"Keep Your Senses, Be Watchful!" - BE BALANCED WHEN WATCHING WORLD EVENTS

 For good reason, we are interested in seeing how current world events are fulfilling Bible prophecy. For instance, Jesus provided a list of specific events to help us know when the end of Satan's system is drawing near.  (Matthew 24:3-14) The apostle Peter encouraged us to pay attention to the fulfillment of prophecy so that our faith will remain strong.  (2 Peter 1:19-21)  The last book of the Bible begins with the words:  "A  Revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place." (Revelation 1:1) So we have a keen  interest in current world events and in knowing  how they fulfill Bible prophecy. And we may be eager to discuss such events with one another.

When discussing Bible prophecy, however, we should avoid speculating . Why? Because we would want to say anything that could cause disunity in the congregation.  For instance, we may hear world leaders talk about how they can solve a particular conflict and bring peace and security .  Instead of speculating that such a statement fulfills the prophecy at 1 Thessalonians 5:3, we need to keep up-to-date with the latest published information.  When we base our discussions on material published by Jehovah's organization, we help the congregation to remain united "in the same line of thought. - 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10; 4:6.

Read 2 Peter 3:11-13. The apostle Peter helps us to keep a balanced view when considering Bible prophecy.  He urges us to "keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah."  Why? Not because we want to work out the "day and hour" when Jehovah will Armageddon, but because we want to use the time we have left to perform  "holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion." (Matthew 24:36; Luke 12:40)  In other words, we want to maintain  upright conduct and make sure that our efforts in Jehovah's service reflect our deep love for him. To keep that focus, we must pay attention to ourselves.

Next time: "Keep Your Senses, Be Watchful!" - WHAT DOES  IT MEAN TO PAY ATTENTION TO OURSELVES?

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