We Belong to Jehovah - WE REJECT WORLDLY DESIRES

In the previous article, we learned that Cain, Solomon, and the Israelites claimed to worship Jehovah but were not loyal to him. These examples taught us that it is not enough just to say that we worship Jehovah.  We need to hate what is bad and love what is good.  (Romans 12:9)  Jehovah says that there would b ea clear difference "between a righteous person and a wicked person, between one serving God and one not serving him. -MALACHI 3:18.

We are grateful to Jehovah for choosing us to be his people! It should be easy for all to see that we are on Jehovah's side.  (Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 4:15)  Ask yourself: 'Can others see that I am completely loyal to Jehovah? Am I proud to tell people that I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses?  Imagine how sad Jehovah would be  if we were ashamed to tell others that we belong to him. - PSALM 119:46; MARK  8:2=38.

Sadly, even some Witnesses imitate "the spirit of the world."  As a result, they are not very different from those who do not worship Jehovah. (1 Corinthians 2:12)  "The spirit of the world" makes people focus on their own selfish desires.  (Ephesians 2:3)   For example,  despite all the counsel that we have received, some choose to dress immodestly.  They wear tight-fitting and revealing clothing, even to Christian gatherings. Or they choose extreme hairstyles.  (1 Timothy 2:9, 10)  As a result, it may be difficult for others to know whether they are Jehovah's Witnesses or not. - JAMES 4:4.

There are other ways that some Witnesses have not been clearly different from the world.  For example, at parties, some have danced and behaved in a way that is not acceptable for Christians. Others have posted photos of themselves and comments on social media that reveal their fleshly thinking. They may not have been disciplined in the Christian congregation for a serious sin, but they can be a bad influence on their brothers and sisters who are trying hard to be different from the world. - Read 1 PETER 2:11, 12.


Do not be influenced by those who are not clearly on Jehovah's side.

Everything in the world is designed to make us focus on "the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes, and the showy display of one's means of life." (1 John 2:16) We belong to Jehovah, so we are different. We "reject ungodliness and worldly desires," and we "live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things." (Titus 2:12)  Our whole way of life, including how we talk, eat, drink, dress, and work, should make it clear to everyone that we belong to Jehovah. - Read 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31, 32. 

Next time: We Belong to Jehovah - WE "HAVE INTENSE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER"

From the jw.org  publications