The Watchtower — January 1, 1975

Why Is It So Hard to Make a Living?

DO YOU find that making a living has become harder? Most people have found this to be the case. Paychecks do not buy as much as they used to. Housewives observe that nearly everything in the stores costs more.

The root of the problem is inflation​—that is, constantly rising prices. That has been the pattern for many decades now. And in 1974 the rate of inflation world wide was higher than ever before. Because of inflation, it takes more and more of your money to buy the same things.

What was especially troublesome last year was that prices rose much faster than wages. And for some people wages rose very little, or not at all. This meant that nearly everybody was a little poorer by the year’s end.

For others, though, the problem is much worse. The New York Times reported: “No matter how severe food price inflation has been in the United States, it has been mild by comparison with many other countries where prices have doubled and tripled in recent months. For many poor people the price of a single meal now exceeds a day’s income.”​—(Italics ours)

This condition is a striking fulfillment of Bible prophecies regarding our time, one of which foretold: “A whole day’s wage for a loaf of bread.” (Rev. 6:6, Weymouth) High prices, food shortages, disease epidemics, world wars and other unprecedented troubles in our generation were prophesied to result from the ride of the ‘horsemen of the apocalypse,’ all identifying our time as the foretold “last days.”​—Rev. chap. 6; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

WHY HAVE PRICES GONE UP?

What factors in our time have created this tremendous surge in prices? There are several, one of which has been shortages of food and various raw materials. Too, the population “explosion” has put growing pressure on all commodities. Then there was the huge increase in oil prices within the last two years.

But a more fundamental reason for inflation for so many decades is that too many nations, and peoples, have been living beyond their incomes. This is especially so in the more “advanced” industrial countries. For many years, most governments, businesses and many individuals have been spending more money than they have been making. So they go deeper and deeper in debt. In the last few years this debt burden has grown faster. Now, the public and private debt in most nations is at its highest point ever.

Such borrowing and spending stimulates a greater demand for goods and services than normal. But when the supply of money grows faster than do the available goods and services, prices rise. Then workers demand higher wages to make up for higher prices. Thus, a vicious circle is formed and an inflationary “psychology” is built up that is very difficult to stop without the taking of drastic measures.

WHAT IS BEHIND IT?

What has been behind this binge of borrowing and spending? Very often it has been selfishness, not being satisfied to live within one’s income. It is the desiring of more than one really needs or can afford.

Hence, if a person’s income (or a nation’s) does not permit him to buy the things he craves, he often goes into debt. But there is always a day of reckoning. Debts have to be paid back, or bankruptcy results. And that is happening more often now, not only to individuals but to businesses and banks. Why, entire nations are now near bankruptcy!

Mounting debts have resulted in much distress, sleepless nights, working at two jobs, bickering between husbands and wives, even family breakups. There is no evading the truth, stated in the Bible, that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things,” and that because of it many “have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”​—1 Tim. 6:10.

So while there are several reasons for inflation, one of the most basic is that of living beyond one’s income. Regarding this cause, the New York Times observed:

“The Times of London printed an article by Christopher Derrick the other day on ‘the moral problem of inflation.’

“‘What is inflation, after all?’ he asked. ‘It’s an economist’s word for overconsumption; for living beyond your income; for taking more out of the kitty than you put in.’

“‘The fact is that we’ve all . . . come to take for granted a quite fanciful and unrealistic notion of the standard of living to which we are entitled.’”

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

There is little you can do to stop worldwide inflation. You cannot control shortages, or price increases by producers. However, there are things that you can do to help your family to cope with the problem. The Bible not only pointed to such aids long ago, but also gives us the incentive to put them to work.

To live with inflation, you need to have a very realistic view of what you can do with the money you earn. Concentrate on the things you need, rather than on the things you would like to have but cannot really afford. Regarding this, read in your Bible the inspired apostle’s words at 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

In difficult times, hard measures need to be taken. And these are difficult times. It is a time to reassess your resources, time to sit down with your family and list the income you have against your expenses, then discuss how to cut back expenditures.

One immediate step that many people can take is not to add to their debts, unless it is an emergency. Constantly going into debt keeps a person “in the hole” financially. And if misfortune strikes and the borrower cannot meet his payments, then the lender takes back his merchandise. The borrower also loses the money he has already paid.

The inspired advice of Proverbs 22:26, 27 is just as practical today as always: “Do not get to be . . . among those who go security for loans. If you have nothing to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?” While this refers more to a person who countersigns a loan, the principle is still applicable to a person who borrows but is not able to pay back.

Even if a borrower meets all his loan payments regularly, the interest charges are now usually so high that he ends up paying far more for the item than the listed cost. That is like throwing away good money. As the Bible says, by paying so much to money lenders, “the borrower is servant to the man doing the lending.”​—Prov. 22:7.

True, not going into debt may mean not buying some of the nice things you desire. But is that not better than taking on burdens that can easily result in greater troubles?

Lowering one’s desires, avoiding the snare of materialism, surely makes sense in view of today’s high prices and unsettled economic conditions. “Better is a dry piece of bread with which there is quietness than a house full of the sacrifices of quarreling.”​—Prov. 17:1.

What other immediate steps can be taken to ease the pressures of making a living today? How about examining some areas where you could save money and that would even do you good in other ways at the same time?

CUTTING BACK NONESSENTIALS

One area where much money can be saved is in recreation, or entertainment. Today some feel that they are not having recreation unless they spend money to go to movies, theaters, sporting events or to eat out at restaurants. Yet in the “old days” most families did not have money for such things, and most of today’s forms of entertainment were not available to the average person anyhow.

Such forms of recreation, even on an irregular basis, can be very costly now. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by finding other recreation, such as within the family circle or with friends. Outings and visits to interesting places can be enjoyable and relatively inexpensive. Playing games with one’s children, or with adults, can be a refreshing break from the pressures of the day. Get-togethers with friends, without one’s spending a lot of money on food or drink, can be pleasurable. Indeed, when families concentrate on finding ways to enjoy themselves without spending much money, they are often surprised at the good results.

A forgotten form of recreation for most people, but now being enjoyed by a growing number of families, is to read wholesome books and magazines together. Taking turns reading aloud and commenting on what is said is stimulating and educational.

Another area where great savings can be attained is in weeding out bad habits. Many people spend large sums of money each year on the tobacco habit​—smoking. Yet, as the Bible indicates and as medical science has verified, smoking is a “defilement of flesh.” (2 Cor. 7:1) It is costly as well as injurious. Cutting out something that is so detrimental makes sense anytime, does it not? Also, the overuse of alcoholic beverages can be very costly in both money and health. While God’s Word does not condemn drinking alcoholic beverages, it does counsel moderation. (Prov. 23:29, 30) The price of such beverages is very high today, so cutting back on these will save money and perhaps one’s health too. The Bible’s counsel was echoed recently by a newspaper, written for mine workers in the United States, which gave these suggestions for economizing: “If you like drinks and do it often, drink less. If you smoke, it’s a good time to quit.”

Many people who never gambled before are turning to it. They think they can make “easy money” this way. Others gamble to ‘get away from their troubles.’ As a newspaper editor in Japan said: “I see people today betting to forget their troubles. They have no hope of buying a house because of inflation. They can’t plan for the future, so they live for today.” Yet, the overwhelming majority of gamblers must lose! Losing is built into gambling, because the “house” always makes a profit. Does this seem like a way to get away from troubles? On the contrary, it usually increases them.​—1 Tim. 6:9.

Of course, much more could be said about saving money in other ways, such as buying cheaper foods but searching for more interesting ways of preparing them. Some are planting gardens where land is available. Housewives can save much money by learning how to sew, and by not being overly concerned about keeping up with the latest fashions. With less concern about such passing matters both women and men could often wear clothing much longer than they do now.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

Will inflation ever end? Will the economic problems of today’s world be solved? Of course, with strenuous efforts world leaders can make some progress. But, at the same time, the situation is as New York magazine describes it:

“It seems that this country and the rest of the industrialized world is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and depression.

“We are overextended. We have borrowed too much from the future in an effort to meet these tremendous expectations of ours.”

While human observers can only guess at the future, there is a truly reliable source of information as to what the near future holds. That guide to the future is God’s Word, the Bible. Its prophecies for our day already have proved strikingly accurate; so will its prophecies about the future.​—2 Pet. 1:20, 21.

God’s prophetic Word reveals that shortly mankind in general will ‘reap what has been sown.’ (Gal. 6:7) The entire present system of economic, political and religious rule built on selfishness is about to plunge into the greatest time of trouble ever known in history. Jesus foretold this for the very near future, saying: “Then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.”​—Matt. 24:21.

That “great tribulation” will bring this system of things to its finish, cut off by God. Those who have trusted in human schemes and in the power of money are bound to come to disappointment; according to the principle at Proverbs 11:4: “Valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury, but righteousness itself will deliver from death.”

After this coming time of distress God’s new order will bring the most peaceful and fruitful age ever experienced by humans. Under the rule of one government by God, his heavenly kingdom, people on earth will never again have to worry about high prices or shortages. “A banquet of well-oiled dishes” is what that future holds, and not just for those with a lot of money, but for all mankind living then.​—Isa. 25:6; Ps. 72:16; Matt. 6:9, 10.

[Graph on page 5]

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PRICE INCREASES IN ONE YEAR

UNITED STATES

FRANCE

BRITAIN

MALAYSIA

ITALY

JAPAN

MEXICO

BRAZIL

INDIA

Percent 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

[Picture on page 4]

THE BIBLE FORETOLD: “A whole day’s wage for a loaf of bread.”​—Rev. 6:6, Weymouth Translation.

Pilate​—the Political Ruler Who Judged the Lord

“I FIND no fault in him.” In these words Pontius Pilate expressed his judgment that Jesus was without guilt. (John 18:38; 19:4, 6) Yet, in the end, Pilate yielded to the demands of a crowd of Jesus’ fellow countrymen and sentenced him to be put to death on a stake. Who was this Pilate?

The name “Pontius Pilate” itself may give us some idea about his background. He perhaps had some relationship with C. Pontius Telesimus, a prominent general of the Samnite people in a mountainous region of southern Italy. And the family name “Pilate,” if drawn from the Latin pilum (javelin), may point to descent from a military man. On the other hand, if the name “Pilate” comes from the Latin pileus, he might have been a freed slave or the descendant of one. This is because a pileus was a cap customarily worn by slaves who had been granted their freedom.

It was in 26 C.E. that Tiberius Caesar appointed Pilate as governor of Judea. As governor, Pilate had complete control of the province and could impose death sentences. His official residence was at Caesarea, about fifty-four miles north-northwest of Jerusalem. There the main body of Roman troops was stationed. But during Jewish festival seasons, Pilate, along with Roman military reinforcements, usually stayed at Jerusalem.

The time of Pilate’s governorship was marred by troubles. This was mainly due to his offending the religious sensibilities of his subjects.

On one occasion, under the cover of darkness, Pilate had Roman soldiers bring into Jerusalem standards with images of the emperor thereon. These standards were then set up in the city. Upon discovering this, a large delegation of Jews went to Caesarea, calling for their removal. Turned down repeatedly, the Jews persisted in their request. Finally Pilate decided to frighten the petitioners by threatening them with death. However, when the Jews declared their willingness to die, Pilate granted their petition.​—Antiquities of the Jews, Book XVIII, chap. III, par. 1.

Then there was the time when Pilate placed in his quarters at Jerusalem gold shields bearing his own name and that of Tiberius. The Jews appealed to the emperor, and Pilate was ordered to remove the shields.​—De Legatione ad Gaium, XXXVIII.

Still another time, Pilate used money from the temple treasury to build an aqueduct that was to bring water into Jerusalem from a distance of about twenty-five miles. Tens of thousands of Jews protested against this when Pilate made a visit to the city. Some reproached him and even hurled abuses at him. When they refused to obey his order to disperse, he sent disguised soldiers into their midst. At a given signal the soldiers attacked. Many Jews fell slain; others fled wounded.

Perhaps it was in connection with this incident that Pilate ‘mixed the blood of Galileans with their sacrifices,’ as reported at Luke 13:1. Since the Galileans were subjects of Herod Antipas, this may have contributed to the enmity existing between Pilate and Herod until the time of Jesus’ trial.​—Luke 23:6-12.

JUDGMENT OF JESUS

It was in the early morning of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., that Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for judgment. It being ceremonially defiling for the Jews to enter the premises of a Gentile, Pilate came out to them and asked about the charges against Jesus. On hearing their statements, he told them to judge him themselves. When advised that they regarded what Jesus did as an offense deserving of death, a sentence they could not legally enforce, Pilate took Jesus into his palace for questioning. (John 18:28-37) Returning to the accusers, Pilate stated: “I find no fault in him.” (John 18:38) Not satisfied, the Jewish leaders continued their accusations. Learning that Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate decided to send him to Herod Antipas. This gesture put an end to the previous enmity existing between Herod and Pilate. Herod could not substantiate the accusations against Jesus and, disappointed at his refusal to perform some sign, returned him to Pilate.​—Luke 23:5-12.

Again Pilate summoned Jesus’ accusers and continued his efforts to avoid sentencing an innocent man to death. He tried to have Jesus released on the basis of a custom allowing a prisoner to be set free each Passover. At the instigation of the religious leaders, however, the crowd clamored for the release of Barabbas, a thief, murderer and seditionist. Pilate’s attempts to have Jesus freed only intensified the crowd’s shouting for his impalement.​—Matt. 27:15-23; Luke 23:13-23.

Rather than stick to what he knew to be right, Pilate yielded to the crowd and tried to absolve himself of responsibility by washing his hands, as if cleansing them from bloodguilt. (Matt. 27:24-26) He ignored the earlier warning of his wife not to have anything to do with “that righteous man,” as she had suffered a lot in a dream (evidently of divine origin) because of him.​—Matt. 27:19.

Thereafter Pilate had Jesus scourged. Again he stated his view of Jesus’ innocence and, perhaps to invite pity for him, had him appear before the crowd, dressed in royal robes and with a thorny crown on his head. In answer to Pilate’s exclamation, “Look! The man!” the crowd renewed its demand for Jesus’ impalement and brought to Pilate’s attention the charge of blasphemy. Their reference to Jesus’ making himself God’s Son caused Pilate to become superstitiously fearful. So he questioned Jesus still further. Pilate’s final efforts to have Jesus released resulted in the crowd’s warning him that he could be charged with opposing Caesar. At that Pilate took his place on the judgment seat, from where he called out to the crowd: “See! Your king!” This only increased the clamor for impalement. So Pilate handed the Son of God over for impalement.​—John 19:1-16.

Pilate’s guilt was indeed great. He knew Jesus’ innocence full well and could discern the bad motivations of the accusers. (Matt. 27:18) Still, rather than risk having his position jeopardized by unfavorable reports about further disturbances in his province, Pilate sentenced an innocent man to death.

Despite his actions, Pilate did not keep his position for long. Just a few years later, his immediate superior, the Roman official Vitellius, removed him from office and ordered him to appear before Tiberius to answer for his slaughter of a number of Samaritans. While Pilate was on his way to Rome (in 37 C.E.), Tiberius died. Just what happened to Pilate is unknown. Tradition has it that he committed suicide. Clearly, the record that Pilate made for himself has little to commend him.

Will You Live to See Christ’s “Coming”?

WE HAVE all heard it said many times that Christ is going to come again to judge the earth, to destroy the wicked and reward the good.

But when something momentous is mentioned, it is human nature to think, ‘It can’t happen to me.’ So, many who claim to believe in Christ’s coming admit that it must take place in someone’s day. Yet they say, ‘It won’t happen in my time.’

These people overlook the fact that Jesus Christ said that there would be ample evidence when that time approached. More than that, it would take faith to recognize the nearness of that time​—the time of his coming to hold an accounting with earth’s inhabitants. It would require a sincere heart, with awakeness and watchfulness as to Bible prophecies and world events. Jesus put us on the alert with his question: “When the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on the earth?”​—Luke 18:8.

Despite the doubts of so many, from what Jesus said about his coming, it can be said with confidence that most persons who read this article, and millions of others, will live to see that earth-shaking event take place. Why so?

DEFINITE TO GOD BUT UNCALCULABLE BY MAN

It is certain that God has a definite time for Christ’s coming to execute judgment on the earth. Man, made in God’s image, has a sense of timing of matters. For this reason God provided a way for man to keep count of years, months and days. (Gen. 1:14-16) In the Bible an accurate chronology from the creation of man onward is provided. An outstanding instance of such chronology is the Biblical count of the “seven times” of Gentile domination of mankind without divine interruption, which ran from 607 B.C.E. to 1914 C.E. This count even had a prophetic nature. It was chronology in advance.a

But nobody should get the idea that, simply by chronology, he can calculate the time of that “coming” of Christ for executing judgment. Christ himself told his apostles: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.”​—Matt. 24:36.

Now, we know that Jesus Christ had been in heaven with his Father at the time of earth’s creation. (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:13-17) He knew the exact time of the creation of both Adam and Eve. (Gen. 1:26, 27) He knew precisely when 6,000 years of human history would be completed. He knew exactly when God’s seventh creative day, his great “rest” day began and when it would end. (Gen. 2:1-3) Yet, with all his perfect knowledge of chronology, when he was on earth he did not know the day and hour of his execution of judgment on this world, prior to when his thousand-year reign begins. (Rev. 20:4-6) How, then, could any human today possibly figure it out?

“AS THE DAYS OF NOAH WERE”

However, Jesus did not mention that specific incident for nothing. In the early part of his comments (in Matthew 24:4-35) he prophetically foretold many world conditions that would serve as warning that he would be about to take action, and he counseled awakeness as to this event, saying: “For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.”​—Matt. 24:37-39.

Here Jesus, in referring to “the days of Noah,” evidently meant a time period during which Noah built the ark. The ark was something for the people to take note of, but they went on ignoring this divinely provided warning.

According to Jesus’ prophecy, the social conditions among men and women on earth, along with the other things spoken of by Jesus, constitute a warning for all people today. The accuracy of this forecast is made more evident by the reading of the parallel account in Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21, along with the apostle John’s vision described in Revelation chapter 6.b

What do these things show as to the likelihood that people now living will see, yes, and even live through, “that day and hour”? This: Some, though only a few, took note of God’s warning, saw the Flood and were preserved through it. So today, people are hearing the warning and many, though few as compared with earth’s population, will hear and survive. (Rev. 7:9-17) This period from the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 C.E. Jesus designated (in Matthew 24:36-39 quoted above) as his “presence.” During this time he would, invisibly, be making inspection of the earth. He would also direct the work of warning the people and gather together those who are not the ‘scoffer’ type, but who take heed and exercise faith. Then he would ‘come’ with destructive power against God’s enemies. This warning is indeed being sounded verbally now, in the preaching of this good news of the Kingdom earth wide.​—Matt. 24:14.

As to Jesus’ being “present” for a time before he ‘comes’ against this system of things, consider the length of the period during which Noah built the ark. He was 500 years old when he began to have sons. (Gen. 5:32) These three sons all grew up and married, by which time Noah was probably around 550 years of age. At that time God gave him instructions to build the ark. (Gen. 6:18) The Flood occurred when Noah was 600 years old. (Gen. 7:6) This would allow fifty years, more or less, as the period before the Flood, in which the people could observe and take warning. But the people were too involved in the everyday affairs of life, showing no faith in Noah’s message from God.

NO ADVANCE DATE TO BE GIVEN

In Noah’s time he was told, one week before the floodwaters fell, to take into the ark the specimens of the various animals that were to be preserved. (Gen. 7:1-16) But this does not prove that there would be advance notice in our time as to the exact day of Christ’s “coming” to destroy this present system of things. Back there Noah obviously had to know when to begin taking the animals into the place of safety. If he took them in too soon, when, perhaps, it seemed according to his calculation that the end was immediate, it would draw unduly on the stock of foodstuffs he had stored in the ark. On the other hand, if the flood came suddenly without warning, Noah could not have gathered the animals into the ark in time. The advance notice God gave him was very short, but necessary, and sufficient to accomplish God’s purpose.

That even the disciples of Jesus Christ, true Christians on earth, will be unaware beforehand of the precise time of Christ’s “coming” in this executional sense is shown by what he said as recorded at Matthew 24:42-44. Note that these words were not directed to the world in general. They were addressed directly to Christ’s disciples: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know one thing, that if the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. On this account you too prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.”

NOT KNOWING THE DAY CONSTITUTES A TEST

What is God’s purpose in leaving Christians uncertain as to the precise time of the Lord Jesus Christ’s coming to execute the vengeance of Jehovah? It is to require all who claim to be Christ’s disciples to prove whether they are genuine Christians all the time. They cannot become careless and involved with worldly pursuits and practices and then, just before the last minute, put on a form of godliness. Of course, they could not deceive Jesus Christ by such a course. But God wants it plain to all people that there is a clear-cut distinction between those who really serve God and those who do not. (Mal. 3:18) They prove by their fruits what they are at heart.​—Matt. 7:17-20.

In view of all these facts, along with Jesus’ prophetic words, millions of people now living will see the “day” of Christ’s coming to mete out justice upon this system of things, religious, political, commercial and social. But to survive that execution of judgment is another matter. Said Jesus: “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned; two women will be grinding at the hand mill: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned.” (Matt. 24:40, 41) Weeks earlier Jesus had made a similar statement, prompting the disciples’ question, “Where, Lord?” He answered, “Where the body is, there also the eagles will be gathered together.” (Luke 17:37) The ones “taken along” are spiritually sharp-sighted, like eagles, who gather to the one whom they discern to be the Messiah, for the spiritual feast that Jehovah provides within his place of safety. They will gather together with God’s congregations on earth, under his true Messiah. Those “abandoned” will be those who do not keep spiritually awake and who consequently get swallowed up in a selfish way of life, as did the people in Noah’s day. Such are “abandoned” to destruction along with the world system of things in which they are involved.

Yes, to survive the executional work that begins on that “day” requires faith. This can be obtained only by a study of the Bible. We must “keep on the watch” that our actions are based on the Bible’s right principles, knowing that that day for executional work to begin is surely coming, in fact, is near. (Hab. 2:3) In “keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah,” God’s time period for meting out justice, we do not become careless. We let all features of our lives be spiritually influenced so that we can “be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.”​—2 Pet. 3:12-14.

[Footnotes]

Insight on the News

The World and 1975

● Nineteen-seventy-five finds mankind facing as never before the harsh fact that its problems are truly global​—and that global problems demand global solutions, nothing less. “Science News” magazine says that the internationally known group of scientists and industrialists called the “Club of Rome” describes the situation as “unique.” Why? Because past crises were usually local, but today ‘only a global solution is now adequate,’ and whereas there was time to search out solutions to previous problems, ‘only rapid action will now suffice.’

In similar vein, editorial writer Anthony Lewis says: “The fear that something fundamental is changing in the relationship of man and nature, the concern that things are out of joint in the world, is not confined to the problem of food. The use of oil as a political and economic weapon, the pressure on other resources, the inflation raging across most of the world​—all give rise to uneasiness.” “Oil, food, prosperity, security, everything is connected to everything else.”​—New York “Times,” November 10, 1974.

Prominent economist Robert L. Heilbroner believes that ‘the world will move toward a new social order to meet its problems.’

The Bible foretells that the nations will arrive at some kind of global arrangement allowing them to claim they have found the way to “peace and security.” But it shows that such will be short-lived and that only God’s promised new order will bring the desired relief from global distress.​—1 Thess. 5:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:13.

Women, Youth and Cigarettes

● “Changing Times” magazine reveals that the makers of a certain brand of cigarettes spend $80 million to promote the annual sale of nearly 88 billion cigarettes.

At the same time the American Cancer Society reports that among women in the United States lung cancer is now the third leading fatal malignancy. They estimate that, along with 63,500 male lives, lung cancer will claim 17,600 lives among women in 1975. The reason? “A steady and substantial increase in cigarette smoking among women.”

Many young people feel unworried about the effects of smoking, believing that lung damage takes a long time to start. But “Science News” magazine (Nov. 2, 1974) presents recent research that “now shows for the first time that the lungs of young smokers are already being damaged.” In a test group of smokers averaging twenty-five years of age, investigators found that all had lesions that could be “the precursor of more severe anatomic lesions.” The remedy? Stop now, while there is still hope that the lesions may be reversible.

As in so many other things, the inspired proverb proves true that “for want of heart [right motivation] the foolish themselves keep dying.”​—Prov. 10:21.

Ancient Pagan Rites Continue

● The Bible relates a time when severe drought and famine hit the region known as Samaria and tells how worshipers of the pagan god Baal, a god of agriculture and fertility, tried to get his attention by “cutting themselves . . . until they caused blood to flow.” (1 Ki. 18:2, 28) That may seem strange. But the same thing is done today, 2,800 years later.

Under the heading “They Flagellate Their Bodies Until They Bleed to Propitiate a Good Harvest,” the Italian newspaper “Corriere di Napoli” describes a special rite of people in the farming community of Guardia Sanframondi, Italy, in their worship of “the Virgin.” The first participants are “hooded men who beat their own breasts with a . . . chain until they bleed.” Then come others using “rods with thorny points” for the same purpose. Along with this beating and bleeding, the people called for the “Madonna’s protection,” with the hope of having good crops.

The inspired apostle Paul spoke of self-imposed devotions with their “self-abasement, and their severe treatment of the body,” and showed that they did not produce true godliness. The true God does not require self-torture to gain his attention.​—Col. 2:23, Catholic “Jerusalem Bible.”

Do You Show Appreciation?

“Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. . . . Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you.”​—Prov. 4:5, 8.

1, 2. (a) What are some of the things in life that we ought to appreciate? (b) Just what does “appreciation” mean, and how is it shown?

THERE are many things in life that we really ought to appreciate. We should appreciate our fathers and mothers. They brought us into the world and spent a lot of time raising us. We should appreciate the care that they gave us. If we have true friends, we have good reason to appreciate them too. And what about the things we learn, the work that we do and the gifts that we receive​—do we show appreciation for all these things? Oftentimes, when a gift is received the individual receiving it says, “Thank you, I appreciate it very much.” But the question might be asked: Does the individual appreciate it? Does he really wish he had been given something else, or nothing at all? What will he do with it? Just what does “appreciation” mean?

² The word “appreciate” means “to esteem, to evaluate highly, to approve warmly.” Who are the persons that you as an individual esteem? What are the things that you evaluate highly and warmly approve? How do you show it? If there truly is appreciation, it will be evident in the things that you say and do.

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

3. Though there is usually a strong attachment to one’s parents, how may a child show that it really lacks appreciation for them?

³ A very young child does not really have a sense of appreciation. However, it does have a strong instinctive attachment to its father and its mother. When there is danger, it knows where to run for protection. For example, a youngster may be romping around in the yard, with its mother nearby. All of a sudden a stranger may walk into the yard, and the child may become frightened. It runs and grabs its mother and hides its head in its mother’s skirt, and it feels protected. If the mother has dealt lovingly with the child in the past, the child feels secure here. It really thinks that this is all the protection that it needs against any intruder. But the child is instinctively concerned about itself. That it may really lack appreciation for its mother and her guidance may become readily apparent in its reaction when reproved for some misconduct.​—Prov. 12:1.

4. (a) In time, what may contribute to one’s appreciation for one’s parents? (b) When such appreciation does develop, how can it be shown?

⁴ However, when a person reaches adulthood he looks at matters altogether differently from what he did when a child. The apostle Paul said: “When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe.” (1 Cor. 13:11) To have appreciation one must have knowledge, and that knowledge must reach the heart. As an individual grows to adulthood he acquires knowledge, and his own experiences may cause the knowledge to touch his heart. Now he comes to the point where he can appreciate or see the value of what his father and mother did for him when he was a babe. It may be that he is now raising his own children, is faced with the problems of discipline, loses sleep to look after the youngsters when they are sick, and works long hours to see that they are fed and clothed and sheltered. Now he is learning for himself the patience and loving concern that are required to bring up one’s children in “the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) These experiences may cause him and his wife to think back to the days when they were young children, and perhaps for the first time in their lives they fully appreciate what their parents did for them. Now they are able to evaluate highly and approve very warmly what their own parents did. When such appreciation develops, it is good to give expression to it, and this can be done again and again, in a variety of ways.​—1 Tim. 5:4.

5. As to the attitude that even young children should cultivate toward their parents, what does the Bible say?

⁵ While it is to be expected that appreciation for what one’s parents have done may not come to full bloom until one reaches adulthood, even to young children the Scriptures state: “Honor your father and your mother, just as Jehovah your God has commanded you; in order that your days may prove long and it may go well with you.” (Deut. 5:16) If you honor your father and your mother, you will be showing high regard or appreciation for them.

6. (a) What have you observed that gives evidence of serious lack of appreciation on the part of children for their parents? (b) What factors may contribute to such a situation in the home, but what could help to avoid it?

⁶ Unfortunately, in many homes the children display a shocking and persistent lack of appreciation for their parents. (2 Tim. 3:1, 2; Deut. 27:16) The basic problem may be that the parents themselves do not appreciate their children. Perhaps they did not really want them and so do not view them in the way that is expressed in Psalm 127:3: “Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah; the fruitage of the belly is a reward.” Lacking such a wholesome viewpoint, perhaps the parents do not spend time with their children, do not provide them with needed parental companionship and do not answer their many questions. In other cases, it is the children who, influenced by bad associations, have failed to respond to the loving oversight of their parents. But if both parents and children earnestly apply the wholesome counsel of God’s Word it will help to prevent the development of such an unpleasant atmosphere. It should be realized, however, that merely saying that one has appreciation does not prove it. Do one’s attitude and actions on a day-to-day basis give evidence of it?

7. (a) What does a father’s willingness, or lack of it, to provide discipline show about his attitude toward his children? (b) How is such discipline to be administered?

⁷ In answering that question, consideration ought to be given to the attitude manifest in the home toward the giving and receiving of discipline. A father who loves his children will see to it that they receive needed discipline. (Prov. 13:24) The book of Proverbs, in the Pr fourth chapter, verse 1, urges us to appreciate discipline, saying: “Listen, O sons, to the discipline of a father and pay attention, so as to know understanding.” Discipline does not always mean chastisement inflicted by way of correction or training through suffering. The very first meaning of “discipline,” according to the dictionary, is “the treatment suited to a disciple or learner, education, development of the faculties by instruction, exercise, training, whether physical, mental or moral.” So when we read of a father’s giving discipline we should not visualize a man who simply barks orders at his children and then applies physical chastisement when they fail to do what they are told. What we are talking about is a father who really cares for his children, spends time with them and takes great interest in their physical, mental and moral development. He wants to help his children to come to know the true God and His ways as the father does. He wants them to have confidence in God’s care and in the fulfillment of everything that He has promised. (Gen. 18:19; Deut. 11:18, 19) Such a father will patiently help his children to cultivate godly qualities such as love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22, 23) So, while it is true that there are times when chastisement may be needed, when the Bible says, “Listen, O sons, to the discipline of a father and pay attention, so as to know understanding,” we should think principally of a father who patiently provides mental and moral instruction for his children.

8. How should children react to parental discipline, and why?

⁸ Sons and daughters who honor their parents, and in this way honor God, will not rebelliously spurn such discipline. They will listen when the Scriptures tell them: “Anyone foolish disrespects the discipline of his father, but anyone regarding reproof is shrewd.” (Prov. 15:5) They will think seriously about what is written at Proverbs 4:13: “Take hold on discipline; do not let go. Safeguard it, for it itself is your life.” How do you react?

9. What does it mean to “acquire wisdom,” and how can a young person show that he appreciates its value?

⁹ The inspired proverbs further urge: “Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from the sayings of my mouth. Do not leave it, and it will keep you. Love it, and it will safeguard you. Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding. Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will glorify you because you embrace it.” (Prov. 4:5-8) As a young person listens to the instruction of his father, accepting his discipline, he is going to acquire wisdom. He is going to learn how to put into application in his own life the things that his father has told him. He will not simply let the instruction ‘go in one ear and out the other.’ When a young person truly gets the point of that Scriptural admonition, discerning that “wisdom is the prime thing,” he will be willing to listen to his parents and will be eager to benefit from their experience in life. He will “highly esteem” or appreciate the wisdom that they impart, and especially when it is in harmony with God’s own Word, the Bible.

10. How does godly wisdom also affect the husband-wife relationship in a beneficial way?

¹⁰ When godly wisdom directs the thinking of the parents, not only will they have success in dealing with their children, but the relationship that they have with each other as husband and wife will be upbuilding and strengthening. The wife will not experience the frustration that results from doing things for an unappreciative husband, and the husband will be confident of the loyal support of his wife. Helping them to develop an appreciative spirit toward each other, the Book of divine wisdom says: “Has one found a good wife? One has found a good thing, and one gets goodwill from Jehovah.” (Prov. 18:22) Also, “the wife should have deep respect for her husband.”​—Eph. 5:33.

11. Instead of demanding that her husband appreciate her, what is the better course for a wife?

¹¹ While it is true that husbands and wives owe it to their mates to be appreciative, expressions of appreciation mean much more when they are not demanded but are won by appealing to the other person’s heart. How can this be done? While it is natural for a woman to want to be physically attractive, other things are far more important. Proverbs 31:30 says: “Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself.” Even the man who may not be a believer is frequently, in time, won over by the “chaste conduct together with deep respect” on the part of his Christian wife. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) It is the woman who proves herself to be a “capable wife,” diligent in her work, who wins the warm approval of her husband. Remember that “appreciate” means “to evaluate highly.” “Her value is far more than that of corals,” says the proverb. “In her the heart of her owner has put trust, and there is no gain lacking. She has rewarded him with good, and not bad, all the days of her life.” (Prov. 31:10-12) If one has a “good wife,” then, as stated at Proverbs 31:28, it is to be expected that he will ‘praise her.’

12. What things can cause a wife and children to appreciate their family head?

¹² Similarly, a Christian husband wins the loving admiration of his wife when he displays fine qualities. If he is harsh and inconsiderate of the other members of the family, they may respect his position but find it difficult to show appreciation or to evaluate him highly as an individual. On the other hand, when he exercises his headship with a keen sense of his accountability to the one who is his head, the Lord Jesus Christ, and in imitation of that one, then it is only natural for the members of his household to respond in an appreciative manner. (1 Cor. 11:3; Matt. 11:28-30) It is not enough that he be generous with his time in dealing with persons outside the home; his own family deserves attention too. The man who spends some time each day in upbuilding conversation with his family will certainly be appreciated far more than the one who simply brings home money and then buries his head in a newspaper or gives his attention to the television set. And while his wife may admire him for helping others in the community, it is his willingness to set aside time regularly to study the Bible with her that will strengthen her love for him.

THE APPRECIATION THAT JEHOVAH SHOWS

13. (a) Even though family members may be unappreciative of one’s earnest efforts to do good, who does take note? (b) How did David show confidence in this?

¹³ Sometimes, even when we put forth an earnest effort to express loving-kindness to others, we meet with an unappreciative response. But we ought to realize that there is someone who sees and appreciates what we do, and that is Jehovah. David, the son of Jesse, was one who realized this. Life was made hard for him by King Saul of Israel, who, though he was David’s father-in-law, sought to break up David’s home, finally married off David’s wife Michal to another man, and repeatedly tried to kill David himself. How many people have undergone experiences that are that severe? Yet David repeatedly acted with loving-kindness toward the king. And, though David expected no appreciation from the king, he said: “Jehovah it is who will repay to each one his own righteousness and his own faithfulness.” (1 Sam. 26:23) Yes, Jehovah sees to it that the kindnesses of his servants do not go unrewarded.​—Prov. 25:21, 22.

14. In what ways has Jehovah shown his loving interest in all mankind?

¹⁴ Jehovah is keenly interested in mankind, and he shows this by his generous provisions for their enjoyment. Even to people who were not worshipers of the true God, the apostles Paul and Barnabas could rightly say: “He did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts to the full with food and good cheer.” (Acts 14:17) And, under inspiration, King Solomon wrote: “I have seen the occupation that God has given to the sons of mankind in which to be occupied. Everything he has made pretty in its time. . . . I have come to know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good during one’s life; and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God.” (Eccl. 3:10-13) It is evident that God loves the world of mankind, and he wants them to enjoy this earth, to appreciate one another and to love and appreciate him as the Creator.

15. Of all earth’s creatures, is it only humans that are objects of God’s loving concern?

¹⁵ But God’s loving concern is not limited to humankind. For, when telling his apostles of God’s love for them, Jesus Christ said: “Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore have no fear: you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:29, 30) Think of that​—God is interested even in birds that men may view as of “small value.” And why not? They, too, are the handiwork of God. Jehovah created them and preserved them through the flood of Noah’s day.

16. Yet how has God shown special fondness for his human creatures?

¹⁶ For mankind, however, God has a special fondness. It was not when forming the animals but when preparing to make humans that God said to his Son: “Let us make man in our image.” (Gen. 1:26) Even though our first human parents turned to sin, God did not grow cold in his love for the human family. Lovingly he made provisions so that all who in faith would respond appreciatively to their Creator could live forever. As Jesus explained: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”​—John 3:16.

17. Why is the prospect of eternal life in the service of Jehovah such a pleasant one?

¹⁷ How delightful is the prospect of everlasting life in the service of Jehovah! He is no unappreciative Master. Even now, though our service is marred by our imperfection, he reassures us. For our encouragement he moved the apostle Paul to write to faithful Christians: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering.” (Heb. 6:10) Because he had repeatedly displayed genuine faith in Jehovah, Abraham was told by God: “Your reward will be very great.” (Gen. 15:1) And concerning the “judicial decisions” of Jehovah, the psalmist wrote: “In the keeping of them there is a large reward.” (Ps. 19:11) Yes, Jehovah appreciatively rewards those who do his will, whether their acts are small or great. How does a knowledge of this marvelously appreciative attitude on the part of God affect us? Are we, in turn, responding with appreciation?

HIGHLY ESTEEMING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

18. When it comes to enjoying a relationship with Jehovah, what situation confronts all of us?

¹⁸ Having an approved relationship with Jehovah is not something that we humans can take for granted. We are not born with it. To the contrary, our situation is like that of King David, who wrote: “Look! With error I was brought forth with birth pains, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Ps. 51:5) None of us are exceptions. The Scriptures truthfully say: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23; also see 1 John 1:8, 10.) But Jehovah has provided the means by which we can gain his approval.

19, 20. What is the only means by which we can enter into a relationship with Jehovah, and why is it such a grand privilege to serve him?

¹⁹ When we pause to think of what humans are in comparison with God, that provision should touch our hearts. Anyone who has traveled by airplane knows that, even from a few thousand feet up, humans virtually disappear from sight and their homes and cars look like toys. From his far loftier position, then, as Jehovah looks down on the earth, how small and insignificant humans must appear to him! (Isa. 40:15) Is it any wonder that the psalmist wrote: “When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man that you take care of him?”​—Ps. 8:3, 4.

²⁰ Yet, to us mortal humans this High and Lofty One, the Creator, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, extends the opportunity to have a relationship with him. And to make it possible, he sent his only-begotten Son to earth to lay down his life as a sin-atoning sacrifice. That Son, Jesus Christ, himself explained: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” He also told his apostles: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 3:16; 14:6) Following his own death and resurrection, Jesus commanded his disciples: “You will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Appreciating the grand privilege that it is to serve in this way, they did what he told them.

21. During the past year, how did persons around the earth demonstrate that they highly esteem a good relationship with God?

²¹ As a result, people in all parts of the earth have become acquainted with Jehovah, the only true God, and his Son Jesus Christ. This past year in 207 lands people were being thus aided by Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Some took to heart what they heard. These saw the need to repent of their former course, to turn around and use their lives in the doing of God’s will. On coming to appreciate the marvelous provision made by God to redeem mankind from bondage to sin and death, they gladly disowned themselves and got baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah to do his will. (Matt. 16:24; 28:19, 20) It was not just a few who took this important step. In 181 lands individuals were baptized during the past year. All together, 297,872 persons presented themselves for baptism by Jehovah’s witnesses during the period of just one year. All of them are persons who have studied the Bible, know what it teaches and do not hold back from making public declaration of their faith. (Rom. 10:9, 10) They earnestly applied themselves in order to qualify for baptism because they highly esteem a good relationship with God. Do you, too, have such appreciation? Grand blessings, both now and in the future, are in store for those who do.

[Picture on page 15]

Parents who really love their children will see that they get needed discipline​—not merely chastisement, but personal instruction that promotes mental and moral development

Appreciating the Things of God

1, 2. In the temple at Jerusalem, to what fine example of appreciation did Jesus direct the attention of his disciples?

ONE day when Jesus was in the temple at Jerusalem he pointed out to his disciples a fine example of appreciation for the things of God. In the hearing of the people Jesus had just warned his disciples about ‘the doctors of the law who love to walk up and down in long robes, and have a great liking for respectful greetings in the street, the chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at feasts.’ These lacked genuine respect for God’s house of worship. Instead, they sought to exploit it for their own benefit, drawing attention to themselves. There in the temple Jesus observed rich people dropping their gifts into the treasury chests. He also saw a certain needy widow drop two small coins of very little value in there, and he drew the attention of his disciples to what was taking place, saying: “I tell you truthfully, This widow, although poor, dropped in more than they all did. For all these dropped in gifts out of their surplus, but this woman out of her want dropped in all the means of living she had.”​—Luke 20:45-47; 21:1-4.

² How interesting that Jesus would say that this woman who dropped in two small coins of very little value “dropped in more than they all did”! Jesus knew that this woman appreciated the temple. She knew that the temple had to be cared for and she made her contribution toward its upkeep. ‘She, with less than enough, gave all she had to live on.’ (New English Bible) What was there about this temple that caused this needy widow to display such appreciation?

3. What was there about the temple for that widow to appreciate?

³ It was to this place that Jews from all the territory of Israel would come at least three times a year for special festivals in connection with true worship. It was here that this widow could bring her sacrifices and ask the priests to offer them to Jehovah for the forgiveness of her sins and in expression of her thankfulness. It was here that she could hear the Word of God read and explained. It was here that she could have her questions answered concerning Jehovah and how his Law affected her life. Here she could enjoy fellowship with older men of the congregation of God and with her friends who likewise would come here for worship. She deeply appreciated the temple. With faith that God could provide her needs, she put the interests of Jehovah’s worship even ahead of concern about obtaining the physical necessities of life.​—Compare Matthew 6:31-33.

4. What is God’s great spiritual temple, and how should we feel about it?

⁴ That temple at Jerusalem, which was at one time the center of Jehovah’s worship here on earth, is no longer standing. Because it was misused, treated as something profane by the people who claimed to serve God, he let it be destroyed by the Romans. But that earthly temple pictured, in a way that human minds could grasp, God’s great spiritual temple. This temple is God’s spiritual structure through which humans here on earth can approach him, the holy and invisible God who resides in the heavens, in worship on the basis of the sin-atoning value of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is in the earthly courtyards of this temple that we can offer sacrifices of praise to Jehovah. (Heb. 13:15) And it is through this spiritual temple that we receive instruction in the ways of God. Do we fully appreciate that temple? Do we feel as did the psalmist David, who said concerning Jehovah’s house: “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.

5. How does our attendance at congregation meetings reflect our attitude toward Jehovah’s spiritual temple?

⁵ If so, we will regularly gather together with those who worship Jehovah when they come together in congregation meetings. It is not the Kingdom Hall in which they meet that is Jehovah’s temple. But it is here that they can hear the Word of God read and discussed, just as it was done in the temple at Jerusalem in ancient times. It is here that they learn how to apply the counsel of God’s Word in their own lives. Here they enjoy association with spiritually older men and with other worshipers of Jehovah. By their presence at these meetings, by paying close attention and by putting into application the things that they learn from God’s Word, they demonstrate in a meaningful way that they truly do appreciate Jehovah’s great spiritual temple. Do you appreciate these things of God? Every individual must decide which way he wants to go​—taking a righteous course with God’s people or an unrighteous one in association with the world. What do you appreciate? What do you esteem to be of great value?​—1 John 2:15, 17.

“ONE PEARL OF HIGH VALUE”

6. In what way did Jesus illustrate the depth of appreciation that a true Christian must have for God’s kingdom?

⁶ In helping his disciples to cultivate appreciation for the things of greatest value, the things of God, Jesus frequently used illustrations. On one occasion when he was in Galilee he said to them: “The kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:45, 46) Here was a merchant who knew the value of pearls. When he found a particular “pearl of high value” he prized it above all his possessions. He promptly sold all the things he had, everything in his possession that was of value, in order to buy that one superlative “pearl of high value.” Those who would gain entry into the kingdom of God must appreciate it that much; they must prize it that highly.​—Compare Luke 13:24.

7. How did Jesus demonstrate his own appreciation for the Kingdom?

⁷ Jesus himself certainly set the example in doing so. Traveling on foot from one end of the land of Israel to the other, he preached, “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:17) He trained and sent others out to share in that work of proclamation. (Matt. 10:7) Not only did he tell his apostles that they would share with him in the heavenly kingdom, but he laid down his life sacrificially so that it would be possible for them to do so. (Luke 22:19, 20, 28-30) The Scriptures show that those who would be joint heirs with Christ in his kingdom and who would rule with him for a thousand years would be 144,000 in number, and that on earth there would be an unnumbered “great crowd” that would prove themselves loyal subjects of that kingdom.​—Rev. 7:4-10; 14:3-5; 20:6.

8, 9. (a) How much must God’s kingdom mean to those who will be joint heirs with Christ? (b) What did Paul say that showed how he felt about it? (c) Is such devotion required of those who hope for earthly life as subjects of the Kingdom?

⁸ How much must God’s kingdom mean to them? Those who would gain the heavenly kingdom with Christ must eventually be willing to leave behind all their earthly possessions; they must go as far as laying down their lives in order to attain the heavenly kingdom. But not only must they be willing to die for it; they must also live for that kingdom. (Luke 12:31) In imitation of Christ they must be preachers of the good news of that kingdom. The apostle Paul expressed how much being in union with Christ in the heavenly kingdom meant to him, saying: “I count everything sheer loss, because all is far outweighed by the gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I did in fact lose everything. I count it so much garbage, for the sake of gaining Christ and finding myself incorporate in him, with no righteousness of my own, no legal rectitude, but the righteousness which comes from faith in Christ, given by God in response to faith. All I care for is to know Christ, to experience the power of his resurrection, and to share his sufferings, in growing conformity with his death, if only I may finally arrive at the resurrection from the dead. It is not to be thought that I have already achieved all this. I have not yet reached perfection, but I press on, hoping to take hold of that for which Christ once took hold of me. My friends, I do not reckon myself to have got hold of it yet. All I can say is this: forgetting what is behind me, and reaching out for that which lies ahead, I press towards the goal to win the prize which is God’s call to the life above, in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:8-14, New English Bible) Yes, Paul truly appreciated the value of the things of God. Do you?

⁹ Just as those who attain to a place in the heavenly kingdom must prove that it is more precious to them than anything else that they possess, so, too, those who would be favored with everlasting life as earthly subjects of that kingdom must demonstrate a like depth of appreciation for that grand prospect. How they really feel about it will be put to the test. Why is that?

FIRM IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION

10. (a) If we truly advocate God’s kingdom, what will we experience at the hands of the world? (b) How did the apostles react to such persecution, and why?

¹⁰ Anyone who truly exercises faith in God’s kingdom and publicly preaches it is going to encounter opposition from the world. When speaking to his disciples about the conclusion of this system of things, Jesus prepared them for such opposition, saying: “People will lay their hands upon you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, you being haled before kings and governors for the sake of my name. It will turn out to you for a witness.” (Luke 21:12, 13) The apostle Peter was one who heard Jesus say that, and he himself experienced persecution. He and the other apostles were brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin. The high priest questioned them and said: “We positively ordered you not to keep teaching upon the basis of this name, and yet, look! you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.” Without hesitation, but having full appreciation of the privilege of representing Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ, “Peter and the other apostles said: ‘We must obey God as ruler rather than men.’”​—Acts 5:27-29.

11, 12. (a) How did the apostle Peter urge us to view the “trials” that come upon us because we serve God, and their outcome? (b) As we draw near to the “great tribulation,” how can the examples of Abraham and of Moses aid us to keep the right perspective?

¹¹ To comfort and encourage those who were growing in appreciation for God’s service, Peter discussed the outcome of the fiery trials that they would undergo. He wrote: “This is cause for great joy, even though now you smart for a little while, if need be, under trials of many kinds. Even gold passes through the assayer’s fire, and more precious than perishable gold is faith which has stood the test. These trials come so that your faith may prove itself worthy of all praise, glory, and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.”​—1 Pet. 1:6, 7, New English Bible.

¹² When a person really esteems the things of God, he does not shrink back from speaking the truth just because “trials” may result from his doing so. He knows that, just as Jesus was persecuted, so his followers will be. He realizes that the “trials” will not go on forever. They have a beginning, and they come to an end. Just as gold that is subjected to the assayer’s fire is not left there forever but is taken out, so too Christians come out from under the heat of persecution. But their faith that has been thus tested is oh so much more precious than perishable gold. When Abraham learned of the deportation of his nephew Lot at the hand of pagan kings, he did not shrink back from demonstrating his confidence in Jehovah. He acted with full faith, and was blessed for it. (Gen. 14:13-20) Moses, too though raised in a position of favor in the Egyptian court, demonstrated that his faith was in Jehovah, the God of Abraham. “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 rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.” He esteemed the reproach associated with being appointed a servant of God as riches greater than the treasures of Egypt. (Heb. 11:24-26) Now, what about your faith? Do you believe the Word of God? Do you hold it in high esteem? Does it mean so much to you that, regardless of any “trials” that may come upon you for adhering to it, you will continue to put your faith in God? All who will “come out of the great tribulation” as survivors thereof, with the grand prospect of eternal life in God’s new order ahead of them, must demonstrate such appreciation.​—Rev. 7:14-17.

13. Because they have faith, in what activity do Jehovah’s witnesses engage?

¹³ It is faith like that that Jehovah’s witnesses world wide have demonstrated during the past year. They appreciate the truth. They study it diligently. But they do not keep it to themselves. They zealously spread it to others, and that in spite of any persecution that they may encounter. They love life and they would like to see all other people gain life everlasting. You will be interested in what they did to demonstrate their appreciation for the things of God during the past service year.

TWO MILLION PREACHING THE GOOD NEWS!

14. How many actually shared in preaching the good news last year, and what were the results?

¹⁴ During the past service year (from September 1, 1973, through August 31, 1974) more than two million shared in preaching the good news with Jehovah’s witnesses. There were 2,021,432 who turned in reports to the congregations with which they are associated, indicating that, not only had they shared in preaching the Kingdom message, but they plan to keep on doing so. With two million people doing the same thing, that is, going from house to house and using every other proper means to preach the good news of God’s kingdom, and really appreciating the privilege of doing so​—that brings results. So it was that during the service year of 1974 Jehovah’s witnesses had the joy of seeing 297,872 individuals progress in their appreciation of Bible truth to the point that they got baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah God. This number associated themselves with those who were already proclaiming the good news and declared themselves to be Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. They, too, are now going from house to house with the Bible’s message, making return visits upon those who show interest in the truth and studying God’s Word with them in their homes.

15. To what extent did Jehovah’s witnesses expend themselves in the field service during the year?

¹⁵ It is difficult to imagine, but these more than two million persons (all of whom are volunteers that serve, not for any financial gain, but out of love of God and concern for their fellowmen) have spent 371,132,570 hours in this evangelizing work. They made 151,171,555 return visits on those who showed interest in God’s Word, and they were conducting, on an average, 1,351,404 home Bible studies. This activity was being carried on in 207 lands and islands of the sea the earth around. They having such appreciation for the things of God, no wonder that Jehovah’s witnesses have had such splendid results in preaching the good news during the past twelve months!

16. How much literature was placed, and why?

¹⁶ To aid honest-hearted persons to come to an accurate knowledge of God’s loving purpose for mankind, Jehovah’s witnesses enjoy making available to them Bibles and Bible study aids. During the past year they placed 27,581,852 bound books, 12,409,287 booklets and 273,238,018 magazines with interested persons to further such Bible education. Additionally, they obtained 2,387,904 subscriptions for the Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

17. What other activity required much of their time, and why?

¹⁷ Jehovah’s witnesses did not spend all their time calling at the homes of other people to offer Bible publications and to study the Bible with them, however. They also set aside time to discuss God’s Word in their own households and in their congregation meetings. And during the past year they have constructed many new Kingdom Halls, where they meet regularly each week to be built up spiritually. They know that such meetings are essential in the life of a Christian. As Jesus himself said: “It is written, ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.’”​—Matt. 4:4.

18. How many congregations are there now, and on what are their meetings based?

¹⁸ There are now 34,576 congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses meeting in their Kingdom Halls around the world. In all these congregations the Bible is the principal publication to which attention is directed and on which discussions are based. Each congregation is cared for by the elders in its midst who are qualified teachers of God’s Word. These keep in touch with the branch offices of the Watch Tower Society​—there are ninety-six such branch offices—​and through these they receive an abundance of upbuilding study material for the congregation. You are always welcome to attend the meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses at any of their Kingdom Halls. If you do not know where the nearest one is located, feel free to write to the publishers of this magazine to inquire. We will gladly provide you that information. At the Kingdom Hall you will meet many very fine people, interesting people, who are truly dedicated to Jehovah God and sincerely seek to do his will. With genuine faith they pray: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.”​—Matt. 6:9, 10.

19. How many persons attended the Memorial last year, and how do the Scriptures show the importance of regular meeting attendance?

¹⁹ Jehovah’s witnesses have had as many as 4,550,457 persons in their Kingdom Halls throughout the earth at one time. That was on April 7, 1974, at the celebration of the Memorial of Christ’s death. Were you one of those in attendance?​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

20. (a) As listed on the service chart, what countries showed outstanding increases in the number of publishers last year? (b) How does the number of pioneers compare with the total number of publishers in such places as Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan and Korea? (c) In what lands do you observe that there is more than one Bible study per publisher?

²⁰ To provide you with details about the work of Jehovah’s witnesses world wide, we are printing in this issue of The Watchtower, on pages 24 through 27, a chart setting out the field service of Jehovah’s witnesses. It lists all the countries where they have been preaching during the past year and shows the number of individual publishers or proclaimers of the good news who have participated in this work. It also shows how many “pioneer” publishers there are, that is, individuals who devote at least 100 hours each month to preaching and teaching the Bible’s message to persons who are not already Witnesses. You will also find on the chart the number baptized this past year, the time spent in the evangelizing work, the number of return visits made and the average number of six-month Bible studies conducted. All this work is done voluntarily; those who share in it appreciate the privilege of doing so and they enjoy it.

21. (a) Whose example do we follow in our manner of preaching? (b) How can people be benefited by the message that we bring them?

²¹ When Jehovah’s witnesses call at your door, please listen to what they have to say. They are bringing you the most important message in the world​—God’s message for mankind today. Remember that Jesus, in his preaching activity, went right to the people, thus setting an example for his followers, the example that Jehovah’s witnesses follow today. The Christian disciple Luke, speaking of Jesus, said: “He went journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him.” (Luke 8:1) Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Now, with at least 2,021,432 sharing in the work, a lot of cities and villages will be reached in the year to come and there will likely be many more persons taking up this same Christian activity. Please listen to them when they call at your home, because it will help you to “get a firm hold on the real life.”​—1 Tim. 6:19.

22. What is our objective in having Bible discussions with people who are willing to listen?

²² In these very distressing times it is important to turn one’s mind to the Word of God and to study it. If you say that you have appreciation for the things of God, show that appreciation by reading and studying the Bible. Jehovah’s witnesses will be glad to sit down with you and point out the answers that the Bible gives to problems that you face as an individual and to those that confront mankind as a whole. Then you can decide for yourself, based on what you have seen in your own copy of the Bible, whether the message that they present is the truth. If you see that it really is in harmony with God’s Word, then believe it and prove yourself to be a genuine follower of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. We hope that, in time, you too, with heartfelt appreciation, will say to Jehovah: “You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God, in whom I will trust.”​—Ps. 91:2.

[Chart on page 24-27]

1974 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLD WIDE

(See bound volume)

Expressing Appreciation in Song

WHAT reasons Christians have for expressing appreciation by thanksgiving and praise to their God Jehovah! Truly, “he is making green grass sprout for the beasts, and vegetation for the service of mankind, to cause food to go forth from the earth, and wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice, . . . and bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man.”​—Ps. 104:14, 15.

Not only has God provided so well for the material needs of man (that many are without the things they need is not due to any fault of His), but He has also provided for sustaining the mind and “spirit” of man. As Jesus said: “Man cannot live on bread alone; he lives on every word that God utters.” (Matt. 4:4, New English Bible) Yes, God has given us his Word and has provided helps for us to understand it and he has given us the privilege of approaching him through prayer.​—Ps. 65:2.

Surely for all the blessings we enjoy at God’s hand, both of a material and a “spiritual” nature, we owe him thanksgiving and praise. Most fittingly his Word abounds with commands for us to do so; a striking example being Psalm 136:1-26, wherein twenty-six times we are reminded that “his loving-kindness is to time indefinite.” Our expressing appreciation can be done in various ways: in prayer, by good conduct, by preaching and teaching God’s Word. And no doubt one of the most beautiful ways in which we can express our appreciation is by singing at congregation meetings.

Do we appreciate this privilege? Not all can enjoy it. Many Christians meet underground for united worship, that is, secretly, and so cannot sing songs of praise to Jehovah aloud, for that would betray their gathering. “Caesar” says, ‘Do not meet together,’ but God says, ‘Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together.’ (Heb. 10:25) And since true Christians ‘obey God as ruler rather than men,’ they meet secretly. (Acts 5:29) This was the case with the Witnesses in Spain for more than thirty years. When at last they were able to meet openly they held a large assembly. Upon singing the first song they burst out in applause. Why? Because of the joy of being able to sing at their gatherings!

Likewise appreciative are the many thousands of Witnesses that fled Malawi and set up camps in Mozambique. Among the things that brought them great joy was their being able to sing again at their meetings, something they had not been able to do since they were driven underground by Dr. Banda in 1967.

The Bible tells of God’s people in times of old expressing their appreciation of Jehovah God and his saving acts by song. In particular does it tell of their doing so on special occasions, from the time of their deliverance from Pharaoh’s armies at the Red Sea to the inauguration of the walls of Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah. There was also much worship at the temple that involved the use of music, concerning which the musicologist Kurt Sachs writes: “The choruses and orchestras connected with the Temple in Jerusalem suggest a high standard of musical education, skill and knowledge.”

Most fittingly, time and again God’s Word tells us to voice appreciation by singing praises to God. Apparently there is a tendency to be lax in this regard, for so often the urgings are stated repetitively, as at Psalm 47:6, 7: “Make melody to God, make melody. Make melody to our King, make melody. For God is King of all the earth; make melody.” Five times the psalmist calls upon us to make melody.​—See also Psalm 96:1, 2.

The apostle Paul, in urging Christians to praise God in song, follows a similar pattern, as at Colossians 3:16: “Keep on teaching and admonishing one another with [1] psalms, [2] praises to God, [3] spiritual songs with graciousness, [4] singing in your hearts to Jehovah.”​—See also Ephesians 5:19.

Singing as a congregation is a part of our formal worship. It is directed to Jehovah and so we can have faith that Jehovah takes note of it, even as he does of our prayers and as he did in times past. (2 Chron. 5:13, 14) Just as we enter into the spirit of a prayer uttered publicly at our Kingdom Halls, so should we not with all our hearts, ‘with everything within us,’ enter into the singing of our Kingdom songs?​—Ps. 103:1, 2.

Consider also the words of our songs. Should we not show appreciation for the fine sentiments they express? They are all taken from the Bible or Bible publications. Would it be fitting to sing about these precious truths in a half-hearted, perfunctory way? Yet sometimes that is done.

It takes effort to sing out. We may be a little tired and so feel inclined to follow the line of least resistance and sing without spirit. But if we put forth the effort and sing out, we will find that we will be feeling better and, at the same time, enjoy our singing. The fact is that music is known to have many benefits, helping to restore both mind and body as well as the emotions. Especially should those with good voices make it a point to sing out, as then others will most likely sing out also. And, of course, all should listen carefully to the musical accompaniment, whether furnished by a recording or by a pianist, so that the singing may be done as beautifully as possible.

Jehovah’s people have earned a good name as to their conduct. They have also acquired for themselves a fine reputation as to their Bible knowledge and their zeal in preaching the good news of God’s kingdom and in making disciples of people of all nations. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Should they not also be outstanding in their singing of Kingdom songs at their Kingdom Halls, even as the musical part of worship by Jehovah’s servants in ancient times was outstanding? Ever so many have been attracted to Jehovah’s worship by the sincere and friendly welcome extended to them as they visited one of these halls. And certainly the preaching and teaching by means of lectures, demonstrations, and so forth, are of a high order.​—1 Cor. 14:24, 25.

That their singing can also serve to bring men to a knowledge of Jehovah God was shown by an experience of a woman who was baptized at the 1973 “Divine Victory” Assembly, Yankee Stadium, New York city. She had made her first visit to a local Kingdom Hall all by herself and stayed for both meetings. As the congregation sang Song No. 119, “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!,” she was so impressed by both the words and the way they were sung that she decided that this is where she wanted to be. Afterward she approached one of the Witnesses and asked for a Bible study, and progressed right on to becoming a Christian witness of Jehovah.

So let each dedicated Christian witness of Jehovah resolve to do his or her part to make the singing at the Kingdom Hall such as reflects appreciation of Jehovah’s marvelous qualities and all that he has done for them materially and spiritually. ‘With everything within us’ let us ‘make melody to Jehovah!’

Questions From Readers

● What is the application of the prophecy at Isaiah 21:11, 12, which reads: “The pronouncement against Dumah: To me there is one calling out from Seir: ‘Watchman, what about the night? Watchman, what about the night?’ The watchman said: ‘The morning has to come, and also the night. If you people would inquire, inquire. Come again!’”?

The prophecy is evidently a pronouncement against Edom. The word “Dumah” does not seem to refer to any cities or localities by the name of Dumah. It could hardly refer to the Ishmaelitish Dumah (named after a son of Ishmael [Gen. 25:14]), about midway between Palestine and southern Babylonia, nor to the Judean Dumah, situated in the isolated mountainous region. (Josh. 15:52) The reference to Seir immediately afterward also indicates that the prophecy was directed against that land. Seir was first occupied by Horites, but Esau’s sons dispossessed them, and both the names Edom and Seir came to be used to refer to the land.​—Gen. 14:6; Deut. 2:12.

Both Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesied the utter desolation of Edom (Seir), the enemy of Jehovah and his people. (Isa. 34:5, 9-15; Jer. 49:7-22) “Dumah” means “silence,” and is so translated at Psalms 94:17; 115:17. The word “Dumah” used with reference to Edom would imply that Edom was to become silent, as in the silence of death, or nonexistence.

As in a visionary or symbolic way, the prophecy shows that someone of Edom is concerned about the fate of Edom. The inquiry “Watchman, what about the night?” is as from one who is wishfully waiting for a long night of sickness or tribulation to end, and is calling to the watchman on the wall, ‘How far is it into the night?’ ‘How much of it is past?’ ‘When will the morning come?’ The prophecy seems to refer first to the night of judgment that Edom suffered under the Assyrian World Power. The watchman’s answer: “The morning has to come, and also the night,” appears to mean that there would be a glimmer as of morning, but night would fall again quickly, as took place when the Assyrian Empire fell, only to be succeeded by the Babylonian Empire, which executed severe judgment on Edom, as foretold by Jeremiah. (Jer. 25:17, 21; 27:2-8) Then came Persian, Greek and Roman rule, keeping Edom in subjection.

There was a fairly bright gleam as of “morning” in Roman times during the rule of the Herods, who were Edomites, but this too faded out, the night came; and the passing away of the Herods is generally understood to mark the end of the Edomites. Edom became a “Dumah,” a silent place, its people disappearing from the history of the nations.

Some commentators think that the watchman’s words: “If you people would inquire, inquire. Come again!” mean that the prophet could not see any end to the nights for Edom, but that the questioner might ask later, in the event that more should be revealed as to the exact destiny of Edom. Others hold that it means that the Edomites, in order to get any favorable answer from God, would have to come back repentant, turning around from their wickedness and opposition to Jehovah and his people. They would have to return from their wicked ways and follow God’s commandments, just as Israel was later required to do before Jehovah restored the remnant of repentant ones to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. (Isa. 55:7) Otherwise no end of Edom’s nights and eventual deathlike silence was in view.

Reading the Bible Together Contributes to a Happy Marriage

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