Do You Eat Well Spiritually?

Food for Spiritual Growth

Food and Nutrition, a textbook  that discusses the importance of having a proper diet, gives us three good reasons for eating well. One is  that we need food "to promote growth and to make good the wear and tear on body cells." Did you know  that each day of your life, a trillion of your body cells are broken down and need to be replaced?  Proper growth and body maintenance require good food. 

That is also true spiritually. When the apostle Paul wrote to the congregation  in Ephesus, for example, he emphasized how each Christian needs good spiritual food to become "a full-grown man." (Ephesians 4:11-13)  When we feed ourselves properly on nourishing spiritual food, we are no longer like weak babies, unable to fend for ourselves, falling prey  to all kinds of dangers.  (Ephesians 4:14) Rather,m we grow into  strong adults, able to put up a hard fight for the faith because we are "nourished with the words of  the faith." -1 Timothy 4:6. 

Is that true of you? Have you grown up spiritually?  Or are you still like a spiritual babe-vulnerable, totally dependent on others, and unable to take on full Christian responsibilities?  Understandably, few of us would readily say that we are  spiritually  like a babe, but frank self-examination is in order .  Some anointed Christians were like that in the first century.  Although they should have been "teachers" themselves, able and willing to teach others what God's Word says, the apostle Paul wrote:  "You again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God;  and you have become  such as need milk, not solid food."  If you want to grow up spiritually, cultivate an appetite for good, solid spiritual food.  Do not be content with spiritual baby food! -Hebrews 5:12. 

We also need this solid spiritual food to repair any damage done by daily trials that we face in this hostile world. These can sap our spiritual strength.  But God can renew that strength.  Paul said:  " We do not give up, but even is the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day." (2 Corinthians 4:16)  How are we  "renewed from day to day"?  In part, by regularly feeding on God's Word through personal and group study of the Scriptures and Bible-based publications.  

Next time: Do Your Eat Well Spiritually? -Food for Spiritual Energy

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

Do You Eat Well Spiritually?

"A good diet is the most basic human need. .  . .Without sufficient food, we would die." -Food and Nutrition.

THAT fundamental truth is graphically illustrated in the emaciated figures of starving men, women, and children, and children who are denied  this "most basic human need."  Others are able to  meet this need to a degree but are still seriously undernourished. Yet, many  who could eat well often content themselves with junk  that provides little real nourishment.  "Food,"  says Healthy Eating, "appears to be one of the most abused of our possessions."

It is little different with spiritual food-the truth found in God's Word, the Bible.  Some people lack even the most basic spiritual nourishment; they starve spiritually.  Others simply neglect to take advantage of the spiritual food that is available.  What about you?  Do you personally eat well spiritually?  Or could it be that you are depriving yourself of spiritual nourishment?  It is important to be honest with ourselves in this matter because we need spiritual food even more than we need physical food. -Matthew 4:4.

Next time: Do You Eat Well Spiritually? - Food for Spiritual Growth

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

Rule by the Prince of Peace

To ensure that true peace will come to all those living under his Kingdom arrangement, Jehovah has given the rulership to the true Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, as foretold in Isaiah 9:6, 7:  "There has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and  the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end . . .The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this." The psalmist also wrote prophetically of the Messiah's peaceful rule:  "In the days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more." -Psalm 72:7. 

In addition, 144,000 spirit-anointed brothers of Christ will be ruling with him in the heavens. These are the joint heirs with Christ of whom Paul wrote:  "For his part, the God who gives peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. May the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus be with you. (Romans 16:20)  Yes, these will share from the heavens in Christ's victory over the warmonger, Satan the Devil.

So now the question is, What must you do to inherit true peace?  True peace can come only  in God's way, and to gain it you must take positive steps . You must accept the Prince of Peace and turn to him. This means that you must accept Christ in his role as Redeemer and Ransomer of sinful humankind.  Jesus himself said the famous words:  "God love the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)   Are you willing to exercise faith in Christ Jesus as God's Agent for bringing in true peace and salvation?  There is no other name under heaven that can establish peace and guarantee it.  (Philippians 2:8-11)  Why? Because Jesus is God's Chosen One. He is the greatest messenger of peace ever to walk the earth. Will you listen to Jesus and follow his example? 

"This means everlasting  life,"  said Jesus, "Their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom  you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3)  Now is the time  to take in accurate knowledge by regularly  attending the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses at the Kingdom Hall. These educational meetings will motivate you to share your knowledge and your hope  with others.  You too can become an envoy for God's peace. You can enjoy peace now by trusting in Jehovah God, as stated at Isaiah 26:3, according to the New International  Version: "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." In whom should you trust? "Trust in Jehovah, you people, for all times, for in Jah, Jehovah is the Rock of Times indefinite." -Isaiah 26:4. 

Take your stand now for everlasting life in God's peaceful new world. At Revelation 21:3, 4, God's Word assures us:   "Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them. And he ill wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Is that not that the peaceful future  that you yearn for? 

Then remember what God has promised. "The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. What the blameless one and keep the upright one in sight, for the future of that man will be peaceful." (Psalm 37:11, 37)  When that day comes, may we say with gratitude, "True peace at last!  Thanks to Jehovah God, the source of true peace!"

Next time: Do You Eat Well Spiritually? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

A Much Greater Change

Does this mean that Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they can bring peace to the whole world by means of some mass conversion to a belief in Christian neutrality?  No! For peace to be restored to the earth, a much greater changed is needed. What is that?  Divisive, oppressive, and violent human rule must give way to rule by God's  Kingdom. for which Jesus taught his disciples to pray.  (Matthew 6:9, 10) But how will that take place? In a divinely inspired dream, the prophet Daniel learned that in the last days, God's Kingdom, like a huge stone 'cut out not by human hands,' would smash a giant image representing mankind's political rulerships over the earth.  The he proclaimed:  "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself  will not be passed on  to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all those kingdoms, and it itself will stand to time indefinite." - Daniel 2:31-44. 

Why will this radical change in the world picture take place?  Because Jehovah has promised that he will cleanse the earth of all those who are polluting and ruining it.  (Revelation 11:18) This transformation will take place at Jehovah's righteous war against Satan and his wicked world.  We read at Revelation16:14, 16: "They [that is, unclean inspired expressions] are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings [the political rulers] of the entire inhabited  earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty. And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon."

Will will Armageddon be like?  It will not be a nuclear apocalypse or a disaster provoked by humans. No, it is God's war to end all human wars and annihilate all those who promote such wars. It is God's war to bring in true peace for those who love peace.  Yes, Armageddon is coming as Jehovah as purposed. It will not delay.  His prophet Habakkuk was inspired to write: "The vision is yet of the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late." (Habakkuk 2:3) Because of our human feelings, it might seem to be late, but Jehovah keeps his schedule. Armageddon will strike at the hour that Jehovah has predetermined.

This decisive action will clear the way for true peace!  But for true peace to be firmly established, something else must be done-the removal of the one who causes division, hatred, and strife. And that is just what the Bible prophesies will take place next-the abyssing of Satan, the fomenter of war and the father of lies.  The apostle John  saw this even in a prophetic vision, as recorded in Revelation 20:1-3:  "I saw an angel coming down  out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut  and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended." 

This is no dream; it is God's promise-and the Bible says:  "It is impossible for God to lie." (Hebrews 6:18)  Thus Jehovah could say through his prophet Jeremiah: "I am Jehovah: the One exercising loving-kindness, justice and righteousness in the earth; for these things I do take delight, is the utterance of  Jehovah." (Jeremiah 9:24)  Jehovah acts in justice and righteousness, and he delights in the peace that he will bring the earth.  

Next time: SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT! -Rule by the Prince of Peace

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

Those Who Are Pursuing Peace

For example, there is Rami Oved, a former officer in a specialized anti-terrorist squad. He was trained to kill his enemies. He fervently  believed in his Israeli nationalism until the day that he discovered that the rabbis did not want him to marry the woman he loved simply because she was Asian, A Gentile.  He began  to search for truth in the Bible. Then he came in contact with  Jehovah's Witnesses.  His study of the Bible with the Witnesses convinced him that he could no longer  be a fanatic nationalist. Christian love meant giving up war and weapons and learning to love people of every race.  How surprised he was when he received a kind letter with the opening words,  "My brother Rami"! The writer was a Palestinian  Witness.  "I thought that  was incredible," Rami says, " as Palestinians were my enemies, and her one of them was calling me 'My Brother.'" Rami and his wife now pursue true peace in God's way. 

Another example is that of George Reuter, who served in the German army that invaded Russia during World War II.  Soon he became disillusioned with Hitler's  grandiose scheme for world domination. When he returned  from the war, he started to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. He wrote:  "At least, things were beginning to become clear to me. I realized that God was not the one to blame for all the bloodshed . . .I learned that it was his purpose  to establish and earth-wide paradise with everlasting blessings  for obedient mankind. . . .Hitler had boasted about his "Thousand Year Reich' but had only ruled for 12 [years]--and with what a ghastly  outcome!  It is Christ rather than Hitler . . . who can and will establish a thousand-year reign over the earth." For some 50 years now, George has been serving as an envoy for true peace in the full-time ministry. 

The integrity and neutrality of Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany during the Nazi regime continue to be a testimony to their love for God and for peace even now, more than 50 years later. A booklet published by the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., states:  "Jehovah's Witnesses endured intense persecution under the Nazi regime.  .  . .The courage the vast majority displayed in refusing to [renounce  their religion], in the face of  torture, maltreatment, in concentration camps, and sometimes execution, won them the respect of many contemporaries."  Then it adds:  "During the liberation of the camps, Jehovah's Witnesses continued their work, moving among the survivors, making converts." 

Next time: SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT! -A Much Greater Change

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

People Can  Become Peaceable

Note that before people can pursue a peaceful course, they must be instructed in Jehovah's ways. Obedient response to Jehovah's teaching can change a person's way of thinking and acting, so that one who has been belligerent becomes peaceable. How is this transformation accomplished?  Romans 12:22 says:  "Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable  and  perfect will of God." We make our mind over, or motivate  it in a different direction, by filling it with principles and precepts from God's Word. Regular Bible study of the Bible helps us to make  this change and enables us  to prove to ourselves what Jehovah's will is for us, so we can see clearly the way we must go. -Psalm 119:105.

Bible truth transforms not only our pattern of thinking but also our actions and personality. It helps us to do what the apostle Paul urged:  "Put away the old personality which conforms  to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but . . .be made new in the force actuating your mind, and . . . put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty." (Ephesians 4:22-24)   The force that actuates the mind is internal. It is transformed and becomes powerful as our love for Jehovah and his law grows, and it makes us spiritual and peaceable people.

The need for this transformation is seen from the instruction Jesus gave to his disciples during his final hours with them:   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:34, 35)  The Christlike, unselfish love binds the disciples together in perfect unity.  (Colossians 3:14) Only those who are willing to accept and live by this "new commandment" will enjoy the peace that God promises. Are there any people doing this today? 

Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to show love in their worldwide brotherhood.  Though they are drawn from all the nations of the world, they do not get involved in the world's controversies, even when they are subjected to severe political and religious pressure. As a united people,  they are taught by Jehovah, and they enjoy peace.  (Isaiah 54:13) They remain neutral in political conflicts, and they do not participate in wars. Some who were formerly violent have given that life-style.  They have become peace-loving Christians, imitating the example of Christ Jesus. And they wholeheartedly follow Peter's advice;  "He that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and his lips from speaking deception, but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it." -1 Peter 3:10, 11; Ephesians 4:3. 

Next time: SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT! -Those Who Are Pursuing Peace

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

SEEK TRUE PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

"He that would love life and see good days, .  . .let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it." -1 PETER 3:10, 11.

"THEY will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)  Even though this famous text is displayed near the world headquarters of the United Nations in New York City, that world organization  has not by any stretch of the imagination  carried them out. However, as part of the unfailing word of Jehovah God, that declaration will not be without result. -Isaiah 55:10, 11. 

The words found at Isaiah 2:4 are actually part of a marvelous prophecy, a prophecy about true peace-and it is undergoing fulfillment right in our own time. Before proclaiming the thrilling prospects of no more wars and weapons of war, the prophecy says:  "It must occur in the final  part of the days that the mountains of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountain, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. And many people will certainly go and say:  'Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will walk in his paths.'  For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of  Jehovah out of Jerusalem." -Isaiah 2:2, 3.

Next time:  SEEK TRUE PEACE AND PURSUE IT! -People Can Become Peaceable

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

TRUE PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?

Conclusion of The Way to Peace

First, Jesus' peace was closely tied in with his Kingdom message.  He knew that the righteous heavenly government, composed of Jesus and  144,000 corulers, would put an end to war and warmongers.  (Revelation 14:1, 3) he knew that it would bring about the peaceful paradisaic conditions that he offered  to the evildoer who died at his side. Jesus did not offer him a place in the heavenly Kingdom, but he said:  "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise." -Luke 23:43.

Jesus also knew that his Kingdom would bring comfort to all those mourning ones who exercise faith in him. His peace includes  the wonderfully sustaining hope of the resurrection. Remember his encouraging words found at John 5:28, 29:  "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did  good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment." 

 Do you look forward to that time?  Have you lost dear loved ones in death?  Do you yearn to see them again?  Then accept the peace that Jesus offers.  Have faith like that of Martha, Lazarus' sister, who said to Jesus:  "I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day."  But note Jesus' exhilarating reply to Martha:  "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone that is living and exercises faith  in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?" -john 11:24-26.

You too can believe in and benefit from that promise. H0w?  By gaining accurate knowledge of God's  Word.  Note how the apostle Paul emphasize the importance of accurate knowledge:  "We . . .have not ceased to pray for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge  of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9, 10)  This accurate knowledge will convince you that Jehovah God is the source of true peace. It will  also tell you what you must do now so that you may join the psalmist  in saying: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you yourself alone, O Jehovah, make me dwell in security." -Psalm 4:8.

Next time: SEEK TRUE PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

TRUE PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?

The Way to Peace

If men, through agencies such as the United Nations, cannot bring about true and lasting peace, from what source will true peace come, and how? is it just an unrealistic dream to believe that everlasting peace is possible?  Not if we turn to the right source of peace. And who is that? Psalm 46:9 answers by telling us that Jehovah "is making wars to cease the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire." And Jehovah has already started the process to end wars and establish true peace. How?  By installing Christ Jesus on his rightful Kingdom throne in 1914 and by promoting the greatest educational campaign for peace in the history of mankind.  The prophetic words  of Isaiah 54:13 reassures us:  "All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant." 

This prophecy illustrates the principle of cause and effect-that is, every effect has its cause. In this case, Jehovah's teaching-the cause-transforms warlike people into peace-loving people who are at peace with God. The effect is the change of heart that makes people peace lovers.  This teaching  that changes people's hearts and minds is even now spreading worldwide as millions follow the example of the "Prince of Peace," Jesus Christ. -Isaiah 9:6.

And what did Jesus teach about true peace?  He spoke not merely of peace between nations but of peace between people in their relationships and of inner peace that comes from a good conscience. At John 14:27, we read Jesus' words to his followers:  "I leave you  peace, I give you my peace. I do not give to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled no let them shrink for fear." How was Jesus' peace different from that of the world? 

Next time: Conclusion of The Way to Peace

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997

TRUE PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?

Getting to the Root Cause

To answer those questions, we need to understand the causes of war, the Bible clearly states  that the rebellious angel Satan is the original "manslayer" and "liar" and that "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." (John 8:44; 1 John 5:19) What has he done to further his designs? We read at 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4: "If, now, the good news we declare is in fact is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through."   Satan does everything possible to turn mankind's attention away from God's Kingdom as the solution to the world's problems. He blinds and sidetracks people with divisive social, political, and religious issues so that these seem to be more important than God's rulership.  The recent worldwide surge of nationalism is a case in point. 

Satan the Devil promotes nationalism and tribalism, the belief in the superiority of one nation, race, or tribe over others.  Deep-seated hatreds that have been pressed for centuries are being revived to fuel more wars and conflicts. Federico Mayor, director-general of UNESCO, warned of this tendency:  "Even where tolerance used to be the order of the day, a shift towards xenophobia is becoming more evident, and chauvinist or racist utterances that seemed to be a thing of the past are heard more and more often."  What has been the result?  The gruesome massacres in the former Yugoslavia and the tribal bloodbath in Rwanda are but two such developments that have made it to the headlines.

The Bible foretold that in the time of the end of this system , a fiery-colored horse, symbolizing war, would gallop throughout the earth. We read at Revelation 6:4:  "Another came forth, a fiery-colored horse; and the one seated upon it there was granted to take peace away from the earth sot that they would slaughter one another; and a great sword was given him."   Since 1914 we have seen this symbolic horseman "take peace away," and the nations have gone right on fighting and waging war. 

What must not be overlooked is religion's role in these wars and killings. Mankind's blood-drenched  history can be attributed in great measure to the misguiding influence of false religion. Catholic theologian Hans Kung wrote: "There is not disputing that in negative, destructive terms [religions] have made and still make an enormous contribution.  So much struggle, blood conflicts, indeed 'religious wars' are to be held to their account; . .  .and this also goes for the two world wars." 

How does Jehovah God regard false religion's role in killings and wars?  God's indictment of false religion, recorded at Revelation 18:5, states:  "Her sins have massed together clear up to the heavens, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind."   False religion's complicity with the political rulers of the world amounts to such bloodguilt, such a mass of accumulated sins, that God cannot possibly ignore it. He will soon completely eliminate this stumbling block on the way to true peace. -Revelation 18:21. 

Next time: TRUE PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE? -  The Way to Peace

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997