HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

Conclusion of A Palmist Who Loved God's Law

Christian youths do well to consider the psalmist's words. Young Christians are under attack today. The Devil would dearly love to corrupt the rising generation of Jehovah's worshipers. Satan's goal is to entice young Christians to give in to fleshly desires and break God's laws. Movies and television programs often reflect the Devil's thinking. The stars of such programs seem attractive and likable; immoral relations between them are portrayed as normal. The message? 'It is all right for unmarried people to have sexual relations as long as they truly love each other.' Sadly, each year a number of young Christians fall prey to such reasoning. Some experience shipwreck of their faith. So the pressure is on! But is the pressure so intense that it is impossible for you young people to cope? By no means! Jehovah has provided a way for young Christians to overcome unwholesome desires. They can resist any weapon the Devil can devise by 'keeping on guard according to God's Word, treasuring up God's sayings in their heart. How much time do you spend in regular personal Bible reading and meditation?

The writer of the 119th Psalm exclaimed: "How I love your law!" (Psalm 119:97) To which law was he referring? To Jehovah's revealed word, including the Mosaic Law code. At first glance some might dismiss the Law code as outdated and wonder how anyone could love it. However, as we meditate on the various features of the Mosaic Law, as did the psalmist, we can appreciate the wisdom behind that Law. Aside from the many prophetic aspects of the Law, there are its sanitary and dietary stipulations, which promoted cleanness and good health. (Leviticus 7:23, 24, 26; 11:2-8) The Law encouraged honesty in business practices and exhorted the Israelites to show empathy to fellow worshipers in need. (Exodus 22:26, 27; 23:6; Leviticus 19:35, 36; Deuteronomy 24:17-21) Judicial decisions were to be made with impartiality. (Deuteronomy 16:19; 19:15) As the writer of Psalm 119 gained experience in life, he no doubt saw how well things turned out for those who applied God's Law, and his fondness for it grew stronger. Similarly today, as Christians have success in applying Bible principles, their love and appreciation for God's Word intensifies.

Next time: A Prince Who Dared To Be Different

Watchtower, 1999

HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

A Psalmist Who Loved God's Law

The writer of the 119th Psalm certainly had deep appreciation for God's Word. Who wrote that psalm? The writer is not identified in the Bible. From the context, however, we learn some details about him, and we know that his life was not problem free. Some of his acquaintances who were suppose to be worshipers of Jehovah did not share his love for Bible principles. Nevertheless, the psalmist did not allow their attitude to prevent him from doing what was right. (Psalm 119:23) If you live or work with someone who does not respect the Bible standards, you may see similarities between the psalmist's situation and your own.

Although a godly man, the psalmist was by no means self-righteous. He frankly acknowledged his own imperfections. (Psalm 119:5, 67) However, he did not allow sin to control him. "How will a young man cleanse his path?" He asked. His answer: "By keeping on guard according to your word." (Psalm 119:9) Then, underscoring what a powerful force for good God's Word is, the psalmist added: "In my heart I have treasured up your saying, in order that I may not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11) A force that can help us avoid sinning against God is powerful indeed!

Next time: Conclusion of A Psalmist Who Loved God's Law

Watchtower, 1999