High Moral Standards
Jesus said: "He that practices vile things hates the light." (John 3:20) On the other hand, those who remain in the light love Jehovah's high standards. Jehovah, through Isaiah says: "As for your people, all of them will be righteous." (Isaiah 60:21) It can be a challenge to maintain righteous standards, in a world where sexual immorality, lying, greed, and pride are so prevalent. For example, in some lands, economies are booming and it is easy to get sidetracked into a single-minded pursuit of wealth. However, Paul warned: "Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin." (1 Timothy 6z;9z0 How tragic it is when someone gets so deeply involved in business enterprises that he sacrifices the truly important things, such as Christian association, sacred service, moral principles and family responsibilities!
Maintaining righteous standards can be especially difficult for the young, when so many of their peers are involved in drug abuse and immorality. In Suriname, a 14-year -old girl was approached by a good-looking boy at school and invited to have sexual relations. She refused, explaining that the Bible forbids such things outside marriage. Other girls at school mocked her and tried to pressure here to change her mind, saying that everyone wanted to sleep with that particular boy. Still, the young girl stood firm. A few weeks later, the boy was diagnosed HIV positive and became very ill. The girl was happy that she had obeyed Jehovah's command to 'abstain from fornication.' (Acts 15:28, 29) Jehovah's Witnesses are truly very proud of the young ones among them who stand firm for what is right. Their faith, and that of their parents, 'beautifies'-brings honor to-Jehovah God's name. -Isaiah 60:21b.
Next time: Jehovah Has Given the Increase
Watchtower, 2000
Showing posts with label Abstain From Fornication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abstain From Fornication. Show all posts
4.06.2011
YOUTHS-RESIST THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD
Conclusion of Showing "A Different Spirit"
Avoiding harmful recreation will not condemn you to a joyless life. We worship a "happy God," who wants you to enjoy your youth! (1 Timothy 1:1; Ecclesiastes 11:9) But the Bible warns: "He that is loving merriment [ "entertainment," lamsa] will be an individual in want." (Proverbs 21:17) Yes, if you make recreation the most important thing in your life, you will suffer spiritual want. So follow Bible principles in your choice of recreation. There are many ways to enjoy yourself that will build you up and not tear you down. - Ecclesiastes 11:10.
Showing modesty in your dress and grooming, rejecting the world's fads will also mark you as different. (Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 2:9) So will being selective in your choice of music. (Philippians 4:8, 9) "I have music that I know I'm supposed to throw out," confesses one young Christian, "but it sounds so good!" Another young man similarly admitted: "For me music is a pitfall because I love it. If I find out something is wrong with it, or if my parents call it to my attention, I really have to force my mind to take command over my heart because in my heart I love that music." Youth, do not be "ignorant of {Satan's ] designs"! (2 Corinthians 2:11) He is using music in an effort to turn young Christians away from Jehovah. Articles have appeared in Watchtower publications discussing rap, heavy metal and alternative rock music. However, Watchtower publications cannot possibly comment on every new form and style of music that might come along. You must, therefore, use "thinking ability" and "discernment" when you select music. -Proverbs 2:11.
Finally, you must keep morally clean. The Bible urges: "Flee from fornication." (1 Corinthians 6:18) The original Greek word for fornication, por-nei'a, refers to all illicit sexual activity involving the use of the genital organs carried on outside the bonds of marriage. That would include oral sex and the deliberate fondling of sexual organs. A number of Christian youths have engaged in such behavior, imagining that they really were not committing fornication. However, God's Word clearly says: "This is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor." -1Thesalonians 4:3, 4.
Next time: YOUTHS - TRAIN YOUR PERCEPTIVE POWERS!
Watchtower, 1999
Avoiding harmful recreation will not condemn you to a joyless life. We worship a "happy God," who wants you to enjoy your youth! (1 Timothy 1:1; Ecclesiastes 11:9) But the Bible warns: "He that is loving merriment [ "entertainment," lamsa] will be an individual in want." (Proverbs 21:17) Yes, if you make recreation the most important thing in your life, you will suffer spiritual want. So follow Bible principles in your choice of recreation. There are many ways to enjoy yourself that will build you up and not tear you down. - Ecclesiastes 11:10.
Showing modesty in your dress and grooming, rejecting the world's fads will also mark you as different. (Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 2:9) So will being selective in your choice of music. (Philippians 4:8, 9) "I have music that I know I'm supposed to throw out," confesses one young Christian, "but it sounds so good!" Another young man similarly admitted: "For me music is a pitfall because I love it. If I find out something is wrong with it, or if my parents call it to my attention, I really have to force my mind to take command over my heart because in my heart I love that music." Youth, do not be "ignorant of {Satan's ] designs"! (2 Corinthians 2:11) He is using music in an effort to turn young Christians away from Jehovah. Articles have appeared in Watchtower publications discussing rap, heavy metal and alternative rock music. However, Watchtower publications cannot possibly comment on every new form and style of music that might come along. You must, therefore, use "thinking ability" and "discernment" when you select music. -Proverbs 2:11.
Finally, you must keep morally clean. The Bible urges: "Flee from fornication." (1 Corinthians 6:18) The original Greek word for fornication, por-nei'a, refers to all illicit sexual activity involving the use of the genital organs carried on outside the bonds of marriage. That would include oral sex and the deliberate fondling of sexual organs. A number of Christian youths have engaged in such behavior, imagining that they really were not committing fornication. However, God's Word clearly says: "This is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor." -1Thesalonians 4:3, 4.
Next time: YOUTHS - TRAIN YOUR PERCEPTIVE POWERS!
Watchtower, 1999
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