The Watchtower — April 1, 1979

Page Two

What is real success? It is natural to want a happy life. But how, in the face of today’s pressures, can a young person enjoy such? Practical answers are discussed in this issue

Our Children​—A Heritage from Jehovah

“GET out of my sight! Leave! Don’t come back!” After shouting these words, a father threw his 16-year-old son out of the house.

The teen-ager is one of a group of children that has drawn much publicity in recent years. “Called trashed kids, pushouts, homeless youth, throwouts and throwaways​—they have been rejected by their families and told to ‘get out,’ often with no money and only the clothes they are wearing,” notes an article in Parade magazine. The article further stated: “Some parents who throw away their kids never want to see or hear from them again.”

Obviously many adults today take a dim view of children. Has this attitude influenced your thinking? Whether you answer Yes or No, you will find it beneficial to consider the viewpoint that the Bible urges parents to take toward their children.

Under inspiration of God, the psalmist wrote of children who are born in honorable wedlock: “Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah; the fruitage of the belly is a reward.” (Ps. 127:3) According to the Hebrew lexicon by William Gesenius, the word “inheritance” in this instance means: “A possession granted by Jehovah, gift of Jehovah.” When people receive a valuable gift, they usually treasure it. If the gift requires maintenance and upkeep, they give it the best.

Do you treat your children as if they were a heritage from the Creator, Jehovah? The Scriptures state: “The children ought not to lay up for their parents, but the parents for their children.” (2 Cor. 12:14) “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Tim. 5:8) God desires that parents “lay up” provisions for their children both material and spiritual. How can that be done successfully?

Since all parents and children have their own personalities, it is impossible to present minute rules for child rearing that will succeed with every child in every family. However, let us consider certain basic guidelines that have always proved to be beneficial.

COMMUNICATION

One counselor at a residence for cast-off children points out how the staff at that institution tries to help them: “We listen to the young person. We tune into the crisis and find out how he or she is feeling.” This is known as “communication,” and it begins by listening. Your family, too, may benefit by communication.

Do you have good communication with your children on a regular basis? We do not mean empty chitchat or “forced” conversation about the weather or some other superficial matter. Truly effective communication must be ‘heart to heart.’ It must stem from genuine love and affection between parent and child. Since ‘out of the heart’s abundance the mouth speaks,’ paying attention to what your child says will keep you attune to his emotional and spiritual needs.​—Luke 6:45.

Cultivating good communication with children requires much patience and hard work. To succeed at this, parents must follow the Scriptural counsel to do “nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism.” They must ‘keep an eye, not in personal interest upon just their own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others,’ especially their children. (Phil. 2:3, 4) Due to inheriting sin, all humans tend to be more interested in themselves than in others. Parents must fight against this tendency and cultivate interest in things that their children find appealing.

“DISCIPLINE AND MENTAL-REGULATING”

An important evidence of parental love is described at Proverbs 13:24: “The one holding back his rod is hating his son, but the one loving him is he that does look for him with discipline.” A similar Scriptural guideline states: “The rod and reproof are what give wisdom; but a boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame.”​—Prov. 29:15.

The discipline mentioned here does not mean simply physical punishment, though that is necessary on occasion. Children must know not only what to do and from what to refrain, but also why certain things are right or wrong. In other words, effective discipline of children calls for corrective counsel that children will accept as being right.

This need can be met by heeding the further Scriptural command: “You, fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) Children must learn the way man’s Creator thinks, the things that God likes and dislikes. In order to provide such mental-regulating, parents themselves must be well acquainted with the Bible.

Instructive in this connection is the following declaration by Moses to parents in ancient Israel: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you must tie them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes; and you must write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deut. 6:6-9) In regard to these verses, the Bible commentary by Keil and Delitzsch states:

“For the love of God to be of the right kind, the commandments of God must be laid to heart, and be the constant subject of thought and conversation. ‘Upon thine heart:’ i.e. the commandments of God were to be an affair of the heart, and not merely of the memory . . . [Compare Deuteronomy 11:18]. They were to be enforced upon the children, talked of at home and by the way, in the evening on lying down and in the morning on rising up, i.e. everywhere and at all times; they were to be bound upon the hand for a sign, and worn as bands (frontlets) between the eyes. . . . these words are figurative, and denote an undeviating observance of the divine commands.”

Treating your children as a heritage from Jehovah requires regular communication with them, as well as teaching them by continual repetition (‘inculcating’) the thinking of God as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Do you feel that you could use some assistance in providing such Bible-based “discipline and mental-regulating”? If so, we encourage your thoughtful attention to the Scriptural principles and real-life experiences set forth in the following articles.

What Teen-Agers Need from Their Parents

EVERY adult was once a teen-ager. Every parent of a teen-ager was once a teen-ager himself. So adults should understand the problems and frustrations of teen-agers. But too many times parents do not remember the problems that they had as teen-agers and fail to deal understandingly with their teen-age children. A grandfather recalls his experience:

“When I was a child I found that family discipline was often harsh and unfair. I remember thinking that when I grew up and had children I would discipline them in love, listen to them and reason with them.

“When I reached this stage in my life, I found that the pressures of raising a family were great. Working long hours prevented me from seeing much of my children. When I was with them I was impatient and short-tempered.

“The years when children grow up pass far too quickly. Now I am a grandfather, with a completely different attitude from what I had as a parent. I find time to play with and enjoy the grandchildren, often wanting to defend them when they are in trouble, feeling that their parents are too harsh and lack understanding. I often reflect: If only we as parents could display the patience and understanding of grandparents.”

Parents often forget that the teen-ager is normally asserting himself as an individual with individual needs. They misunderstand, and problems develop. A minister who has made a study of teen-age problems reports that he posed this question to many teen-agers: “What one thing do you want from your parents more than any other?” Almost without exception they would say:

“TO BE UNDERSTOOD”

A 15-year-old girl expressed this desire, remarking: “I have good parents, but I wish they would understand that I am not a little child anymore. They treat me as if I were in the third grade. If only they could understand me and trust me.” She wanted some of the rules changed in recognition of her age.

The urge to attain wider freedom is a normal part of growing to adulthood​—a fact many parents are not ready to accept. From infancy their child relied and depended on them and they enjoyed it. Now their teen-ager changes from a spirit of complete dependence to one of greater self-reliance. This change in attitude is not bad. At a relatively young age, some teenagers begin to develop a grown-up outlook. A Biblical example is King Josiah. “While he was still a boy [of about 15], he started to search for the God of David.” At the age of about 25 he took aggressive action against false worship, which his father had promoted. This teen-ager had freedom to act on his own. Were his attitude and action bad merely because he was still young? No. (2 Chron. 34:1-8) Also, the young man David’s motives, in inquiring about fighting Goliath, were good but were misunderstood by his older brother.​—1 Sam. 17:26-28.

However, because the teen-ager is not yet an adult, not all his desires are mature ones. He needs time to play. He needs understanding from his parents that he has energy to do things when his parents would like to relax. Teen-agers need association. If parents do not provide proper association, youths will seek their own and may find the kind to which parents would not give approval.

Most teen-agers enjoy parties. Because of the conduct at some such parties, parents may not want their youngsters to participate. But, to forbid their going to parties entirely would be discouraging and cause youths to become downhearted. (Col. 3:21) If parents arrange for get-togethers, they have the right to control the guest list and supervise the activities and thus avoid many of the problems. When the youngsters share in the planning, it will be that much more of a success.

When the teen-ager makes a mistake and gets into difficulty, then, of all times, he needs understanding. Parents do well to reflect on their own youth and to remember the mistakes that they made because of youthful inexperience. If so, they will more easily resist the temptation to overreact, to be overcritical. If they want their teen-ager to come to them when he gets into trouble, they must build confidence by the way they react to the lesser infractions.

When the error is a thoughtless mistake, the parents should show great kindness and consideration. Every effort should be made to explain what was wrong and how to avoid a repetition of the wrong. But the youth should not be told that he is bad.

But what should parents do if their teenager gets involved in serious problems of discipline at school, or in some trouble with the police, or with drugs or immorality? Parents may hope that earlier training will prevent this. But suppose it does happen? If the teen-ager ever needed help and skillful direction, it is now.

A problem like this is very trying to the parents. They usually say: “Where did we go wrong?” They often threaten or condemn the wayward offspring, which tends to embitter and harden him in his course. Jehovah was understanding and ready to forgive when his people deviated from what was right. He took the initiative in communicating with them and offered to help them, though their sin was grievous. “Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us,” Jehovah said. “Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow.”​—Isa. 1:18.

The future of the young person will depend on how he is treated during this critical time. Do not say or do things that will make it difficult for him to return to you, as the “prodigal son” returned to his father. Parents should never give up on their offspring as long as their children are under their jurisdiction. Exercise patience. Show mercy. Imitate Jehovah in these qualities.​—Jas. 2:13; 2 Pet. 3:9, 15; Luke 15:11-24.

TO BE TREATED AS AN INDIVIDUAL

A major need of the teen-ager is to be treated as an individual. Charles R. Foster says in his book Psychology for Life Today:

“It is recognized that a human being wants more than merely to eat and sleep. He wants to be recognized as a person, and he wants to feel that he is successful.”

“Certainly every individual feels better and works more efficiently if he is able to succeed in something and if he is able to feel that his own place in the world is important. Most students of social behavior feel that every human being has some untapped potential​—that everyone has something that he can do well, or better, if we can just discover what it is.”

Each teen-ager needs to be considered as different from everyone else. Parents learn that no two children are alike. The training and discipline that work well for one child may not be effective for the next. This is especially true when they become teen-agers.

Therefore, it is not good to compare one child with another. If a person’s work is compared with the superior work of another person, resentment results, not encouragement. (Compare 2 Corinthians 10:12.) The teen-ager wants to be accepted for what he is, and what he is able to do as an individual. He desires to be loved by his parents for what he is himself, and to be treated with human kindness. On the other hand, he does not want to be smothered, or to be forever treated as a child.

TO HAVE CONSISTENT GUIDELINES

Another need of the teen-ager is to have firm, consistent guidelines and directions. Speaking on this subject, Rear Admiral James F. Calvert, superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, and father of three children, said recently, as reported in The Detroit News:

“Today’s kids learn more from television than they’ll ever learn from us. The average 15-year-old spends 20 minutes each day reading and two hours watching television.”

After commenting on the failure of parents to instill a ‘sense of duty and family pride,’ he continued: “Without discipline there can be no basic respect.” Calvert likened human discipline to an eggshell. “When it is intact,” he said, “it is a strong and handsome object. Broken or cracked, it soon falls apart.

“Young people may not cry out for discipline, but they need it desperately. Strict authority from parents develops a sense of security in children.”

The teen-ager needs the security of consistent discipline. He may not readily agree to the need for some of the restrictions and rules, but he will quickly agree that his parents should be consistent in their rules. He wants to know what he may or may not do. He is frustrated if those rules are changed day by day because of the way the parent “feels” at the time. Jesus said: “Let your word Yes mean Yes, and your No, No.”​—Matt. 5:37.

Rules and restrictions may be compared to boundaries. The teen-ager needs to have the boundaries clearly defined and identified; then he wants to have trust and freedom within those boundaries. A father compared this fact to his family’s experience in renting a house:

“It was in a wooded area. One of the first questions we asked was the location of boundaries. We wanted to know, What are we permitted to do with the property? It would be necessary to know this for us to enjoy living there. You can imagine the discomfort and frustration it would cause if the landlord changed the restrictions every week or so. The same principles apply to restrictions placed upon teenagers. The rules should be reasonable and consistent. And then give them trust and freedom within those boundaries.”

The rules need not be unreasonably rigid. Some very special event or occasion may be reason enough to give consideration to a special request.

HELP IN ESTABLISHING GOALS IN LIFE

The need for guidance includes help in establishing goals in life, choosing a vocation and receiving the secular education required. Every person should be able to feel that he is worth while and that what he is doing is worth while. He should be able to respect himself and be proud of himself as a person.

Parents show their concern by helping their teen-ager to select the vocation suited for him. His “gifts,” talents or preferences should be considered. (Compare Romans 12:6.) He should be assisted to establish goals that are attainable. Not everyone can reach a position of prominence. Goals can be realistically achieved by setting higher goals as each lesser goal is realized.

There is a heavy responsibility in providing the education that will prepare youth to meet the problems of adult life. Youths should be trained and should develop a skill in a trade so that they can support themselves. (1 Tim. 5:8; Prov. 31:10, 19, 20) Even though Jesus was to become the Christ, his foster-father Joseph taught him a trade so that he was known as “the carpenter’s son” and “the carpenter.” (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) The apostle Paul supported himself and those with him by working at his trade, tentmaking.​—Acts 18:1-4; 20:33, 34.

In being prepared to meet the problems of adult life and to accept adult responsibilities, teen-agers need the support of their parents, and encouragement to prevent their becoming “dropouts.” Many times they need help with their homework. Sometimes they may feel like quitting. At times like this, parents can be a source of encouragement by understanding the frustrations and frankly discussing the matter with them. If the parent occasionally helps with the difficult homework problems, he can better understand the frustrations of the youth in doing homework and be in a position to offer practical suggestions. Sometimes just having an understanding parent spend some time discussing the problem is enough encouragement to help the teen-ager through the crisis.

TO FEEL NEEDED

Probably the greatest longing is to be needed. For this reason youngsters occasionally ask parents if they were adopted, or if their parents had planned for or wanted them. They want to be reassured of their parents’ love. All of us crave the security of knowing that we belong. If parents recognize the needs of their teenagers, and understandingly supply them, happiness will be increased in the family circle.

Youths​—Are You on the Road to Real Success?

OVER a century ago an American writer, R. W. Emerson, gave his prescription for youths to achieve success. He advised: “Hitch your wagon to a star.” Emerson meant that youths should strive to achieve lofty goals. But for a youngster to be successful, he must assert himself by means of disciplined training toward such a goal.

Youths, are you making proper plans now for the future? It will be wise to set noble goals and be determined to achieve them.

Youth is a time when there is a budding forth of life. It is a time of comparative freedom from burdensome responsibilities; a time of looking forward to gaining greater joys and happiness. Young lads and maidens are full of energy and health, with happy prospects.

Regrettably, a large segment of youth today fails to be committed to lofty goals in life. Instead, in a vain grasp for independence and freedom from responsibilities, many seek a way out through drugs, promiscuous sex and other follies. It is important, though, to heed the advice: “God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.”​—Gal. 6:7.

KEEP GOD IN YOUR GOALS

The Bible says: “Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart do you good in the days of your young manhood [also womanhood], and walk in the ways of your heart and in the things seen by your eyes.” (Eccl. 11:9a) So Jehovah the Creator wants youths to enjoy life. He does not take a negative view of youthful interests and what appeals to the desires of young hearts and eyes. For their part, young persons need to remember that they are accountable to God for their actions.

The Scriptures go on to say: “But know that on account of all these [the course of life you choose to pursue] the true God will bring you into judgment. So remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh.” (Eccl. 11:9b, 10a) Though allowing youths freedom of choice, the Most High will not shield them from the bitter consequences of pursuing a wrong course.

The same Bible writer adds: “For youth and the prime of life are vanity.” (Eccl. 11:10b) Why so? For one thing, a person obviously does not remain young forever. Even persons in the prime of life get sick and die. The youth who ignores this may fail to make wise use of what he has, dissipating his physical energies and capabilities in a way of life that can make his adult years more difficult.

In view of this, what should young people do? The Bible states: “Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.” (Eccl. 12:1) Such continuous holding of God in memory will promote fine conduct and solidify a youth’s relationship with Jehovah throughout his younger years.

THE “YOKE” OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

The Bible indicates that youths need to channel their energies toward a wise life objective. Otherwise, such powers will eventually be dissipated with no worthwhile goals being achieved.

Jesus encouraged downtrodden individuals: “Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matt. 11:29, 30) Is it not an inestimable privilege to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What better way is there to spend one’s youthful years? But this requires that a person take the serious step of Christian baptism. Only then can a person view himself as one of Jesus’ “disciples.”

GETTING NEEDED TRAINING

When young, Jesus was trained as a carpenter by his foster-father, Joseph. (Mark 6:3) So, today, Christian youths submit themselves profitably to a period of basic education. This means accepting secular education that will equip them for supporting themselves during adult years.

Christians have often found it advisable to take advantage of standard secular training available where they live. In America a high-school education is frequently of practical value.

Besides basic studies, such as mathematics, history and the language of the country where one resides, many schools offer courses in fields such as the use of tools and machinery, carpentry, electricity, auto mechanics, and printing. Girls can pursue domestic studies, typing and other secretarial skills, opportunities as medical assistants or other interesting and practical fields of work now open to women.

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE

Most young people reach a turning point during the closing years of high school. Many options open up to them at that time.

At such a turning point, it is well for youngsters to decide what they will do with regard to serving Jehovah. The closing years of such education furnish a fine opportunity for learning skills that can lead to employment that permits plenty of time for preaching and disciple-making​—the work that Jesus did.​—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

“SOWING WITH A VIEW TO THE SPIRIT”

Youths, is your future being built around God’s kingdom, or around worldly interests? These opposite goals produce opposite outcomes. (1 John 2:15-17) Jesus showed clearly that humans cannot serve two masters. (Matt. 6:24) Wise youths set their hearts on Jehovah God. They continue strengthening their personal relationship with God. Christian youths not only preach “this good news of the kingdom” regularly, but also obey the Biblical counsel: “Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”​—Heb. 13:16; compare James 1:26, 27.

Sinful tendencies incline all humans toward selfishness and materialistic desires. Youths need constantly to combat what the Bible describes as “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Tim. 2:22) Many have committed unwise ‘sins of youth’ for which, years later, there is regret.​—Ps. 25:7.

Youths, determine to avoid wrongdoing that can ruin your future! Those who love to ‘sow wild oats’ with promiscuous sex, drug abuse and other types of loose living frequently reap tragic consequences in later years. By hard experiences they learn the truthfulness of the inspired declaration: “He who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh.”​—Gal. 6:8a.

Is it not better to seek a good relationship with God and the Christian congregation? In this way you will experience joyfully that “he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.”​—Gal. 6:8b.

Youths who believe these Scriptural truths will shun all situations that can lead to uncleanness or fornication. (1 Cor. 6:18) Youngsters who wish to please God must seek out associations with people who will strengthen them in godly conduct. “The ear that is listening to the reproof of life lodges right in among wise people.” (Prov. 15:31) Do you seek out association with persons who manifest godly wisdom? (See James 3:17, 18.) God’s Word declares: “He that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Prov. 13:20) Does your life course show that you believe that?

God-fearing youths obey the Scriptural commands: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities.” (Rom. 13:1) “Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” (1 Pet. 4:15) Subjection to governmental “superior authorities” means being law-abiding in every way, including the observance of all traffic laws.

Does your life harmonize with such guidelines from the Word of God? Youths who are on the road to real success will always heed the inspired advice: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”​—1 Cor. 10:31.

Youths Who Remember Their Creator

THE theme of Friday afternoon’s session at the more than 100 “Victorious Faith” international conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses during 1978 was “YOUTHS, BE EXAMPLES IN FAITH.” During the program part entitled “Youths Who Remember Their Creator,” dedicated young men and women spoke about their lives as servants of Jehovah. Below are some of the experiences that they presented.

You will note that a number of the youths interviewed decided to devote their full time to preaching “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matt. 24:14) Some are doing this as “special pioneers,” spending at least 140 hours per month in this activity. Many have become “regular pioneers,” who devote a minimum of 1,000 hours a year in proclaiming the “good news.” Let us consider some of the things these Christian youths had to say.

At the convention in New York city, a young lady related: ‘I know some youths are hesitant about obligating themselves to Jehovah God. Even some who are baptized hold back from putting spiritual interests first. I’m speaking from experience, for that’s the way I felt. But Scriptural principles, such as the one at Malachi 3:10 where we are told to pay to God what we owe him, helped me to have a change of heart. I encourage all of you young people in the audience to put spiritual interests first. Anyone who is old enough to party or be immoral or take drugs is also old enough to dedicate his or her life to Jehovah.’

ENJOYING “FIELD SERVICE”

“The field is the world,” said Jesus. (Matt. 13:38) That is why Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to their preaching activity as “field service.” At the convention in New York, a teen-age girl talked about what field service meant to her:

‘My activity in sharing Bible truths with others began at a very early age. While accompanying my parents from house to house, I would greet the householder with a cheerful smile and offer a small printed message. In time I became able to speak to people about the Bible topics. It delighted me to find that a number of those to whom I spoke wanted help in understanding the Bible. I visited them regularly and it was thrilling to see them making progress in knowledge of God and to observe them giving up unclean practices, as well as showing a desire to share their newfound Bible-based beliefs with others. Engaging in field service frequently has strengthened my faith in God’s incoming new order that will restore paradise earth wide. (Rev. 21:1-5) If I’m going to convince others about that hope, it must first be strong within me.’

A young witness who addressed the English-speaking session at Montreal, Canada, related: ‘My field service began during early childhood. I used to accompany my parents in their preaching activities. By the age of five I began giving simple presentations from door to door.

‘During those early years field service was really fun. However, in time it dawned on me that at school I stood out from the rest of the crowd. It then became awkward for me to speak to fellow students about the truth. When preaching from house to house, I began to dread the thought of meeting up with someone I knew from school. Looking back on this period, in my case I think the problem was fear of man, which the Bible says “lays a snare.”’​—Prov. 29:25.

‘After getting out of school, I decided to try pioneering on a temporary basis. As a result, preaching took on an appeal that it never had before. No longer did I view it as a fun activity, nor was it a heavy burden. On seeing my Bible students progress in the truth, I enjoyed a sense of deep satisfaction at the evidence that Jehovah God was backing my efforts. Now I have been pioneering for more than two and a half years. Looking back on the opportunities that I had to choose other careers, my feelings are the same as those of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.”’​—Phil. 3:8.

APPRECIATION FOR THE CONGREGATION

Are youths glad to be associated with the Christian congregation? Dan, who serves as a pioneer in Quebec, relates his own experience: ‘I have been baptized only since 1975, and my life before coming to know about Bible truth was very loose and unchristian. Searching for kicks, I used to get drunk frequently. When this ceased to be a pleasure, I went to smoking marijuana and experimenting with other drugs. At the age of 17 I was smoking marijuana almost every day.

‘But the happiness that I thought I had at that time was nothing in comparison with the joy that has been mine since coming in contact with Jehovah’s people. My first meeting at a Kingdom Hall was memorable. The thing that impressed me the most was that after the meeting different ones approached me and introduced themselves in an effort to make me feel comfortable. From that time on I have regularly attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Before learning the truth, I had no desire to associate with older people, since we had nothing in common. But with fellow Christians I have found many good friends of all ages.’

Another young Witness from New York gave a different reason for enjoying association with the congregation: ‘I’m glad to be part of the congregation because I’m able to serve others. I enjoy assisting the elderly brothers and sisters if they need help in cleaning up their apartments. Occasionally it’s my privilege to help fellow Christians to move from one location to another. As a youth I have strength and energy. What better way is there to use it than in glorifying Jehovah by serving others in the congregation?’

A 10-YEAR-OLD SEEKS HELP

At the convention in Munich, Germany, a young man told the following experience to the Greek-speaking session of that assembly: ‘When I was in elementary school, my parents stopped associating with the Christian congregation. I’m happy to tell you that, in spite of being a child, I succeeded in maintaining some connection with the congregation.

‘At the age of 10 I began to pray to Jehovah for help. Since my parents would not allow me to associate with Jehovah’s Witnesses openly, it seemed to me that the only way to support the preaching work would be to contribute money. So I began collecting pocket money that my parents would give me. In a period of two years I collected 500 drachmas. With joy I offered this to the congregation. The brothers prayed for me and made plans for a youngster my own age to visit me. During playtime with him a Bible study was conducted, which strengthened my faith. Years later I went to a foreign land for school studies. My real motive, however, was to be free to attend congregation meetings.

‘When my parents heard about this, it had a good effect on them. They once again began attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall and now my father is serving in a responsible position in the congregation. As for myself, I now have the joy to serve as a regular pioneer and that is my wish for all young people.’

It is indeed a pleasure to hear of the many youths who have made the worship of Jehovah the most important thing in their lives. We hope that these experiences will stir yet others to heed the Scriptural command: “Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.”​—Eccl. 12:1.

A Thought-provoking Book Review

Students who are Jehovah’s Witnesses often find it possible to share the “good news” with others at school. For instance, in Spain the pupils in a certain class were assigned to read a book during their winter vacation and later give a classroom report on it.

A 12-year-old Witness decided to base her review on the book Your Youth​—Getting the Best out of It, a Watch Tower publication. The girl’s resumé of it aroused the interest of many fellow pupils. As a result, this young Witness of Jehovah placed 48 Youth books with others, and at least one fine, progressive Bible study resulted from her effort.

Another youngster heard this experience related at a Christian meeting. He, in turn, enjoyed excellent results in offering the same Bible-based publication to others in his school.

Insight on the News

God’s Name “Silly”?

● Writing in the “National Catholic Reporter,” Joseph Summers, a member of the St. Paul–Minneapolis Archdiocesan Ecumenical Commission, states regarding the name of God that appears in the Bible: “The name offends my sense of reverence and propriety. . . . It is a theological error . . . Worse, it sounds plain silly.”

In the Bible the name of God appears thousands of times, and is made up of the Hebrew consonants YHWH. This tetragrammaton is translated as “Yahweh” or “Jehovah” in English. (Rotherham) Is this name of God “silly”? Not to God, for his own inspired Word declares: “I am Jehovah. That is my name.” (Isa. 42:8) The name was not “silly” to God’s Son, for in prayer to his heavenly Father Jesus Christ said regarding his followers: “I have made your name known to them and will make it known.” (John 17:26) Showing how vital God’s name is, the apostle Paul stated: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”​—Rom. 10:13.

Those who try to degrade God’s name fall into the trap of the “father of the lie,” Satan the Devil. (John 8:44) As God’s opposer, Satan works to turn people away from true worship and tries to eliminate the usage of God’s name.

The psalmist asked: “How long, O God, will the adversary keep reproaching? Will the enemy keep treating your name with disrespect forever?” (Ps. 74:10) No, for Bible prophecy shows that soon Jehovah will do the following: “I shall certainly sanctify my great name, which was being profaned among the nations . . . and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.”​—Ezek. 36:23.

Churches in China

● The opening of diplomatic relations between China and the United States has aroused interest by Christendom’s churches in the possibilities of renewing their activities in China. However, visitors report that they found little interest in the churches there, and little likelihood of any significant revival’s developing.

Franklin Woo, the China secretary for the National Council of Churches in the United States, reported, after his second visit to China, that there were very few public church services. Attendance was very small and ‘virtually all were foreigners.’ In addition, Mr. Woo noted that he ‘didn’t find the services doing any great credit to Christianity,’ since they were ceremonial. The churches, he stated, have been ‘widely discredited in China because the missionary movement operated in alliance with Western politics and economic domination.’

Dr. Eugene Stockwell, associate general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in America, also acknowledged: “While our Western image of Jesus is as the Son of God, the Chinese think of Jesus in terms of gunboat diplomacy.” The New York “Times” similarly reported: “The image of the Western missionary has been equated with Western politics since the first Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic missionaries moved into the country late in the 19th century.”

This negative image of Christendom’s churches persists.

“Shroud of Turin”

● From time to time publicity is given to the “Shroud of Turin,” a cloth the full length of a body, supposedly showing the image of Jesus. Roman Catholics believe that the likeness came from its contact with the body of Jesus. Others doubt the claim.

However, was Jesus buried in a one-piece shroud? No, he was not. God’s inspired Word, the Holy Scriptures, states at John chapter 20, verses 6 and 7, that in the empty tomb after Jesus was resurrected the apostle Peter “observed the wrappings on the ground and saw the piece of cloth which had covered the head not lying with the wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself.”​—Catholic “New American Bible.”

So there were several cloths, with a separate one around Jesus’ head. Thus the “Shroud of Turin” could not have been any part of the actual cloths used in Jesus’ burial, since it is in one piece and Jesus was “bound . . . in wrappings of cloth,” with a separate one being used for his head.​—John 19:40, “NAB.”

Youth’s Place in the Christian Society

“Praise Jah, you people . . . you young men and also you virgins.”​—Ps. 148:1, 12.

1, 2. (a) What is the effect when you are overlooked or left out? (b) How do Jehovah God and Jesus Christ view children?

PERHAPS you have had an experience similar to this: You were invited to some large function where there were place markers for all the guests. But by some oversight there was no place designated for you. This can be an awkward and embarrassing situation. It is not pleasant to be left out or overlooked, is it?

² In the same way, some persons may be inclined to overlook or leave out young people, considering them unworthy of attention or concern. But that is not how our Creator, Jehovah God, or his Son, Jesus Christ, view youngsters. When his disciples were inclined to brush children aside, Jesus reprimanded them: “Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them.” (Mark 10:14) Stressing that even small creatures are precious to God, Jesus 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.” (Matt. 10:29) So if Jehovah considers even little birds to be of value, how much more can little children be dear to him!

3. Why are not all children, nor all angels, dear to God?

³ However, such preciousness to God is not something that comes automatically. Not all youths are dear to God​—and neither are all angels. The Bible says: “The angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place he has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 6) Angels have assignments of work in heaven, serving Jehovah God as part of his heavenly organization. But the angels spoken about above saw something else that appealed to them, and so they forsook their “proper dwelling place.” What did they see?

4, 5. (a) Why did certain angels stop serving God, and how did God deal with the terrible conditions that resulted? (b) What lesson can we all learn from this?

⁴ The Bible explains: “The sons of the true God began to notice the daughters of men, that they were good-looking; and they went taking wives for themselves.” (Gen. 6:2) Were these ‘sons of God’ mere men on earth? No. Actually they were angelic sons of God who forsook their proper place in heaven and materialized human bodies in order to have sexual relations with the beautiful women on earth. As a result of their immoral influence, and later that of their hybrid offspring, conditions on earth quickly deteriorated, resulting in God’s decision to bring a global deluge. The Bible says: “Consequently Jehovah saw that the badness of man was abundant in the earth and every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only bad all the time. So Jehovah said: ‘I am going to wipe men whom I have created off the surface of the ground.’”​—Gen. 6:5, 7.

⁵ There is a lesson here for all of us, for both young people and old. It is this: Jehovah has a place for his true servants, and they should properly hold to that place. Yes, to be precious to Jehovah, we must know our place in his arrangement and hold to it. Young ones, what is your proper place?

YOUTH’S PLACE IN GOD’S ARRANGEMENT

6. (a) What is our proper place? (b) What is it that makes us precious to God?

⁶ Out of loving concern for people, Jehovah provided his Son, Jesus Christ, to define the proper place for all of us. Christ laid the foundations for a Christian society. Today that society of true worshipers exists among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Thus, the proper place for young and old alike is within this Christian society. But note: It is not simply the attending of meetings with Jehovah’s Witnesses or the associating with them that makes one precious to Jehovah; rather, it is one’s faithfulness to Jehovah! “What is looked for,” 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “is for a man to be found faithful.” A faithful six-year-old, or a 16-year-old, is far more precious to Jehovah than those mighty angels who left their own proper dwelling place and became unfaithful. Those angels no longer have any place in God’s arrangement.

7. What is the principal work that we all have to perform?

⁷ As a part of the Christian society, all of us​—young and old, male and female—​have a common, principal work to perform faithfully. That work is to make known our Father’s purposes, to serve as his Witnesses, by our conduct and by our speaking about him. Only if we are doing this are we in our proper place. The 148th Psalm 148 says: “Praise Jah, you people . . . you young men and also you virgins, you old men together with boys. Let them praise the name of Jehovah.” Young ones are specifically urged: “Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood.”​—Eccl. 12:1.

8, 9. (a) How do inanimate things fulfill their purpose in creation? (b) How are we to fulfill our purpose for living?

⁸ The question is: Are you in your proper place? Are you truly giving praise to Jehovah? Open your Bible to that 148th Psalm 148. Note the repeated urgings there to praise Jehovah. Why, the sun, the moon, the stars, the trees, the animals, the birds; yes, all the creations of God are urged to praise him. And consider in what a wonderful way they do so. A sunrise or a sunset blazing with gorgeous color is a glowing tribute to the Grand Maker of the sun. The stars at night scattered above like sparkling diamonds on black velvet, or the silvery moon shining on the waves of a sea, reflect that a Great Architect is responsible for these lovely things. The instinctive wisdom of animals, the migratory flight of birds​—we could go on and on noting how the things that Jehovah has made really do praise him. But what about “you young men and also you virgins”​—you young women?

⁹ Your physical bodies themselves are a credit to Jehovah. The beauty, agility and grace of movement of athletic young men and women bespeak the work of a Master Designer. But humans are also meant to praise Jehovah by the upright way in which they live their lives, and by the good things that they speak about him and his works. We should have the determination of the psalmist David: “The praise of Jehovah my mouth will speak.” Also, our conduct should be exemplary. Christians are urged to “turn away from what is bad and do what is good.” (Ps. 145:21; 1 Pet. 3:11) Are you showing Jehovah appreciation for his goodness by praising him in these ways? Are you in your proper place?

OPPORTUNITIES OF PRAISING JEHOVAH

10. How may Christian youths sometimes feel about their position in the congregation?

¹⁰ Humans, unfortunately, are inclined to be concerned with position. Jesus’ apostles were; James and John once even requested that Jesus give them prominent positions next to himself in his kingdom. (Mark 10:35-37) Some youths today have similar attitudes. They feel that they lack privileges or opportunities to do things in the congregation. ‘I’m only a youth. What can I do?’ they may ask. Yet the truth is, you young ones have special opportunities to give praise to Jehovah.

11. What unique opportunities do youths have to praise Jehovah?

¹¹ During much of the year, you are in close company with classmates, as well as schoolteachers. So your conduct is on stage as it were, observable by many persons. Ask yourself: Does my conduct reflect well on Jehovah, the God with whom people identify me? Remember, how you behave will either contribute to his praise or bring reproach on him. And here is something else to think about: Do I take advantage of opportunities at school to speak about Jehovah’s purposes? Should not our attitude be that of the psalmist David: “The praise of Jehovah my mouth will speak”? (Ps. 145:21) Many Christian youths have adopted the view that school is their “territory,” and so are alert to occasions when they can give a witness. Are you?

12. (a) Why do youths often find it hard to witness to fellow students and teachers? (b) What was the experience of one youth?

¹² However, some youths find it difficult to witness to classmates or teachers. One reason is that they feel somewhat embarrassed to be identified as Bible students or persons interested in talking about God. Thus, a youth from California tried to conceal from others that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As you might imagine, living in fear of others’ finding out did not contribute to his happiness. Finally, this youth thought seriously about the matter. He was confident that his faith was the true one, so why be ashamed of it? He decided to be very open about his religion, and, at appropriate opportunities, to explain to others the reasonableness of Bible teachings. Not only was he much happier as a result, but he won the respect of many teachers and classmates.

13, 14. What are some opportunities to witness at school?

¹³ This youth found that there are many opportunities to make known God’s view of matters while at school. You can find them too. For example, the class may be considering the works of some well-known author who wrote about the immortality of the soul, or another Bible-related subject. In your written report, or in the class discussions, you could tactfully show how the author’s view compares with what the Bible says on the subject. (Ezek. 18:4; Eccl. 9:5, 10) Witness youths have done this very thing, and it has opened the way for further Bible discussions in school.

¹⁴ Sometime during one’s schooling the subject of man’s origin usually comes up in a class discussion and this also presents a fine opportunity for giving a witness. You can use information from the book Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?, showing the evidence in behalf of creation. Witness youths have done this, and, as a result, have placed many of these books with teachers and classmates. Or, in one of your classes a discussion of dating, sexual attitudes, drugs, alcoholism, or some other such subject is likely to arise. Often Christian youths have introduced the publication Your Youth​—Getting the Best out of It, which discusses all these subjects, and teachers and fellow students alike have enjoyed and benefited from this book.

15-17. (a) What are some fine experiences that youths have had in witnessing at school? (b) What are two questions Christian youths should ask themselves?

¹⁵ A fine witness in schools all over the world has been given by alert, faithful Christian youths who take the initiative. For example, a Christian youth writes: “During free class periods I had many, many opportunities to witness, especially around holiday time. By leaving Bible publications on my desk where others could see them, many interested students presented themselves to me. The most rewarding experience is one involving my Civics teacher. I had placed a publication with one of her students, and the girl was reading it in class one day when this Civics teacher saw it and asked her where she had gotten it.” The result? In time, daily Bible discussions were being held with the teacher at lunchtime. Eventually a number of the students began attending Christian meetings. And the teacher progressed to the point of becoming a dedicated Witness!

¹⁶ In another instance, a young Witness made a point of offering copies of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines to his teacher. After a few days, he would politely ask the teacher: “How did you like the article I gave you?” At first the teacher more or less shrugged off his pupil’s inquiries. However, the youth’s polite persistence soon impressed him. The teacher reasoned that if he insisted that his pupil listen and learn about academic subjects, why not, in turn, repay the pupil’s persistence by learning more about the Bible. Consequently, many Bible discussions on articles in the magazines took place. Eventually this teacher subscribed to the magazines, attended meetings at the Kingdom Hall with his family, and became a baptized Witness!

¹⁷ Experiences such as these are common. Yes, thousands of persons have come to a knowledge of God’s truth through the witnessing of youths at school. As a Christian youth, do you have the courage and love for Jehovah to speak up in behalf of his Word and principles? And just as important: Do you have the moral strength to conduct yourself in harmony with God’s righteous requirements? If you do, then you are among a choice crowd of young people world wide who are keeping their proper place. They are using their opportunities to praise Jehovah.

18. Why can youths often be especially effective in giving a witness?

¹⁸ Young people can often be particularly effective in giving a witness. For example, you can generally relate better to other youths; you are able to speak their ‘language,’ as it were. Also, some adults are inclined to listen to you youths, even as the older men at Jerusalem’s temple listened to 12-year-old Jesus. (Luke 2:46, 47) Therefore, do not minimize the fine contribution that you can make to Jehovah’s praise. If you let him, God can use you in a major way to accomplish his purpose to have this good news of the Kingdom preached earth wide.​—Matt. 24:14.

19. How can youths be a praise to Jehovah within the Christian congregation?

¹⁹ Within the congregation, too, youths can make a tremendous contribution to Jehovah’s praise. In the world today many young ones use filthy language, are sloppily dressed and lack good manners. So when you young Christians are polite, are neatly groomed and take a genuine interest in spiritual matters, visitors to the Kingdom Hall are favorably impressed. Especially are they impressed when they hear you deliver a well-prepared student talk, or listen to you as you make enthusiastic comments with genuine conviction; or when they see you doing such things as caring for the microphones, greeting others before and after meetings, helping at the literature counters and in cleaning the hall. Yes, visitors may be so impressed by the example of you young Christians that they will be moved to conclude regarding the congregation, “God is really among you.”​—1 Cor. 14:25.

20. So what attitude should youths not take, and what confidence can they have?

²⁰ So do not take the negative attitude, ‘I’m only a youth. What can I do?’ You can do many things that are a help to your brothers and sisters, and a praise to Jehovah. And you can be confident that Jehovah will observe and reward you. “For 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.

21. What are some matters we will consider in the next article?

²¹ The fact is, in the degenerate world in which we live it is not easy to serve Jehovah, particularly for you Christian youths. There are many pressures exerted to try to force you to leave your proper place. The temptations are great, and, at the same time, very subtle. Recall that even some of God’s angels in heaven were tempted to leave their proper dwelling place, and they have forever lost Jehovah’s favor. And what was it that caused them to leave? Improper sexual interests. So we should not be surprised that major temptations today would be sexual ones. Let us examine some worldly pressures aimed at breaking the faith of young Christians.

Youths, Resist Worldly Pressures!

“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.”​—Rom. 12:2, “Phillips.”

1, 2. (a) What admonition do we want to consider seriously? (b) Why is it particularly vital to consider this admonition now?

THE Scriptures often urge us to resist the Devil’s efforts to sidetrack us from the narrow road to life. The apostle Paul, for example, wrote: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.” Think seriously about this admonition at Romans 12:2. It was recorded for our protection and guidance. Above, it is quoted from The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips, but we can also read with profit how other Bibles translate it: “Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you.” (Jerusalem Bible) “You must not adopt the customs of this world.” (An American Translation) “Quit being fashioned after this system of things.”​—New World Translation.

² It is more urgent than ever before that we be on guard against being fashioned after this system. Why? Because recently​—within the lifetime of millions of persons still alive—​Satan and his angels were thrown out of heaven by Christ and his angels. After describing this action, the Bible says: “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” (Rev. 12:9, 12) We are living in this short period of woe right now! Thus, in his anger, Satan is having pressure applied on us in an all-out effort to get us to conform to the world’s behavior. How is he doing this?

ILLICIT SEX

3, 4. What methods were successful in the past in turning God’s servants from a faithful course?

³ If a method is successful, is it not reasonable that Satan would continue to use it? Well, what was involved in causing angels to leave their proper place in heaven? Yes, it was an improper desire for sexual relations. (Gen. 6:1-4; Jude 6) Consider, too, what occurred shortly before the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, after wandering in the wilderness for nearly 40 years. When the Moabites saw them, they felt “a sickening dread.” This was because the Israelites were so numerous, and because Jehovah’s blessing was on them. (Num. 22:1-3) So the Moabites hired the prophet Balaam to try to get God to curse the Israelites. This scheme failed. But eventually Balaam, no doubt under Satan’s guidance, came up with a plan that succeeded. What was it?

⁴ Balaam had the women of Moab and Midian extend their hospitality to the Israelites, evidently inviting them to a banquet of the best food and wine. The Israelites became relaxed as a result of eating the good food and drinking the heady wine, and likely sexy dancing was used to arouse their passions. They let down their guard, so that these women drew the Israelites into having sexual relations with them. They even got the Israelites to bow down to false gods. With what result? Jehovah’s anger blazed against his people, and 24,000 of them were put to death! Think about this: Those 24,000 were poised to enter Canaan​—the Land of Promise—​after many years of wandering in a desolate wilderness. Yet they lost out on the fulfillment of the promise because of being enticed into sexual immorality!​—Num. 25:1-9, 16-18; 31:16.

5. What parallel can we see between the Israelites about to enter the Promised Land and our position today? So what can we expect Satan to attempt to do?

⁵ Can you see a parallel in our situation today? There is one. (1 Cor. 10:11) We are now right at the portals of God’s promised new system, poised to enter it as the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. Judging from past examples, what would you expect Satan to attempt? Yes, to maneuver God’s people into situations where they would commit sexual immorality, so that Jehovah would judge them unfit to enter his righteous new system.

6, 7. What evidence is there of the world’s abandoning of righteous moral standards?

⁶ Would you not agree that the immorality of Satan’s world poses a real threat to the spiritual health of Christians today? Why, just consider how the world has been abandoning righteous standards. In ruling on a case where a 23-year-old woman had sex relations with a 15-year-old boy, a New Mexico judge noted that the act was not illicit or illegal. “The Legislature abolished fornication as a crime,” he wrote. “It recognized, as a matter of public policy, that this conduct did not violate the mores of the 20th century.” In line with that decision, The Express of Easton, Pennsylvania, observed: “The sexual revolution is over, and sex has won. No longer is sex considered by most teenagers primarily as something to be used to rebel against authority. For many, it has become part of their daily life pattern.”

⁷ Some older ones may have little idea of what younger Christians daily face in the way of exposure to sexual immorality. An astonishing number of today’s youths begin sexual activity in their early teens or before, and sexual escapades are a common topic of conversation. Studies reveal that by the age of 16 more than one out of five American girls have indulged in sex​—in some other countries the number is even greater. Time magazine, reporting on a Redbook magazine survey of 18,349 women, observed: “90% of those under 25 report having had premarital intercourse. . . . Nearly all women​—89%—​have experienced oral sex.”

8, 9. (a) How great is the pressure to commit immorality? (b) Do you see evidence within the congregation of persons succumbing to this pressure?

⁸ The pressure on young ones to commit immorality is tremendous. One 22-year-old virgin lamented: “These days if you haven’t had sex by the time you’re 18, you might as well join a convent. All my girl friends have been having sex since high school. They used to make so much fun of me that in self-defense I invented stories about my ‘escapades.’” Males perhaps face even greater peer pressure to commit immorality, since generally more young men engage in fornication than do young women. A French magazine, for example, observed that while 28 percent of 15-year-old French girls are no longer virgins, 54 percent of 15-year-old boys have experienced sex relations.

⁹ Sadly, reports have been received showing that many young Christians have also succumbed to the pressures of a sex-oriented world, just as the 24,000 Israelites of old fell victim to temptations from the immoral Moabites and Midianites. Surely this is a snare that Satan is still using to entrap God’s servants! What can we do to protect ourselves and realize Jehovah’s blessing?

CONDUCT WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX

10. What is God’s view of fornication? (1 Cor. 5:1, 9-13)

¹⁰ First, it is vital to be sensitive to Jehovah’s direction and not consider the requirements of his Word as being of human origin. Fornicators will not inherit Kingdom blessings. “Flee from fornication,” the Bible commands. “God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (1 Cor. 6:9, 18; Heb. 13:4) No human legislature can change God’s law. Human acceptance or approval does not make a wrong practice right in Jehovah’s sight. Sexual relations by unmarried persons are wrong; they are a serious sin, regardless of what any humans say or do. There will be no place for immoral persons in the “new earth.” (Rev. 21:1-4, 8) Thus, what should that mean relative to our conduct with the opposite sex? What about dating, for example?

11. (a) What does God’s Word say about marrying persons who do not worship Jehovah? (b) Why is this counsel fitting today?

¹¹ This was God’s law to the Israelites regarding marriage: “You must form no marriage alliance with them. Your daughter you must not give to his son, and his daughter you must not take for your son.” Similarly, Christians are advised to marry “only in the Lord,” that is, to marry only fellow worshipers of Jehovah. (Deut. 7:3; 1 Cor. 7:39) Such a requirement may appear to be overly restrictive. But is it really? Judging from the prevalence of sexual immorality in the world today, it is actually just as fitting and applicable as it was when God’s people were living alongside the depraved Canaanites, or among the sexy inhabitants of ancient Corinth. So, then, if we are exhorted not to marry persons of another faith, would it not be inappropriate to go out on dates with them?

12. (a) What is a date? (b) Why would dating persons who do not worship Jehovah be very unwise?

¹² What is a date? Webster’s Third New International Dictionary defines it: “An appointment between two persons of the opposite sex for the mutual enjoyment of some form of social activity.” But should true worshipers of God seek “mutual enjoyment . . . of social activity” with persons who do not worship Jehovah? Remember those 24,000 Israelites who did. Besides, the usual purpose of a date is to become better acquainted with a prospective marriage mate. So, in view of the Scriptural counsel that a worshiper of Jehovah not marry a person of another faith, it would be unwise either to accept or to propose a date with such a person. What, then, about dating a fellow Christian?

13, 14. How is steady dating commonly viewed, yet what is the frequent result?

¹³ There is plenty of pressure on young Christians to date. According to the Gallup Youth Survey, one out of three teen-age American girls said that they have a steady boyfriend. But is such dating wise? What can happen? One girl explains: “The problem comes when I am with some boy I like and we are out on a dark country road, or for that matter on the couch in my living room. . . . ‘This time I’ll keep it innocent,’ I tell myself, but kissing and cuddling build up until I am desperate to have the boy make love to me.”

¹⁴ Would you say this is an unusual, abnormal reaction? Not at all; it is quite normal. As another young person writes: “When two kids see each other morning, noon, and night for months and years, there is no way they can keep from becoming intimate. After a while the handholding and kissing gets stale, and they think they are ‘in love.’ I’m 18, and have a baby 1 month old . . . Yes, we had to get married, so I guess I’m an expert on the subject.” The evidence seems to bear out this youth’s claim. Under the heading “The Epidemic of Teen-Age Pregnancy,” the New York Times of June 18, 1978, reported: “About one million teen-age girls, one in 10 between the ages of 15 and 19, get pregnant every year. About 600,000 actually bear children, and childbirth often triggers consequences that cloud the rest of the mothers’ lives.” Such facts are indeed grave and sobering.

15. (a) How do some argue in defense of youths’ dating? (b) Yet can one who loves Jehovah become involved in wrongdoing, and how is this illustrated?

¹⁵ However, some may argue in defense of dating: ‘We are Christians. We know that fornication is wrong, so we won’t get involved in such practices.’ True, you may not intend to get involved. But when alone in the company of a person to whom you are attracted, the sexual drive can lead you into wrongdoing. Consider King David, who was an outstanding servant of Jehovah, a man ‘agreeable to God’s own heart.’ He knew God’s law. He knew that it was wrong to have sex relations with Bath-sheba, another man’s wife. Yet he did it. Why? Because he permitted himself to get into a position where he was exposed to sexy temptations.​—1 Sam. 13:14; 2 Sam. 11:1-4.

16. (a) What kind of association is best for young Christians? (b) What care should be exercised by those who are dating in anticipation of marriage?

¹⁶ Surely, then, there is need for caution when it comes to dating. It is fine when young people can get together and enjoy one another’s company, but this is best done in groups, rather than for couples to go off alone together on dates. Perhaps parents and other older ones in the congregation can, from time to time, plan picnics or other wholesome get-togethers. On such occasions, however, it is vital that Christians be careful that their conduct at all times reflects well on the God they worship. If you are considering marriage and are regularly dating a prospective mate, it is understandable that you would want to spend some time alone together to discuss personal matters. But you should exercise care that you do not become involved in necking and petting, which can lead to fornication. It is wise to avoid places of isolated privacy that are conducive to lovemaking.

DISCO MUSIC AND DISCOTHEQUES

17. (a) What are discotheques and disco music? (b) How popular are they?

¹⁷ The entertainment enjoyed by many youths today is listening and dancing to disco music. What, then, about going to discotheques? Disco has become very popular music, and discotheques are favorite places for entertainment. Discotheques​—discos for short—​are places where phonograph records are played for dancing, although live dance bands may also play there. Today’s disco music has a characteristic repetitious beat that is designed for modern dancing. Many different types of places are called discos, from small supper clubs with a tiny dance floor to large, extravagantly decorated dance halls. There are reportedly over 1,500 discos in New York city alone. “The one thing that binds all these otherwise dissimilar establishments together,” explains Esquire magazine, “is the music and the common atmosphere of overstimulation.”

18. What question has been raised regarding discos? Why?

¹⁸ Are these appropriate places for Christians to go for entertainment? This is a question that many have asked. For example, there is the letter of a 16-year-old girl who laments the effect that going to discos has had on her older sister. “See, it’s very important,” she writes, “because I believe now that my sister may lose out on everlasting life. . . . What I’m asking is could you brothers kindly print an article concerning the effects and danger of the places? I think it would help many.”

19-21. (a) What are discotheques like? (b) What reasons are there for Christians to avoid these places? (1 Cor. 15:33; John 17:16)

¹⁹ Let us consider then: What is this “common atmosphere of overstimulation” that characterizes most discos? The New York Daily News observed: “Everything about discotheques is sexy​—the sensual and theatrical decor, the tribal beat of the music, the way people dress and the way they dance. Disco dancing is an uninhibited mix of thrust and swivel and elegant grind . . . In discotheques, the sexual overtones and undertones are simply intensified, exaggerated and magnified.” The magazine Esquire pointed to “the stunning profusion of lights, sounds, rhythms, motions, drugs, spectacles, and illusions,” and noted: “Everything is taken as far as it can be taken; then it is combined with every other extreme to produce the final rape of the human sensorium.”

²⁰ If an establishment puts the emphasis on sex, and the clientele, as a whole, has little regard for the fine, wholesome moral standards of God’s Word, obviously this is not a proper place for a Christian. This would be true whether it is known as a “disco” or by some other name. Remember, Satan’s world is doing all it can to squeeze us into its mold, so should we not expect that Satan would use enticing entertainment as a lure to entrap us? Recall how the Israelites were lured by what at first may have appeared to be a sharing in some innocent entertainment, yet 24,000 lost their opportunity of life in the Promised Land. We do not want that to happen to us, do we? So then we need to resist worldly pressures; we need to fight against being fashioned after this system. Do not be deceived! Often those who get into moral difficulties​—which sometimes require disfellowshiping them—​are those who have been going to discos or other questionable places of entertainment.

²¹ True, sex may not be “intensified, exaggerated and magnified” at all discos. A restaurant, for example, may advertise as a “disco” and the entertainment may be moderate in comparison with that of some places. It would not be for the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses or the local elders to tell others that they should not go to such a “moderate” establishment, but extreme caution is certainly in order. It is a fact that discos have a reputation for wild abandonment of moral restraints. And that includes disco music. Noting the trend, singer-composer Johnny Bristol said: “Sex is where it’s at in music today.” There may be some disco music that is not morally degrading, just as there are still a few decent motion pictures. But the trend is unmistakable. The entertainment of the world has deteriorated, being insidiously designed to foster the view that fornication is not necessarily wrong. But it is! And God will adversely “judge fornicators.”​—Heb. 13:4.

22, 23. Why would a mature Christian avoid discotheques even though he may feel that going to them would not be spiritually harmful to him?

²² Do not feel that what is here said is intended to rob you of fun, whether you be a youth or an adult. Not at all! We want you to be happy, and to enjoy a wholesome life to the full​—forever. But Satan has enticements, entertainment​—even as in the ancient past—​that can lure you into activity that will bring you Jehovah’s disapproval. Avoid these pitfalls, and help others to avoid them. Even if you have thought that going to certain discos may not be morally harmful to you, consider the effect that your going there may have on other Christians. As a result of seeing you go, they may be put off guard as to the potential danger, and become involved in wrong conduct. The apostle Paul was willing to give up doing things that in themselves were not necessarily wrong in order to protect the spiritual health of his Christian brothers. He even said that “if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat flesh at all, that I may not make my brother stumble.” If he were with us today, could you imagine him relaxing at a disco?​—1 Cor. 8:13.

²³ Let us work together, then, as a united body of Christians, to resist worldly pressures so that all of us may enjoy Jehovah’s favor and life in his righteous new system.

[Picture on page 25]

Good associates can aid us to maintain fine conduct, to God’s praise

Rearing My Sons Without a Husband

ARE you faced with having to bring up your children without the help of a husband? Do you fear that you will not be able to shoulder the heavy responsibility? This was a situation in which I found myself.

From personal experience, I realized the troubles and disappointments that lie ahead for children as they grow up, and I was determined to prepare them to meet these things.

A TURBULENT, CONFUSED CHILDHOOD

I was born in Austria a few years before the start of the second world war. Still vivid in my mind are the last woes of senseless bloodshed that swept over our country in 1945. War-weary German soldiers, half starved and almost dead with thirst, were led into captivity in what looked like endless columns. The wounded and the dead skirted the roads.

A world collapsed before my eyes, a world that had been praised until that very instant by my parents. Also, the training that I received in the various national-socialistic youth associations extolled it as being the only world for which it was worth living and fighting. But now that world was in ruins. In confusion, I asked myself and others: ‘What is the true meaning of life?’

In those turbulent days no one found the time to show interest in my questions. So I began to search for answers in my religion​—the Roman Catholic Church—​which up till then had not played any major part in my life. Cleverly, advantage was taken of the still unbalanced emotional world of an adolescent girl. There was exposure to concerts of religious music, impressive services in famous old cathedrals and literature extolling a sacrificial way of life in solitude. As a result, I decided to enter a convent.

A trip to Rome was planned. However, I felt depressed because I knew that my financial situation would not allow me to go. How happy I was when an elderly priest offered to pay for my journey! Further details were to be discussed at his office. Joyfully, and filled with thankfulness and faith in the good, I hurried there. What a shock it was when he began to make immoral advances! I barely succeeded in getting out of the room without being molested! Shaken and deeply disappointed, I began to look at my religion more critically.

I still felt that to love God and to serve him was the most meaningful goal in life. But how could this be realized? Later, while working as a clerk at a court, something happened that further convinced me that it couldn’t be accomplished within the Catholic Church. A priest, who had sexually abused several young girls, was provided by the Church with one of the country’s best lawyers, even though pretrial hearings had established his guilt.

SOURCE OF TRUE WISDOM

Years went by, and in the early 1950’s I married and became the mother of two sons. It was then that the questions about the meaning and purpose of life, which had more or less been pushed into the background, arose again. I began to think seriously about my little ones’ future. I was determined that, when facing life’s situation, they would never find themselves at a loss, without a satisfying answer, as I had been in my youth.

Never was I as conscious of the insufficiency of human wisdom as I was then. I turned to God in prayer. Shortly afterward one of Jehovah’s Witnesses visited me and explained about God’s grand purpose in connection with his kingdom​—a real government—​that would bring lasting peace to humankind. (Matt. 6:9, 10; Rev. 21:3, 4) In time, my conviction grew that what I was learning in these Bible discussions was the truth for which I had been searching for so long.

At first my husband approved of my activity and even took part in the study of the Bible. However, the situation changed abruptly when he realized the obligation to follow closely the moral principles of God’s Word. An inclination toward a loose way of life finally caused him to give up the Bible study, and even to oppose me bitterly. So I separated from this adulterous mate. As a result, I lost a beautiful home and financial security, but I gained the freedom to teach my children God’s Word without interference.

SETTING AND CULTIVATING A GOAL

Prayerfully, I considered the Bible counsel to parents: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” (Prov. 22:6) In keeping with this counsel, I resolved to do my utmost to mold my sons into useful vessels for Jehovah’s service.

This meant, first of all, setting the goal before my boys of taking up the full-time preaching activity when they grew older. Of course, I realized that their own desire to serve Jehovah would ultimately have to be the basis for taking up the full-time service. So, to cultivate that desire, I conducted a regular Bible study with them adapted to their needs.

At the time we did not have the two excellent books Listening to the Great Teacher and Your Youth​—Getting the Best out of It. So a lot of research in Bible publications was required to find counsel on certain problems that arose. Realizing that real-life experiences of people make strong impressions on the mind, we would read and discuss together such experiences, especially those found in the Bible.

Thus, in time, my boys became well acquainted with such persons as Achan, Gehazi, Ananias and Sapphira. Why them? Because their experiences reveal how Jehovah views those who are greedy, and those who lie and steal. (Josh. 7:1-26; 2 Ki. 5:1-27; Acts 5:1-11) Then, to deal with the problem of disobedience, we would discuss Adam and Eve, or the people who died in the global deluge and at Sodom and Gomorrah. When it was a matter of envy, considering the example of Joseph’s brothers proved helpful. Also, we would read about men, women and children who were loyal servants of God and who endeavored to reflect his excellent qualities.

As a further part of their training, I never failed to take them to Christian meetings. We prepared comments together, and I encouraged them to share these at the meetings. Also, we kept up with the Bible-reading program in the Theocratic School, and regularly prayed together. I personally trained them to talk to others about the Bible, from showing them how to hand the householder a handbill to giving short Bible sermons, making return visits and conducting home Bible studies.

We would spend our spare time associating with those in the full-time preaching work, or other mature Christians and their families. And despite our modest financial means, I always saw to it that we got to the circuit and district assemblies, as well as the international conventions. There we would sit together and listen to the program.

MEETING PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL

At the beginning of each school year I would go over my sons’ textbooks. I was surprised to find how often they propagated unscriptural views, such as that humans evolved from lower forms of life. The celebration of holidays and patriotic ceremonies were among the matters we talked over. We would discuss the proper position to take in accord with God’s Word on possible situations that might arise. Also, we talked about the use of drugs, homosexuality, dating, the extent of participation in school sports events, and so forth.

Wouldn’t you be worried and filled with uneasiness if your child one day disclosed, “There is a drug addict in our class,” or, “My friend Otto has repeatedly been molested by a homosexual”? I never took the view that my children were beyond being influenced by those things. Quite to the contrary, I viewed the situations as serious. Together we discussed articles in The Watchtower and Awake! that dealt with these matters, and I encouraged the boys to examine the consequences of such practices.

I vividly recall an episode when my younger son Gerfried still attended elementary school. One Christmas his teacher asked the students to write about this holiday. Being well acquainted with the pagan origins of Christmas, Gerfried finished his composition long before the others. The teacher immediately read it, and was astonished. Right away he collected the papers of the other students and gave new instructions: “Write on the subject, A Winter Day.” Later he expressed himself favorably to me about the well-founded argumentation of my son about the origin of the Christmas festivities.

On another occasion every student in one of Gerfried’s classes was required to sing the national anthem. However, due to conscientious objection to singing songs that promote nationalism and tend to idolize nations, Gerfried refused. As a result, he was given a poor grade. I called at the school principal’s office and asked for an explanation. “He was asked to sing the national anthem because its melody has so many semitones which allow for a better test of the sense of hearing,” was the reply. As if there were no other songs with many semitones!

My willingness to back them up in their convictions instilled in my children the certainty that they were never alone in these things, and this helped them to remain courageous advocates of their beliefs. Above all, I endeavored to establish good contact with their teachers. This helped the children to avoid many a problem.

SHARING THEIR FAITH AT SCHOOL

I encouraged the boys to talk with their classmates about their faith. A good opportunity presented itself when the Catholic students received their religious instruction. Those who didn’t take part spent their leisure hour in a separate room. There my older son Manfred had some fine discussions with students who showed genuine interest in Bible truth. He would invite these interested ones to our home for additional discussions. Thus Manfred came to conduct two Bible studies when he was still very young. In time, both of these young persons dedicated themselves to Jehovah despite great opposition from their parents, and they are serving Him faithfully today.

The release of the book Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation? was greatly appreciated by us. One of Manfred’s teachers, with whom he placed the book, examined carefully the evidence presented. As a result, he stopped teaching the evolution theory, and encouraged the entire class to get the book and read it thoroughly. Thus Manfred distributed more than 25 Evolution books to fellow students.

The following year the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life was released, and almost every one of his classmates took a copy.

My sons often based their written compositions and oral assignments on subjects from the Awake! magazine. The result frequently was the placement with the class of many copies of Awake! Other students also began using Awake! as the basis of their compositions. Manfred’s influence on some of his classmates became so strong that the Catholic teacher, a nun who conducted the scripture lessons, warned against associating with him. Another teacher took the matter to the headmaster of the school.

Sometime later the nun told Manfred: “I have observed you for a longer time now and I must admit that you are the most polite student at this school. Although I once expressed myself negatively about you, you have greeted me in a friendly way nevertheless. I’m sorry; now I know that I wronged you.”

All teachers who came in contact with my sons in the course of their days at school received a thorough witness, either orally or through our excellent Bible-based literature.

GUIDANCE TOWARD MANHOOD

With the teen-age years, the first “love letters” flew into our house. I did not shrug them off as childishness, but got in touch with the parents of the hopeful writers, talked with them, and, when necessary, also with the elders of the Christian congregation concerned. I thus nipped in the bud the inclination for premature dating. My sons did not always agree with my way of dealing with the matter, and at times lively discussions ensued. Of course, I always endeavored to provide some substitute activity.

Almost every Sunday we invited young Witnesses to our home to talk, to listen to music, or to play some sports. And how happy I was that mature Witnesses took the initiative to discuss with the boys things about which normally a father talks with his sons. I learned to seek help in the Christian congregation, and to accept and appreciate counsel. There is something I never forgot​—that one’s own example is the best method of education.

Over seven years ago Manfred finished school. As soon as he did, we both entered the full-time preaching work as pioneers. Gerfried was then in a critical time of his development. How would he decide? Today I can happily say that he, too, has been serving now for over four years as a pioneer.

How happy I am that we are now serving Jehovah as a united family! Only with the strength and guidance provided by Jehovah through his Word and organization could I successfully have reared my sons without a husband. This is why I say with the Bible psalmist: “Let us come before his person with thanksgiving; let us with melodies shout in triumph to him. For Jehovah is a great God and a great King over all other gods.”​—Ps. 95:2, 3.

Questions From Readers

● Is Jesus the “mediator” only for anointed Christians?

The term “mediator” occurs just six times in the Christian Greek Scriptures and Scripturally is always used regarding a formal covenant.

Moses was the “mediator” of the Law covenant made between God and the nation of Israel. (Gal. 3:19, 20) Christ, though, is the “mediator of a new covenant” between Jehovah and spiritual Israel, the “Israel of God” that will serve as kings and priests in heaven with Jesus. (Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24; Gal. 6:16) At a time when God was selecting those to be taken into that new covenant, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ was the “one mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:5) Reasonably Paul was here using the word “mediator” in the same way he did the other five times, which occurred before the writing of 1 Timothy 2:5, referring to those then being taken into the new covenant for which Christ is “mediator.” So in this strict Biblical sense Jesus is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.

The new covenant will terminate with the glorification of the remnant who are today in that covenant mediated by Christ. The “great crowd” of “other sheep” that is forming today is not in that new covenant. However, by their associating with the “little flock” of those yet in that covenant they come under benefits that flow from that new covenant. During the millennium Jesus Christ will be their king, high priest and judge. For more detailed information, see Aid to Bible Understanding, pages 1129 and 1130 under “Mediator”; also God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good, page 160, paragraph 10; also The Watchtower issues of February 15, 1966, pages 105 through 123; November 15, 1972, pages 685 and 686, under the subheading “Leading the Way to a New Covenant”; and April 1, 1973, pages 198 and 199, under the subheading “The New Covenant.”

● At Psalm 89:19, who are the “loyal ones” to whom Jehovah spoke in a vision?

An examination of Psalm 89 reveals that the subject matter is the Kingdom covenant. Ps 89 Verses 19, 20 and 29 of this psalm read: “At that time you spoke in a vision to your loyal ones, and you proceeded to say: ‘I have placed help upon a mighty one; I have exalted a chosen one from among the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him . . . And I shall certainly set up his seed forever and his throne as the days of heaven.’”

The account of 1 Chronicles 17 reveals that the promise of a continuing dynasty in the house of David was revealed to the prophet Nathan in a vision. First Chronicles 17:15 tells us: “According to all these words and according to all this vision was the way that Nathan spoke to David.” Therefore, the “loyal ones” are Nathan and David, with David receiving the divine revelation through Nathan.

A Big Change

Can just one copy of a Christian journal really affect the course of a man’s life? The following experience from Spain indicates that it can.

Serious-faced Roberto usually sat alone when riding a train, but on one occasion he took a seat beside an elderly man, who asked: “Do you like to read?” The reply was affirmative, and so Roberto was given a copy of The Watchtower. Though the white-haired gentleman left the train, Roberto kept reading until he had finished the entire magazine. On reaching the end of the railway line, he stood on the platform asking himself: “Where are you going? Don’t you see that now you can’t do what you were going to do?”

Beset by unemployment, huge debts and disillusionment, that morning desperate Roberto had boarded the train to the provincial capital intent on killing the business partner who had cheated him out of his life’s savings. Then Roberto planned to return home, take the lives of his wife and children and finally commit suicide. But now he took the next train home, contacted a Witness neighbor, and asked for a Bible study.

After searching for many months, a new Roberto located the witness of Jehovah who had given him that magazine on the train, finally spying him in the crowd at a Christian assembly. Think of that elderly man’s joy when he learned that Roberto and his whole family were studying the Bible, attending meetings of God’s people and would soon be baptized! Yes, one magazine had brought about a big change.

Can You Read the Future?

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