, who will without fail "satisfy the desire of every living thing." -Psalm 145:16.  

Note: I am sorry, but the way I understand the words in the Bible, is that the earth will already be a Paradise shortly after.  And I have read the Bible-The King James and the New World Translations of the Holy Scriptures and  with the exception of a few words here and there, that has the same meaning,  They both say the same thing.  I don't know if the other Witnesses have the Bible word for word as  I have and am still doing so, but I think they should if they don't, because they might learn more from it as I have. Don't get wrong, I am not bragging here. I am just telling the truth.  I love reading the Bible everyday and learn new information.  I, for my part, believe that the Witnesses should  read the Bible again and again, they might get a different understanding on some things.  


    Next time: Working With God A Cause for Rejoicing -WORKING WITH GOD IS A PROTECTION

From the jw.org publications 

Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing

WORK WITH GOD MAKES US HAPPY

From earliest times, Jehovah's servants have found joy in working with God, God's firstborn spirit Son, represented ass the personification of wisdom, is depicted as saying:  "Jehovah produced me as the beginning of his way . . .I was beside him as a master worker.  I was the one he especially fond of day by day; I rejoiced before him all the time."  (Proverbs 8:22, 30)  Jesus joyfully worked alongside his Father, rejoicing both in what he accomplished and in the knowledge that Jehovah was fond of him.  What, though, about us?

Jesus said that there is happiness both in giving and in receiving.  (Acts 20:35)  It brought us joy to receive the truth, and it brings us joy to share the truth with others.  As we share Bible truths  with others, we see spiritually hungry ones filled with delight as they begin to understand and appreciate our God and the precious truths contained in his Word.  It touches our heart to see them make changes not just in their thinking but also in their way of life.  We realize that the work of sharing the good news is vitally important. It opens the way  to everlasting life for those who become reconciled to God.  (2 Corinthians 5:20)  What more joyful, satisfying work could we engage in than that of helping people chart a course that will result in their living forever? 

Though we find happiness when people respond to the message we preach, we also delight in knowing that we are  pleasing Jehovah and that he appreciates our efforts to serve him. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:58) Marco, who lives in Italy, observes:  "I have the priceless joy of knowing that I am giving my best to Jehovah and not to someone who will soon forget what I've done."  Similarly, Franco, who also serves in Italy, says: "By means of his Word and his spiritual provisions, Jehovah reminds us every day that he loves us and that everything we do for him is important,even though our efforts may seem like nothing to us.  This is why working along with God makes me happy and gives my life meaning."  

Next time: Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing - WORKING WITH GOD DRAWS US CLOSER TO HIM

From the jw.org publications 

Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing

"Working together with him, we also urge you not accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose." -2 CORINTHIANS  6:1.


JEHOVAH is the Supreme One, the Creator of all things, the One possessing infinite wisdom and power.  Job came to understand that.  After Jehovah questioned Job about His works of creation, Job replied:  "I know that you are able to do all things and that nothing you have in mind to do is impossible for you." (Job 42:2)  Though Jehovah can accomplish whatever he sets out to do-without assistance-he has from the very beginning lovingly invited others to work along with him to achieve his purpose. 

God's first creation was his only-begotten spirit Son. Jehovah allowed his Son to share in all further works of creation, both spiritual and material.  (John 1:3, 18)  Concerning Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote:  "By means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are  thrones or lordships or governments or authorities.  All other things have been created through him and for him."  (Colossians 1:15-17)   Thus, Jehovah honored his son both by including him in the works of creation and by telling others about his Son's important role.

Jehovah also invited humans to work along with him. For example, he allowed Adam to name the animals.  (Genesis 2:19, 20)   What pleasure  it must have brought Adam to observe  these creatures, to study their characteristics, and to decide what name might be  appropriate  for each one of them!  Jehovah could have named the animals himself-he created them. Yet, he lovingly allowed Adam  to name them.  God also gave Adam the opportunity to expand Paradise beyond  the borders of Eden.   (Genesis 1:27, 28) Sadly, Adam eventually chose not to work along with God, bringing catastrophe on himself and all his offspring.  -Genesis 3:17-19, 23. 

Later God invited other humans to share in the outworking of his purpose.  Noah built an ark that preserved him and his family alive through the global Deluge.  Moses delivered  the nation of Israel from Egypt. Joshua brought that nation into the Promised Land.  Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem. Mary became the mother to Jesus. All these faithful ones and many others worked along with Jehovah to accomplish his will. 

Today, Jehovah invites us to give our full support to the Messianic Kingdom.  There are man avenues of sacred service.  Some may not be available to  all Christians, but all of us can participate in the work  of preaching the good news of the Kingdom.  Of course, Jehovah did not have to involve us in this work.  He could have chosen to speak directly  from heaven to people. Jesus said that Jehovah could have the stones cry out about the Messianic King.  (Luke 19:37-40) Yet, Jehovah allows us to be his "fellow workers."  (1 Corinthians 3:9) The apostle Paul wrote:  "Working together with him, we also urge you not accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose." (2 Corinthians  6:1)  Working along with God is an undeserved honor, causing us great rejoicing. Let us consider some reasons why.  

Next time: Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing - WORKING WITH GOD MAKES US HAPPY

From the jw.org publications 

Love "Does Not Behave Indecently"

When describing Christian love, the apostle Paul wrote:  "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look  for its own interests."  (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) The original language term translated "behave indecently" to conduct oneself in such a way as to be rude, to lack good manners, or to act improperly. Christian love, on the other hand, takes into consideration the feelings of others. 

We can show Christian love by the way we treat those taking the lead in the congregation.  At times, well-known representatives of the Christian congregation-perhaps circuit overseers, Bethleites, members of the Governing Body as well as their helpers-may attend a convention or theocratic event that we also attend. Naturally, we want to show such brothers and their wives  due respect . None of us would want to imitate the attitude of Diotrephes. He  refused to  welcome the visiting brothers with respect.  (3 John 9, 10) But could we, even unintentionally show a lack of good manners by going the opposite extreme?  How might we do that?  

Note: Jehovah God and Jesus Christ wants us to treat not the congregation, but others with kindness and respect, that is if we are true Christians and have the love for people that God would want us to have; in order to imitate him.   They conveniently forget we are all humans and we are all from Adam and Eve and are all equal in God's eyes.  I am a what you would call a Jehovah's Witness, but I am also logical, objective and analytical in my thinking.  Not everyone is. But I cannot attend meetings,  due to health.   I still follow all of Jehovah's Laws and rules, and have for years; I also read the Bible and do these blogs, because I believe everyone needs God in their life in order to be able to have the same hope of an everlasting life on the new Paradise earth. I try to treat others as I would want them to treat me. 

While we appreciate having an opportunity to meet and talk with visiting brothers and their wives, we would show a lack of respect if we treated such ones as celebrities. For example, would it show good manners to take candid photos of such ones-without permission-while they are eating and engaging in other activities?  Would we ask them to autograph our books and Bibles?  Would we push in front of others to  and aggressively demand that our photo be taken with them?  Surely, none of these actions display true Christian love.  Rather they could show that we have missed the purpose of the visit and hard work that such  faithful ones do in our behalf. What effect could such behavior have on those attending one of our assemblies for the first time?

What will help us to be balances?  First, remember that praise and glory should go to Jehovah.  (Revelation 4:11) Second, realize that there is a big difference between respect and adulation. These brothers and their dear wives want to be treated, not as celebrities, but as our fellow brothers and sisters.  (Matthew 23:8)  Third, apply the Golden Rule:  "Treat others as you would want them to treat you.  (Matthew 7:12)  If we keep these factors in mind, we will be able to show the type of love that "does not behave indecently."  

God loves all of us,we should imitate him and love everyone as well. 

Next time: Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing 

From the jw.org publication