Should Your Child Go to a Influence of Other Students

The Influence of Other Students

Certain boarding schools may have impressive academic standards.  But what about the moral standards of those who attend or perhaps even of some operating such schools?  Concerning the sort of  people that would abound in these "last days," the apostle Paul wrote:  "In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of  money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,m unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.." -2 Timothy 3:1-5.

This moral and spiritual decline is global, presenting a challenge to Jehovah's Witnesses in living by the Bible principles.  Students who come home every day fin that even their limited association with worldly schoolmates can exert a powerful negative influence on their spirituality.   Counteracting that influence can be quite a struggle  for Witness children, even with daily support, counsel, and encouragement from their parents.

What, then, is the situation of children who are sent away from their homes to boarding schools?  They are marooned, cut off from the regular spiritual support of loving parents.  Since they live with their classmates 24 hours a day, pressure to conform to the crowd exerts a stronger influence on their young minds and hearts than it is likely  to do on students who live at home.  Said one student:  "Morally, a boarder is living in danger from morning to night."

Paul wrote:  "Do not be misled.  Bad associations spoil useful habits."  (1 Corinthians 15:33)  Christian parent should not be misled into thinking that their children will suffer no spiritual harm if they are in constant association  with those who do not serve God. Over a period of time, godly children  can become desensitized  to Christian values and can lose all appreciation for spiritual things.  Sometimes this does not become evident to parents until after their children have left boarding school.  Then it is often too late to correct matters. 

The experience of Clement is typical.  He relates:  "Before going away to boarding school, I had a love for the truth and went out  in field service with the brothers.  I particularly enjoyed participating in our family Bible study and the Congregation Book Study.  However, since I went into boarding school at the age of 14, I left the truth completely.  Throughout the five years I spent in boarding school, I never attended  meetings.  As a result of bad company, I got involved with drugs, smoking, and heavy drinking."

Next time: Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL? - The Influence of Teachers

The Watchtower, 1997

Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL? - Education and Spirituality

 


Education and Spirituality

All caring parents want to give their children a good start in life, and to that end a sound, balanced education  is important.  Often secular education opens doors to future employment opportunities and helps young people to develop into adults able to care for themselves and for their future families.

'If a boarding school offers a good education along with some moral guidance, why not take advantage of it?  You might ask.  In answering that question, Christians parents should prayerfully consider a vitally important factor-the spiritual welfare of their children.  Jesus Christ asked: "Really, of what benefit is it for a  man to gain the whole world and to forfeit his soul?"  (Mark 8:36)  Of course, there is no benefit in this at all. Before deciding to send their children to a boarding school, therefore, Christian parents should consider the effect that this might have on their children's prospects for everlasting life.

Next time: Should You Let Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL? - The Influence of Other Students

The Watchtower, 1997

Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL

IMAGINE that you live in a small town in a developing country.  You have several children in primary school, but at the age of 12, they will progress to secondary school.  In your area, secondary  schools are overcrowded, ill-equipped, and poorly staffed.  Strikes sometimes close the schools for weeks and months at a time.

Someone hands you  a glossy brochure that describes a boarding school in the city.  You see pictures of happy, smartly dressed students, studying in well-equipped classrooms, laboratories and libraries.  The students peer  into computers and relax in clean, attractive dormitory rooms.  You read that one of the aims of the school is to help pupils "achieve the highest academic standard of which they are capable."  You further read:  "All pupils are required to abide by a code of behavior similar to that normally expected  within a family where emphasis is given to courtesy, politeness, respect for parents and elders, co-operation, tolerance, kindness, honesty and integrity."

A smiling young man is quoted as saying:  "My parents gave me the privilege of a lifetime to attend the best school."  A girl says:  "School is challenging and exciting.  Here learning comes naturally."  Would you send your son or daughter to such a boarding school?

Next time: Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL? - Education and  Spirituality

The Watchtower, 1997

Where Can True Happiness Be Found?

MANY people feel that happiness can be found by acquiring material possessions.  How about you? (Doesn't do it for me) While material things can certainly contribute to our happiness, they do  not ensure it; nor do physical comforts build faith or fill spiritual needs.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said:  "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them."  (Matthew 5:3) Jesus also said: "Guard against every sort of covetousness, because even when person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possess." -Luke 12:15.


Many seek happiness in illicit sex and other "works of the flesh."  (Galatians 5:19-21) However, yielding to sensual pleasures does not bring true and lasting happiness.  In fact, those practicing such things will not inherit God's Kingdom. -1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

Others turn inward in their quest for happiness  by trying to build up their own self-worth. Libraries and bookstores are filled with self-help books, but such publications have not brought  people lasting happiness.  So, then, where can we find real happiness?

To be truly happy, we must recognize our inborn spiritual need.  Jesus said: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need."  Of course, it would do   us little good to comprehend this need and then fail to do anything about it. To Illustrate:  What would happen to a marathon runner who after the race failed to respond to his body's hydration and other serious consequences?  likewise, if we fail to respond to our need for spiritual nourishment, we will eventually wither spiritually.  This will lead to loss of joy and happiness.

Jesus fully recognized his spiritual need, regularly studying and meditating on God's Word. He could locate and read sections of the Holy Scriptures withe ease, and he taught others to do the same.  (Luke 4:16-21; compare Ephesians 4:20, 21) Jesus also likened the doing of his heavenly Father's will to food.  Doing God's will brought him much happiness. -John 4:34.

Yes, true happiness cannot be obtained by acquiring material things, nor does happiness result from catering to the fallen flesh.  True happiness is a condition of the heart, based on genuine faith and a good relationship with Jehovah God.  Appropriately, then, psalmist David sang: "Happy are the people whose God is Jehovah." -Psalm 144:15b.

Next time: Should Your Child Go to a BOARDING SCHOOL?

The Watchtower, 1997

LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU - Discernment and Decision-Making

Discernment and Decision-Making

Making decisions regarding financial or business matters can be quite stressful.  But spiritual discernment can help us to weigh factors and make wise decisions.  Moreover, prayerful reliance on Jehovah can bring us "the peace of God."  (Philippians 4:6, 7) It is  a calmness and tranquility resulting from a close personal relationship with Jehovah.  Surely, such peace can help us to maintain our balance when we are faced with difficult decisions.

Let us be determined not to let business disputes disrupt our peace or that of the congregation.  We need to remember that the Christian congregation functions to help us spiritually, not to serve as a center for commercial pursuits.  Business matters should always be kept separate from congregation activities. We need to use discernment and caution when embarking upon business ventures.  And let us always  maintain a balanced view of such matters, seeking Kingdom interests first.  If a business venture involving fellow worshipers should fail, may we seek what is best for all concerned.

Instead of being overly concerned about financial matters and other less important things, may all of us incline our hearts to discernment, pray for God's guidance, and keep Kingdom interests first.  In harmony  with Paul's prayer, 'may our love abound with accurate knowledge and full discernment so that we may make sure of the more important things and not be stumbling others' or ourselves.  Now  that Christ the King is on his heavenly throne, let us show spiritual discernment in every aspect of life.  And 'may we be filled with righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of our God,' the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. -Philippians 1:9-11.

Next time: Where Can True Happiness Be Found?

The Watchtower, 1997

LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU - What If There Is Fraud?

What If There Is Fraud?

Discernment helps us to realize that profits  do not result from all investments.  Yet, what if fraud is involved?  Fraud is "the intentional use of deception, trickery, or perversion of truth for the purpose of inducing another to part with some valuable thing belonging to him or to give up a legal right."  Jesus Christ outline steps that may be taken when a person thinks he has been defrauded by a fellow worshiper.  According to Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus said: "If your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, in order that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be  established. If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation.  If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector."  The illustration  that Jesus subsequently gave indicates that he had in mind such  sins as those involving financial matters, including fraud. -Matthew 18:23-35.

Of course, there would be no Scriptural basis for taking the steps outlined at Matthew 18:15-17 if there was no evidence or even a suggestion of fraud. Yet, what if a professing Christian actually defrauded us? Discernment can safeguard us from taking action that may put the congregation in a bad light.  Paul advised fellow Christians to let themselves be wronged and even defrauded instead of taking a brother to court. -1 Corinthians 6:7.

Our genuine brothers and sisters are not 'full of fraud and villainy,' like the sorcerer Bar-Jesus.  (Acts 13:6-12) So let us use discernment when money is lost in business ventures involving fellow believers.  If we are thinking about taking legal action, we should consider the possible effects  on us personally, on the other person or persons, on the congregation, and on outsiders. Pursuing compensation could consume much of our time, energy, and other resources.   It might result only in enriching attorneys and other professionals. Sadly, some Christians have sacrificed theocratic privileges because of becoming overly absorbed in these things. Our being sidetracked in this manner must make Satan happy, but we want to make Jehovah's heart rejoice.  (Proverbs27:11)  (Note: Remember, even if we don't do anything about it. Jehovah knows it is wrong and he can do much worse in punishing that person, than the justice system when the times comes for that to happen. So the defrauder will not get away with what he did to the persons that were wronged. Plus it makes us the better person)  On the other hand, accepting a loss may spare us heartaches  and save much time for us and for the elders. It will help to preserve the congregation's peace and will enable us to keep on seeking first the Kingdom. 

Next time: LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU  - Discernment and Decision-Making

The Watchtower, 1997 

LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU - When Business Ventures Fail

When Business Ventures Fail

Business failures have led to disappointment and even to loss of spirituality on the part of some Christians who entered into unsound ventures.  Heartache and bitterness have resulted from failure to let discernment act as a safeguard.  Greed has snared many.  "Let . . . greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people," wrote Paul.  (Ephesians 5:3)  And he 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.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains." -1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

If a Christian developed a love of money, he would cause himself much spiritual harm.  The Pharisees were money lovers, and this is a trait of many in these last days.  (Luke 16:14; 2 Timothy 3:1, 2) In contrast, a Christian's manner of life should be "free of the love of money."  (Hebrews 13:5) Of course, Christian can do business with one another or start business together. If they do so, however, discussions and negotiations should be kept separate  from congregational matters. And remember. Even among spiritual brothers, always commit business agreements to writing.  Helpful in this regard is the article "Put It in Writing!," published in Awake! of February 8, 1983, pages 13 to 15.

Proverbs 22:7  tells us:  "The borrower is servant to the man doing the  lending."  It is often unwise for us to put ourselves or our brother in the position of such a servant.  When anyone asks us to lend him money for a business venture, it would be advisable to consider his ability to repay the sum.  IS he known to be reliable and trustworthy?  Of course, we should realize that making such a loan could mean the loss of the money because many business ventures fail.  A  contract in itself does not ensure a successful venture. And surely it is not prudent for anyone to place more at risk in an enterprise than he could afford to lose.

We need to show discernment if we have lent funds to a Christian for business purposes and the money was lost, though no dishonest practices were involved.  If the business failure was not the fault of our fellow believer who borrowed the money, can we say that we were wronged?  No, because we voluntarily made the loan,m we have probably been collecting interest on it, and nothing dishonest has taken place.  Since there was no dishonesty, we have no basis for legal action against the borrower.  What good would it do to sue and honest fellow Christian who had to file for bankruptcy because a well-intentioned business venture failed? -1 Corinthians 6:1.

Those experiencing business failures sometimes seek relief by declaring bankruptcy.  Since Christians are not negligent about indebtedness, even after being legally freed of certain debts, some have felt obliged to try to pay off canceled sums if the creditors  would accept payment.  But what if a borrower lost his brother's money and then lived in a luxurious manner?  Or what if the borrower acquired   sufficient funds to pay back what he borrowed but ignored the moral obligation he may have to his brother financially?  Then there would be questions about the borrower's qualifications to serve in a responsible capacity in the congregation. -1 Timothy 3:3, 8;  See The Watchtower, September 15, 1994, pages  10-1.

Next time: LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU  - What If There Is Fraud?

The Watchtower, 1997

LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU -What About Investments?

What About Investments?

Both discernment and caution are needed when considering an investment in a business venture.  Suppose someone wants to borrow money and makes promises like these:  "I guarantee that you will make money."  "You can't lose.  This is a sure thing."  Beware  when anyone gives such assurances. Either he is not being realistic or he is dishonest, for investing is rarely a sure thing.  In fact, some smooth-talking, unscrupulous individuals have defrauded members of the congregation.  This calls to mind the "ungodly men" who slipped into the first-century congregation and 'turned the undeserved  kindness of God into an excuse for loose conduct.'  They were like jagged underwater rocks that could rip and kill swimmers.  (Jude 4,12)  True, the motives of defrauders are different, but they too prey upon members of the congregation.

Even well-meaning Christians have shared information about seemingly profitable ventures, only to find that they and those following their example lost the money they invested.  As a result, a number of Christians have lost privileges in the congregation.  When -get-rich-quick ventures prove to be fraudulent schemes, the only one to profit is the defrauder, who often promptly disappears .  How can discernment help one to avoid situations?

Discernment carries the thought of being able to grasp what is obscure.  This ability is needed to evaluate claims about investments.  Christians trust one another,m and some may reason that their spiritual brothers and sisters would not get involved in ventures that would endanger the resources of fellow believers.  But the fact that a businessman is a Christian does not guarantee that he excels in business matters that his enterprise will succeed. 

Some Christians seek business loans from fellow believers because reputable lending agencies would never advance money for their risky enterprises.  Many have been fooled into believing that simply by  investing their money, they could make a quick fortune without doing much work or perhaps no work at all.  Some are attracted to an investment because of the glamour associated with it, only to lose their life savings!  One Christian invested a large sum of money, expecting to get a 25-percent rate or return in just two weeks.  He lost all that money when bankruptcy was declared.  In another venture, a real-estate developer borrowed large sums of money from others in the congregation. He promised unreasonably high returns bu went bankrupt and lost the borrowed funds.

Next time: LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU - When Business Ventures Fail

The Watchtower, 1997

LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU - Special Need for Discernment

Special Need for Discernment

With proper discernment, we can act in harmony with Jesus Christ's words:  "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and [God's] righteousness, and all these  other [material] things will  be added to you."  (Matthew 6:33)  Jesus also said:  "The lamp of the body is your eye.  When your eye is simply,  your whole body is also bright."  (Luke 11:34) The eye is a figurative lamp.  A "simple" eye is sincere, focused. With such an eye, we can show discernment and walk without stumbling spiritually.

Instead of keeping their eye simple, some have complicated their lives and the lives of others with tempting business dealings.  But we should remember that the Christian congregation is "a pillar and support of the truth."  (1 Timothy 3:15)  Lie a building's columns, the congregation upholds God's truth, not any one's business enterprise.  Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses have not been established as locations to promote commercial interests, goods, or services.  We must refrain from pursuing  personal business affairs in the Kingdom Halls. Congregation Book Studies, assemblies, and conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses are places for Christian association and spiritual discussion.  If we were to use spiritual relationships to promote any sort of commercialism, would this not show at least some lack of appreciation for spiritual values?  Congregational connections should never be exploited for financial gain.

Some have used theocratic contacts to sell health or beauty aids, vitamin  products, telecommunication services, construction materials, travel plans, computer programs and equipment, and so forth.  However, congregation meetings are no place for selling or promoting commercial products or services.  We can discern the underlying principle if we remember that Jesus "drove all those with the sheep and cattle out of the temple, and he poured out all the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. And he said to those selling the doves:  'Take these things away from here! Stop making the house of my Father a house of merchandise!" - John 2:15, 16.

Next time: LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU - What About Investments?

The Watchtower, 1997

LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU

"Thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you." -PROVERBS 2:11.


JEHOVAH wants you to exercise discernment. Why? Because he knows that it will safeguard you from various dangers.   Proverbs 2:10-19 opens by saying:  "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you."  Safeguard you from what?  From such things as "the bad way," those leaving upright paths, and people devious in their general course.

Likely you will recall that discernment is the faculty of the mind whereby it distinguishes one thing from another. A  person with discernment perceives differences of ideas or things and has good judgment.  As Christians, we especially desire spiritual discernment based on accurate knowledge of God's Word.  When we study the Scriptures, it is as though we are quarrying the building blocks of spiritual discernment. What we learn can help us to make decisions that please Jehovah. 

When Gods asked Israel's King Solomon what blessing he wanted, the young ruler said:  "You must give to your servant an obedient heart to judge your people, to discern between good and bad."  Solomon asked for discernment, and Jehovah gave it to him to an unusual degree.  (1 Kings 3:9; 4:30)  To acquire discernment, we need to pray, and we have to study God's Word with  the help of the enlightening publications provided through "the faithful and discreet slave."  (Matthew 24:45-47)  This will help us to develop spiritual discernment to the extent that we become "full-grown in powers of understanding," able to "distinguish [or, discern between] both right and wrong." -1 Corinthians 14:20; Hebrews 5:14.

Next time: LET DISCERNMENT SAFEGUARD YOU -Special Need for Discernment

The Watchtower, 1997