. Higher Education?
. Wealth?
. Being a good person?
. Something else?
The Holy Writings say:
"Wisdom is good for you. If you find it, you will have a future." - PROVERBS 24:14.
In the Holy Writings, you will find words of wisdom that can lead you to a secure future.
Next time: We Are Never Alone
From the jw.org publications
LEARN FROM THE BIBLE: To love Jehovah, you first need to learn about him from the Bible. As you do, will discover that he is a loving God who wants the best for you. He invites you to pray to him "because he cares for you." (1Peter 5:7) The Bible promises that if you make the effort to get close to him "He will draw close to you." - JAMES 4:8.
APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN: To listen to God means to follow his wise guidance found in the Bible. As you do "your way will be successful and then you will act wisely." - JOSHUA 1:8.
Next time: The Way to a Secure Future / WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE WAY TO A SECURE FUTURE -WOULD IT BE:
From the jw.org publications
Some 3,500 years ago, Jehovah God told those who worshipped him what they must do to have a secure future: "I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the curse; and you must choose life so that you may live, you and your descendant." - DEUTERONOMY 30:19.
To have a bright future, those people had to make the right choice. Today we have the same options. The Bible explains how to choose a secure future: "By loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice." - DEUTERONOMY 30:20.
Next time: HOW CAN WE LOVE JEHOVAH AND LISTEN TO HIS VOICE?
From the jw.0rg publications
Applying what the Bible says benefits you now and also opens up to you a bright future. In the Bible, we find God's promise of a wonderful future that includes
PEACE AND SECURITY
"They will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." - PSALM 37:11.
HOUSING AND FOOD FOR ALL
"They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage." - ISAIAH 65:21.
NO MORE SICKNESS AND DEATH
"Death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry not pain be anymore." -REVELATION 21:14.
What do you need to be assured of such a future? Consider the next article.
Next time: You Can Choose Your Future
From the jw.org publications
When you follow the guidance found in the Holy Scriptures, you benefit yourself. Consider some examples.
BALANCED VIEW OF MONEY AND WORK
"Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work and chasing after the wind." - ECCLESIATES 4:6.
FAMILY LIFE
"Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband." - EPHESIANS 5:33.
HUMAN RELATIONS
"Let go of anger and abandon rage; do not become upset and turn to doing evil." - PSALM 37:8.
Next time: GUIDANCE THAT BENEFITS YOU NOW AND FOREVER - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
What do you conclude when you see that the Bible so long ago accurately described what is happening today? No doubt you will agree with Leung, from Hong Kong, who says: "Bible prophecies were written long ago. It is impossible for any human to have predicted these so accurately. The Bible has to be inspired by someone far superior to us."
The Bible contains hundreds of prophecies that have been fulfilled. These prove that the Bible really is God's Word. "I am God, and there is no one like me." says Jehovah. "From the beginning I foretell the outcome." (Isaiah 46:9, 10) With good reason, therefore, you can rely on what the Bible says about the future.
Next time: GUIDANCE THAT BENEFITS YOU NOW AND FOREVER
From the jw.org publications
We can trust that the Bible is reliable for the future because some 2,000 years ago, it accurately foretold world events and people's behavior that we see today.
EVENTS
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and in one place another food shortages and pestilences." -LUKE 21:11.
BEHAVIOR
"In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." - 2 TIMOTHY 3:1.
Next time: GUIDANCE THAT IS RELIABLE - Conclusion
From the jw. org publications
Because the Bible is the Creator of all mankind, it does not favor one culture or race over another. Its counsel is timeless and has benefited people in all lands. It is available in more languages and has been more widely distributed than any other book. This means that people everywhere can easily understand it and be guided by it. These facts support the Bible's own statement:
"God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does is right is acceptable to him." - ACTS 10:34, 35.
Just as a caring parent provides guidance for his children, Jehovah God is a loving Father who offers us help through his Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) You can trust his Word after all, he made us and knows what course of life is best for us.
Next time: GUIDANCE THAT IS RELIABLE
From the jw.org publications
When making decisions, we usually consult someone who is older and wiser than we are. In a similar way, we can find sound guidance for our future from a Source who far older and wiser than we are. The counsel from this One had come to us in a collection of sacred writings that began to be produced about 3,500 years ago. This collection of holy writings is a book called the Bible.
Why can you trust the Bible? Because its Author is the oldest and wisest person in the universe. He is described as "the Ancient of Days" who is "from everlasting to everlasting." (Daniel 7:9; Psalm 90:2) He is "the Creator of the heavens, the true God, the One who formed the earth." (Isaiah 45:18) He identifies himself by his personal name, Jehovah. - PSALM 834:18.
Next time: GUIDANCE FROM A SUPERIOR SOURCE - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
the earth."
As discussed in the preceding articles, people have tried to find a better future by putting their trust in such thigs as fate, education, wealth, and being a good person. Taking these approaches, however, is like using a faulty map to get to a destination. Does that mean there is no reliable guide for the future? No!
Next time: GUIDANCE FROM A SUPERIOR SOURCE
From the jw.org publications
"You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow." - JAMES 4:14.
No matter how virtuous a person may be his life can be cut short. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many selfless volunteers lost their lives. Or consider the experience of Liting, a woman a woman in China who lost her father in a car accident. She says: "I couldn't understand how such a kind person could die. My father was hardworking, down -to-earth, and sincere. He was ethe only one in the vehicle who was killed."
If being a good person offers no assurance of a secure future, what does? To answer that question, we need a reliable guide-a source of information that can answer our questions and point the way to a secure future. Where can we find such a guide?
Next time: Is There a Reliable Guide to a Secure Future?
From the jw.org publications
NOT EVERYONE CHOOSES TO DO GOOD
"Just one sinner can destroy much good." - ECCLESIASTES 9:18.
Even if you try very hard to be a good person, your future can be threatened by the selfish actions of others. For example, during a pandemic you may follow the advice of the authorities and avoid close contact with others. But what if some refuse to cooperate? Their conduct could undermine the health of those who try to do what is right.
PEOPLE CAN BE MISTAKEN ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD OR WHAT IS BAD
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." -PROVERBS 14:12.
History is full of examples of people who pursued a course that they were convinced was good, only to find out that they were wrong. Good intentions do not shield someone from the consequences of bad decisions.
Next time: LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE
From the jw.org publications
It is true that when we do good to others, we enjoy many benefits. However, many who sincerely try to be good to others find that doing so does not always lead to what they might expect. "I learned firsthand that those who do good are not always blessed in return," says a woman named Shiu Ping, who lives in Hong Kong. "I tried my best to care for my family and to do good. But my marriage failed and my husband abandoned me and my son.
Many have seen that religion has always made people better. "I got involved in a religious organization and became a director of youth activities," says Etsuko, a woman who lives in Japan. "I was shocked to see the loose morals, power struggles, and dishonest use of funds by those involved in my religion."
Shiu Ping, Hong Kong
Some who are devout have felt disappointed when their good deeds went unrewarded. That was how Van, a woman from Vietnam, felt. "Every day I brought fruits, flowers, and food and offered them on the altars of my dead ancestors, hoping I would enjoy blessings in the future," she says. "Despite all the good deeds and religious rituals that I had performed for many years, my husband was struck with a debilitating disease. Then, while my daughter was studying abroad, she passed away at a young age."
Next time: WHY BEING A GOOD PERSON IS NOT ENOUGH
From the jw.org publications
For centuries, many people have felt that being a good and moral person is the way to a secure future. For example, people in the Orient respected what the philosopher -teacher Confucius 551-479 B.C.E. said: "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
A COURSE MANY FOLLOW
Many still believe that proper behavior is the key to a secure future. They try to be respectful, cultivate good manners, recognize their place in society, and maintain a good conscience. "I always believed that if I was honest and sincere," says Linh, a woman in Vietnam, "I would be blessed in return."
Some are motivated by their religious beliefs to do good. A man named Hsu-Yun, who lives in Taiwan, says, "I was taught that a person's deeds while he is alive will determine whether he will enjoy endless bliss or suffer torment after he dies.
Next time: WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
From the jw.org publications
"The plenty belonging to the rich one does not permit him to sleep." - ECCLESIASTES 5:12.
Franklin, who lives in Hong Kong, experienced the truthfulness of that wise saying. He had advanced education and a well-paying job. Then he was promoted to be a manager. "The stress began to affect my health," he said. "I worried so much that I could not sleep." Eventually he reached a breaking point. "I started to question why I was doing this," He recalled," and it led me to think more about the purpose of my life."
Like Franklin, many have concluded that there is more to life than pursuing higher education and riches. Rather than focus their life on material things, some seek a better future by striving to be a good person and to do good to others. Will pursuing such a way of life guarantee a secure future? The next article offers the answer.
Next time: Will Being a Good Person Guarantee a Secure Future?
From the jw.org publications
WEALTH MAY NOT LAST.
"Do not wear yourself out to gain wealth. Stop and show understanding. When your eyes on it, it is not there, for it will surely sprout wings like an eagle and fly off into the sky." - PROVERBS 23:4, 5.
Any security that money provides is temporary. Upheavals in the financial world can wipe out a person's life savings overnight. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and cyclones, can leave a person bankrupt and homeless.
Next time: WHY WEALTH AND EDUCATION ARE NOT ENOUGH - MONEY OFTEN BRINGS PROBLEMS.
From the jw.org publications
To be sure, people need a basic education and money to provide for themselves and their family. However, these are not enough to guarantee a secure future. Why not? Consider what the Holy Writings say.
HIGHER EDUCATION DOES NOT ALWAYS BRING SUCCESS.
"The swift do not always win the race, . . .nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all. - ECCLESIASTES 9:11.
Those who seem most qualified to succeed often do not, and usually for reasons they cannot control. Economic instability, social injustice, and prejudice can prevent even the best educated people what they want to do.
Next time: WHY EDUCATION AND MONEY ARE NOT ENOUGH - Continue
From the jw.org publications
Education can improve life in some ways, but it does not always bring the results that students expect. For example, after years of sacrifice and incurring debt, many cannot find the job they wanted. A report By Rachel Mui in Singapore's Business Times says: "Graduate unemployment appears to be a growing issue." Jianjie, a doctorate holder who lives in Taiwan says, "Many have no choice but accept a job that has nothing to do with their degree."
Those who can obtain a job in their chosen profession may still find that their life has not turned out as they hoped. After returning from university in the United Kingdom, Niran, who is from Thailand, found a job in his field. "As I expected, the degree helped me to get a job with a higher salary. However, the higher salary demanded more of work and more time from me. Eventually, the company laid off most of its employees, including me. I realized there is no security in any job."
Even those who are rich or have achieved the so-called good life still face family problems, health tragedies, and economic uncertainty. Katsutoshi, from Japan, admits, "I enjoyed many material things, but I was frustrated by competition, jealously, and bullying." Lam, a woman who lives in Vietnam, says, "I see many people strive for a well-paying job to obtain financial security, but in reality, it has the opposite effect-insecurity, health disorders, emotional exhaustion, and depression."
Next time: WHY EDUCATION AND MONEY ARE NOT ENOUGH
From the jw.org publications
To improve their chances of gaining a secure future, many are eager to attend famous universities, perhaps in other countries. This trend had increased noticeably until COVID-19 restricted international Co-operation and Development says: "Asians account for 52 % of all students studying abroad."
Parents often make great sacrifices so that their children can attend university overseas. Qixiang, from Taiwan, recalls : "My parents were not well-off, but they sent all four of us children to college in the United States." To pay for such education, his family, like many others had to go into deep debt.
Next time: WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
From the jw.org publications
Many think that those who are well educated and rich have secure future. They believed that a university education can help a person become a better worker, a family member, and a better citizen. They may also feel that a good education will lead to a better paying job and those who make a lot of money will be happy.
A CHOICE MANY MAKE
Consider the comments made by Zhang Chen, who is from China. He says "I believed that I need a university degree to get out of poverty and that a high-paying job would guarantee a happy and satisfying life."
Next time: Can Education and Money Guarantee a Secure Future? - Conclusion
From the jw.com publications
Although many things that happen to us are beyond our control, experience tells us that our choices do affect our future. For example, why do we wash our hands or wear a face mask when an infectious disease, such as COVID -19, spreading? Because choosing to do so can protect our life. Clearly, your choices matter.
Of course, we need to make wise choices if we want to get good results. Some 2,000 years ago, a wise teacher illustrated the point this way: "Whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap."
Many feel that the way to guarantee a better future is for them to pursue higher education and wealth. What have been the results for some who have made that choice?
Next time: Can Education and Money Guarantee a Secure Future?
From the jw.org publications
Have those who trust in such beliefs and practices found a good life and a secure future?
Consider the astrology of Hao, who lives in Vietnam. He turned to astrology, feng shui, and ancestor worship to guide him. Did he find success? Hao says, "I failed in my business, fell into debt, face family conflicts, and was emotionally wrecked."
Qiuming, from Taiwan, likewise believed in astrology, reincarnation, fate, feng shui, and ancestor worship. After examining these subjects carefully, he said: "I realized that such teachings and customs are in conflict with each other and are confusing. I found that the astrological predictions were often incorrect. As for reincarnations, if you have no memory of your previous life, how can you change and do better in the next life?
As Hao, Qiuming, and many other have to come to realize, our future is not determined by fate, the stars, deceased ancestors, or rebirth. Does this mean that we have no control over our future?
Next time: YOUR CHOICE MATTERS
From the jw.org publications
ANCESTOR WORSHIP: Still others believe that they must appease dead ancestors or various deities to gain their protection and blessing. Van, who lives in Vietnam says, "I believed that by paying homage to my ancestors, I would enjoy a better life now and secure future for me and my children."
REINCARNATION: Many view existence as an endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. They believed that the good or bad they experience now is the result of events in a previous life.
Many, though, consider such beliefs as superstition. Yet, they still dabble in palmistry, horoscopes, Ouija boards, tarot cards, and the like. They feel that perhaps there a chance that such practices can help them know their future.
Next time: WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
From the jw.org publications
Many people believe that some unseen force controls their future. Based on this belief, they follow practices that they feel will improve their personal prospects.
WHAT MANY BELIEVE
ASTROLOGY: Some people believe their future is fixed basically on the way the stars were lined up at the moment of their birth. They consult astrological forecasts, or horoscopes, to find out what will befall them and act to avoid harm or find success.
FENG SHUI: Other believe that the key to success is to bring their surroundings into harmony with unseen forces in nature. Lo Wing, who lives in Hong Kong, says "a feng shui master told me that putting a special crystal in a designated place in my store would help me earn more money.
Next time: WHAT MANY BELIEVE - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
In view of the uncertainty, people are eagerly searching for something that will guide them to a better future. Some trust in unseen forces such as fate ore fortune. Many people pursue education and wealth, thinking that these things will guarantee that they get what they want. Others feel that being a good person is all they need to do to have a good life.
Will any of these options lead you to the future you desire? To find out, you need to consider these questions:
. What really determines your future?
. Can education and money guarantee a better life?
. Will being a good person guarantee you a secure future?
. Where can you find a reliable guide to a secure future?
This issue of The Watchtower can help you find the answers.
Next time: What Really Determines Your Future?
From the jw.org publications
What kind of future do you desire? Like most people, you no doubt want a secure future for yourself and your family-one of happiness good health, peace and prosperity.
Many people, however, doubt that they will have the future they desire. They have seen sudden and unexpected events-such as the COVID - 19 pandemic-upend society, devastate the economy, and threaten their life. As a result, they feel that their future is far from secure.
Next time: A Secure Future - Everyone's Desire - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
There is no limit to how closely we can draw to Jehovah and how well we can get to know him. The Bible says that Jehovah's ways, his wisdom, and his knowledge are "beyond tracing out." - ROMANS 11:33.
Psalm 79:13 states: "We, your people and the flock of your pasture will give thanks to you forever; and we declare your praise from generation to generation." As you keep drawing near to God, you too can feel assured of receiving eternal blessings and confidently say: "God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever." - PSALMS 73:26.
Next time: A Secure Future -Everyone's Desire
From the jw.org publications
But what after some time, you begin to feel that you are unworthy of Jehovah's love? As discussed, something similar happened to the writer of Psalm 73. He lamented: "My feet had almost strayed; my steps had nearly slipped." (Psalm 73:2) By his own admission, he had become "sour" and "unreasoning" "like a senseless beast" before Jehovah. (Psalm 73:21, 22) Did he conclude that because of his error, he was a lost cause, unworthy of Jehovah's love?
If the psalmist felt rejected by Jehovah, the feeling must have been only momentary. It seems that at his lowest point, he recognized a need to draw closer to God, as indicated by his words: "But now I am continually with you [Jehovah]; you have taken hold of my right hand. You guide me with advice, and afterward you will lead me to glory." (Psalm 73:23, 24) Even if our feet do stray temporarily, we can return to Jehovah with the assurance that he is "ready to forgive." (Psalm 86:5) Especially when we are at our lowest point, we should draw closer to our God. - PSALM 103:13, 14.
Next time: "DRAWING NEAR TO GOD " FOREVER
From the jw.org publications
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. It is vital that we actively pursue the things that please Jehovah. This goes beyond what we do in the ministry and at congregation meetings. Good actions that please Jehovah include what we do in our daily life. For instance, when we are honest in all things and share what we have with others, we make Jehovah happy. (2 Corinthians 8:21l 9:7) He also wants us to show high regard for the gift of life. We draw closer to the Giver of life by maintaining balanced habits in eating and drinking and by caring for our health in other reasonable ways, every effort we make to please Jehovah, even in seemingly small things, will endear us to him. - LUKE 16:10.
Jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45) He expects us to show consideration for others. For example, we are "to speak injuriously of no one, not to be quarrelsome, . . .displaying all mildness toward all men." (Titus 3:2) With this in mind, we do not look down on others simply because they do not share our beliefs. (2 Timothy 2:23-25) We draw closer to Jehovah by always being kind and considerate in our dealings with all.
Next time: WE CAN DRAW "NEAR TO GOD" EVEN WHEN WE STUMBLE
From the jw.org publications
If you are a baptized Christian, you have to a great extent already drawn close to Jehovah. You have learned many truths about Jehovah God and and Christ Jesus, repented of your past sins, exercised strong faith in God, and endeavored to act in harmony with his will. To draw closer to God, however, we must continue doing these things. - Colossians 2:6.
What will help us to keep drawing closer to Jehovah? (1) We must continue reading and studying the Bible. As we do so, our goal should be more than merely learning basic facts about God. Rather, we should try to perceive what will is for us to be governed by the principles that he has set out in his Word. (Ephesians 5:15-17) (2) We must strengthen our faith by meditating on the abundant evidence of his love for us. (3) We must continue to hate the things that offend Jehovah and to avoid friendship with people who practice such things. - PSALM 1:1; 101:3.
Next time: HOW TO KEEP "DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD" - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
For many, their hope is limited to this life-going to work, raising a family, and saving for retirement. God is not in the picture. On the other hand, Jehovah's servants place their hope on him. (Psalm 25:3-5; 1 Timothy 6:17) We trust God to whom we have drawn near, and we trust what he has promised us. Our future includes the prospect of worshipping him forever in Paradise. - Read PSALM 37:29.
Drawing near to God is good for us in many ways. For instance, Jehovah promises to forgive the sins of repentant ones who are close to him. (Isaiah 1:18) As a result, we do not have to carry the weight of a guilty conscience because of past sins. (Psalm 32:1-5) And we have the pleasure of making Jehovah happy. (Proverbs 23:15) Surely you can think of other blessings that result from a close friendship with God. How, though, can you keep drawing near to God.
Next time: HOW TO KEEP "DRAWING NEAR TO GD"
From the jw.org publications
Drawing near to God is good for us in two important ways. First, it gives us a fulfilling purpose in life. Second, it gives us a solid hope for the future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Let us examine these benefits more closely.
Drawing close to Jehovah gives our life purpose. Many today who deny God's existence think that life has no meaning and that eventually the human race will cease to exist. However, from our study of God's Word, we have become convinced that God "is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) Even today, we live happier lives because we are doing what we were designed to do-serve our heavenly Father, Jehovah. - DEUTERONOMY 10:12, 13.
Next time: "DRAWING NEAR TO GOD" GIVES US PURPOSE AND HOPE
From the jw.org publications
The closer we draw to Jehovah, the happier we will be. (Psalm 65:4) This is true for many reasons. For one thing, we benefit from applying the practical wisdom found in his Word, the Bible. Such wisdom protects us from bad influences and from making serious mistakes. (Read Proverbs 2:6-16.) Appropriately, the Bible states: "Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who acquires discernment." - PROVERBS 3:13.
Of course, even Jehovah's friends go through period of sadness. The writer of Psalm 73 lost his joy when he gave in to negative thinking. He became annoyed and envious because, in his mind, bad people who did not care about God or his standards had it easy. He wrongly assumed that violent and haughty people were always richer and healthier and were even immune from suffering. (Psalm 73:3-7, 12) The psalmist was so troubled that at one point he wondered if his efforts to serve Jehovah were worth it. In his sadness he exclaimed: "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence." - PSALMS 73:13.
The psalmist did not allow sadness to paralyze him. He took action. He "entered the grand sanctuary of God," where Jehovah corrected his thinking. (Psalm 73:17-19) When we are sad, Jehovah, our best Friend knows about it. If we pray to him for guidance and accept the help he provides through his Word and the congregation, we will receive the inner strength to endure sadness. Even when we feel overwhelmed with anxieties, Jehovah will comfort and soothe us. - PSALM 94:19.
Next time: "DRAWING NEAR TO GOD" GIVE US PURPOSE AND HOPE
From the jw.org publications
No doubt you agree that drawing close to Jehovah is good. But meditating on exactly how good it is can motivate us to continue drawing closer to him. (Psalm 63:6-8) For example, we know that following a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, getting sufficient rest, and drinking enough water are all good for us. Still, many do not give much thought to these things, and they neglect their health. Yet, more often we think about how healthy habits benefit us, the more likely we will be to maintain them. Similarly, we may know that drawing near to Jehovah is good for us, but meditating on the benefits of doing so can motivate us to continue drawing close to our Friend. -PSALM 119:27-30.
Read Psalm 73:28. The writer of Psalm 73 was a Levite appointed to serve as a musician at Jehovah's temple. He had likely worshipped Jehovah faithfully for some time. Yet, he still felt a need to remind himself and others that "drawing near to God" was good for him and them. What are some of the benefits of doing so?
Next time: "DRAWING NEAR TO GOD" BRINGS HAPPINESS
From the jw.org publications
"As for me, drawing near to God is good for me." - PSALM 73:28.
DO YOU have a close friend? How did you cultivate your friendship with him? You probably spend time with him, learned about his challenges, and got acquainted with his likes and dislikes. You discovered that he has outstanding qualities that you would like to imitate. You came to love your friend.
Developing a close friendship with someone requires time and effort. The same can be said of cultivating a clom ose, personal relationship with Jehovah God. This article will discuss how we can draw closer to our God and the benefits that come from doing so. First, consider why it is good to draw close to our best Friend, Jehovah.
Next time: "Drawing Near to Jehovah Is Good " for Us!
From the jw.org publications
Some feel that serving Jehovah involves too much sacrifice. If you are young, do you feel that you may be losing out on something if you serve Jehovah? One young brother named Gene says: "I felt that being one of Jehovah's Witnesses was restrictive. It seemed that many of the kids I grew up with enjoyed things like partying, dating, or playing violent video games, while I had to spend my time at meetings and in the ministry." How did this thinking affect Gene? "I started living a double life," he says, "and for a while I had fun. But it didn't bring me any lasting happiness. I began to think about Bible truths I had chosen to ignore and decided to serve Jehovah wholeheartedly. Ever since then. it seems that Jehovah has responded to every one of my prayers.
A psalmist sang to Jehovah: "Happy is the one whom you choose and bring near to reside in your courtyards." (Psalm 65:4) May we keep the same resolve that Joshua expressed: "As for me and my household, we will serve Jeh0vah." - JOSHUA 24:15.
Next time: "Drawing Near to God Is Good" for Us!
From the jw.org publications
We live in urgent times. The apostle Paul wrote: "For yet 'a very little while,' and the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay." (Hebrews 10:37) How does the is affect us? For one thing, the time left for people to choose to serve Jehovah is reduced. (1 Corinthians 7:29) And if we have already made the choice to serve God, we know that although we will have endure trials, it will be only for "a very little while."
Jesus encouraged his disciples not merely to start following him but also to keep following him. (Matthew16:24) So if we have been serving Jehovah for years, may we be resolved not to give up. We have to work hard to keep living up to our decision to serve him. It may not be easy, but what blessings and satisfactions we can enjoy, even now! - PSALM 35:27.
Next time: CONTINUE SERVING JEHOVAH - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
If we make serving Jehovah our main focus, we can have a rewarding life now and in the future. Consider the experience of a sister named Julia. Before learning the truth, Julia sang in a church choir from the time she was a young girl. A professional opera singer recognized her talent and trained her. Julie soon gained a reputation as a prodigy and performed in prestigious music halls. While she was attending a famous music school, a classmate started talking to her about God and explained that God has a name, Jehovah. Before long Julia began studying the Bible twice a week. Eventually, she decided to focus her life on serving Jehovah instead of on pursuing a music career. That decision wasn't easy. "Many people told me that I was wasting my gift," she says, "but I wanted to use my life fully to serve Jehovah." How does she feel today about that choice she made more than 30 years ago? "I have peace of mind, and I trust that Jehovah will fulfill all my heart's desires in the future." - PSALM 145:16.
Next time: CONTINUE SERVING JEHOVAH
From the jw.org publications
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We want to clear Jehovah's name of all reproach. Consider this scenario: You have a close friend who is kind, generous, and forgiving. On day, you hear someone accuse your friend of being cruel and dishonest. How do you react? You defend him. Similarly. when Satan and those under his influence try to ruin Jehovah's reputation by spreading lies about Him, we respond by telling the truth about Jehovah, vigorously defending His name. (Psalm 34:1; Isaiah 43:1o) We show that we want to serve Jehovah whole-souled by our words and actions.
We willingly adjust our goals in life so that we can serve Jehovah acceptably or more fully. For example, the apostle Paule chose to give up prominence in the community in order to follow Christ and serve Jehovah. (Galatians 1:14) As a result, he led a rewarding life and received the opportunity to rule with Christ in heaven. He never regretted his decision to serve Jehovah and neither will we. - Read PHILIPPIANS 3:7, 8.
Next time: WHY WE CHOOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH - Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
While still very young, we can develop a deep love for Jehovah, a love that will keep burning as we grow old. Note the example of two fleshly sisters named Jane and Pam. They were 11 and 10 years old respectively when they first started studying the Bible. Though their parents were not interested in studying, they gave Pam and Jane permission to associate with the Witnesses as long as the girls attended church services with the family on the weekend. "What the Witnesses taught me from the Bible," says Jane, "helped me to resist the pressure from my peers to get involved in drugs and immorality."
When they reached their late teens, both girls became publishers. Later, they entered pioneer service while caring for their aging parents. Looking back on their experience, Jane says "I learned firsthand that Jehovah faithfully cares for his friends and that, as 2 Timothy says, 'Jehovah knows those who belong to him." There is no doubt that Jehovah cares for those who choose to love and serve him!
Next time: WHY WE CHOOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH -Conclusion
From the jw.org publications
Like Jesus, we serve Jehovah primarily out of deep love and affection for Him. (Read Matthew 22:37) We feel drawn to Jehovah"P when we learn about his qualities. For example, consider Jehovah's patience with us. When the Israelites disobeyed him, he pleaded with them: "Turn back please, from bad ways." (Jeremiah 18:11) Jehovah rememb4ers that we are imperfect, that we are dust. (Read Psalm 103:13, 14) When you meditate on Jehovah's patience and his other appealing qualities, are you not moved to serve him forever?
We are also motivated to serve Jehovah because it is the right thing to do. (Matthew 4:10) Moreover, we know that our loyal service will be accomplish. Our faithful course sanctify. A Jehovah's name, prove Satan a liar, and make our Father's heart glad. And if we choose to serve Jehovah today, we have the prospect of serving him forever! - JOHN 17:3.
Next time: WHY WE CHOOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH - Continue
From the jw.org publications
As the Creator and the Sovereign of the universe, Jehovah could force people to serve him. However, Jehovah will never do that. Instead, he provides us with evidence that he exists and that he loves each one of us dearly. He wants as many people as possible to be his friends forever. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) To that end, Jehovah has trained us to teach others about his purposes and to tell them the good things he will do for mankind. (Matthew 10:11-13; 28:19, 20) He has organized us into congregations and has arranged for loving overseers to care for us. -ACTS 20:28.
Jehovah's remarkable love in evident in the way he treats those who choose to ignore his existence. Consider these facts: Throughout history, billions of people have chosen to live by their own standards of right and wrong. Even so. Jehovah has kindly given them what they need to sustain their life and enjoy it. (Matthew 5:44, 45; Acts 14:16, 17) He has given them the capacity to have loving relationships, to raise a family and to reap; the rewards of hard work. (Psalm 127:3; Ecclesiastes 2:24) The evidence clearly shows that our heavenly Father loves all humans. (Exodus 34:6) Let us now remind ourselves of some of the reasons why we choose to serve Jehovah and how he responds to us.
Next time: WHY WE CHOOSE TO SERVE JEHOVAH
From the jw.org publications
Many today do not serve Jehovah because they have not yet come to know about his appealing qualities, and they are unaware of all he has done for them. That was true of those whom the apostle Paul preached to in Athens. -ACTS17:19, 20,30, 34.
Paull explained to his listeners that the true God "gives to all people life and breath and all things." He added: "By him we have found life and move and exist." God is the Creator, who made out of one many every nation of men," so he hd the right to our worship. - Acts 17L25.
Next time: WHY JEHOVAH DESERVES OUR WORSHIP
From the jw.org publications
While on earth, Jesus had to make a choice as to whom he would serve. Shortly after Jesus got baptized, Satan offered him all the kingdoms of the earth in exchange for just one act of worship. Jesus replied: "Go away Satan! For it is written: 'It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you render sacred service." (Matthew 4:8-10) Why did Jesus make that choice? Consider some of the reasons.
The primary reason why Jesus chose to serve Jehovah is love-Jesus has a deep unbreakable affection for his Father. (John 14:31) In addition, Jesus serves Jehovah because it is the right to do. (John 8:28, 29; Revelation 4:11) He knows that Jehovah is the Source of life and that He is trustworthy and generous. (Psalm 33:4; 36:9; James 1:17) Jehovah had always spoken the truth to Jesus and had given him everything he possessed. (John 1:14) Satan, by contrast, has caused death. He is a liar who is motivated by greed and self-interest. (John 8:44) Knowing these facts, Jesus never even considered imitating Satan by rebelling against Jehovah. - PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8.
Another reason why Jesus chose to serve Jehovah is that he looked forward to what his loyal service would accomplish. (Hebrews 12:2) He knew that if he remained faithful, he would sanctify his Father's name and provide the means to undo all the suffering caused by the Devil.
Next time: WHY JEHOVAH DESERVES OUR WORSHIP
From the jw.org publications
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