ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Weigh Your Decisions Carefully!

Perhaps you are a young person dedicated to Jehovah Rich blessings will be yours if you keep Kingdom interests first in life. (Proverbs 10:22) With prayer and careful planning, you may be able to spend at least your younger years in some form of full-time service-a fine way to show that you remember your Grand Creator. Otherwise, material interests may begin to occupy most of your time and attention. Like people in general, you may marry early in life and go into debt to acquire material things. A lucrative career may absorb much of your time and energy. If you have children, you will have to shoulder family responsibilities for decades. ( 1Timothy 5:8) You may not have forgotten your Grand Creator, but it is wise to realize that your early planning, or lack of it, may set the course for your adult life In later years, you may look back and wish that at least your young adulthood had been more fully spent in sacred service to our Grand Creator. Why not give your prospects to prayerful thought right now, so that you will find satisfaction in your sacred service to Jehovah in your younger years?

Consider another set of circumstances -those of a man who once served as a shepherd of "the flock of God." (1 Peter 5:2, 3) For some reason, he voluntarily relinquished such privileges. True, he has grown older now, and it may be more difficult for him to carry on in God's service. But could it be that he should again reach out for theocratic privileges? What blessings such a man might bring to others if he is able to shoulder more responsibility in the congregation! And since no one lives with regard to himself only, friends and loved ones will rejoice if he is able to increase his service, to God's glory. (Romans 14:7, 8) Most of all, Jehovah will not forget what anyone does in his service. (Hebrews 6:10-12) So, what can help us to remember our Grand Creator?

Next time: Aids to Remembering Our Grand Creator

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Dedication and Our Obligation to God

Some baptized Christians need to pray earnestly because they are not living up to the ministerial obligations they assumed when they made a dedication to God. Annually, well over 300,000 have been baptized for a number of years now, but the overall number of active Witnesses of Jehovah had not kept pace. Some who became Kingdom publishers have ceased to proclaim the good news. Yet, individuals must have a meaningful share in the Christian ministry before they are baptized. So they are aware of the commission Jesus gave to all his followers: "Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) Unless they have the most extraordinary limitations because of health, or other factors beyond their control, baptized individuals who are no longer serving as active Witnesses of God and Christ are not living up to their whole obligation before our Grand Creator. -Isaiah 43:10-12.

Ancient Israel was a nation dedicated to God, and under the Law covenant, its people had obligations before Jehovah. For instance, all males were to assemble for three annual festivals, and a man who deliberately did not keep the Passover was "cut off" in death. (Numbers 1:13; Leviticus 23:1-43; Deuteronomy 16:16) To fulfill their obligation to God as his dedicated people, the Israelites had to gather for worship. (Deuteronomy 31:10-13) Nothing in the Law said, 'Do this if you can and fit it into your life.' For those now dedicated to Jehovah, surely this adds weight to Paul's words: "Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together,as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Yes, regularly assembling with fellow believers is part of a dedicated Christian's obligation to God.

Next time: Weigh Your Decisions Carefully!

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Is Everything Vanity?

Some may think that the wise man's words are not very encouraging to anybody -young or old. "The greatest vanity!" said the congregator, 'Everything is vanity.' " (Ecclesiastes 12:8) Actually, it is the very height of vanity to ignore the Grand Creator in youth, to grow old without serving him and to have only advanced age to show for a long life. All has been vanity, or emptiness, for such a person, even if he dies with wealth and fame in this world that is lying in the power of the wicked one, Satan the Devil. -1 John 5:19.

Not everything is vanity for those who lay up treasured in heaven as Jehovah's faithful servants. (Matthew 6:19, 20) They have plenty to do in the rewarding work of the Lord, and such labors definitely are not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58) But if we are dedicated Christians, are we keeping busy in God-assigned work in these last days? (2 Timothy 3:1) Or have we settled into a life-style that differs from that of our neighbors in general? They may be associated with various religions and may be quite devout, attending their houses of worship regularly and trying to carry out what their form of worship requires of them. Of course, they are not proclaimers of the Kingdom message. They do not have accurate knowledge of that this is "the time of the end" and have not sense of urgency about the days in which we are living. -Daniel 12:4.

Jesus Christ said of our critical times: "Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." (Matthew 24:37-39) In moderation, there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking and marriage is an arrangement originated by God himself. (Genesis 2:20-24) Yet, if we realize that the normal pursuits of life have become our chief concern, why not make this a matter of prayer? Jehovah can help us to keep Kingdom interests firs, do what is right, and fulfill our obligation to him. -Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 13:7.

Next time: Dedication and Our Obligation to God

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

JEHOVAH supports those who keep remembering him as their Grand Creator. His inspired Word gives them he knowledge needed to be fulling pleasing to him. God's holy spirit guides them in doing the divine will and in "bearing fruit in every good work." (Colossians 1:9, 10) Moreover, Jehovah provides spiritual food and theocratic direction through "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) In many ways, then, God's people have heaven's blessing as they serve Jehovah and carry out the vital work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. -Mark 13:10.

True Christians are happy to be occupied in sacred service to Jehovah. Yet, some efforts are meaningless. At times, for instance, dedicated Christians may wonder if their conscientious efforts are really worthwhile. When reflecting on family study and other activities, questions like these my well arise in the mind of a family head: 'Is Jehovah really pleased with what we are doing? Are we fulfilling our whole obligation to God? The congregator's wise words can help to answer such questions.

Next time: Is Everything Vanity?

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

What Future for Those Who Remember?

Solomon very effectively showed how important it is to remember our Grand Creator. Surely, a comparatively short and troubled life is not all there is for those who keep Jehovah on in mind and wholeheartedly do his will. Whether they are young or old, they have the same attitude as that of Moses, who prayed: "Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in." God's humble prophet earnestly desired that Jehovah show, or teach, him and the people of Israel to exercise wisdom in valuing 'the days of their years' and using them in a God-approved manner. -Psalm 90:10, 12.

Especially should Christian youths be determined to heed the congregator's counsel to bear the Creator in mind. What splendid opportunities they have to render sacred service to God! Regardless of our age, however, if we learn to count our days to Jehovah's glory in this "time of the end," we may be able to keep right on counting them forever. (Daniel 12:4; John 17:3) To do so, of course, we must remember our Grand Creator. We must fulfill our whole obligation to God.

Next time: ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR OBLIGATION TO GOD?

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Conclusion of Effects of Advancing Age

In the case of an old man, "the almond tree carries blossoms," apparently indicating that his hair turns gray, then snowwhite. The hoary hairs fall like the white blossoms of the almond tree. As he 'drags himself along.' perhaps bent over with arms hanging down or hands resting on his hips with the elbows crooked upward, he resembles a grasshopper. If any of us look a little like that,though, let others take note that we are in Jehovah's energetic, speedy locust army! -See The Watchtower, May 1, 1998, pages 8-13.

The elderly person's appetite is no longer keen, even if the food before him is as tasty as the caper berry. These berries have long since used to stimulate appetite. 'The bursting of the caper berry' suggests that when an old man's appetite diminishes, even this fruit fails to awaken his desire for food. Such things indicate that he is nearing "his long-lasting house," the grave. It will be his home forever if he has failed to bear his Creator in mind and has pursued such a wicked course that God does not remember him in the resurrection. signs of approaching death are evident from the mournful tones and groans of complaint issuing forth from the doors of the oldster's mouth.

We are urged to remember our Creator "before the silver cord is removed, and the golden bowl gets crushed, and the jar at the spring is broken, and the waterwheel for the cistern has been crushed." (Ecclesiastes 12:6) the "silver cord" may denote the brain, contained in the bowlike cranium, to which the spinal cord is attached. Golden for preciousness, the brain when broken down spells death.

"The jar at the spring" is the heart, which receives the stream of blood and sends it out again for circulation through the body. At death,the heart becomes like a broken jar, shattered at the spring because it can no longer receive, contain, and pump out the blood vital for the body's nourishment and refreshment. the 'crushed waterwheel for the cistern' ceases to turn, ending circulation of life-sustaining blood. Jehovah thus revealed the circulation of blood to Solomon long before 17th century physician William Harvey demonstrated that it circulates.

The congregator added: "Then the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the true God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7) with the "waterwheel" crushed, the human body, originally made out of dust from the ground, returns to the dust. (Genesis 2:7; 3:19) The soul dies because the spirit, or life -force, given by God returns to and resides with our Creator. -Ezekiel 18:4, 20; James 2:26.

Next time: What Future for Those Who Remember?

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Effects of Advancing Age

Solomon next points to difficulties "in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the men of vital energy have bent themselves, and the grinding women have quit working because they have become few, and the ladies seeing at the windows have found it dark." (Ecclesiastes 12:3) The "house" denotes the human body. (Matthew 12:43-45) 2 Corinthians 5:1-8) Its "keepers" are the arms and hands, which protect the body and supply its needs. In old age they often tremble with weakness, nervousness and palsy. "The men of vital energy" -the legs -no longer are sturdy pillars but have weakened and bend so that the feet merely shuffle along. Yet, are you not happy to see elderly fellow believers at Christian meetings?

The grinding women have quit working because they have become few" -but how? The teeth may have decayed or been lost, with few if any left. Grinding solid food is difficult or ceased altogether. "The ladies seeing at the windows" -the eyes coupled with the mental faculties by which we see -become dim, if not completely dark.

"And," continues the congregator, "the doors onto the street have been closed, when the sound of the grinding mill becomes low, and one gets up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song sound low." (Ecclesiastes 12:4) The two doors of the mouth-the lips-no longer open much at all to express what is in the "house," or body, of those advanced age who do not serve God. Nothing is sent forth on "the street" of public life. Yet, what about zealous elderly Kingdom proclaimers? (Job 41:14) They may walk slowly from house to house and some may speak with difficulty, but they surely praise Jah! -Psalm 113:1.

The sound of the grinding mill becomes low as food is chewed with toothless gums. On his bed an old man does not sleep soundly. Even the chirping of a bird disturbs him. Few are the songs that he sings, and his rendering of any melody is feeble. "All the daughters of son"-the melodic notes -"sound low." The elderly one's hearing of music song produced by other is poor. However, older anointed ones and their companions, some of whom also are not so young, keep on raising their voices in songs of praise to God at Christian meetings. How glad we are to have them at our side, extolling Jehovah in the congregation! -Psalm 149:1.

How sad the lot of oldsters, especially by those who have ignored the Creator! Says the congregator: "Also, they have become afraid merely at what is high, and there are terrors in the way. And the almond tree carries blossoms, and the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry bursts , because man is walking to his long-lasting house and the wailers have marched around in the street." (Ecclesiastes 12:5) At the top of a high staircase, many of the aged are fearful of falling. Even looking up at something high may make them dizzy. When they must go out into crowded streets, they are struck with terror at the thought of injury or assault by thieves.

Next time: Conclusion of Effects of Advancing Age

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Remember Jehovah Now!

The wholehearted worshiper of Jehovah desires to take up His service as soon as possible and to serve God the rest of his days. However, what are the prospects of a person whose youth is spent in vain because of not remembering the Creator? Under divine inspiration the congregator says: "Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: 'I have no delight in them.' " - Ecclesiastes 12:1.

No one delights in "the calamitous days" of old age. But the elderly who keep God in mind are joyful. For instance, aged Simeon took the infant Jesus into his arms at the temple and joyously declared: "Now, Sovereign Lord, you are letting your slave go free in peace according to your declarations; because my eyes have seen your means of saving that you have made ready in the sight of all the peoples, a light for removing the veil from the nations and a glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:25-32) Eighty-four-year-old Anna also remembered her Creator. She was always at the temple and was present when the infant Jesus was taken there. "In that very hour she came near and began returning thanks to God and speaking for Jerusalem's deliverance." - Luke 2:26-38.

Present-day Witnesses of Jehovah who have grown old in God's service may suffer the pains and limitations of advanced age. Yet, how happy they are, and how much we appreciate their faithful service! They have "the joy of Jehovah," for they know that he has assumed his invincible power toward this earth and has installed Jesus Christ as a heavenly powerful heavenly King. (Nehemiah 8:10) Now is the time for young and old to heed the exhortation: "You young men and also you virgins, you old men together with boys. Let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high. His dignity is above earth and heaven." -Psalm 148:12, 13.

Z"The calamitous days" of old age are unrewarding-perhaps very distressing -to those who give no thought to their Grand Creator and who have no understanding of his glorious purposes. They have no spiritual comprehension that can counterbalance the trials of old age and the woes that have beset mankind since Satan was cast out of heaven. (Revelation 12:7-12) Hence, the congregator urges us to remember our Creator "before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds have returned, afterward the downpour." (Ecclesiastes 12:23) What is the significance of these words?

Solomon likens the time of youth to the Palestinian summer when sun, moon and stars shed their light from a cloudless sky. Things then look very bright. In old age, however, a person's days are like the cold, rainy season of winter, with one downpour of trouble after another. (Job 14:1) How sad it would be to know about the Creator but fail to serve him in the summertime of life! In life's wintertime of old age, things darken, especially for those who have passed up opportunities to serve Jehovah in their youth because of Involvement in vain pursuits. Regardless of our age, however, let us 'follow Jehovah fully,' as did faithful Caleb, a loyal associate of the prophet Moses. -Joshua 14:6-9.

Next time: Effects of Advancing Age

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

Fine Examples From the Past

Many young people of the Bible record set fine examples as those who remembered their Grand Creator. From early life onward Jacob's son, Joseph remembered the Creator. When Potihar's wife tempted Joseph to engage in sexual immorality with her, he firmly refused and stated: "How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9) He Levite Samuel remembered his Creator not only in his childhood, but throughout his life. (1 Samuel 1:22-28; 2:18; 3:1-5) Youthful David of Bethlehem certainly kept his Creator in mind. His trust in God was evident when he faced the Philistine giant Goliath and declared: "You are coming to me with a sword and a spear and with a javelin, but I am coming to you with the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day Jehovah will surrender you into my hand, and I shall certainly strike you down and remove your head off you; . . .and people of all the earth will know that neither with sword not with spear does Jehovah save, because to Jehovah belongs the battle, and he must give you men into our hand." Soon, Goliath was dead, and the Philistines took to flight. -1 Samuel 17:45-51.

Another young person who remembered the Grand Creator was a captive Israelite girl. She gave such a fine witness to the wife of Syrian army chief Naaman that he went to God's prophet, was cured of leprosy, and became a worshiper of Jehovah. (2 Kings 5:1-19) Young King Josiah courageously promoted the pure worship of Jehovah. (2 Kings 22:1-23:25) But the finest example of one who remembered his Grand Creator while still tender of age was Jesus of Nazareth. Consider what happened when he was 12 years old. His parents took him to Jerusalem for the Passover. On the return trip, they noted that Jesus was missing; so they turned back to search for him. On the third day, they found him discussing Scriptural questions with teachers at the temple. Responding to his mother's anxious inquiry, Jesus asked: "Why did you have to go looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?" (Luke 2:49) It was beneficial for Jesus to obtain information of spiritual value at the temple, 'the house of his Father.' Today, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses is an excellent place to acquire accurate Knowledge of our Grand Creator.

Next time: Remember Jehovah Now!

Watchtower, 1999

REMEMBER YOUR GRAND CREATOR!

JEHOVAH gives his servants strength to do his will. (Isaiah 40:28-31) This is true regardless of their age. But young people dedicated to God should especially want to use their youth and strength wisely. Therefore, they take to heart the counsel of "the congregator," King Solomon of ancient Israel. He urged: "Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of you young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: 'I have no delight in them. ' " -Ecclesiastes 1:1; 2:1.

Solomon's admonition about remembering the Grand Creator during youth was first directed to young men and women of Israel. They were born into a nation dedicated to Jehovah. What about the children of dedicated Christians today? Surely, they should bear their Grand Creator in mind. If they do so, they will honor him and will benefit themselves. -Isaiah 48:17, 18.

Next time: Fine Examples From the Past

Watchtower, 1999