YOU CAN REMAIN CHASTE IN AN IMMORAL WORLD

"His Own Errors Will Catch the Wicked"

The fundamental reason why sexual immorality is wrong is that Jehovah-the Giver of life and Bestower of sexual capacity in humans-disapproves of it.  So giving the strongest incentive for moral chasteness, King Solomon states:  "For the ways of man are in front of the eyes of Jehovah, and  he is contemplating all his tracks."  (Proverbs 5:21) Yes,  nothing is hidden from the eyes of God,  "With whom we have an accounting."  (Hebrews 4:13)  Any act of sexual uncleanness, regardless of how secret and whatever its physical and social consequences may be, is bound to damage our relationship with Jehovah.  how foolish to forfeit  peace with God for a few moments of illicit pleasure!

Some who shamelessly indulge in immoral ways may seem to do so with impunity-but not for long.  Solomon declares:  "His own errors will catch the wicked one, and in the ropes of his own sin  he will be taken hold of.  He will be the one to die because there is not discipline, and because in the abundance of his foolishness he goes astray." -Proverbs 5:22, 23.

Why should any of us ever go astray?  After all, the book of Proverbs forewarns us of  the seductive ways of the world.  And it sets before  us the price that immorality usually demands-our health, our material assets, our strength and our dignity.  With such clear foresight, we need never be in a position of uttering a long litany of  "if onlys."  Yes, by applying the counsel Jehovah has given in his inspired Word, we can remain morally chaste in an immoral world.

Next time: WHY MANKIND NEEDS A HELPER

Watchtower, 2000

What Happened to Integrity?

Integrity's Fluctuating Standards

Integrity does not, of course, mean perfection, but it does reflect a basic quality in a person. In our get-rich-quick world, integrity may be seen as an encumbrance, not a virtue. For example, student use of sophisticated gadgets to cheat on exams is on the increase, and these new devices are almost impossible to detect. One British University professor claims that more than half of all British students have cheated, and Britain is surely not alone.

Not to be overlooked is the cost to innocent people when untrustworthy individuals lie and deceive. Take the case of the Indian town of Bhopal where, in 1984, toxic gas killed more than 2,500 men, women and children and injured hundreds of thousands more. The Sunday Times reported: "Relief schemes to help the victims are mired in corruption . . .The task of sifting through legitimate cases has been complicated by thousands of bogus claims, forged documents and fake evidence." As a result ten years later barely $3,500,000 of a $470,000,000 damages settlement had been distributed to those in need.

What about religion? How does it rate in this matter of integrity? Sadly, standards are often no higher than in the secular world. Take as an example, Roman Catholic bishop Eamon Casey, who confessed to fathering an illegitimate son, now a teenager. Casey's situation, as Britain's Guardian newspaper pointed out, was "far from unique," In a similar vein, The Times reported: "The truth about Bishop Casey's disgrace is not that his misdeed was exceptional, but that cheating on celibacy is neither new nor rare." Supporting this contention, The Glasgow Herald, Scotland, claims that only 2 percent of Roman Catholic clergy in the United States have avoided both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Whether this figure is accurate or not, it indicates the reputation of Catholic priests in the matter of morality.

Face with such examples, is it possible for an individual to keep moral integrity? Is it worth it? What would it require, and what are the rewards for doing so?

Next time:Trust in an Imperfect World

Watchtower,1997

LIving With Risks-Finding Security in a Risk-Filled World

Bitter Consequences of Immorality

Today, millions have abandoned all moral restraint. The AIDS epidemic is one of the consequences. According to WHO, over 16 million have died since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, and at present, about 34 million are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Many AIDS sufferers contracted the disease through promiscuous sexual activity, contaminated syringes used by drug addicts, or tainted blood transfusions. Other consequences of loose morals include herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. Although such medical terms were not used in Bible times, the target organs of certain sexually transmitted diseases common at the time were known. For example, Proverbs 7:23 describes the fearsome consequence of fornication as 'an arrow cleaving open the liver,' as does hepatitis. Yes, how timely and loving is the Bible's counsel that Christians 'abstain from blood and from fornication'! -Acts 15:28,, 29.

Next time: The Snare of the Love of Money

Watchtower, 2001