The Watchtower — June 1, 1970

Putting Others Ahead of Oneself

“ME FIRST. I come first.” This is a common attitude in the world today, even though it may not be expressed in just those words. From youth on, many persons are urged to outdo others, to project themselves ahead of the other fellow. Frequently persons are even taught that they are superior to others.

But consider: Which person is more desirable, making the better companion​—the one who always seeks to be first and insists on his own way? Or the person who is considerate and who puts others ahead of himself?

Common experiences can help one to analyze the matter. Two persons, for example, may approach a door at almost the same time. One brusquely pushes through the door ahead of the other person. How do you feel toward the one who thus puts himself ahead? Your estimation of him is usually lowered, is that not so? Without a doubt the person who is considerate and is inclined to put others ahead of himself is the preferred companion.

We can also make it a habit to put others ahead of ourselves in our daily conversation. Not all persons do. Some frequently butt in when others are speaking, and endeavor to control the conversation. How much more desirable, though, is the person who, instead of pressing to be heard, welcomes, even asks for, the observations of others, and listens attentively to what they have to say.

Another opportunity to put others ahead of ourselves is sometimes afforded at public assemblies where there are limited seats, or limited desirable seats. How fine it is to see a person put ahead of himself an older person by offering him his seat!

Christians are motivated to treat one another with such consideration, putting others ahead of themselves, because of the fine admonition received in God’s Word. Love “does not look for its own interests,” they are reminded. And the Bible gives the fine counsel: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.”​—1 Cor. 13:5; 10:24.

This does not mean, however, that a Christian neglects or fails to take care of his own interests. There are personal interests that it is necessary that he take care of. For example, his own spiritual interests and, if he is married, the spiritual interests of his family. These should be cared for.​—Matt. 5:3.

At the same time, though, one following the Bible principle of ‘seeking the advantage of the other person’ will be inclined to put others ahead of himself. This attitude can be demonstrated in the family. For example, the husband may desire to go one place for a vacation, and his wife may have another preference. Due to his position as head, the husband can always insist on making the decision that pleases himself. (1 Cor. 11:3) On the other hand, he can lovingly put his wife’s interests ahead of his own, doing what she prefers on occasions. And what a fine response this can stimulate in her!

Similarly, when no difficulties are foreseen or no Bible principles are violated, the Christian overseer can win the love and support of his Christian brothers by putting their preferences and wishes ahead of his own. He does not have to be first all the time, or to have his own way. Jesus Christ, the chief overseer under God, impressed upon his followers the matter of humility, even washing their feet, thus putting them ahead of himself.​—John 13:5.

This humble attitude of mind is wisely shown by Christians today. It was demonstrated by a mature Christian overseer of Jehovah’s witnesses who was attending a social gathering. Because of his position it was expected that he would sit at the head of the table. However, he quietly asked another to do so, a dedicated Christian who was older in years than himself, and before this one could object, he took another seat at the table. (Lev. 19:32) What a fine effect this act of putting another before himself had on ones who observed! Of course, at times it would be appropriate for an overseer to accept the invitation to take the prominent or first place.

Christian overseers and all who desire to win the friendship of God can benefit from the example set on one occasion by the prominent patriarch Abraham. Circumstances arose that necessitated that he and his younger nephew Lot separate, each taking with him his large flocks. Notice how Abraham handled the situation. He said to Lot: “If you go to the left, then I will go to the right; but if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”​—Gen. 13:9.

Abraham, as the elder and head, was logically the one to have preference, to receive first choice of the land. But no, he did not put his own wishes first. Rather, he gave precedence to a subordinate. What a fine example of humility, of consideration for others!

Although it is common in the world to push ahead and try to be first, clearly it is more desirable when persons are inclined to put others ahead of themselves. Rather than being a sign of weakness, this is an evidence of true humility. It is imitating the example of Jesus Christ, Abraham and other God-fearing persons. We will realize fine benefits by making it a habit to put others ahead of ourselves.

Do You Have “Faith to the Preserving Alive of the Soul”?

“Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.”​—Heb. 10:39.

1. Why do Christians believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

TERTULLIAN, who was converted to Christianity toward the end of the second century of our Common Era, once wrote concerning Jesus Christ: “Buried, He was raised from the dead; this is certain because it is impossible.” Judged by human abilities, Christ’s resurrection is just that​—“impossible.” Yet, the Holy Scriptures assure us that it is a fact. For instance, they record these words of the Christian apostle Peter concerning “Jesus the Nazarene”: “God resurrected him by loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to continue to be held fast by it.” (Acts 2:22-24) Early disciples of Christ actually saw the resurrected Jesus, some of them even eating, drinking and holding conversations with him. (Matt. 28:5-10, 16-20; Acts 10:40, 41; 1 Cor. 15:3-8) Christians today believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ because it is a matter of record in the inspired Word of God. Furthermore, they discern from the fulfillment of Bible prophecies in current events that Jesus Christ lives and is now ruling in the heavenly kingdom of God.​—2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Matthew chapters 24, 25.

2. How important is faith?

² Faith is required of God’s servants. Jesus Christ said: “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22) The Hebrew prophet Habakkuk quoted Jehovah himself as saying: “But as for the righteous one, by his faithfulness he will keep living.” (Hab. 2:2, 4) We are assured that “he that exercises faith in the Son [of God, Jesus Christ] has everlasting life.” (John 3:36) So, all persons desiring divine favor and eternal life must display true faith.

3. What is faith?

³ Tertullian’s statement about the resurrection of Jesus Christ has been cited as exemplifying the “most extreme form” of faith. But, what is faith? It has been defined as “the state of mind which treats a certain proposition as true, independently of whether its truth is completely demonstrated.” (The Encyclopedia Americana, 1956 Ed., Vol. X, p. 723) The apostle Paul, who became a Christian after the resurrected, glorified Jesus Christ miraculously appeared to him (Acts 9:1-19), gave this divinely inspired definition of faith: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” By their faith “men of old times had witness borne to them” that they had pleased Jehovah.​—Heb. 11:1, 2.

4. What caused Abel to have an “assured expectation” that God’s words about the ‘seed of the woman’ would come true?

⁴ Scriptural faith is a well-based expectation, not an unfounded hope. Abel, the second son of the first human pair, Adam and Eve, displayed faith. Abel realized that what God had said about death’s resulting from the disobedient eating of fruit from the “tree of the knowledge of good and bad” was proving true. (Gen. 2:16, 17) He could discern the inherited death-dealing effects of sin in himself. (Rom. 5:12) He also observed the fulfillment of God’s decree that brought laborious toil to his disobedient father, Adam. Then, too, in keeping with Jehovah’s sentence upon Eve, she was experiencing increased pain during pregnancy. (Gen. 3:16-19) These facts proved God’s truthfulness and gave Abel conviction, the “assured expectation,” that other things God had said would come true, such as the prophetic words that Jehovah directed to the Devil, when God was speaking to the serpent used by that wicked one to bring about human sin: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”​—Gen. 3:15.

5. (a) How did Abel display his faith in the coming of the Seed of God’s “woman”? (b) In what way did God bear witness respecting Abel’s gifts?

⁵ Abel displayed his faith in the coming of that Seed of God’s “woman” by offering to Jehovah an animal sacrifice that could substitute pictorially for his own life. His elder brother, faithless Cain, offered only bloodless vegetables. Cain thereafter spilled his brother’s blood as a murderer, but Abel died knowing he had pleased Jehovah, “God bearing witness respecting his gifts” by accepting the sacrifice Abel had offered in faith. (Heb. 11:4; Gen. 4:1-8) Is your faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ comparable to the faith that found expression in Abel’s sacrifice?

6. Explain how faith is “the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.”

⁶ Faith is also “the evident demonstration of realities though [these realities are] not beheld.” For instance, the existence of created things​—the sun, moon, stars and the earth itself—​makes it apparent to Christians that there is a Creator, that such One is real, even though he cannot be seen with human eyes because he is an invisible Spirit. (John 4:24; Rom. 1:20-23) Hence, Christians have evidence that God exists, and by faith they “perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is beheld came to be out of things that do not appear.”​—Heb. 11:3.

FAITH PRESERVES ALIVE THE SOUL

7. What is the soul, and what can happen to it?

⁷ Before defining faith, Paul had declared concerning Christians: “Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.” (Heb. 10:39) But what is the soul that can be preserved alive by having faith? You yourself are a living soul. The Scriptures state: “Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7) It is not said here or elsewhere in the Bible that man has an immortal soul capable of continued existence after the death of the body. In fact, Jehovah declared through his prophet Ezekiel: “The soul that is sinning​—it itself will die.” (Ezek. 18:4) That excludes no imperfect human, “for there is no man that does not sin,” and “if we make the statement: ‘We have no sin,’ we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us.”​—1 Ki. 8:46; 1 John 1:8.

8. What prospects as to life are there for Jehovah’s faithful servants now long dead and for those displaying faith today?

⁸ Yet, Jehovah’s faithful servants now long dead in earth’s dust are living from God’s standpoint. He will resurrect them from the dead, using his Son Jesus Christ to restore them to life as living souls. (John 5:28, 29) Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are of their number. (Luke 20:37, 38) By works of faith a person today can be like them. And since events in fulfillment of Bible prophecy show we are living in the “last days” of this system of things, it is now possible to display faith that will preserve your soul alive eternally. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Other past examples of faith in God will aid you to cultivate “faith to the preserving alive of the soul.”

FAITH IN PATRIARCHAL TIMES

9. How was Enoch “transferred so as not to see death”?

⁹ Like Abel, Enoch, “the seventh man in line from Adam,” manifested faith in Jehovah. Enoch prophesied about God’s execution of judgment upon the ungodly. (Jude 14, 15) How his words must have plagued Enoch’s religious foes! Doubtless they even sought to kill him for proclaiming Jehovah’s judgment. But God “took him” so that Enoch did not experience the pangs of death. (Gen. 5:24) Enoch was thus “transferred so as not to see death,” but first “he had the witness that he had pleased God well.” (Heb. 11:5) How so? The Greek word rendered “transferred” at Hebrews 11:5 means “transfer,” “transport” or “change the place of” and is suggestive of what happened to Paul. He was transferred or caught up to the “third heaven” miraculously, receiving a vision of the future spiritual paradise of the Christian congregation. (2 Cor. 12:1-4) Enoch, who knew nothing about a spiritual paradise, was apparently in a comparable condition of rapture, having a vision of the coming earthly paradise, when God put him to sleep in death, safe from enemy hands. You have not been divinely granted a vision of the restored paradise on earth. But, if you are a Christian, do you believe it will exist? You should.​—2 Pet. 3:13; Heb. 11:6.

10. By exercising faith, Noah did what as far as the world of his time was concerned?

¹⁰ In faith, Noah “showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household.” By exercising such faith, by performing righteous and obedient works, Noah condemned the unbelieving world for its wicked works and showed that it deserved destruction. (Heb. 11:7; Gen. 6:13-22) But do you personally display faith like Noah’s? Today, as in Noah’s day before the global flood, the masses of humanity eat, drink, marry and carry on the normal pursuits of life heedless of divine purposes. They take no note of the fact that the promised second presence of the Son of man, Jesus Christ, is a reality. But you do not have to be like them. Instead, be watchful spiritually, displaying faith. Your life depends upon it!​—Matt. 24:36-42.

11, 12. Though acquisition of the Promised Land was a grand prospect, what greater thing did Abraham await?

¹¹ Abraham (Abram) also had great faith. His hometown, Ur of the Chaldeans, had much to offer in a material way. But Abraham left Ur and took up residing in tents in the land of Canaan. This he did because he had faith in Jehovah. Abraham heeded God’s command and believed His promise to make him a great nation of blessing to mankind. Jehovah also promised to give to Abraham’s seed or posterity a land. Abraham’s son Isaac and grandson Jacob were “the heirs with him of the very same promise.”​—Heb. 11:9; Gen. 12:1-9; 15:18-21.

¹² Acquisition of that Promised Land was a grand prospect. But in faith Abraham was looking forward to something even greater. “He was awaiting the city having real foundations, the builder and creator of which city is God.” This faithful patriarch awaited a heavenly government, under which he would live in the future. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did not faithlessly abandon their relationship with Jehovah and return to Ur, which would have resulted in the destruction of their souls. So Jehovah “is not ashamed of them, to be called upon as their God.” They maintained faith in God to death, and before long they will be resurrected to life here on earth, part of the domain of that “city” or heavenly government, God’s Messianic kingdom. (Heb. 11:10, 13-16, 20, 21) God is not directing you to take up just the kind of nomadic life Abraham, Isaac and Jacob led. Yet, is your faith strong enough to move you to leave material comforts behind, should an assignment in the Christian ministry require that? Is your faith of such quality that the possible loss of material things at the hands of violent persecutors would not cause you to forsake Jehovah?

13. Because of her faith, what happened in Sarah’s case?

¹³ Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful men of old times had wives who also maintained faith in Jehovah. Consider Abraham’s wife Sarah, for instance. Though she was barren until she was about ninety years old and “past the age limit,” her menstrual cycle having ceased, by faith she “received power to conceive seed, . . . since she esteemed him [God] faithful who had promised.” From Abraham, himself “as good as dead” as far as the reproductive function was concerned, offspring resulted. She gave birth to Isaac, and through him were produced children eventually “just as the stars of heaven for multitude and as the sands that are by the seaside, innumerable.”​—Heb. 11:11, 12; Gen. 17:15-17; 18:11; 21:1-7.

14. What enabled Abraham nearly to offer up Isaac?

¹⁴ Abraham was tested so that he “as good as offered up Isaac,” his “only-begotten son,” that is, the only son he ever had by Sarah. (Heb. 11:17, 18) What made it possible for Abraham to do this? Faith in Jehovah. Interestingly, though resurrection of the dead is not mentioned in the Genesis account, Abraham had knowledge of it and faith that Jehovah could resurrect Isaac, the apostle Paul stating: “But he reckoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead; and from there he did receive him also in an illustrative way.” (Heb. 11:19) In but a moment the slaughtering knife in Abraham’s hand would have brought an end to Isaac’s life, but an angel’s voice prevented this, so that, in effect, Abraham received his son out of death.​—Gen. 22:1-19.

15. In what did Joseph express faith when nearing death?

¹⁵ Many years later, in Egypt, Jacob’s son Joseph said to his brothers: “I am dying; but God will without fail turn his attention to you, and he will certainly bring you up out of this land to the land about which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” (Gen. 50:24-26) Joseph had faith that there would be an exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, thus mentioning it when nearing his end. (Heb. 11:22) He had an unquestioning faith in Jehovah till death. Do you have comparable faith in God?

FAITH IN JEHOVAH AS A DELIVERER

16, 17. (a) By faith what decision did Moses make? (b) He looked intently toward the payment of what reward?

¹⁶ Moses was the man Jehovah used in 1513 B.C.E. when effecting Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. (Ex. 3:1-10; 12:37, 38) Acting in faith, Moses’ parents had hid him for three months after his birth, finally putting him afloat on the Nile River in an ark of papyrus. This led to his discovery by Pharaoh’s daughter, who “brought him up as her own son,” so that he “was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” He also became “mighty in his words and deeds.” (Ex. 2:1-10; Acts 7:21, 22; Heb. 11:23) But Egyptian education and the materialism of the royal chambers did not turn Moses into a worshiper of Egypt’s many false gods. No indeed! “By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God [the Israelites] rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.” Why? “Because he esteemed the reproach of the Christ [the privilege of being God’s anointed one] as riches greater than the treasures of Egypt.” (Heb. 11:24-26) As a member of the royal household, Moses might have sought fame in Egypt. But if he had done this, he probably would have been forgotten, like scores of Egyptian pharaohs whose principal claim to notoriety is perhaps their ornate tomb, a mere curiosity recovered from earth’s dust by the spade of the archaeologist. Unlike them, Moses is remembered as a man of faith to whom God gave a marvelous privilege.

¹⁷ Moses exercised faith and “looked intently toward the payment of the reward,” eternal human life through resurrection on earth in God’s new order. (Heb. 11:26) In faith, Moses left Egypt and returned years later, there celebrating the first passover with his fellow Israelites and then marching with them out of Egypt. “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land, but on venturing out upon it the Egyptians were swallowed up.” After Moses’ death, faith brought to Israel victory after victory in Canaan, including the conquest of Jericho, where Rahab the harlot was spared because she had received Israelite spies in a peaceable way. (Heb. 11:27-31) Do you have abiding faith in Jehovah and in his power to effect deliverance?

OTHER EXAMPLES OF FAITH

18. Because of their faith, what did Jehovah enable Gideon and Barak to do?

¹⁸ Paul admitted that time would fail him if he discussed other examples of faith (Heb. 11:32), such as that of Gideon, who, by Jehovah’s power and with a band of only three hundred men, put the oppressive Midianites to flight and crushed their military power. (Judges chapter 7) And what about Barak, who was encouraged by the prophetess Deborah? In faith, he met Sisera’s far-superior military force, and Jehovah gave Barak the victory, celebrated in the moving song of Deborah and Barak.​—Judges chapters 4, 5.

19. What was Samson’s last act of faith?

¹⁹ Then, too, there was Samson, mighty foe of the Philistines. Though he finally became their blinded captive, he brought destruction to many of them at the time of his own death, by pulling down the pillars of the house where they had assembled to sacrifice to the false god Dagon. But Samson was no cowering, morbid-minded suicide. He did not cause the collapse of the house in despair, wishing thereby to end a miserable life and thinking he was a complete failure. No. It took faith for him to petition God for sufficient strength to wreak vengeance upon the assembled Philistines, enemies of Jehovah and His people.​—Judg. 16:18-30.

20, 21. (a) How was faith displayed by Jephthah and his daughter? (b) Cite other pre-Christian examples of faith.

²⁰ Jephthah, to whom Jehovah granted victory over the oppressive Ammonites, also displayed great faith. For example, he did so when he fulfilled the vow he had made to God, by devoting his daughter to Jehovah’s service as a perpetual virgin. (Judg. 11:29-40) Are you strong in faith like Barak, Deborah, Samson and other pre-Christian witnesses of Jehovah? And, like Jephthah and his daughter, are you faithfully fulfilling your vow to serve God?​—Ps. 50:14; Eccl. 5:4, 5.

²¹ David, with faith in Jehovah, vanquished the Philistine giant Goliath and went on to become a valiant warrior-king fighting in the interests of Jehovah’s people. Due to his faith, he was a man agreeable to God’s heart. (1 Sam. 17:4, 45-51; Acts 13:22) Samuel served Jehovah from childhood, never abandoning his faith in God. (1 Sam. 1:19-28; 7:15-17) Of course, there were other prophets who displayed great faith in Jehovah. Referring to various deeds of faith, Paul spoke of those “who through faith defeated kingdoms in conflict, effected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, stayed the force of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from a weak state were made powerful, became valiant in war, routed the armies of foreigners.”​—Heb. 11:33, 34.

22. (a) Some pre-Christian witnesses of Jehovah having sought to attain a “better resurrection,” how will it be a “better resurrection”? (b) But how is it that they are not “made perfect” apart from anointed Christians?

²² Faithful Elijah and Elisha were empowered by Jehovah to restore to life the dead sons of two women (1 Ki. 17:17-24; 2 Ki. 4:17-37), and Paul spoke of women who received their dead by resurrection. “But,” he continued, “other men were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom, in order that they might attain a better resurrection.” (Heb. 11:35) It is a “better resurrection” than those effected by God through Elijah and Elisha. Why? Because those revivified individuals had to die once more, whereas faithful pre-Christian witnesses of Jehovah will be resurrected on earth in God’s promised new order and never need to die again. These witnesses, Paul subsequently showed, “although they had witness borne to them through their faith, did not get the fulfillment of the promise, as God foresaw something better for us [anointed followers of Christ], in order that they might not be made perfect apart from us.” (Heb. 11:39, 40) The resurrection of the anointed Christians, who number 144,000, is to spirit life in heaven and it began to occur in 1918 C.E., after the establishment of the heavenly Kingdom in 1914. (Rev. 12:1-5; 14:1, 4; 20:4-6; 1 Cor. 15:50-55) Such Christians are “made perfect” in the heavens prior to the earthly resurrection of faithful pre-Christian witnesses of Jehovah.

23. What are some of the other examples of faith given by Paul?

²³ Recalling other examples of faith these witnesses had furnished, Paul wrote: “Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons. They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn asunder [Isaiah, according to uncertain Jewish tradition, having suffered that death by King Manasseh’s order], they died by slaughter with the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in want, in tribulation, under ill-treatment; . . . They wandered about in deserts and mountains and dens and caves of the earth.” Contemplating their many acts of faith, doubtless you will agree with Paul, who said: “And the world was not worthy of them.”​—Heb. 11:36-38.

24, 25. (a) Did early Christians display faith? (b) Does comparable faith in Jehovah still exist?

²⁴ It is faith-strengthening to consider the faithfulness of this ‘great cloud’ of pre-Christian witnesses of Jehovah. (Heb. 12:1) But early Christians displayed similar faith, as shown in the Christian Greek Scriptures. Also concerning early Christians, it has been stated: “Sometimes they were tortured and thrown to hungry wild beasts in the arena to amuse the populace. But persecution served only to strengthen their faith and to bring many converts to their cause.”​—From the Old World to the New, by Eugene A. Colligan and Maxwell F. Littwin, 1932, pages 90, 91.

²⁵ But such faith in Jehovah God still exists. Jehovah’s witnesses fearlessly display it. (Matt. 10:28) Concerning female Witnesses in Ravensbruck Nazi concentration camp, Miss Genevieve de Gaulle, niece of Charles de Gaulle of France, stated: “All of them showed very great courage and their attitude commanded eventually even the respect of the S.S. They could have been immediately freed if they had renounced their faith. But, on the contrary, they did not cease resistance, even succeeding in introducing books and tracts into the camp, which writings caused several among them to be hanged.” Eugen Kogan wrote in his book The Theory and Practice of Hell: “One cannot escape the impression that, psychologically speaking, the SS was never quite equal to the challenge offered them by Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Page 43) And Professor Ebenstein of Princeton University stated: “The sufferings of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the camps were even worse than those meted out to Jews, pacifists or Communists. Small as the sect is, each member seems to be a fortress which can be destroyed but never taken.”​—The Nazi State.

26. In what will Christian faith result?

²⁶ If you have and maintain similar faith in God, it will bring you everlasting life. The apostle Peter wrote about Christians receiving “the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Pet. 1:9) But you may ask, “What can I do to have a sustaining, healthy faith?” Be assured that with Jehovah’s aid much can be done.

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Is your faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice comparable to the faith that found expression in Abel’s sacrifice?

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In faith Noah built an ark to save his household. Though many today are faithless, do you show faith like Noah’s?

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Abraham showed faith by leaving material comforts behind and living in tents in Canaan

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Do you have faith in Jehovah as a deliverer? Moses did and he experienced deliverance at the Red Sea

Remain “Healthy in Faith”

“Let the aged men be . . . healthy in faith.”​—Titus 2:2.

1. To what might faith be likened? But how much faith is needed by a servant of God?

FAITH, because of its vital relationship to one’s spiritual condition, might be likened somewhat to a trace element, a mineral essential to life. Humans, animals and plants require small amounts of such minerals as cobalt, copper and zinc to maintain normal functions and remain in good health. For instance, cobalt is needed to protect an individual from pernicious anemia. Daily, just one fifteen-millionth of an ounce of vitamin B12, with its cobalt content, makes the difference between health and illness with this blood disease. Less than that amount will not suffice. Similarly, faith (as well as virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godly devotion, brotherly affection and love) is essential to the spiritual health and life of the Christian. (2 Pet. 1:5-7) Of course, having only some faith is not enough. More than a small amount of faith is required by the Christian. True, too much of a certain trace element may produce disease in man and animals. But one can never have too much faith in God. The development and possession of great faith, strong and healthy faith, in Jehovah is vitally important to a servant of God.

2, 3. How can a Christian remain “healthy in faith”?

² The Christian apostle Paul wrote to Titus: “You, however, keep on speaking what things are fitting for healthful teaching. Let the aged men be moderate in habits, serious, sound in mind, healthy in faith, in love, in endurance.” (Titus 2:1, 2) Remaining “healthy in faith” is important not only for aged Christian men but for all Christians, because “without faith it is impossible to please [God] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”​—Heb. 11:6.

³ But, how can a Christian remain “healthy in faith”? Needed factors include: (1) Regular study of God’s Word; (2) perseverance in prayer to Jehovah; (3) customary attendance at Christian meetings; (4) continual performance of godly works that manifest your faith.

YOUR FAITH AND GOD’S WORD

4. Largely by what means is a Christian’s faith developed and maintained?

⁴ The trace elements essential to a person’s continued health and life are usually supplied in sufficient amounts through a balanced diet of physical food. Comparably, faith is a vital element in a Christian’s case that is developed and maintained largely by means of a balanced diet of spiritual food. To the Greeks of Lystra, Paul and Barnabas described the living God as the One “giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer.” (Acts 14:14-17) But Jehovah is also the Provider of spiritual sustenance, Jesus Christ rightly stating: “It is written, ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.’”​—Matt. 4:4; Deut. 8:3.

5, 6. (a) What relation did God’s Word have to Joshua’s faith? (b) How can you augment your faith?

⁵ Jehovah gave the Israelites under Joshua’s direction many victories in the land of Canaan. (Josh. 12:7-24) But Joshua was no military leader who merely quoted Sacred Scripture for effect on some public occasions. He was a student of God’s Word and this helped him to be a man of spiritual bent, a man of faith in Jehovah. He took to heart the God-given counsel: “Only be courageous and very strong to take care to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, in order that you may act wisely everywhere you go. This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.”​—Josh. 1:7, 8.

⁶ “Day and night” consideration of divine requirements and instructions was imperative in Joshua’s case. Hence, should you not arrange your affairs to read and study God’s Word regularly? Surely you should. If you do this and apply the Scriptures in life, you will be augmenting your faith. Then you, too, will “act wisely everywhere you go.” Furthermore, your spiritual health and life depend on study and application of the Scriptures. Fittingly, Paul admonished Timothy: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.”​—2 Tim. 1:13.

YOUR FAITH AND PRAYER

7. What did David do when beset by persecutors, and why did he do so?

⁷ David was a man of faith, but he did not try to stand alone. He regularly turned to Jehovah in prayer. When persecuted, David did not seek to foil his foes by mere ingenuity, or try to cope with them solely by a display of human might. Instead, he looked to Jehovah for help. For instance, in one psalm, he expressed himself in this way: “I called to you, O Jehovah, for aid. I said: ‘You are my refuge, my share in the land of the living ones.’ Do pay attention to my entreating cry, for I have become very much impoverished. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I am. Do bring my soul out of the very dungeon to laud your name.” (Ps. 142:5-7) David prayed for Jehovah’s aid, seeking deliverance, not for selfish reasons, but so that he might laud God’s name. Jehovah hears such prayers of persons dedicated to him. How necessary it is, then, that modern-day servants of God “persevere in prayer.”​—Rom. 12:12.

8. (a) Is faith a suitable subject of Christian prayer? (b) What can you do, even if you cannot literally reach out and help persecuted fellow believers?

⁸ Faith is a suitable subject of Christian prayer. It is a fruit of God’s spirit, and Christians can properly petition Jehovah for his spirit as manifested in faith. (Luke 11:13; Gal. 5:22) The apostles said to the Lord Jesus Christ: “Give us more faith.” (Luke 17:5) They recognized their need for greater faith. Their request can well be included, in substance, in the earnest prayers of Christians today. They can also suitably pray that their fellow servants of Jehovah maintain healthy and lasting faith. Fellow believers in a distant place may be suffering intense persecution, being severely tested in faith. You cannot literally reach out and help them. But you can aid them by praying that their faith may not give out. Jesus did so in behalf of Simon Peter, as revealed in his words: “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has demanded to have you men to sift you as wheat. But I have made supplication for you that your faith may not give out; and you, when once you have returned, strengthen your brothers.”​—Luke 22:31, 32.

9. Besides praying for fellow worshipers of God, what can you do to aid them to remain strong in faith?

⁹ Jesus Christ’s words, just quoted, suggest that, in addition to praying that fellow believers may have enduring faith, one should give them encouragement, if possible, thus seeking to strengthen them spiritually. Paul yearned for association with his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome, telling them: “I am longing to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you in order for you to be made firm; or, rather, that there may be an interchange of encouragement among you, by each one through the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Rom. 1:11, 12) Hence, each Christian can pray that his fellow worshipers of God may be strengthened by Jehovah to remain strong in faith. Moreover, he can build them up spiritually through conversation that manifests his own faith. Presence at Christian meetings affords a splendid opportunity to associate with and encourage fellow believers.

YOUR FAITH AND CHRISTIAN MEETINGS

10. What connection is there between faith and Christian meetings?

¹⁰ Proper nutrition is vitally important to the human body. For one thing, by eating good food regularly, a person assimilates the trace elements that can make the difference between illness and health. Similarly, by regular presence at and participation in Christian meetings and other spiritual banquets that God provides, an individual enhances his faith. He thus pleases God and will have this needed element of faith when confronted with tests of his integrity to Jehovah.

11. Must Christians have unwavering faith?

¹¹ Paul showed that Jesus Christ, by his death in faithfulness, opened the way to heavenly life for his anointed followers. Yet, to gain it, they must “approach with true hearts in the full assurance of faith” and they are admonished to ‘hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering,’ “for he is faithful that promised.” (Heb. 10:19-23) Christians know that the things assured by God in his Word are certainties. They are not like wavering, indecisive ones who receive nothing from Jehovah. (Jas. 1:5-8) They remember that Abraham “did not waver in a lack of faith,” but was “fully convinced that what [God] had promised he was also able to do” in connection with making the aged patriarch the “father of many nations.”​—Rom. 4:16-22.

12, 13. (a) Why is there a great need for Christians to assemble regularly? (b) When early Christians met together, what effect did this have on their faith? (c) Being attentive at gatherings of God’s servants has what other good effect?

¹² At Christian meetings it is possible to make verbal expression, public declaration, of one’s faith and also to aid others. Today, when godless views are rampant, there is a great need for Christians to assemble together regularly to aid each other and prevent their falling away from the faith. Fittingly, Paul wrote: “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.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) When early Christians met together, they built up their faith, Tertullian stating: “We meet to read the books of God . . . with those holy words we feed our faith, we lift up our hope, we confirm our confidence.”​—Apology, XXXIX, 3.

¹³ The Israelites had three spiritually upbuilding national festivals each year. (Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:16) One of these was the festival of booths, at which, every seven years (in the Sabbath year), adults and children alike assembled to listen to the reading of God’s law. (Deut. 31:10-13) Ezra the priest and his assistants read and explained the law of Jehovah at that time of the year (during the seventh Jewish month) on one specially mentioned occasion, doing so before the men, the women and “all intelligent enough to listen.” The result was that the attentive people, who had recently returned from exile in Babylon, rejoiced greatly because they understood. At that time they celebrated a very joyful festival of booths. (Nehemiah chapter 8) Similarly today, Jehovah’s servants who are attentive at Christian meetings and conventions receive at these gatherings much spiritual instruction causing them to rejoice, especially as they apply it in life.

14. Give ways in which Christian meetings aid one to remain “healthy in faith.”

¹⁴ Christian meetings build up faith in Jehovah and aid one to remain “healthy in faith.” They provide encouragement and they strengthen a person spiritually. In ancient Antioch, Syria, Judas and Silas “encouraged the brothers with many a discourse and strengthened them.” (Acts 15:30-32) ‘Faith without hypocrisy’ is engendered at Christian meetings, even as presence at these gatherings must have helped Timothy, his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois to acquire such faith. (2 Tim. 1:5) Largely at Christian meetings is instruction furnished that enables a person to become and stay “healthy in faith,” for at these gatherings the Christian overseer, for example, ‘keeps on speaking things that are fitting for healthful teaching.’​—Titus 2:1; 1:5, 9.

15. What may happen if a person once enlightened with accurate knowledge of the truth deliberately forsakes Christian meetings?

¹⁵ While regular attendance at Christian meetings will help you to remain “healthy in faith,” persistent, deliberate and unnecessary absence from these gatherings weakens faith and may be a step in the direction of loss of faith and even willful sin, unforgivable sin against the holy spirit. (Matt. 12:31, 32) Persons who were once enlightened with accurate knowledge of God’s truth but who sin willfully, disown the Son of God, they trample upon him. Paul said, after urging Christians not to forsake the gathering of themselves together: “For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and there is a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition.” The apostle also stated: “Any man that has disregarded the law of Moses dies without compassion, upon the testimony of two or three. Of how much more severe a punishment, do you think, will the man be counted worthy who has trampled upon the Son of God and who has esteemed as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt?” (Heb. 10:26-29; Deut. 19:15) So, do not run the risk of losing your faith and disowning the Son of God, which results in everlasting destruction. With appreciation, regularly attend Christian meetings, acknowledging their importance in keeping you “healthy in faith.”

YOUR FAITH AND WORKS

16. What relationship is there between faith and works? Illustrate this.

¹⁶ Faith, like muscles of the human body, must be nourished and also exercised, if spiritual atrophy is to be avoided. James strikingly emphasized the necessity of displaying one’s faith by means of godly works. He wrote: “Indeed, as the body without breath is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (Jas. 2:26) These are not works of the Law given by Jehovah to the Israelites, but are activities that show a person possesses faith. (Gal. 2:15, 16) Abraham certainly proved he had faith by his willingness to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham’s faith “worked along with his works and by his works his faith was perfected.” For putting his faith in Jehovah, righteousness was counted to Abraham by God, the patriarch coming to be called “Jehovah’s friend.” Rahab, who hid the Israelite spies, also thus had works to back up her faith and she was declared righteous by those works.​—Jas. 2:18-25; Joshua chapter 2.

17. By what works can you demonstrate that you are “healthy in faith”?

¹⁷ But, by what works can you demonstrate that you are “healthy in faith”? They are numerous. For instance, you display healthy faith when you accept Jehovah’s decisions in matters governed by his laws and principles: When you abide by the words of Isaiah 2:4 about beating swords into plowshares; when you refrain from eating blood or accepting a blood transfusion (Acts 15:28, 29); when you adhere to divine requirements pertaining to sexual morality and other moral behavior (1 Cor. 6:18; Ps. 15:1-5; Heb. 13:18); when you maintain Christian neutrality as far as worldly affairs are concerned (John 17:16)​—in essence, when you accept and adhere willingly to what Jehovah tells you to do in his inspired Word. (Ps. 119:105) You also show that you are “healthy in faith” when you attend and participate in Christian meetings. (Ps. 26:12) And you certainly demonstrate that you have healthy faith when you regularly declare the good news of God’s established heavenly kingdom from house to house and by other means.​—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

18. Is it possible to grow in faith?

¹⁸ Is your belief in God backed up by such works of faith? Can you see possibilities of further developing your faith? Could it be a healthier faith? If so, do not despair. True, the time left for this wicked system of things is greatly reduced (1 Cor. 7:29-31), but there is still a limited period during which to grow in faith before the destruction of this system of things takes place. Your faith will grow the more you cultivate and exercise it.​—2 Thess. 1:3.

19. True faith in Jehovah will cause one to avoid what works?

¹⁹ Just as there are proper works that demonstrate your faith, there are wicked works that true faith in Jehovah will cause you to avoid. These are urgent times. This is certainly not the day to get involved in wrong, wicked works. Nineteen centuries ago, Paul said it was time to awake from sleep, “for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers.” Then he continued: “The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore put off the works belonging to darkness and let us put on the weapons of the light. As in the daytime let us walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts, not in illicit intercourse and loose conduct, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.” (Rom. 13:11-14) Stay far away from the works of the fallen flesh and cultivate the fruitage of God’s spirit, thus remaining “healthy in faith.”​—Gal. 5:19-26.

ARE YOU SHRINKING BACK IN LACK OF FAITH?

20. What is required to maintain one’s standing as a Christian?

²⁰ Constant vigil is required to maintain one’s standing as a Christian witness of Jehovah. A Christian cannot allow himself to shrink back in lack of faith to any degree, for this could eventually lead to willful sin and its dire consequences. Paul appropriately warned: “For we know him that said: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will recompense’; and again: ‘Jehovah will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”​—Heb. 10:30, 31.

21, 22. (a) What hard experiences can Jesus Christ’s followers expect to have? (b) Christians should never let persecution cause them to do what, and why?

²¹ To remain “healthy in faith” it will do you good to recall your first love of God’s truth. How you appreciated your new freedom from false religious and other wrong views! (John 8:32) Never forget that first love. Of course, you can expect opposition, even violent persecution, for Jesus Christ said his followers would experience such things. (Matt. 10:34-36; John 15:18-20) But do not let these experiences destroy your love of God’s truth and your faith in Jehovah. Recall what you have already endured as a Christian, also realizing that tribulation now suffered is temporary. When it is past, you will look back and will see that endurance brought you God’s approval, in which you will rejoice.​—Heb. 10:32-34.

²² Never throw away your Christian freeness of speech about the good news of God’s kingdom because of persecution, for that freeness of speech “has a great reward to be paid it.” Paul also said: “For you have need of endurance, in order that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. For yet ‘a very little while,’ and ‘he who is coming will arrive and will not delay.’” (Heb. 10:35-37) Since the establishment of God’s heavenly kingdom in 1914 C.E. Jesus Christ’s second presence has been a reality! Also, Biblically promised life in Jehovah’s new order will soon be enjoyed by multitudes of persons who have displayed enduring faith in God.​—John 17:3.

23, 24. (a) Why avoid even the slightest shrinking back in lack of faith? (b) What is Jehovah’s attitude toward the righteous person, and toward one who shrinks back?

²³ So, avoid even the slightest shrinking back in lack of faith​—that initial, almost imperceptible shrinking back from Christian privileges and responsibilities. It is especially dangerous because it is so subtle. It may begin, for instance, with occasional unnecessary absence from Christian meetings that eventually leads to habitual absence. So, beware! Salvation will not result from merely associating with a congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses. What is required is heartfelt faith that is exercised. (Rom. 10:10) David said: “The faithful ones Jehovah is safeguarding.” (Ps. 31:23) To have God’s favor and protection and to get everlasting life, Christians must with unfailing endurance run the race for life, having their eyes fixed on the great Exemplar, Jesus Christ, ‘that they may not get tired and give out in their souls.’​—Heb. 12:1-3.

²⁴ Do not shrink back, therefore, but remain “healthy in faith.” Concerning Jehovah’s attitude toward the righteous person and toward one who shrinks back, Paul wrote: “‘But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,’ and, ‘if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.’ Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.”​—Heb. 10:38, 39.

25, 26. (a) What astonishing things will soon occur? (b) So, now is the time to do what about your faith? (c) Unyielding, healthy faith results in one’s receiving what gift?

²⁵ Very soon the world empire of false religion, Babylon the Great, will come to its destructive end. (Rev. 17:16–18:8) Christians do not have long to wait thereafter for the “war of the great day of God the Almighty,” Armageddon, when “the kings of the earth and the top-ranking ones and the military commanders and the rich and the strong ones” and others opposed to God’s kingdom will vainly seek refuge from the “one seated on the throne [Jehovah God] and from the wrath of the Lamb,” Jesus Christ. Wicked ones will then meet crushing defeat in their hopeless encounter with the “King of kings and Lord of lords,” Jesus Christ, who rides the symbolic white horse to certain and eternal victory over them. (Rev. 16:14, 16; 6:15-17; 19:11-21) Next, without delay, will occur the long-awaited abyssing of Satan the Devil and his demons.​—Rev. 20:1-3.

²⁶ Yes, astonishing things will happen in the near future. So, now is the time to take full advantage of opportunities to assure yourself of the essential element of strong faith. Equip yourself for coming tests of faith and be determined to remain “healthy in faith,” despite unfavorable circumstances or hardship. Exult in Jehovah, as did Habakkuk, who said prayerfully: “Although the fig tree itself may not blossom, and there may be no yield on the vines; the work of the olive tree may actually turn out a failure, and the terraces themselves may actually produce no food; the flock may actually be severed from the pen, and there may be no herd in the enclosures; yet, as for me, I will exult in Jehovah himself; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. Jehovah the Sovereign Lord is my vital energy; and he will make my feet like those of the hinds, and upon my high places he will cause me to tread.” (Hab. 3:17-19) Indeed, such unyielding, healthy faith will bring you everlasting life, a gift from the faithful God, Jehovah.​—1 Tim. 6:11, 12; Eph. 2:8; Deut. 32:4.

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Joshua’s success depended on his regularly reading God’s Word. To remain healthy in faith, should you not do the same?

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David showed faith by praying to Jehovah. Do you persevere in prayer?

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Regular attendance at Christian meetings helps one to remain “healthy in faith”

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Since faith without works is dead, one demonstrates healthy faith by declaring the good news from house to house

Public Bible Meetings

THE public Bible-education meetings that Jehovah’s witnesses sponsor play an important role in preaching the good news of God’s established kingdom. In this way thousands have been helped to appreciate God’s purpose for the earth and mankind. Illustrating the value of public meetings is the following experience:

“After my first home Bible study with an interested woman, I described a new series of public Bible lectures that we were having in our Kingdom Hall. I gave her a handbill that listed the titles of those that were scheduled to be delivered in the next several weeks. A few weeks later this interested woman asked me whether Jehovah’s witnesses were as critical toward other religions as people said they were. I suggested in my answer to her that she come to the Kingdom Hall and hear the lecture that was scheduled that week. She came.

“She was so impressed with what she heard that she told me that she was going to sever all connections with her church. I invited her to another talk and told her that each lecture dealt with an interesting and timely subject. She said that, since she was not going to the other church anymore, she would attend, and she did just that.

“For several Sundays she came alone, but then her husband began to come with her. He had been invited before, but he had decided against studying with Jehovah’s witnesses. After his hearing just two lectures he asked his wife to have my husband come and study the Bible with him. Now the two of them never miss a Sunday meeting and they are both progressing well in their home Bible studies.”

Have you ever attended one of these informative Bible lectures? They are free, and no collection is taken. Each week there is a different subject. You will be amazed and delighted at what you will learn in just fifty-five minutes.

The Great Teacher Served Other People

An article specially designed for parents to read with their children

JESUS was always doing things for people. He showed love for them. He said: ‘I came, not to be served, but to serve.’ So, if we want to be like the Great Teacher, we also must do things for others.​—Matt. 20:28.

It is true, many people do not do this. In fact, most people always want others to serve them. At one time even Jesus’ followers felt this way. Each one of them wanted to be the greatest or the most important. This is shown by what happened one day.

Jesus had been traveling with his followers, and now they entered a city near the Sea of Galilee. The Bible tells us: “When [Jesus] was inside the house he put the question to them: ‘What were you arguing over on the road?’ They kept silent, for on the road they had argued among themselves who is greater.”​—Mark 9:33, 34.

Jesus knew that it was not right for them to argue about this. He wanted to correct their wrong thinking, and to help them change. So, one day when they were together, he gave them a lesson that they would never forget. What did he do?

While they were having a meal together, Jesus got up from the table. He took off his outer garments, picked up a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Next he took a basin and put water into it. They all must have wondered what he was going to do.

As they watched, Jesus went around to each one of them, bent down and washed their feet. Then he dried their feet with the towel. Just think of that! His followers felt uncomfortable about having the Great Teacher serve them in this way. In fact, one of them was not going to let Jesus do this lowly service for him. However, Jesus said that it was important for him to do it.​—John 13:2-11.

Why did Jesus wash their feet? Well, in the land where they lived, people wore open sandals on their bare feet or went barefoot. So when they walked on the dirt roads, their feet got covered with brown dust. Therefore, it was a kindness in those days to wash the dusty feet of a person who came in the house to visit. If a home had servants the least important servant did this work of washing the visitor’s feet.

But this time not one of Jesus’ followers offered to wash the feet of the others. So Jesus did it himself. By doing it, Jesus taught his followers an important lesson. They needed to learn this lesson. And it is a lesson that we today need to learn.

What was the lesson? After Jesus put his outer garments back on and took his place at the table again, he explained: ‘Do you understand what I did to you? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you are right. If I, your Teacher and Lord, washed your feet, then you should wash the feet of one another.’​—John 13:12-14.

Here the Great Teacher showed that he wanted his followers to serve one another. They should not think they were so important that others should always serve them. That was the lesson Jesus was teaching!

Jesus did not mean for his followers always to be washing the feet of other people. Rather, he meant that they should be willing to serve others, even though this service were as lowly as washing someone’s feet. He did not want his followers to think only about themselves. He did not want them to be proud or selfish.

Was that not a fine lesson? Will you be like the Great Teacher and serve other people? We can all do little things for others. This will make them happy. But, best of all, it will make Jesus and his Father in heaven happy.

It is not hard to serve other people. If you watch, you will find many things that you can do for other persons. These can be in your home, at school or almost anywhere else.

Think now: Is there anything that you can do to help your mother? You know that she does many things for you and the rest of the family. Can you help her? Why not ask her if you may?

Maybe you can set the table before the family eats. Or maybe you can stack the dirty dishes after the family finishes eating. Some children take the garbage out every day. Whatever it is you can do, it will be serving others, even as Jesus did.

Do you have younger brothers and sisters that you can serve? Remember, Jesus, the Great Teacher, served even his followers. By serving your younger brothers and sisters, you will be copying Jesus. Also, you will be teaching these children to serve others.

What can you do for them? Maybe you can help them to learn to put their toys away when they are finished playing. Or maybe you can help them to get dressed, or help them to get ready for bed. They will come to love you for doing these things, just as Jesus’ followers loved him.

In school, too, you can serve other people. It might be your classmates or your teacher. If someone drops his books, it would be kind of you to help him pick them up. You might offer to clean the blackboard for your teacher, or to do something else for her. Even holding the door open for someone is a kind service.

At times you will find that people will not thank you for serving them. Should this stop you from doing good? No! Many people did not thank Jesus for his good works. But that did not stop him from doing good.

So never hold back from serving other people. Remember the Great Teacher, Jesus. Always try to follow his example.

A New Bible Translation​—Does It Honor God?

RECENTLY a new translation of the Bible was published in English. Called The New English Bible, it was produced under a committee on which were representatives of the major Protestant churches in the British Isles.

One of the main purposes of The New English Bible (NEB) was to make the Bible more easily understood. The Japan Times of March 13, 1970, notes: “It is infinitely easier for contemporary readers to understand than the 359-year-old King James Version, which it will replace in British churches.”

Many Bible passages have been clarified. An example is at Matthew 5:3. There the King James or Authorized Version (AV) said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The new translation is clearer, saying: “How blest are those who know their need of God; the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (NEB) Yet, this clarification is not new. Twenty years ago the New World Translation (NW), now published by the Watchtower Society in a single volume for about one-ninth the price of The New English Bible, said: “Happy are those who are conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.”

However, in other places clarity of understanding in The New English Bible fails noticeably. For instance, at Matthew 11:12 it states: “Ever since the coming of John the Baptist the kingdom of Heaven has been subjected to violence and violent men are seizing it.” But does that rendering agree with the rest of the Bible? Is it not the kingdom of God that is to triumph over the men and nations that are disposed to violence? (Dan. 2:44) Accurately conveying the sense of the original text, the New World Translation reads: “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of the heavens is the goal toward which men press, and those pressing forward are seizing it.”

In a translation designed for easier reading, one would expect all archaic English to have been eliminated. This is not the case with the new translation. Expressions such as “thou” and “thee” and “thy” are retained. Of this the New York Times of March 15, 1970, commented: “Numerous scholars have criticized the continued use of ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ in direct address to the Deity.”

INCONSISTENCIES

The new translation is not consistent in its rendering of Hebrew or Greek words. For example, at Genesis 2:7 it reads: “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Thus the man became a living creature.” The word “creature” was translated from the Hebrew word neʹphesh. This is the Hebrew word for “soul.” The New English Bible uses it that way at Ezekiel 18:4, where it says: “The soul that sins shall die.”

Since at both Genesis 2:7 and Ezekiel 18:4 the Hebrew neʹphesh is used, why does the new translation render it “creature” in one instance and “soul” in the other? Consistency is important. That is why the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures reads at Genesis 2:7: “The man came to be a living soul [neʹphesh].” Thus it becomes apparent that the man himself was a soul and that the soul is not something separate.

Another inconsistency has to do with the Hebrew word shem. In English this is translated “name.” At Proverbs 18:10 the new translation correctly renders shem, saying: “The name [shem] of the LORD is a tower of strength, where the righteous may run for refuge.” Yet, while at Psalm 83:18 the original Hebrew also contains the Hebrew word shem, The New English Bible reads: “So let them learn that thou alone art LORD, God Most High over all the earth.” This eliminates altogether the word “name” (shem). It hides the real sense and force of that scripture. Why, even the King James Version made it clear that there is a name of God involved here.

A NAME INVOLVED

Yes, the Holy Bible makes it very clear that God does have a personal name, just as you have a personal name. Notice a few of many such references. At Genesis 21:33 (NEB) Abraham “invoked the LORD, the everlasting God, by name.” Isaiah 12:4 (NEB) reads: “Give thanks to the LORD and invoke him by name, . . . declare that his name is supreme.”

Jesus said to God in prayer, at John 17:6, 26 (NEB): “I have made thy name known to the men whom thou didst give me out of the world. . . . I made thy name known to them, and will make it known.” The apostle Paul wrote at Romans 10:13 (NEB): “Everyone who invokes the name of the Lord will be saved.”

In the Hebrew part of the Bible God’s name appears almost 7,000 times. It comes from four Hebrew letters, all consonants, יהוה. Since written Hebrew had no vowels, the reader had to supply the vowel sounds. When a superstitious fear against pronouncing the sacred name became prevalent, the correct pronunciation of God’s name in Hebrew remained known to only a few.

What is the pronunciation today? In English, a commonly used pronunciation for the divine name is “Jehovah.”

However, regarding the name “Jehovah,” The Argus of Cape Town, South Africa, said on March 9, 1970: “The man who has been most intimately concerned with the revision [New English Bible], Prof. Sir Godfrey Driver, . . . said: ‘There never was such a word [as Jehovah] until the French scribes invented it in 1520 or whenever it was. It is a monstrosity.’”

But French scribes did not invent the name “Jehovah.” It was in use centuries before, Raymond Martin’s Pugio Fidei using it in the form “Jehova” in the year 1270. Yet, because of such negative attitudes toward this name, the introduction to The New English Bible, on page xvi, states:

“The present translators have retained this incorrect but customary form [Jehovah] in the text of passages where the name is explained with a note on its pronunciation (e.g. Exodus 3.15) and in four place-names of which it forms a constituent element; elsewhere they have followed ancient translators in substituting ‘LORD’ or ‘GOD’, printed as here in capital letters, for the Hebrew name.”

Thus, except for a very few places where “Jehovah” is used, for all practical purposes the new translation eliminates the divine name. In the use of the divine name The New English Bible is no improvement over the centuries-old King James Version! The divine name is used therein so rarely that it is almost lost.

However, although the English word “Jehovah” is rated as a “monstrosity,” it does contain the four basic consonants of the Hebrew tetragrammaton. These consonants were combined with the vowels of the Hebrew word Adonay (Lord) to produce the name Jehovah.

The New English Bible says, as in the footnote on Exodus 3:15, that “Jehovah” is not the correct Hebrew form, stating that “Yahweh” is likely closer. But then, with only a few exceptions, it does not use either one! Truly, the translators show their extreme prejudice against any use of the divine name.

PROPER USE OF THE NAME

In different languages today the pronunciation of Christ’s name Jesus varies, as do other proper names. So too with God’s name Jehovah. Some Bible translations, including Roman Catholic ones, use the name in such forms as Yahweh, Yahve, and others, as well as Jehovah. All are useful, and proper, in identifying who is meant.

The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is published in major languages of the world. It uses the word for the divine name that is common to those languages wherever the original Hebrew text indicates that it should be used. So in English, Psalm 83:18 reads: “That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Thus, God-fearing persons who read the New World Translation will be able to do what Psalm 148:13 says they should do: “Let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high.”

ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD

A new Bible translation may be easier to read than ancient ones. But does it accomplish the purpose for which God had the Bible inspired? That purpose is to teach people about God, who he is and what his purposes are.

Central to this is the name of God. Translators that hide God’s name in the very place where it should be made prominent, in his own Word, fall into a trap. They do just what the enemies of God, including Satan the Devil, want to do​—blot out the name of God. They surely do not honor God.

“Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved,” the Bible declares. (Rom. 10:13; Joel 2:32) But what of those who try to hide God’s name? Psalm 74:10, 22 says: “Will the enemy keep treating your name with disrespect forever? Do arise, O God, do conduct your own case at law. Remember your reproach from the senseless one all day long.” The time for God to call to account those who treat his name with contempt nears.

So while it may be fashionable for prejudiced translators to remove God’s name from a translation of the Bible, they in turn risk having their names excluded from God’s book of life.

A Clergyman Uses the “Truth” Book

◆ Recently a clergyman in Brooklyn, New York, obtained a copy of the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. He was so impressed with the chapter dealing with prayer that he used the book to teach members of his church this chapter in a special meeting. Later he was asked by one of them, “Are you teaching us out of those Jehovah’s witnesses’ books?”

He replied: “It is the truth, isn’t it? When you want Sunday-school literature, you buy it from several sources, don’t you? Well, Jehovah’s witnesses teach the truth. Furthermore, when you see Jehovah’s witnesses with the Watchtower magazine, you ought to buy it, because they print the truth.”

Desiring to Know My Grand Creator

As told by Anna E. Zimmerman

I AM grateful for the sixty-three years since dedication of my life to my Grand Creator. More than fifty-eight of those years have been spent in his full-time service. What a privilege it has been! Yet, I keep reminding myself of the right attitude recommended by Christ Jesus and expressed in the words, “We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.”​—Luke 17:10.

Would you like to know what led me to adopt the life of a full-time minister of the “good news of the kingdom”? Well, I was born in the village of Blue Ball in eastern Pennsylvania in 1895 and grew up in the nearby town, New Holland. It was here in my early childhood, as I often admired the beauty of the starry heavens, that my desire to know more about my Grand Creator began to grow. Like David of old I would marvel at how ‘the heavens declared the glory of God.’ But how could I get to know him better? My parents had no knowledge about God’s purpose. They did not even know if he had a name.​—Ps. 19:1.

SEARCHING TO KNOW

Soon I realized that my father was also in search of the truth about God and his purposes. I would often overhear his remark to mother: “I know we don’t have the truth on the Bible, but I know someone somewhere has it, and I will search until I find it.” He would attend a different church each Sunday, remaining after services to ask questions of the ministers on “hell,” “immortality of the soul,” and “trinity.” On his return mother and I always popped the question, “Did you find the truth?” His reply was always, “No.”

I recall chasing after a lady and her husband who were heading for the railroad station. You see, they had left a tract at our door, and as I handed it to father, he remarked: “They might have the truth.” That was enough for me. Off I went after them, and when I caught up with them I took the lady’s hand and invited them to come back because “Father says you might have the truth on the Bible.” Can you imagine how surprised they were?

I even offered them a free night’s lodging, supper and breakfast. The lady asked my age. I replied: “I am nine years old.” They could hardly be blamed for excusing themselves.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Early the following spring, 1905, a Bible Student applied at father’s office for a job. He received the job and we received the truth. Father brought him home for lunch that day and introduced him to us. How thrilled I was when I heard father say: “At last we have found the truth!” It seems they had been discussing the Bible since seven o’clock that morning. The rest of the day and far into the night I had the joy of sitting in on the discussion. At last we learned that God’s name is Jehovah and that he does have a congregation on the earth.

Soon after, we heard that Charles T. Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Society, was going to tour Canada and the United States, speaking on the striking title “To Hell and Back.” Arrangements were made to include our city of Lancaster in his itinerary. The lecture was widely advertised, even by signs on the front of each streetcar, featuring the unusual title, to the amusement of many. But the Opera House was packed, and so much interest was manifest that soon afterward a congregation was organized.

Relatives, friends and many others were soon interested and dedicating their lives to Jehovah. It was in 1907 that I was baptized in symbol of my dedication. This was at Norfolk, Virginia, where the baptismal talk was given by Pastor Russell.

My next goal was to enter the full-time ministry as a “pioneer” publisher of the “good news.” However, there were still some school years. I redeemed the time by engaging regularly in Bible study. I particularly enjoyed reading The Watch Tower as each issue appeared. Often I would read these aloud to my mother as she prepared fruit and vegetables for canning or did other household chores. What a daily feast we had!

About this time we moved into the city of Lancaster. Here I enjoyed a share in tract distribution. We would rise early Sunday mornings, leave a tract under every door, and get back home in time for lunch and preparation to attend our Bible Study meeting. We often used to pass out tracts when traveling on the trains too. This brought many interesting experiences. The last two of my school vacations I spent calling at the homes of the people with Bible-study aids entitled “Studies in the Scriptures,” clothbound publications that were left at cost with those interested.

FULL-TIME MINISTRY

In January 1912 I entered the full-time ministry as a colporteur, as “pioneer” publishers were then called. It was wonderful to be “always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord”! (1 Cor. 15:58) And this use of one’s life always kept the mind ready for more and more research into the characteristics, the principles and the purposes of the Creator. It seemed that one was really walking and communing with Jehovah. And what a joy to be ‘telling forth the good news of salvation from day to day’!​—Ps. 96:2.

My first assigned territory took in York, Pennsylvania, and a number of other towns. At one place a real problem arose​—nobody home at house after house over a large area. Almost everyone worked at the cigar factories. The solution to the problem lay in approaching the factory managers, and then obtaining permission to speak briefly with each employee. Orders for the three volumes of Studies in the Scriptures were taken. Then the suspense. Would those ordering make good when payday arrived? Happily, most of them did.

In one assignment I unknowingly secured a room in a haunted house. Returning home one evening earlier than expected, and finding that the other occupants were still gone on vacation, I proceeded to my room on the third floor. As I closed my door behind me I heard an unearthly sound​—something like the heavy steps of huge animals coming up the two flights of stairs toward my room. Then I saw the doorknob move. At that instant how glad I was to recall reading the Watch Tower Society booklet on “Spiritism” many years before!

Without delay my prayer went to Jehovah for protection. I took up a Bible and, facing the doorway and stamping my foot for emphasis, I said in a clear positive tone: “In the name of Jehovah I demand that you leave and never return!” Immediately I could hear uncertain movements in the hallway, then a window opened and there was the sound of a strong, stiff breeze, and the window slammed shut. How thankful I was to Jehovah for the counsel and aid he had provided through his congregation! I determined never to neglect any information that he so lovingly makes available.

In the late fall of 1933 I had the joy of having my parents join me in the full-time service. Indeed, they stuck with it faithfully until finishing their course in death. Their frequent remarks indicated that pioneering proved to be the happiest years of all.

SPECIAL-PIONEER JOYS

In 1942 I was invited to do special-pioneer service, which means spending 150 hours each month in preaching God’s Word and organizing as many home Bible studies as possible. I am still enjoying that privilege​—sometimes planting seed and at other times watering seed already planted. Always it is thrilling to realize that it is “God who makes it grow.” (1 Cor. 3:7, 9) Why? Because that makes us actually fellow workers with God! How grand to know him that well!

At Williamsburg, Virginia, it was my privilege to have a small share in forming a new congregation of Jehovah’s worshipers. Here I conducted two Bible studies in households where the husbands were just getting out of the army, and now both families were moving to the Far West. However, both looked up Jehovah’s witnesses and continued to study in their new homes in the West. And where do you think I met them again? Yes, at one of our large assemblies in New York. Now both couples are baptized, and one husband and wife are in the pioneer ministry.

GUARDIAN ANGELS

The more I have come to know my Creator, the more confidence I have gained in the protective care he throws around those who serve him from the heart. One must have faith in order to meet successfully many of the experiences encountered in the work of preaching the Kingdom. But Jehovah’s assurance to such is: “The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them.”​—Ps. 34:7.

I vividly recall one experience in which I truly needed faith in this promise. It was in Culpeper County, Virginia. While sitting in my car finishing my lunch and absorbed in reading a copy of The Watchtower, I was suddenly aware of two long arms that reached into the car, one hand near my throat, the other behind my neck, fingers bent ready to clutch at me. Immediately I petitioned Jehovah for his help. The tall man stood motionless.

While maneuvering my neck out of range I kept his mind occupied by telling him that I usually read The Watchtower while eating lunch, that I really enjoyed the article I just read telling about the blessings that Christ’s kingdom would soon bring, conditions in which nothing shall hurt or make afraid. My neck now free, but his arms still inside my car, I turned on the ignition, saying: “I must be going now. Enjoyed talking with you.” With that he pulled back, his arms dropped to his sides, and the last that I saw of him in my rearview mirror he still stood there like a stone statue.

I long remembered this experience, but it had the effect of giving me the feeling of closer relationship to the Creator. I knew that God would protect his servants and give them strength to bear up under every evil.

As I look back on my years spent in getting acquainted with Jehovah, I have many joyous privileges to recount. I pioneered in eleven different states as well as in the District of Columbia. I have seen the family of Jehovah’s worshipers grow bigger and bigger so that today there are hundreds of thousands who entertain the hope that they may be spared through this wicked world’s Armageddon and live forever in this beautiful earthly home.

Still, I can see that there is yet much to learn about the loving Creator. At heart I am still that little girl looking up at the starry sky and wondering about the Great One who made all things so well, so beautiful, so delightful for the eyes of his earthly sons and daughters. I never want to give up the precious treasure of serving my Creator. My heart’s desire has been so aptly expressed by the psalmist: “One thing I have asked from Jehovah​—it is what I shall look for, that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of Jehovah and to look with appreciation upon his temple.”​—Ps. 27:4.

Conquering Evil with Christian Good

What Scriptural examples do we have of Jehovah’s servants conquering evil with good?

Joseph, the son of the patriarch Jacob, gave a fine example of this. His brothers had done him a great evil by selling him into slavery and then representing him to their father as being dead. Yet he freely forgave them and provided for them generously. The apostles of Jesus Christ also gave a fine example of this by continuing in the Christian ministry in spite of having been imprisoned and beaten by some who failed to appreciate their good work. But, of course, the greatest example of conquering evil with good was furnished by Jesus Christ. He ministered tirelessly in spite of bitter opposition and even laid down his life so that mankind, including those who ignorantly opposed him, might get life.​—Gen. 45:1-13; Acts 5:41, 42; Matt. 20:28.

What fruitage of God’s spirit in particular is required if we would heed the apostles counsel at Romans 12:21a and conquer evil with good?

The fruitage of long-suffering and self-control. (Gal. 5:22, 23) When one is suffering evil at the hands of another, there is the tendency to act quickly in retaliation. It is therefore important to be slow to anger, which is what long-suffering means. Also when one sees the wicked prosper, there is the temptation to get heated up and lose one’s temper. But God’s Word counsels: “Do not show yourself heated up because of the evildoers.” (Ps. 37:1) It takes self-control to be able to heed that counsel and remain calm, trusting in Jehovah to set matters right in his own due time. This is what the apostle Paul did, and he wrote: “Alexander the coppersmith did me many injuries​—Jehovah will repay him according to his deeds.”​—2 Tim. 4:14.

In the congregation who in particular must exemplify and show others how to conquer evil with Christian good?

The appointed servants. There may be those who very foolishly or ignorantly question God’s truth or disagree with the Bible and cause some real problems in the congregation. The appointed servants must handle such calmly, as it would not do any good to cause strife. Then again, they may not receive the support from others in the congregation that they might expect. This too can put a test on their long-suffering and self-control. As the appointed servants they must heed the admonition: “Turn down foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing they produce fights. But a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed.” Heeding this counsel will enable them to conquer the evil with Christian good.​—2 Tim. 2:23-25.

What benefits accrue to God’s servants by conquering evil with Christian good?

For one thing, there are physical benefits: “Pleasant sayings are . . . a healing to the bones.” (Prov. 16:24) But losing one’s temper is bad for one’s own health as well as for the health of one’s loved ones who have to endure it. To conquer evil with good will cause rage to subside instead of to increase. (Prov. 15:1) This will be true whether one is dealing with persecution or with problems in one’s own family. At times it has even resulted in opposers’ becoming Christian witnesses of Jehovah. Yes, many are the benefits resulting from conquering evil with Christian good.

[Footnotes]

Attend the “Men of Goodwill” District Assemblies

AS A reader of The Watchtower and a lover of Bible truth you may very well be one of a great crowd of persons on earth today toward whom Jehovah God is manifesting his goodwill. For all who desire God’s approval the “Men of Goodwill” District Assemblies are provided by the Watch Tower Society. Indeed, you are herewith invited to begin making your plans now to be present​—you and your family.

Herein is provided a complete and revised list of these assemblies, giving location and an address to which you may send your request for rooming accommodations at the city where you will attend. English will be the language used at each assembly location unless otherwise stated.

The program will commence at 1:40 p.m. Thursday and conclude at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday morning is the time scheduled for the baptism.

From the very start the program will provide stirring, faith-strengthening information. This is why we strongly recommend that you plan to get to the assembly city well before noon of the opening day. You will thus have time to get settled and be in your place in the audience at 1:40 p.m.

We rejoice that Jehovah God is kindly extending his goodwill to an increasing multitude of persons in these days. Why, in the past year and a half over 170,000 persons world wide submitted to water baptism, thus testifying to their dedicating of their lives to God. Portions of the program are particularly designed to help new ones to appreciate the organization that Jehovah is using as well as to make progress on the way to life.

Special features are included on the program that will be of benefit to parents and young people. Also a delightful Bible drama will be presented, offering Biblical as well as modern settings. And a high point at each assembly will be the public lecture Sunday afternoon: “Saving the Human Race​—in the Kingdom Way.”

Those who have attended the district assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses in the past need no urging to be present. They know they can count on learning many things. They eagerly look forward to associating with a great crowd of persons who have much in common because of their love for God and his righteous ways.

Reasonably priced rooming accommodations are generally available. Good, nourishing meals are provided at the assemblies at very small cost. But most important, all will have the advantage of good association during the assembly days and will hear from the platform excellent counsel on how to cope with the problems of life in this wicked world.

Consult the following list, therefore, and not earlier than five weeks before the assembly date send your application for room accommodations. We look forward to greeting you at the assembly.

UNITED STATES

June 25-28: Eugene, Ore., Fairgrounds Grandstand, 796 13th Ave. W. Rooming: 1345 W. 16th, Polk St., Eugene, Ore. 97402.

July 9-12: Bloomington, Minn., Metropolitan Stadium, 8001 Cedar Ave. Rooming: 3715 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. 55407. Boston, Mass., Fenway Park, 24 Jersey St. Rooming: 29 Parkman St., Dorchester, Mass. 02122. Charlotte, N.C., Charlotte Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Rooming: 1501 Hawthorne Ln., Charlotte, N.C. 28205. Hallandale, Fla. (Spanish also), Gulfstream Park, U.S. Hwy. #1. Rooming: 6045 Duval St., Hollywood, Fla. 33024. Hampton, Va., Hampton Roads Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr. Rooming: 2811 Victoria Blvd., Hampton, Va. 23369. Jacksonville, Fla., Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex. Rooming: 7013 Blackard Rd., Jacksonville, Fla. 32211. Jersey City, N.J., Roosevelt Stadium, Danforth Ave. & Rte. 440. Rooming: 3316 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, N.J. 07307. Macon, Ga., Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr. Rooming: Rte. #9, Joycliff Rd., Macon, Ga. 31201. Pittsburgh, Pa., Three Rivers Stadium, Stadium Circle, Northside. Rooming: 1462 Brookline Blvd., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15226. San Bernardino, Calif. (Spanish only), Swing Auditorium, 689 S. “E” St. Rooming: 7842 Grape Dr., Highland, Calif. 92346.

July 16-19: Anchorage, Alaska, Anchorage West High School, Romig Auditorium, 1700 Hillcrest Dr. Rooming: 1438 Medfra St., Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Anaheim, Calif., Anaheim Stadium, 2000 S. State College Blvd. Rooming: 13621 Ruther Ave., South Gate, Calif. 90280. Bismarck, N. Dak., Bismarck Civic Center, 6th St. & Sweet Ave. Rooming: 1731 North 13th St., Bismarck, N. Dak. 58501. Detroit, Mich. (English and Spanish), English: Tiger Stadium, Cor. Michigan & Trumbull. Spanish: Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, 10709 Grand River W. Rooming: 10709 Grand River W., Detroit, Mich. 48204. Jersey City, N.J., Roosevelt Stadium, Danforth Ave. & Rte. 440. Rooming: 3316 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, N.J. 07307. Laurel, Md., Laurel Race Course, Rte. #1. Rooming: Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall, Sunrise Beach Rd., Crownsville, Md. 21032. Monroe, La., Monroe Civic Center, 400 7th St. Rooming: 1110 Crosley, West Monroe, La. 71291. Oakland, Calif., Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Nimitz Fwy. & Hegenberger Rd. Rooming: 1739 8th Ave., Oakland, Calif. 94606. Seattle, Wash., Sicks’ Seattle Stadium, Rainier & McClellan. Rooming: 10015 Ashworth Ave. N., Seattle, Wash. 98133. Tuscaloosa, Ala., University of Alabama Memorial Coliseum, 10th St. & Hackberry Ln. Rooming: 409 41st Ave. E., Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35401.

July 23-26: Amarillo, Tex. (Spanish also), Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan. Rooming: 2123 S. Polk St., Amarillo, Tex. 79109. Butte, Mont., Butte Civic Center, 1340 Harrison Ave. Rooming: 3220 St. Ann St., Butte, Mont. 59701. El Paso, Tex., Sunland Park Race Track, Sunland Park, N.M. Rooming: 1175 N. Cotton St., El Paso, Tex. 79902. Jersey City, N.J. (Spanish only), Roosevelt Stadium, Danforth Ave. & Rte. 440. Rooming: 3316 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, N.J. 07307.

July 30–August 2: Alexandria, La., Rapides Parish Coliseum, Hwy. #28 West (1/2 Mile West of McArthur Dr.). Rooming: 2521 England Dr., Alexandria, La. 71301. Fort Worth, Tex., Will Rogers Memorial Center, 1 Amon Carter Sq. Rooming: 813 Nashville St., Fort Worth, Tex. 76105. Fresno, Calif., Fresno Convention Center Arena, 700 “M” St. Rooming: 4323 N. Hughes Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93705. Hilo, Hawaii, Hilo High School Auditorium, Waianuenue Ave. Rooming: 70 E. Kahaopea St., Hilo, Hi. 96720. St. Louis, Mo., Busch Memorial Stadium, 300 Stadium Plaza. Rooming: 520 Chambers Rd., St. Louis, Mo. 63137. Salt Lake City, Utah, Special Events Center, University of Utah Campus, 20th E. & 4th S. Rooming: 4880 West 4100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84120. San Antonio, Tex., San Antonio Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts. Rooming: 215 E. Franciscan St., San Antonio, Tex. 78204.

August 6-9: Corpus Christi, Tex. (Spanish only), Memorial Coliseum & Exposition Hall, 402 W. Shoreline. Rooming: 3602 Curtiss St., Corpus Christi, Tex. 78405.

August 13-16: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, McKinley High School Auditorium, 1039 South King St. Rooming: 1228 Pensacola St., Honolulu, Hi. 96814. Wilmington, Del., Delaware Park, St. Rte. 7 & Chestnut Hill Rd. Rooming: 208 E. 35th St., Wilmington, Del. 19802.

August 27-30: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, McKinley High School Auditorium, 1039 South King St. Rooming: 1228 Pensacola St., Honolulu, Hi. 96814.

BERMUDA

July 30–August 2: Pembroke, B.A.A. Gymnasium, Serpentine Road. Rooming: Box 72, Hamilton, Bermuda.

BRITISH ISLES

July 16-19: Birmingham, Bingley Hall, King Alfreds Pl. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 106a War Lane, Harborne, Birmingham. Cardiff, Ninian Park, Sloper Rd. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 112 Brunswick St., Cardiff, Glam. Dublin, Ireland, Top Hat Ballroom, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 44a James’s Place, Baggot St., Dublin 2, Ireland. Manchester, City Hall, Deansgate, Manchester. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, St. Johns St., Broughton, Manchester, M7 9FD.

July 23-26: Birmingham, Bingley Hall, King Alfreds Pl. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 106a War Lane, Harborne, Birmingham. Manchester, City Hall, Deansgate, Manchester. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, St. Johns St., Broughton, Manchester, M7 9FD.

July 30–August 2: Leicester, Granby Halls, Welford Rd. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, West St., Blaby, Leicester. Sunderland, Roker Park. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, Whickham St. East, Sunderland.

August 6-9: London, Rugby Union Ground, Twickenham. Rooming: Rugby Union Ground, Whitton Rd., Twickenham, Middlesex.

August 20-23: Dundee, Ice Rink, Kingsway, Dundee. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 46 Court St., Dundee. Glasgow, Crossmyloof Ice Rink, Titwood Rd., Glasgow S.1. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 251 Auldhouse Rd., Glasgow, S.3.

CANADA

July 2-5: Sault Sainte Marie, Ont., Sault Ste. Marie Memorial Gardens, 269 Queen St. E. Rooming: 54 Wellington St. W., Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

July 9-12: Regina, Sask., Regina Exhibition Grandstand, Exhibition Grounds. Rooming: 639 Pasqua St., Regina, Sask.

July 16-19: Prince George, B.C., The Coliseum, 1100 Patricia Blvd. Rooming: 1804 Central St., Prince George, B.C.

July 23-26: Vancouver, B.C., Pacific Coliseum, Exhibition Park. Rooming: 3280 Grandview Hwy., Vancouver 12, B.C.

July 30–August 2: Toronto, Ont. (Italian also), Woodbine Race Track, Hwy. #27 & Rexdale Blvd. Rooming: 423 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Islington 677, Ont.

August 6-9: Edmonton, Alta., Edmonton Gardens, Exhibition Grounds. Rooming: 11845 77th St., Edmonton 20, Alta. Sherbrooke, Que. (French only), Palais des Sports, Terrain de L’exposition, 400, av. Parc. Rooming: 1068 rue Federal, Sherbrooke, Que.

August 13-16: St. John’s, Nfld., Feildian Gardens, Pennywell Rd. Rooming: Kingdom Hall, 49 Morris Ave., St. John’s, Nfld. Winnipeg, Man., Winnipeg Arena, 1430 Maroons Rd. Rooming: 1338 Main St., Winnipeg 4, Man.

August 20-23: Amherst, N.S., Amherst Stadium, Church St. Rooming: 189 Church St., Amherst, N.S.

GUAM

July 16-19: Mangilao, Kingdom Hall, Mangilao. Rooming: Box 1219, Agana, Guam 96910.

JAMAICA

August 6-9: Brown’s Town, Brown’s Town Primary School. Rooming: c/​o Box 51, Discovery Bay, Jamaica, West Indies.

August 27-30: May Pen, Denbigh Showgrounds. Rooming: 7 Bryant’s Crescent, May Pen, Jamaica, West Indies.

Questions From Readers

● How should a faithful Christian act toward a relative outside the immediate family circle who has been disfellowshiped?​—N. W., Canada.

This situation is one that can be a test for a Christian who wants to be faithful to Jehovah and yet has natural affection for the disfellowshiped relative. We can be grateful that God has clearly covered this matter in his Word.

The Bible shows that Jehovah is willing to forgive. All humans are sinful, but He is willing to excuse such sins on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice if individuals repentantly seek forgiveness.​—Rom. 3:23; Acts 26:20.

What happens, though, if a person who sought such forgiveness in the past and became a dedicated servant of God commits a sin? Jehovah recognizes human imperfection and still will forgive if the sinner admits his error and proves by his course that he has repented. (1 John 1:9) However, if a person claiming to be Christian makes a practice of sin and refuses to repent and change, then God’s directions are plain. This occurred in the first century, for a man in the Corinthian congregation practiced immorality. The inspired directive to that congregation was: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” Yes, expel him from the congregation.​—1 Cor. 5:13.

That step was important. No corrupting influence should be allowed to remain in God’s organization. As the apostle Paul wrote, “a little leaven ferments the whole lump.” If that immoral one stayed, the good spirituality of the entire congregation could be lost.​—1 Cor. 5:5-7; Josh. 7:1-25.

How were the faithful Christians in Corinth to treat that man? Paul wrote: “Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.” (1 Cor. 5:11) Thus this expulsion from the congregation appropriately can be termed disfellowshiping, for the faithful Christians cease to have fellowship with the practicer of sin. To what extent?

The apostle John helps us here. The disfellowshiped one may have become apostate, teaching unscriptural doctrines. Or by his immoral way of life he may, in effect, be teaching that one can be a Christian and, at the same time, an adulterer or fornicator. This obviously is not remaining in the righteous teachings of Jesus. Concerning such ones who at one time were Christian brothers or sisters John writes: “Everyone that pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. He that does remain in this teaching is the one that has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him.”​—2 John 9, 10.

The next verse emphasizes the seriousness of this: “For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.” (2 John 11) This does not necessarily mean that a Christian who speaks with one who was disfellowshiped for stealing, for example, is himself becoming a thief, though that could easily occur. But by disregarding God’s counsel and talking to that one he is as much as saying that he approves of the thief’s conduct, as if it does not matter.

Thus we have established from the Bible itself the basic position of a faithful Christian toward a disfellowshiped one​—have no fellowship at all with him, not even speaking with him. Now what if that expelled person is a relative?

Where the disfellowshiped individual and the faithful Christian are in the same family, living in the same household, such as a man and wife, other Biblical factors come into play. If the wife of a Christian man were disfellowshiped for lying, he still would be married to her; the Bible says that they are joined together as one flesh. (Eph. 5:31) In that case he would still have to care for her as his wife and a member of his household. This would involve talking with her about the daily matters of their life Yet, out of respect for the disfellowshiping decree, which severed their connection as spiritual brother and sister, he definitely would not conduct a Bible study with her or have fellowship on spiritual matters. (For more details, see The Watchtower of July 15, 1963, pages 444-446.)

But the primary question under consideration has to do with a relative outside the immediate family, one who does not live in the same household. Would any contact be possible?

Again, the disfellowshiping does not dissolve the flesh-and-blood ties, but, in this situation, contact, if it were necessary at all, would be much more rare than between persons living in the same home. Yet, there might be some absolutely necessary family matters requiring communication, such as legalities over a will or property. But the disfellowshiped relative should be made to appreciate that his status has changed, that he is no longer welcome in the home nor is he a preferred companion.

This course is both Scriptural and reasonable. As we have seen, God advises Christians to “quit mixing in company” with such a person, “not even eating” with him. He also instructs Christians ‘never to receive him into their homes or say a greeting to him.’ If normal social communion between relatives were maintained with this disfellowshiped one, a thing that is not necessary since he lives outside the home, would the Christian be obeying God? In a small congregation with a number of interrelated families, if everyone acted toward the expelled one the same as before the disfellowshiping occurred​—going shopping together, having picnics together, minding each other’s children—​that one would hardly feel that all his faithful Christian relatives literally hated the evil he practiced. (Ps. 97:10) Nor would outsiders be able to detect any change even though they might know of the unchristian course of the sinner.

We must keep in clear focus the fact that the disfellowshiped one’s not being able to enjoy the companionship of his Christian relatives is not their fault, as if they were treating him shoddily. They are acting according to principles, high principles, God’s principles. The disfellowshiped one himself is responsible for his situation; he has brought it upon himself. Let the burden rest where it belongs!

If the expelled sinner wants to be restored to sweet fellowship with Jehovah as well as faithful Christians, that is possible. Isaiah wrote: “Let the wicked man leave his way, and the harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isa. 55:7) A disfellowshiped person who is repentant can be forgiven and reinstated into the congregation.​—2 Cor. 2:6-8.

But until that happens, faithful Christians have an obligation to uphold the disfellowshiping action by avoiding association with the disfellowshiped individual. If that one is a relative living outside the home, they will try to have no fellowship with him at all. And if some unavoidable and absolutely necessary family matter comes up, they will keep contact with that one to a bare minimum, definitely not having any interchange of thoughts on spiritual matters. In that way they prove their loyalty to God, his Word and his congregation.

Announcements

WHAT HOPE FOR FREEDOM?

At no other time in man’s history has there been such a universal cry for freedom, freedom from political, social, even religious, “slavery.” However, “freedom marches,” protest demonstrations, organized programs of civil disobedience often succumb to violence and radical extremists who would overturn all that is old and long established. Even those who try to remain neutral and keep their independence are hemmed in, cramped by the pressures exerted from both sides. Is there a solution? Is there a realistic hope for enslaved mankind? You need the book Life Everlasting​—in Freedom of the Sons of God. Hardbound, 416 pages, sent postpaid for only 50c. Send today.

FIELD MINISTRY

“The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword,” say the Holy Scriptures. (Heb. 4:12) How vital it is to apply the effective principles of the Word of God in dealing with problems that arise in everyday living! In the troublesome and dangerous times in which we live, accurate knowledge from God’s Word enables us to come off victorious, “conquering the evil with the good.” (Rom. 12:21) The New World Translation with its clear rendering facilitates the taking in of the needed accurate knowledge. And the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? builds up faith that the Bible is indeed inspired of God. In their house-to-house ministry during the month of June, Jehovah’s witnesses will be offering the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

June 21: Do You Have “Faith to the Preserving Alive of the Soul”? Page 325. Songs to Be Used: 60, 33.

June 28: Remain “Healthy in Faith.” Page 332. Songs to Be Used: 71, 91.