WHEN GENEROSITY ABOUNDS

What Are the Present Needs?

In recent years Jehovah's Witnesses have been registered in many countries where their work was previously restricted. As a result, many of these lands have seen a tremendous growth in the number of publishers. Understandably, Bibles and Bible-based literature is in great demand.

So are Kingdom Halls. some 9,000 new Kingdom Halls are needed around the world right now. If one Kingdom Hall were to be built each day, it would require more than 24 years to meet present needs! Meantime, about seven new congregations are being formed daily, many of them in parts of the world where finances are limited. On the other hand, many of these places do not require expensive buildings. In some places, a Kingdom Hall that fills the need and serves as a good witness to the community can be completed for as little as $6,000.

In the first century, certain Christians were better off financially than were others, so the apostle Paul wrote: " By means of an equalizing your surplus just now might offset their deficiency, in order that their surplus might also come to offset your deficiency, that an equalizing might take place." (2 Corinthians 8:14) Today, a similar "equalizing" is providing funds needed to supply Bibles, Bible literature, Kingdom Halls, disaster relief and other things in many parts of the world. What a blessing such giving is-both to the giver and to the receiver! -Acts 20:35.

As indicated by the letters the Society receives from generous-hearted people, many readers of this magazine wish to help out but are unsure of the various ways in which contributions can be made. No doubt the accompanying box will help to answer their questions.

During Solomon's glorious reign, "all the kings of the earth" who heard of him came to visit him. Yet, the Bible names only one ruler-the queen of Sheba. ( 2 Chronicles 9:23) What a sacrifice she made! But she was richly rewarded-so much so that by the end of her visit, she was left "breathless and amazed." - 2 Chronicles 9:4, Today's English Version.

In the future, Jehovah the greatest King and Giver, will do much more than Solomon ever could for those who make sacrifices for Him. In response, these will stand "breathless and amazed," for not only will Jehovah reserve them through this fear-inspiring day of judgement but thereafter he will 'open his hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.' -Psalm 145:16.

Next time: What Happened to Integrity?

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Aids to Remembering Our Grand Creator

The congregator was in an excellent position to provide guidelines for our remembering our Grand Creator. Jehovah had answered his heartfelt prayers by granting him extraordinary wisdom. ( 1 Kings 3:6-12) Solomon made thorough investigation of the entire scope of human affairs. Moreover, he was divinely inspired to commit his findings to writing so as to benefit others. He wrote: "And besides the fact that the congregator had become wise, he also taught the people knowledge continually, and he pondered and made a thorough search, that he might arrange many proverbs in order. The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth." _ Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10.

The Greek Septuagint rendering of those words reads: "And moreover, because he taught mankind wisdom; that the ear might find what is comely from parables, the preacher made diligent search to find pleasing words and a writing of rectitude-words of truth." (The Septuagint Bible, translated by Charles Thomson) Solomon endeavor d to reach the hearts of his readers with delightful words and truly interesting and worthwhile subjects. Since his words found in the Scriptures are the product of inspiration by holy spirit, we can without reservation accept his finding and wise counsel. - 2Timothy 3:16, 17.

Even in the absence of modern printing methods, there were plenty of books available in Solomon's day. How was such literature to be viewed? He said: "The words of the wise ones are like oxgoads, and just like nails driven in are those indulging in collections of sentences; they have given from one shepherd. As regards anything besides these, my son, take a warning: to the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh." -Ecclesiastes 12:11, 12.

The words of those possessing godly wisdom prove to be like oxgoads. How so? They prod the readers or listeners to make advancement in harmony with the wise words read of heard. Moreover, those who occupy themselves with "collections of sentences," or truly wise and worthwhile sayings are like "nails driven in," or solidly fixed. This may be so because the fine words of such individuals reflect Jehovah's wisdom and can therefore serve to stabilize and support the readers or listeners. If you are a God-fearing parent, should you not make every effort to inculcate such wisdom in the mind and heart of your child? -Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

Why, though, did Solomon say what he did about books? Well, compared with Jehovah's Word, the endless volumes of this world contain mere human reasoning. Much of this thinking reflects the mind of Satan the Devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Therefore, "much devotion" to such secular material produces little of lasting value. In fact, a great deal of it can be spiritually detrimental. Like Solomon, let us meditate on what God's Word says about life. This will strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Jehovah. Excessive attention to other books or sources of instruction can wear us out. Especially when such writings are the product of worldly reasoning that conflicts with godly wisdom are they unwholesome and destructive of faith in God and his purposes. So, then, let us remember that the most beneficial writings of Solomon's day and our own are those that reflect the wisdom of the "one shepherd," Jehovah God. He has provided the 66 books of the Holy Scriptures, and to these we should give paramount attention. The Bible and helpful publications of the "faithful slave"enable us to acquire "the very knowledge of God." -Proverbs 2:1-6.

Next time: Our Whole Obligation to God

Watchtower, 1999