STEPS THAT LEAD TO LIFE ETERNAL

Unlike Jesus, we are imperfect and can reach the milestone of baptism only after taking accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ into our heart.  Doing this causes us to exercise faith and to have profound love for God. (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) Compliance with God's laws, principles and standards should move us to repent, expressing godly sorrow over our past sins.  This leads to conversion, that is, to a turning around  and abandoning any wrong course we followed when we did  not have the knowledge  of God.  (Acts 3:19) Naturally, if we are still secretly practicing some sin instead of doing what is righteous, we have not really turned around, nor have we fooled God, Jehovah detects all hypocrisy. - Luke 12:2, 3.

Now that you have been taking in the knowledge of God, is it not fitting to  consider spiritual matters in a very personal way? Probably you are eager to tell your relatives, friends  and others what you  are learning.  In fact, you may already have been doing this,even as Jesus shared the good news with others in informal settings.  (Luke 10:38, 39; John 4:6-15)  Now you may want to do more. Christian elders will be glad to talk with you in order to determine whether you are qualified and able  to have some share in the regular Kingdom preaching activity of Jehovah's Witnesses.  If you are, the elders will make arrangements for you to accompany a Witness in the ministry.  Jesus' disciples followed his instructions in order to carry out their ministry in an orderly way.  (Mark 6:7, 30; Luke 10:1) You will benefit from similar  help as you share in spreading the Kingdom message from house to house and in other ways. -Acts 20:20, 21.

Preaching the good news to all kinds of people in the congregation's territory is a way to find those who are righteously disposed and is among the fine works proving that you have faith. (Acts 10:34, 35; James 2:17, 18, 26)  Regular attendance at Christian meetings and having a meaningful share in the preaching work are also ways to demonstrate that you have repented and turned around and are now determined to live in accord  with the knowledge of God.  What is the next logical step? It is to make a dedication  to Jehovah God.  This means that in heartfelt prayer, you tell God that you are willingly and wholeheartedly giving your life to him to do his will.  This is the way to dedicate yourself to Jehovah and accept the kindly y0ke of Jesus Christ. -Matthew 11:29, 30.

Next time: BAPTISM - WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995

ACQUIRING "SKILLFUL DIRECTION"

We can be grateful that Jehovah has provided the tools we need to build a happy family.  But simply possessing the tools is not enough.  We must practice using them properly.  For example, a builder may develop poor habits in the way that he handles his tools.  He may put some of them to a wrong use altogether.  Under these circumstances, his methods are very likely to result in an inferior product.  Similarly, you  may now be aware of unhealthy habits that have crept into your family.  Some may be strongly entrenched and hard to change. However, follow the Bible's advice: "A wise person will listen and take in more instruction, and a man of understanding is the one who acquires skillful direction." -Proverbs 1:5.

You can acquire skillful direction by continuing to take in the knowledge of God.  Be alert to Bible principles that apply to family life, and make adjustments where needed.  Observe mature Christians who set a fine example as marriage mates and parents.  Talk to them.  Above all, take your concerns to Jehovah in prayer. (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6, 7) He can help you to enjoy a happy family life that honors him.

Next time: HOW YOU CAN DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995