Practicing Bible Principles in the Home - DISPLAYING BEAUTIES OF "NEW PERSONALITY"

 We are not suggesting for  a  moment that these things are easy to put in practic.  They are easier read than done.  You are not dealing with inanimate facts and figures, nor with things to be dismissed as imagination.  You are dealing with personalities your own and those of others. With regard to such including  your own, there can be hidden recesses in the mind and heart, favorable or otherwise.  There is also Jehovah's superlative personality to take into account.  Never underestimate the many unfailing provisions he has made through his Word and organization. by his spirit  and through praer, to enable you to put on a Christlike personality. (Ephesians 3:20) Advancement in spirituality is often a slow process as compared with your expectations.  Higher standards may be envisioned, but, like new heights seen upon rounding the corner, they may be difficult to attain.  It is largely a question  of your own mental attitude-whether you are lowly in mind and will admit  your mistakes and failures, and whether you are always ready to make a further effort, a fresh start.  Jehovah certainly blesses such an attitude, and your brothers and sisters in God's family will love you for it, and do all they can to help you.

However, sincere and humble-minded you may be, this may not be appreciated by other members of your fleshly family who are predujiced, even hostile.  You may say you are trying to put on airs of superiority.  This is not difficult to understand. Your standards as a true Christian may well be superior to theirs, but that does not make you superior in yourself, does it?  You are what you are by Jehovah's undeserved kindness. You understand that, but they do not. Without compromising your position or violating any Bible principle, you should go out of your way  in following what would be considered  a normal pattern of behavior. To that extent, show that you belong.  Be prepared to overlook many things.  Try to avoid hurt feelings, either in others or in yourself.  Jesus often endured much in his repect when in the company of those   who were predujiced and hostile.  Never did he shut the door of communication and retire into his shell, as the saying goes. As Peter said of hm:  "Christ suffered ofr you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely. . . .When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return.  When he was suffering, he did  not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously." - 1 PETER 2:21-23. 

Next time: Practicing Bible Principles in the Home - TRUE LOVE AND SUBJECTION

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