Remain No Part of the World

You undoubtedly look forward to the wonderful new world promised by our heavenly Father.  How, then, do you view the world of unrighteous human society alienated from God?  Satan,  "the ruler of the world," had no hold on Jesus Christ.  (John 12:31; 14:30)  You surely do not want the Devil and his world to have a hold on you, so take to heart the apostle John's  words: "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world."  That is the wise course, for "the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever." -1 John 2:15-17. 

Are you helping your children to 'keep themselves without spot from the world"?  (James 1:27) Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish. Various  clubs and other organizations are designed  to make young people fit in with Satan's world.  But Jehovah's  servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked  system of things.  So Christian youths should be encouraged to have "plenty to do in the work of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)  Godly parents need to assist their children to set goals that will give them a happy and rewarding life that houses God and helps them to be ready for Jehovah's day. 

Next time: Look Beyond Jehovah's Great Day

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

Your Relationship With Others

Since Jehovah's day is imminent, do you need to make a greater effort to "put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty"?  (Ephesians 4:20-24)  As you cultivate godly  qualities, others are likely to see that you are "walking in God's spirit' and displaying its fruitage.  (Galatians 5:16, 22-25) Can you point to  specific actions showing that you and your family  have put on the new personality? (Colossians 3:9, 10) For instance, are you know for deeds of kindness to fellow believers and others?  (Galatians 6:10) A regular study of the Scriptures will assist you in developing godly qualities that will prepare you for Jehovah's day. 

What if you have a quick temper and realize that you need some more self-control?  That quality is part of the fruitage that God's holy spirit can produce within you.  Therefore, pray for holy spirit, in line with Jesus' words:  "Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. . . .If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!" -Luke 11:9-13/

Suppose that strained relations exist between you and a certain fellow believer. In that case, make every effort  to repair the breach, thus promoting the peace and unity of the congregation.  (Psalm 133:1-3)  Apply the counsel of Jesus as recorded at Matthew 5:2, 24. or Matthew 18:15-17.  If you have been letting the sun set while you are still in a provoked state, be quick to correct  matters. Often all that is needed is a willingness to forgive.  Paul wrote:  "Become kind to one another, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you." -Ephesians 4:25,  26, 32. 

The marital relationship calls for tender compassion and, at times, forgiveness. If you need to be more loving and compassionate toward your spouse, work to attain this objective with the help of God and his Word.  Is something needed on your part  to comply with 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 so as to lessen stress and avoid unfaithfulness?  Surely this is an area of life that calls upon a husband or a wife  to be "tenderly compassionate."

What if you have sinned seriously in some way?  Take remedial steps, as soon as possible. By all means, seek the assistance of Christian elders.  Their prayers and counsel  will help restore you to spiritual health.  (James 5:13-16) Pray to Jehovah with a repentant attitude.  Failure to do so would leave you with a sense of guilt and a troubled conscience. David had that experience but how good it was to get the relief that came with confession to Jehovah!  David wrote:  "Happy is the one who revolt is pardoned, whose sin is covered.  Happy is the man to whose account Jehovah does not put error, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."  (Psalm 32:1-5)  Jehovah forgives  those who sin but are genuinely repentant. -Psalm 103:8-14; Proverbs 28:13.

Next time: Remain No Part of the World

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

Should You Make Some Changes?

If Jehovah's day comes tomorrow, will you be ready for it?  each of us would do well to examine his or her life to see if any actions or attitudes need to be adjusted.  In view of the brevity and uncertainty of present human life, every one of us needs to be spiritually alert each day.  (Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12; James 4:1-15)  So let us consider some factors that may require attention in our lives.  

One key factor is the admonition of 'the faithful slave' to read the Bible daily.  (Matthew 24:45)  You might make it your goal to read the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation meditatively once every year.  By reading about four chapters a day, you can read the Bible's 1,189 chapters in one year. Each king of Israel was to read Jehovah's Law "all the days of his life."  Evidently, Joshua did something similar.  (Deuteronomy 17:14-20; Joshua 1:7, 8) How important it is that spiritual shepherds read God's Word daily, for this helps them to impart healthful teaching"! -Titus 2:1. 

The nearness of Jehovah's day should move you to attend  Christian meetings regularly and participate in them as fully as possible.  (Hebrews 10:24, 25)  Doing so will help you to hone your skills as Kingdom proclaimer who seeks to find and  help those rightly disposed for everlasting life. (Acts 13:48) Perhaps you could be more active in the congregation in other ways too, such as by helping the elderly and encouraging the young. How satisfying these efforts can be!  

Next time: Your Relationship With Others

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007 

Conclusion of Prove Yourself Ready

Jesus delighted to do Jehovah's will. (Psalm 40:8)  If we have the same attitude, we will find joy in rendering sacred service to God.  Like Jesus,we will be unselfish givers, and this will make us truly happy.  (Acts 20:5) Yes, "the joy of Jehovah is [our] stronghold."  With it, we will be better prepared for God's great day. -Nehemiah 8:10.

Fervent prayer to God helped to prepare Jesus for tests of faith. He was praying when John baptized him.  Jesus prayed for an entire night when he chose his apostles.  (Luke 6:12-16) And what Bible reader is not impressed with Jesus' heartfelt prayers on the last night of his earthly life? (Mark 14:2-42; John  17:1-26) Are you a person of prayer, as Jesus was? Approach Jehovah often, linger in prayer, seek the direction of the holy spirit, and be quick to accept that direction when it becomes evident. A strong relationship with our heavenly father is vital at this critical time when God's great day is approaching rapidly.  By all means, then, draw ever closer to Jehovah in prayer. -James 4:8. 

Concern about the sanctification of Jehovah's holy name also helped Jesus to be prepared for the trials he faced.  In fact, he taught his followers that their prayers to God should include the request:  "Let your name be sanctified."  (Matthew 6:9) If we deeply desire that Jehovah's name be sanctified, or held sacred, we will strive to avoid doing anything that would bring reproach upon it.  As a result, we will be better prepared for the great day of Jehovah.  

Next time: Should You Make Some Changes?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

Prove Yourself Ready

In his prophecy regarding the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus Christ said to his disciples:  "Prove yourselves ready."  (Matthew 24:44) When Jesus made that statement, he himself was ready for a great test-his death as a ransom sacrifice.  (Matthew 20:28) What can we learn from the way Jesus had prepared himself?

Jesus had wholehearted love for Jehovah and for His righteous standards.  Concerning Jesus, Hebrews 1:9 states:  "You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness.  That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners." Because he loved his heavenly Father,m Jesus maintained integrity to him.  If we have similar love for God and live up to his requirements, he will safeguard us.  (Psalm 31:23)  Such love and obedience will help us to be ready for the great day of Jehovah.  

Love for people was a notable feature of Jesus' personality. Indeed, "he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and  thrown about like sheep  without a shepherd."  (Matthew 9:36) Consequently, Jesus preached the good news to the people, just as love motivates us to proclaim the Kingdom message for our neighbors. Love for God and for our neighbor keeps us active as Christian ministers and thus helps to prepare us for the great day of Jehovah. -Matthew 22:37-39. 

Next time: Conclusion of: Prove Yourself Ready

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

ARE YOU READY FOR JEHOVAH'S DAY?

"The great day of Jehovah is near.  It is near, and there is a hurrying of it very much." -Zephaniah 1:14. 


JEHOVAH'S great day is not 24 hours long.  It is an extended period during which divine judgment is executed upon the wicked.  The ungodly have reason to dread that day of darkness, fury, burning anger, distress, and desolation.  (Isaiah 13:9; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:15) "Alas for the day," says Joel's prophecy, "because the day of Jehovah is near, and like a despoiling from the Almighty One it will come!" (Joel 1:15)  On that great day, however, God will be the Savior of those "upright in heart." -Psalm 7:10. 

The expression "day of Jehovah" applies to the execution of divine judgment at various times.  For instance, "a day of Jehovah" came upon Jerusalem's residents at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E. (Zephaniah 1:4-7)  A comparable execution of God's judgment occurred in 70 C.E. when God used the Romans to execute his judgment upon the Jewish nation that rejected his Son.  (Daniel 9:24-27; John 19:15) The Bible also foretells a  "day of Jehovah" when he will 'war against all the nations.' (Zechariah 14:1-3)  Under inspiration, the apostle Paul associated that day with Christ's presence, which began in 1914.  (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2)  With  the day of Jehovah looming on the horizon, the year text of Jehovah's Witnesses for 2007 has been especially appropriate. Taken from Zephaniah 1:14, it reads:  "The great day of Jehovah is near." 

Since God's great day is near, now is the time to prove yourself ready.  How can you prepare for that day? Do you need to take additional steps to get ready for Jehovah's day? 

Next time: Prove Yourself Ready

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

DO YOU HAVE A SPIRITUAL MENTOR?

AT the tender age of 16, Uzziah became king of the southern kingdom of Judah.  He reigned for over 50 years, from the late ninth to the early eighth century B.C.E. From a young age, Uzziah "kept doing what was right in Jehovah's eyes." What influenced  him to take an  upright  course?  The historical record states:  "[Uzziah] continually tended to search for God in the days of Zechariah, the instructor in the fear of the true God; and, in the days of his searching for Jehovah, the true God made him prosperous." -2 Chronicles 26:1, 4, 5.

Not much is known about Zechariah, the adviser to the king, apart from this account in the Bible.  Yet, as "the instructor in the fear of the true God," Zechariah  exercised a fine influence  on the young ruler to do what was right. The Expositor's Bible observes that Zechariah was obviously  "a man versed in sacred learning, rich in spiritual  experience, and able to communicate his knowledge.  "One Bible scholar concluded about Zechariah:   "He was well versed in prophecy and  . . .was an intelligent, devout, good man; and it seems, had great influence with Uzziah."

Uzziah's faithful course brought him many blessings, and he "displayed strength  to an extraordinary degree" because "the true God continued to help him."  Yes, success in his secular efforts  followed his spiritual success "in the days of Zechariah."  (2 Chronicles 26:6-8) After Uzziah became successful, he left the teachings of Zechariah, his mentor. *Uzziah's  "heart became haughty even to the point of causing ruin so that he acted unfaithfully  against Jehovah."  As a result of a particularly irreverent act, he was struck with a loathsome skin disease, which incapacitated him, so that he could no longer serve as king in the fullest sense. -2 Chronicles 26:16-21.

Do you have someone who might be called an instructor, a mentor, who influences you "to search for God"?  this can be so whether you are young or past  the days of your youth, whether you are male or female. Treasure such a mentor, for his or her admonition can help you to keep doing what is right in Jehovah's eyes. Listen to this mature Christian, and seriously consider the advice he gives. May you never turn aside from the wise words of such an "instructor in the fear of the true God." -Proverbs 1:5; 12:15; 19:20. 

Next time: ARE YOU READY FOR JEHOVAH'S DAY?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007  

CAN A PAGAN HOLIDAY BE MADE Christian?

DURING the winter of 2004, the Christmas season in Italy was marked by a lively debate.  Some educators and teachers supported the idea of reducing to a minimum or even completely eliminating an reference to religious Christmas traditions. They advocated  this out of respect for the increasing number of school children who are neither Catholic nor Protestant.  However, others in scholastic circles and elsewhere demanded that the traditions be respected and fully preserved.   Aside from this controversy, though, just what are the origins of many of the Christmas traditions?  As the debate was reaching a climax, the Vatican newspaper  L'Osservatore Romano made some interesting observations.

Regarding the date when Christmas is celebrated, the Catholic newspaper said: "The real date of Jesus' birth, from the historical viewpoint, lies concealed beneath a veil of uncertainty as regards Roman history, the imperial census of that time and research in the subsequent centuries.  .  . .The date of 25th of December, as is well known, was chosen by the Church of Rome  in the fourth century.  This date in pagan Rome was dedicated to the Sun god .  .  .Although Christianity had already  been affirmed in Rome by an Edict of Constantine, the myth of . . .the Sun god was still widespread, especially among soldiers.  The above-mentioned festivities, centered on 25 December, were deeply rooted in popular tradition.  This gave the Church of Rome the idea of impressing a Christian religious significance on the day by replacing the Sun god with the true Sun of Justice, Jesus Christ., choosing it as the day on which to celebrate his birth."

What about the Christmas tree, which is now part of the Catholic  tradition? The article in the Catholic newspaper pointed out that back in ancient times, many evergreens, such as "holly, butchers broom, laurel and branches of pine or fir were considered to have magical or medicinal powers  that would ward off illness."  It went on to say:  "On Christmas Eve 24 December, Adam and Eve would be commemorated with the highly popular episode of the Tree of the earthly Paradise . . .The tree ought to have  been an apple tree, but since an apple tree would have been inappropriate in winter, a fir tree was set on the stage and some apples put on the branches or, to symbolize  the future coming of Redemption, wafers prepared with crushed biscuits in special molds that were symbols of the Eucharistic presence of Jesus as well as sweets and gifts for children." What about after that time? 

Mentioning that the tradition of using a Christmas tree first started in Germany int eh 16th century, L'Osservatore Romano noted:  "Italy was one of the last countries to accept the Christmas tree, partly  because of a rather widespread rumor that the use of Christmas trees was a Protestant practice and should thus be replaced by the crib [the Nativity scene].'  Pope Paul VI "began the tradition of setting up [in St.Peter's Square, Rome] a massive Christmas tree" near the Nativity scene.

Do you find it acceptable that a religious leader would give a seemingly  Christian meaning to events and symbols whose roots go back to ancient paganism?  (No, I don't)  As to the proper course, the Scriptures admonish true Christians:  "What fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have?  Or what sharing does light have with darkness?" -2 Corinthians 6:14-17. 

Next time: DO YOU HAVE A SPIRITUAL MENTOR?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

Enjoy a Compassionate Atmosphere

The worldwide Christian congregation has proved to be a haven of peace and comfort where compassion and kindness are shown. True Christians realize that compassion attracts, while ruthlessness repels.  Thus, as they try to imitate their heavenly Father, they strive to be "tenderly compassionate" in practical ways.  

Jehovah's Witnesses warmly invite you to experience the compassionate, loving, caring atmosphere that permeates their Christian community.  They are certain that you will find  that environment welcoming and appealing. -Romans 15:7. 

Next time: CAN A PAGAN HOLIDAY BE MADE Christian?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007

Conclusion of: Compassion-Sympathy in Action

True Christians are also concerned about the needs of strangers.  They gladly give of their time, energy, and means to serve people they do not know. Jehovah's Witnesses made up the volunteers described in the preceding article who helped total strangers. 

The Christian congregation is thus infused with an atmosphere of compassion and loving-kindness. Motivated by love, members of the congregation  are energized to find ways to serve. Because of various personal problems, orphans and widows in the congregation may need your concern and empathy. Could you help such ones to cope with poverty, limited medical care, lace of adequate housing, or other personal difficulties?

Consider a couple in Greece.  The husband suffered a stroke. He and his wife were taken to a hospital hundreds of miles away.  Their meager income, however depended on their orange grove being harvested.  Who would do that while they were away at the hospital?  The local congregation took action.  They harvested and sold the oranges, providing a source of income for the  needy couple, as well as giving them peace of mind.

Compassion can be shown in many ways.  For instance, compassionate Christians realize that at times the main thing some afflicted ones need is kindly  visits from people who will listen with a sympathetic ear, show empathy, and provide Scriptural comfort.  -Romans 12:15. 

Next time: Enjoy a Compassionate Atmosphere

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007