Do All Celebrations Please God?

 Jehovah wants us to enjoy life and even to celebrate at times.  But do all celebrations and holidays please him?  How can we show our love for Jehovah in this matter?

1. Why do many celebrations displease Jehovah?

You might be surprised to learn that many celebrations are based on unscriptural teachings or have pagan origins.  Such celebrations may be connected with false religion.  They may be  linked to spiritism or be based on the idea that the soul is immortal.  Some celebrations are rooted in superstition or a belief in luck.  (Isaiah 65:11)   Jehovah warns his worshippers: "Separate yourselves . . . and quit touching the unclean thing."-  2  Corinthians 6:17.

2. How does Jehovah feel about celebrations that give undue honor to humans?

Jehovah us not to fall into the trap of  putting our " trust in mere humans." (Read Jeremiah 17:5 )  Some holidays honor rulers or soldiers. Others  celebrate national symbols or independence. (1 John 5:21)  Still others promote political or social movements.  How would Jehovah feel if we gave undue honor to a person or organization, especially one that  promoted ideas contrary to his purpose?

3. What behavior can make celebrations unacceptable?

The Bible condemns "overdrinking, wild parties, [and] drinking bouts ." (1 Peter 4:3) Some celebrations feature u restrained and immoral behavior. To remain Jehovah's friends, we need to stay far away from such moral uncleanness.

Next time: Do All Celebrations Please God?

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