The Watchtower — May 1, 1988

How to Be a Successful Parent

“I’LL tell you what it takes to be a successful parent,” says Raymond, father of five. “Blood, toil, tears, and sweat!”

Raymond’s wife agrees wholeheartedly. But she adds: “It isn’t easy raising children today, but as you see them growing into responsible adults, the struggle is well worth it.”

Raising children has never been completely free from anxiety. Yet, today, to many parents it seems that child rearing has become very troublesome. “I think being a parent today is more difficult than in my parents’ time because life has become more complicated,” says Elaine, who is 40 years old and the mother of a teenage son. “You don’t always know when to be strict and when to be lenient.”

What Is a Successful Parent?

A successful parent is one who raises his child in such a way that the child has every opportunity to grow into a responsible adult, who will continue actively to worship God and demonstrate love for his fellowman. (Matthew 22:37-39) Sadly, though, not all children take their turn in becoming responsible adults. Why not? Is it always the parents’ fault when this happens?

Consider an illustration. A building contractor may have at his disposal the finest blueprints and building materials available. But what would result if the contractor refused to follow the blueprints, perhaps even permitting foolish shortcuts to be taken or allowing inferior materials to be substituted for the quality ones? Would not the completed building be faulty, even dangerous to use? Suppose, though, that the contractor was conscientious and did his best to follow the blueprints and to use quality materials. Would not the owner of the completed building now have a responsibility to maintain it in proper order? Would he not also have a responsibility not to tear out the quality materials and replace them with inferior ones?

In a figurative way, parents are involved in a construction work. They want to build into their children fine personalities. The Bible provides the best blueprint for this. The quality materials, “gold, silver, precious stones,” are likened in the Scriptures to qualities such as strong faith, godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, loyalty, and loving appreciation for almighty God and his laws.​—1 Corinthians 3:10-13; compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.

The child too, as he becomes older, takes on more and more responsibility to build within himself a true upright personality. He must be willing to follow the same blueprint, God’s Word, and use the same quality materials as did his parents. If the child on becoming a young adult refuses to do this or tears down such fine building work, then he is to blame for the resulting disaster.​—Deuteronomy 32:5.

Why Is It Difficult?

Being a successful parent today is difficult for at least two reasons. In the first place, both parents and children are imperfect and make mistakes. Often, this involves what the Bible calls sinning, and the tendency to sin is inherited.​—Romans 5:12.

The second reason is this: Growing children are influenced by more than just their parents. The whole community has some effect on a child’s values and outlook on life. In view of this, Paul’s prophecy about our day is of concern to parents. He said: “You must face the fact: the final age of this world is to be a time of troubles. Men will love nothing but money and self; they will be arrogant, boastful, and abusive; with no respect for parents, no gratitude, no piety, no natural affection; they will be implacable in their hatreds, scandal-mongers, intemperate and fierce, strangers to all goodness, traitors, adventurers, swollen with self-importance. They will be men who put pleasure in the place of God, men who preserve the outward form of religion, but are a standing denial of its reality. Keep clear of men like these.” (Italics ours.)​—2 Timothy 3:1-5, New English Bible.

With the fabric of present-day society woven from such faulty threads, is it any wonder that some parents throw up their hands in frustration and almost give up on child rearing? Look back to the year 1914. That fateful year saw a fundamental change in society, and it was not a change for the better. The two world wars since then have swept more than peace from the earth. Society today is devoid of the moral fiber needed to play out its role in preparing children for responsible adulthood. As a matter of fact, righteoushearted parents face a social environment hostile to the values they want to teach their children.

Thus, parents have fewer helpers on the team. In the past, they counted on public schools to help teach their children the same basic values that they as parents treasured in their home. Not any more though.

“Pressures on youth today are different,” says Shirley, who graduated from high school in 1960. “We didn’t have drugs or free sex when I was in high school. Sneaking a puff on a cigarette was considered being bad 30 years ago. When my oldest daughter attended high school from 1977 to 1981, use of drugs was a big problem. Now drugs have penetrated the lower schools. My youngest daughter, who is 13 years old, has had to face that drug pressure every day at school for the last two years.”

Also, in the past, parents could count on grandparents, relatives, and neighbors to help supervise the behavior of “Johnny.” But once again, that has changed. And sad to report, in a growing number of families, there is not even a two-member team; the whole load of child raising falls on the shoulders of one parent.

Successful Blueprint for Parents

Although child rearing is harder today, parents can be successful if they avail themselves of a time-tested aid​—the Bible. God’s Word can be your blueprint, or program of action, for parenting. Just as a wise contractor makes good use of a blueprint to guide the construction of a building to its successful completion, you can use the Bible as your guide in raising your children to be responsible adults. True, the Bible was not intended solely as a manual for successful parenthood, but it does contain direct counsel to parents and children. It is also a treasure trove of principles that when applied can benefit you as a parent.​—Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

For example, consider Diane. When her 14-year-old son, Eric, was younger, he was “an intense child, hard to talk with,” she says. It was at that point that she discovered the wisdom behind this Bible proverb: “Counsel [one’s purpose or intention] in the heart of a man is as deep waters, but the man of discernment is one that will draw it up.” (Proverbs 20:5) For some children, their feelings and thoughts​—their real intentions—​lie in their heart like waters at the bottom of a deep well. Eric was like that. It takes hard work by the parent to draw those intentions out. “When he would come home from school, he would not be bubbling over with things to tell,” remembers Diane. “So I took the time to find out what he was facing at school. At times I would talk literally for hours with Eric before he would reveal what he was really thinking deep in his heart.”

The reason for the Bible’s high value as a guide is simple: Jehovah God is its Author. He is also our Creator. (Revelation 4:11) He knows our nature and is willing ‘to teach us to benefit ourselves and to cause us to tread in the way in which we should walk.’ This is true whether one is a parent or a child. (Isaiah 48:17; Psalm 103:14) Although some people have to work more than others at becoming a better parent, all can become better at parenting by following the guidelines outlined in the Scriptures.

Treat Each One as an Individual

Good children cannot be produced by following some pat set of human rules any more than every adult is cut out to be the “perfect” parent. Each child has his own personality, and each child must be dealt with as an individual. The Bible recognizes this. To help parents avoid unfavorably comparing one child with another, the principle behind the following Bible counsel is apropos: “But let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.”​—Galatians 5:26; 6:4.

John, a father of two, finds that the above Scriptural advice helps him keep his children’s viewpoint of each other, or even of other families, in balance. “I encourage my children not to look at what other families have or do,” John explains. “We have our own family standard that is to be maintained.”

Train “From Infancy”

When should religion become part of successful parenting? “You can’t start too soon,” says Gary, whose son has just begun kindergarten. Gary believes that children must have real friends in the local Christian congregation even before they start attending school. That is one reason why Gary and his wife have been bringing Evan to Christian meetings almost from the day he was born. Gary is imitating what Eunice, a parent who is commended in the Bible, did with her son Timothy. Timothy learned the ABC’s of Scriptural teachings “from infancy.”​—2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15.

Timothy’s mother and probably his grandmother, Lois, made certain that it was not their personal ideas that impressed him from infancy; rather, they knew it was Jehovah’s teachings that would make him wise for salvation. The letter written to Timothy by the Christian apostle Paul states: “You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus.”​—2 Timothy 3:14, 15.

So Lois and Eunice helped Timothy to reason on the Word and to rest his faith on what the written Word of God said. In this way his faith was not grounded solely in his parents but in the divine wisdom of Jehovah’s Word. He did not follow Christian truth just because his mother and grandmother were worshipers of Jehovah, but he convinced himself that what he was taught by them was in fact the truth.

Doubtless, Timothy also considered what sort of persons his mother and grandmother were​—truly spiritual individuals. They would not trick him or twist the truth for selfish ends; neither were they hypocrites. Timothy, therefore, had no question about the things he learned. And there is no doubt that his adult life as an active Christian warmed his faithful mother’s heart.

Yes, successful parenting is hard work, but as the mother previously quoted said: “The struggle is worth it.” Especially is this true when parents can say about their children what the apostle John wrote to his spiritual children: “No greater cause for thankfulness do I have than these things, that I should be hearing that my children go on walking in the truth.”​—3 John 4.

[Box on page 6]

Educational Program Followed by Parents in Israel

In ancient Israel, the parents were responsible for educating and training their little ones. They became the instructors and guides of their children. Modern parenting can benefit by heeding a similar program. The educational program in Israel may be summed up as follows:

1. Fear of Jehovah was taught.​—Psalm 34:11.

2. Honor for father and mother was admonished.​—Exodus 20:12.

3. Instruction in the Law, as well as in the activities of Jehovah, was inculcated.​—Deuteronomy 6:7-21.

4. Respect for older persons was emphasized.​—Leviticus 19:32.

5. Obedience was stressed.​—Proverbs 23:22-25.

6. Practical training for living was instilled.​—Mark 6:3.

7. Education in reading and writing was given.​—John 7:15.

[Picture on page 5]

God’s Word is a blueprint, or program of action, for parenting

Kingdom Proclaimers Report

Bible Truth “Exerts Power”

THIS world spends much time and money trying to control the actions of bad people. Laws are enacted against crimes such as drug abuse, theft, and murder; but these laws do not make bad people good. On the other hand, God’s Word, the Bible, has transforming power, and people who apply its laws and principles become upright, honest, and mild-tempered persons.​—Romans 12:2.

◻ For example, two Witnesses in Australia made a return visit on several young, unemployed men. As they entered the house where the men were, they came into a dark, smoke-filled room. There were marijuana implements on the table and large rock posters lining the walls. Along one side of the room were huge electric guitar amplifiers. It was a rock band’s practice room. They were able to start a Bible study with three of these men who were fleshly brothers. Some years earlier their mother had studied the Bible with the Witnesses, and with the aid of the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, she had taught the boys about God’s promise of a future paradise. Then the family moved, and the study was stopped. Now, with their love for the truth renewed, they were soon joined in their study by two friends.

Within three months, one of them was witnessing, and a month later he was joined by the other two. They quit the band, and within four months, all three were sharing in the preaching work. In the meantime, their mother, younger brother, and older married sister started to study the Bible. Shortly afterward another friend asked for a Bible study. What a joy to see five of them baptized on the same day at a circuit assembly! Two others are working toward baptism, while the mother and the daughter continue to make good progress. Truly, the Word of God exerts power.

◻ A man in Argentina had an employee who was lazy and deceitful and owed him a lot of money. One day the worker disappeared. Then, years later, in the street near his home, the man met his former employee. The ex-employee greeted him, saying: “I was just going to your house to pay back the money I owe you. Here is your money. Thank you very much, and please forgive me for not returning it sooner.” Surprised, the man asked him why he did this. He answered: “I am now studying the Bible, and I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Bible says that we are not to owe anyone anything except love. That is why I returned what is yours.” The man asked: “What power does the Bible have to produce such a change in a man?” A Bible study was started with him, and now he too is learning the truth, all because of the great change Bible truth made in his former employee.

Many honesthearted people in Argentina are accepting the transforming truth of the Bible and are changing their way of life, as the following experience shows.

◻ “One day when we knocked on a door while in service,” relates a Witness, “we heard screams coming from within the house. In answer to our knock, a man came out​—very, very angry. We began to explain the purpose of our visit, but he threatened to throw us off his property. We continued to talk quietly and calmly. Little by little he calmed down. Noting this, we explained to him more about Jehovah’s marvelous purpose for mankind. Impressed by this, the man startled us by saying: ‘God sent you here.’ He then invited us into the house. There, huddled in a corner, were his ‘wife’ and children, crying. Then he confessed: ‘When you came, I was about to kill my family and myself. I’m desperate! I lost my job, and now they are going to kick us out of our home, and I have many debts to pay.’”

This experience had a happy ending. A sister found a job for the man, and he got another house. He and his “wife” began to study the Bible and got married after living together for 15 years.

Bible truth “exerts power” as these experiences show, and it can do that for anyone with a humble heart who will study the Bible and apply it.

[Blurb on page 7]

“The word of God is alive and exerts power.”​—HEBREWS 4:12

Jesus’ Life and Ministry

Further Teaching on the Seventh Day

THE last day of the Festival of Tabernacles, the seventh day, is still in progress. Jesus is teaching in the portion of the temple termed “the treasury.” This is apparently in the area called the Court of the Women where there are chests in which people deposit their contributions.

Every night during the festival, there is a special illumination display in this area of the temple. Four giant candlesticks are installed here, each with four large basins filled with oil. The light from these 16 basins of burning oil is strong enough to illuminate the surroundings to a great distance at night. What Jesus now says may remind his listeners of this display. “I am the light of the world,” Jesus proclaims. “He that follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light of life.”

The Pharisees object: “You bear witness about yourself; your witness is not true.”

In answer Jesus replies: “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my witness is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from and where I am going.” He adds: “I am one that bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.”

“Where is your Father?” the Pharisees want to know.

“You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answers. “If you did know me, you would know my Father also.” Even though the Pharisees still want Jesus arrested, no one touches him.

“I am going away,” Jesus again says. “Where I am going you cannot come.”

At this the Jews begin to wonder: “He will not kill himself, will he? Because he says, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’”

“You are from the realms below,” Jesus explains. “I am from the realms above. You are from this world; I am not from this world.” Then he adds: “If you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

Jesus, of course, is referring to his prehuman existence and the fact that he is the promised Messiah, or Christ. Nevertheless, they ask, no doubt with great contempt: “Who are you?”

In the face of their rejection, Jesus answers: “Why am I even speaking to you at all?” Yet he goes on to say: “He that sent me is true, and the very things I heard from him I am speaking in the world.” Jesus continues: “When once you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.”

When Jesus says these things, many put faith in him. To these he says: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

“We are Abraham’s offspring,” his opposers chime in, “and never have we been slaves to anybody. How is it you say, ‘You will become free’?”

Although the Jews have often been under foreign domination, they do not acknowledge any oppressor as master. They refuse to be called slaves. But Jesus points out that they are indeed slaves. In what way? “Most truly I say to you,” Jesus says, “every doer of sin is a slave of sin.”

Refusing to admit their slavery to sin puts the Jews in a dangerous position. “The slave does not remain in the household forever,” Jesus explains. “The son remains forever.” Since a slave has no inheritance rights, he may be in danger of dismissal at any time. Only the son actually born or adopted into the household remains “forever,” that is, as long as he lives.

“Therefore if the Son sets you free,” Jesus continues, “you will be actually free.” Thus, the truth that sets people free is the truth regarding the Son, Jesus Christ. It is only by means of the sacrifice of his perfect human life that anyone can be freed from death-dealing sin. John 8:12-36.

◆ Where does Jesus teach on the seventh day? What occurs at night there, and how does this relate to Jesus’ teaching?

◆ What does Jesus say about his origin, and what should this reveal about his identity?

◆ In what way are the Jews slaves, but what truth will set them free?

The Challenge of Following in His Footsteps

“For Christ suffered for you and left you a personal example, so that you might follow in his footsteps.”​—1 PETER 2:21, Phillips.

1, 2. (a) What can be a real challenge, and why is this of interest to Christians? (b) What questions are here raised?

DID you ever walk along a sandy beach or across a snowy field and find yourself fascinated by the pattern of footsteps left by someone who walked there before you? Did you perhaps even pick out a set of footsteps and try to follow them, matching your own steps with them as exactly as possible? If so, you discovered that it was not easy. In fact, following closely in the footsteps of another​—either literally or figuratively—​is a real challenge. And yet, by calling ourselves Christians, we have indicated our desire to do just that, to follow closely in the footsteps of Christ.

² Are you willing to put forth the effort that is necessary to meet this challenge successfully? More than that, are you determined to do so, come what may? If so, fully understanding the difficulties of following in literal footsteps will make you more successful in following in Christ’s figurative footsteps.

Learn to Conform

3. Why does following in someone else’s footsteps seem at first unnatural?

³ Everyone has a distinctive way of walking. The length of stride, for example, varies from person to person, as does the angle at which a person places his feet. His toes may point straight forward, or they may turn in or out at an angle, an angle possibly more pronounced with one foot than with the other. Do you recognize the challenge? To follow closely in another’s footsteps, you must conform your length of stride and foot position to his. At first this will seem unnatural, but it must be done. There is no other way.

4. Why is following in Jesus’ footsteps a special challenge?

⁴ Christ’s way of walking, figuratively speaking, was unique, for among his contemporaries he alone was a perfect man, “one who did not know sin.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Since humans by nature are imperfect sinners, walking in Jesus’ footsteps is not their normal way of walking. Paul reminded Christians in Corinth of this, saying: “For you are yet fleshly. For whereas there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?” Tendencies toward jealousy and strife, “works of the flesh,” are normal for imperfect people, but Jesus walked the way of love, and “love is not jealous, . . . does not become provoked.” So walking in Christ’s footsteps presents a challenge greater than if we were asked merely to follow in the footsteps of an imperfect person.​—1 Corinthians 3:3; 13:4, 5; Galatians 5:19, 20; see also Ephesians 5:2, 8.

5, 6. (a) Why have many people failed to follow in Christ’s footsteps, leading Paul to give what counsel? (b) How are people being encouraged to walk in Christ’s footsteps today, with what result for them?

⁵ Besides imperfection, ignorance of God’s will can also prevent a person from walking in Christ’s footsteps. Paul thus admonished Ephesian Christians not to “go on walking just as the nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds, while they are in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensibility of their hearts.”​—Ephesians 4:17, 18.

⁶ By means of the Kingdom-preaching work, people today are being urged to stop walking in their normal way, in ignorance of God’s purposes, in darkness mentally, motivated by insensible hearts seeking unprofitable goals. They are being encouraged to conform to the perfect example of Christ, “walking in union with him,” thus “bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ.” (Colossians 2:6, 7; 2 Corinthians 10:5) People willing to meet this challenge are stabilized in their faith. As they get used to walking the way Christ walked, it becomes progressively easier for them.

7. What assurance do we have that, although it is often a challenge, following in Jesus’ footsteps is possible?

⁷ It is often, however, a challenge. The disparity between a perfect creature and an imperfect one is great. So imperfect creatures must make great changes in order to try to follow a perfect example. Some people, due perhaps to inheritance or environment, have more difficulty conforming to a Christian way of life than others do. But Jehovah assures us that anyone who is really willing to exert himself can do it. “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me,” said the apostle Paul. (Philippians 4:13; see also 2 Corinthians 4:7; 12:9.) The same is true of all Christians.

Pay Attention

8, 9. (a) Why are undivided attention and intense concentration necessary when following in someone’s footsteps? (b) Following what Biblical counsel will prevent us from wandering away from Jesus’ footsteps?

⁸ We cannot follow literal footsteps without keeping a close eye on where we are stepping. If our eyes wander​—focusing on things going on around us or on other things—​we are bound to make a misstep sooner or later. Unless we pay undivided attention and concentrate intensely, we will stray from the footsteps we should be following. Thus, there is always the need to be on guard, especially when sudden noises or other unexpected distractions might take our mind off the task at hand.​—Compare Job 18:10, 11.

⁹ In a figurative way, this is also true of those who are following in Jesus’ footsteps. Jesus warned his followers to pay close attention to themselves, lest their hearts “become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life.” (Luke 21:34) Satan uses these daily distractions to cause us to take our eyes from Jesus’ footsteps. He is quick to catch us off guard by taking advantage of unexpected circumstances, such as opposition, illness, or financial setbacks. To ensure “that we may never drift away,” we must “pay more than the usual attention to the things heard,” in other words, keep our eyes more closely focused on Christ’s footsteps than ever before.​—Hebrews 2:1; see also 1 John 2:15-17.

Do Not Deviate

10. (a) What danger exists when different trails of footprints cross one another? (b) In a spiritual sense, why are the consequences of following wrong footsteps serious?

¹⁰ On a crowded beach, there may be several sets of footprints in the moist sand, and some trails of footprints may cross the one we are following. Many sets of footprints may, at least superficially, look alike. How vital it is to be certain that we are following the correct ones! Otherwise we may be betrayed into going in the wrong direction. In a spiritual sense, this could have serious consequences. The danger in following footsteps that may look right but that in reality are not is shown in the proverb that warns: “There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward.”​—Proverbs 16:25.

11. What warning did Paul give early Christians, setting an example for whom today?

¹¹ Because of this very real danger, Paul felt compelled to warn his brothers in the early Christian congregation: “I marvel that you are being so quickly removed from the One who called you with Christ’s undeserved kindness over to another sort of good news. . . . There are certain ones who are causing you trouble and wanting to pervert the good news about the Christ. . . . Whoever it is that is declaring to you as good news something beyond what you accepted, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9) In keeping with Paul’s example, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses today warns us of apostates and false brothers who lay down, as it were, counterfeit footprints. True Christians do not want to deviate from the path Christ has set before them at God’s direction.​—Psalm 44:18.

12. (a) How can 2 Timothy 1:13 help us avoid being misled into following counterfeit footsteps? (b) What characterizes other sorts of good news?

¹² By paying close attention to the identifying marks of Christ’s footprints, we avoid being misled. Accurate knowledge about Jesus, about his teachings, and about the way the Christian congregation operates helps us identify “the pattern of healthful words” that protects us from those who “pervert the good news about the Christ.” (2 Timothy 1:13) Other sorts of so-called good news​—in reality, counterfeit footprints—​fail to fit into that pattern of truth. They pervert it, throwing the picture out of focus. Rather than clarifying basic Bible truths and principles, they contradict them. Instead of encouraging us to greater activity in Jehovah’s service, they argue in favor of slowing down. Their message is not positive and does not glorify Jehovah’s name and organization; it is negative, faultfinding, and critical. Most certainly, these are not the footsteps we want to follow.

Keep the Proper Pace

13. How is pace involved when we are following in someone’s footsteps?

¹³ When we walk, the length of our stride is determined in part by the speed at which we walk. Generally, the faster we walk, the longer our stride; the slower we walk, the shorter. Thus, it will be easier for us to follow in someone’s literal footsteps if we adjust our pace to agree with his. Likewise, in order to walk successfully in the figurative footsteps of our Leader, Jesus Christ, we must maintain his pace.

14. (a) In what ways may we not keep pace with Jesus? (b) Why is it foolish to try to go faster than “the faithful and discreet slave”?

¹⁴ Not keeping pace with Christ could mean one of two things. Either we try to go faster, running ahead of “the faithful and discreet slave” that Jesus is using to accomplish Jehovah’s purpose, or we lag behind in following that ‘slave’s’ direction. (Matthew 24:45-47) As an example of the first, some Christians have in times past become impatient about doctrinal or organizational changes or refinements that they felt were necessary and overdue. Becoming disgruntled because they felt things were not moving quickly enough, they withdrew from Jehovah’s people. How foolish and how shortsighted! Often the very thing that upset them was later changed​—in Jehovah’s due time.​—Proverbs 19:2; Ecclesiastes 7:8, 9.

15. How were King David and Jesus good examples of maintaining a proper pace?

¹⁵ The course of wisdom is to wait for Jehovah to act rather than trying to dictate the pace at which things should happen. Ancient King David set a proper example. He refused to conspire against King Saul in an attempt to claim the kingship before it was Jehovah’s due time to give it to him. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Likewise, “the Son of David,” Jesus, realized that he would have to wait to enter fully into his heavenly kingship. He knew the prophetic utterance that applied to him: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.” So when a group of Jews wanted to “seize him to make him king,” Jesus quickly withdrew. (Matthew 21:9; Psalm 110:1; John 6:15) Some 30 years later, according to Hebrews 10:12, 13, Jesus was still awaiting his kingship. In fact, he waited almost 19 centuries before being installed as rightful King of God’s Kingdom at its establishment in 1914.

16. (a) Illustrate how we may move more slowly than we should. (b) What is the purpose of Jehovah’s patience, and how should we avoid abusing that patience?

¹⁶ Failing to keep a proper pace, however, could also mean slowing down, lagging behind. Thus, when God’s Word indicates that changes must be made in our lives, do we act without delay? Or do we argue that since God is patient, we can put off making such changes until later, hoping that it may be easier then? True, Jehovah is patient. But this is not in order that we may be lax about making needed adjustments. Rather, “he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, 15) How much better, then, to imitate the psalmist who said: “I hurried up, and I did not delay to keep your commandments.”​—Psalm 119:60.

17. What does keeping proper pace have to do with Kingdom preaching, leading us to ask ourselves what question?

¹⁷ Lagging behind could also involve Kingdom preaching. According to Matthew 25, Jesus is at present judging mankind, separating “the sheep” from “the goats.” This is being accomplished for the most part by means of the preaching of “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14; 25:31-33; Revelation 14:6, 7) The time allotted to accomplish this separating work is necessarily limited. (Matthew 24:34) As the available time draws to a close, we can expect Jesus to speed up the work. In doing so, he is acting as an instrument of God, who, speaking of the ingathering work, promises: “I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.” (Isaiah 60:22) As God’s coworkers, following closely in the footsteps of his Son, are we speeding up our pace of Kingdom preaching to the extent that our physical situation and Scriptural responsibilities allow? Field service reports indicate that millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are!

Shun Overconfidence, Fight Discouragement

18. Why might a person become overconfident, and how does the Bible warn of this danger?

¹⁸ The longer we persevere in following in someone else’s footsteps, the more habitual his way of walking will become for us. If, though, we become complacent, sooner or later we will make a misstep. Thus, when following in Jesus’ figurative footsteps, we must recognize the danger of becoming overconfident, carelessly relying upon our own strength and abilities, feeling that we have mastered his perfect way of walking. Peter’s experience recorded at Luke 22:54-62 serves as a timely warning. It also emphasizes the truthfulness of 1 Corinthians 10:12, which says: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”

19. (a) What happens to every Christian from time to time? (James 3:2) (b) How should we view Paul’s words at Romans 7:19, 24?

¹⁹ Because of imperfection, every Christian will make a misstep from time to time. The divergence may be small, scarcely noticeable to others. Or it may be such an obvious missing of the mark that it will be seen by all. In either case, how comforting to remember Paul’s honest admission: “For the good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice. Miserable man that I am!” (Romans 7:19, 24) Of course, these words are not to be viewed as an excuse for doing wrong. Rather, they are an encouragement to devoted Christians struggling with imperfections, helping them to persist in their endeavor to meet the challenge of walking in Jesus’ perfect footsteps.

20. (a) How does Proverbs 24:16 help us in our race for life? (b) What should we be determined to do?

²⁰ “The righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up,” says Proverbs 24:16. In our race for life, no one should feel impelled to resign. This race is like a marathon, a race of endurance, not a hundred-yard dash. The slightest misstep on the part of a sprinter will in all probability cost him the race. But the marathon runner, even if he stumbles, has time to recover and finish the course. So when some personal misstep makes you cry out, “Miserable man that I am!” remember that you still have time to recover. You still have an opportunity to get back into step with your Leader, Jesus Christ. No reason for despair! No reason to give up! Be determined, with divine help, to meet successfully the challenge of ‘following closely in Jesus’ footsteps.’​—1 Peter 2:21.

Why must Christians

◻ learn to conform?

◻ pay undivided attention?

◻ keep in mind the pattern of truth?

◻ maintain a proper pace?

◻ shun overconfidence?

◻ fight discouragement?

[Picture on page 15]

By keeping his eye on his goal, the righteous one will certainly get up

A People Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps

“We walked in the same spirit, did we not? In the same footsteps, did we not?”​—2 CORINTHIANS 12:18.

1. Why is it often not difficult to recognize one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

“AS A group, they’re polite, responsible, and do well in school. This cannot be said of other groups.” So said the principal of an elementary school in the United States. Whom was he speaking about? The children of Jehovah’s Witnesses who were pupils in his school. Indeed, many have noticed that Jehovah’s Witnesses, including their children, often resemble other Witnesses in certain ways. Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that they are remarkably united as regards beliefs and conduct. So the Witnesses are not difficult to recognize.

2. What was a characteristic quality of the early Christian congregation, and what did Paul have to say about this?

² The unity of Jehovah’s Witnesses is something unusual in this disunited world. But it is not hard to understand if we remember that all of them are striving to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. (1 Peter 2:21) Such unity was also a characteristic of first-century Christians. On one occasion, Paul admonished the congregation in Corinth: “Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Paul also gave inspired counsel on how to deal with persons unwilling to maintain Christian unity.​—See Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

3, 4. How did Paul describe the unity between himself and Titus, and what was the basis for this unity?

³ About the year 55 C.E., Paul sent Titus to Corinth to assist in making a collection for needy brothers in Judea and possibly to see how the congregation was reacting to Paul’s counsel. When later writing to the Corinthians, Paul referred to Titus’ recent visit and asked: “Titus did not take advantage of you at all, did he? We walked in the same spirit, did we not? In the same footsteps, did we not?” (2 Corinthians 12:18) What did Paul mean by their walking “in the same spirit” and “in the same footsteps”?

⁴ He was expressing the unity that existed between him and Titus. Titus was Paul’s occasional traveling companion, and he no doubt learned much from Paul in this way. But the unity existing between the two was based on something stronger than that. It was based on their fine relationship with Jehovah and on the fact that both of them were footstep followers of Christ. Titus imitated Paul just as Paul imitated Christ. (Luke 6:40; 1 Corinthians 11:1) So it was in Jesus’ spirit and in his footsteps that they were walking.

5. What can be expected of persons today who imitate Paul and Titus as they walk “in the same spirit” and “in the same footsteps”?

⁵ It is not strange, then, that Christians of this 20th century, walking “in the same spirit” and “in the same footsteps” as Paul and Titus, enjoy an unequaled unity. In fact, the disunity of nominal Christians betrays them as being counterfeit Christians, not walking in the footsteps of the Leader they claim to follow. (Luke 11:17) This striking difference between true and nominal Christians can be illustrated in various ways. Let us mention four.

The Sanctity of Blood

6, 7. (a) What correct view of blood is involved in walking in Jesus’ footsteps? (b) What is the difference between Jehovah’s Witnesses and others today who refuse blood transfusions?

⁶ About the year 49 C.E., the governing body of the first-century congregation sent out a letter that answered the question: Should non-Jewish Christians obey the Law of Moses? The letter said this: “The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.” (Acts 15:28, 29) Notice that among the “necessary things” was abstinence from blood. Walking in Jesus’ footsteps would mean not taking blood into the body either orally or in any other way.

⁷ This principle has been flagrantly violated in Christendom by the practice of administering blood transfusions. True, in recent years a number of individuals have become aware of the health hazards of blood transfusions and have refused them for medical reasons. This is particularly true since many have contracted AIDS from transfused blood. But who uphold the sanctity of blood out of respect for God’s law, doing so as a group? When a patient objects to having a transfusion, whom does the doctor automatically think him to be? Does the doctor not usually say: ‘You must be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses’?

8. How was a Witness in Italy blessed for her determination to keep God’s law in this respect?

⁸ Antonietta lives in Italy. About eight years ago she was very sick, and her blood count was so low that doctors insisted that transfusions were needed to save her life. She refused and was opposed by both doctors and relatives. Even her two little boys pleaded: “Mama, if you really love us, take the blood.” But Antonietta was determined to remain faithful, and happily she did not die. Still, her condition was so serious that a doctor said: “We can’t explain why she’s still alive.” But once an unobjectionable type of treatment was begun, she made such rapid progress that another doctor remarked: “I can’t believe it​—you just couldn’t have recovered in such a short time, not even if we had pumped blood into you all day long.” Currently, she is a regular pioneer, and her two sons, now 12 and 14, are making fine progress in the truth. Antonietta courageously observed that ‘necessary thing,’ the sanctity of blood. All of Jehovah’s Witnesses hold the same view as they walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Good Morals

9. What is another ‘necessary thing’ involved in following in Jesus’ footsteps, and what happens to those who fail to observe this?

⁹ Another ‘necessary thing’ highlighted in that letter from the first-century governing body was “to keep abstaining . . . from fornication.” In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul enlarged on this, saying: “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God’s kingdom.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Christians help people who wish to serve Jehovah to rid themselves of these unclean practices. Even members of the congregation who get ensnared by them are helped to purify themselves if they turn around and repent. (James 5:13-15) But if any Christian falls into such filthy practices and refuses to repent, a straightforward Bible rule applies. Paul was divinely inspired to say: “Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator. . . . Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”​—1 Corinthians 5:11, 13.

10, 11. (a) Who must bear responsibility for the low moral standards in Christendom, and why? (b) How does the experience of a man in the Philippines demonstrate that, as a group, Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain high moral standards?

¹⁰ Despite this clear teaching, Christendom is riddled with immorality. Clergymen who water down the divine standards are to blame for this situation, as are those who pay lip service to Bible standards but fail to enforce them courageously in their congregations. Nevertheless, in this, too, Jehovah’s Witnesses as a people walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

¹¹ Consider Jose, from the Philippines. At 17 he was already known as a troublemaker and a gambler. He was often drunk, was living an immoral life, and frequently landed in jail for stealing. Then he came in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The study of the Bible completely changed my life,” he says. “I no longer drink and smoke, and I have learned to control my temper. I now have a clear conscience, having just one wife. I have also gained the respect of my neighbors, who used to call me ‘Jose, the notorious one’ and ‘Jose, the ghost.’ Now they call me ‘Jose, the Witness of Jehovah.’ My son and my nephew are ministerial servants in the congregation where I presently serve as an elder and a regular pioneer.” Jose and millions of other Christian witnesses of Jehovah walk in Jesus’ footsteps as morally clean Christians.

Neutrality

12. What attitude of genuine Christians did Jesus highlight in his prayer recorded in John chapter 17?

¹² In the long prayer that Jesus offered on the last evening he was with his disciples, he mentioned another way that his followers would ‘walk in his footsteps.’ Speaking of his disciples, he said: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:16) This means that Christians are neutral. Rather than taking part in politics or national conflicts, they tell others about God’s Kingdom, the only solution to this world’s problems.​—Matthew 6:9, 10; John 18:36.

13, 14. (a) How does Christendom differ from Jehovah’s Witnesses in the matter of neutrality? (b) How did maintaining political neutrality on the part of a Witness in Japan work out to the benefit of the whole brotherhood?

¹³ This principle of neutrality has been forgotten by most members of Christendom, for whom national origins are usually more important than religious affiliations. Syndicated columnist Mike Royko points out that “Christians” have never been “squeamish about waging wars on other Christians,” adding: “If they had been, most of the liveliest wars in Europe would never have occurred.” That Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain strict Christian neutrality in times of war is a well-known fact. But as footstep followers of Jesus, they are also neutral on social and political issues. Thus, nothing disturbs their remarkable worldwide unity.​—1 Peter 2:17.

¹⁴ Their neutrality sometimes brings unexpected results. In the Tsugaru district of northern Japan, for example, elections are taken very seriously. But Toshio, assistant manager in the Finance Department of a local governmental office, refused for reasons of conscience to get involved in the mayor’s reelection campaign. This resulted in his being demoted to a low position in the Department of Sewage. A year later, however, the mayor was arrested and forced to resign because of corrupt practices. A new mayor was elected. When he heard about Toshio’s demotion, he restored him to a high administrative position, and this brought blessings to Toshio’s Christian brothers. How? Toshio explains that it is very difficult to obtain permission to use gymnasiums for gatherings other than athletic events. But in his present position, “Jehovah has been able to use me”​—quoting Toshio’s own words—​“to obtain the use of such gymnasiums for three district conventions and four circuit assemblies.” He concludes: “Provided we remain faithful, Jehovah will open up unimaginable ways to use us.”

In the Home

15. How did Jesus leave a model for his footstep followers in the matter of family relationships?

¹⁵ Another field in which Christians ‘follow in Jesus’ footsteps’ is in the home. The Bible establishes Jesus’ example as the model for domestic relations when it says: “Be in subjection to one another in fear of Christ. Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, because a husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation . . . In fact, as the congregation is in subjection to the Christ, so let wives also be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it.”​—Ephesians 5:21-25.

16, 17. (a) What bad situation exists in Christendom as regards domestic relationships? (b) How only can domestic relations be improved, as shown by the experience of a married couple in Brazil?

¹⁶ Christendom today for the most part ignores this counsel and is thus full of shattered families. Broken homes are common, and parent-child conflicts often go very deep. “The family is falling apart,” observed a psychology professor some years ago. Child psychologists, marriage counselors, and psychiatrists have only limited success in holding endangered families together. But Jehovah’s Witnesses try hard to apply Bible principles and are noted for better-than-average family relationships.

¹⁷ Aldemar, for example, was a lieutenant in Brazil’s military police and had family problems. His wife left him and sought a legal separation. He began drinking heavily and even attempted suicide. Later, his relatives, who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, spoke to him about the Bible. He liked what he heard and began studying. Wanting to harmonize his life with the stand of neutrality for which Jehovah’s Witnesses are noted, he requested a discharge from the military. Aldemar and his wife resolved their marital differences by applying the Bible principles that Aldemar was learning. Today, they are following in the footsteps of Jesus, serving Jehovah together as regular pioneers.

Obedient Because of Love

18. (a) Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses being spiritually blessed today? (b) How is Isaiah 2:2-4 now undergoing fulfillment?

¹⁸ It is evident that Jehovah’s Witnesses are unitedly walking in the spirit and in the footsteps of Christ Jesus. As individuals and as a group, they are being spiritually blessed for doing so. (Psalm 133:1-3) The obvious evidences of divine blessing on them have motivated multitudes of honesthearted people to act in harmony with the prophecy at Isaiah 2:2-4. In just the past five years, 987,828 have taken the necessary steps for dedication and then presented themselves for water baptism. Lovingly, Jehovah has placed no arbitrary limit on the number of people who can do this before “the great tribulation” strikes!​—Revelation 7:9, 14.

19. (a) What are tangible benefits that may result from serving Jehovah, and how should they be viewed? (b) What is our basic reason for obeying Jehovah’s commandments?

¹⁹ As the above experiences demonstrate, the spiritual blessings enjoyed by God’s people are often accompanied by tangible benefits. For example, by abstaining from smoking, by living moral lives, and by respecting the sanctity of blood, they may avoid falling victim to certain diseases. Or because of living in harmony with the truth, they may benefit in an economic, social, or domestic way. Any such tangible benefits are viewed as a blessing from Jehovah, and they prove the practicalness of Jehovah’s laws. But the possibility of gaining such practical advantages is not in itself the main reason for obeying God’s laws. True Christians obey Jehovah because they love him, because he deserves their worship, and because doing his will is the only right thing. (1 John 5:2, 3; Revelation 4:11) It is Satan who contends that people serve God solely for selfish benefits.​—See Job 1:9-11; 2:4, 5.

20. How are Jehovah’s Witnesses of today walking in the same spirit as three faithful Hebrew witnesses of ancient times?

²⁰ Modern-day witnesses of Jehovah walk in the same spirit as the three faithful young Hebrew witnesses of Daniel’s day. When threatened with being cast into a burning fiery furnace, these said: “If it is to be, our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us. Out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king, he will rescue us. But if not [that is to say, even if he lets us die], let it become known to you, O king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will not worship.” (Daniel 3:17, 18) Irrespective of immediate tangible benefits or consequences, Jehovah’s Witnesses will continue to follow closely in Jesus’ footsteps, knowing that everlasting life in God’s new world is assured! As a united people, they will continue walking “in the same spirit” and “in the same footsteps,” come what may!

Can You Explain:

◻ Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses united?

◻ In what respects do Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from nominal Christians?

◻ What is the major reason why true Christians serve Jehovah?

◻ How do God’s people view benefits that result from obeying Jehovah?

[Picture on page 16]

When a patient objects to having a blood transfusion, it is usually assumed that he is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses

[Picture on page 18]

Many claiming to be Christians have not been squeamish about waging war on one another​—with the blessing of their clergy

Jehovah Does Not Forsake His Servants

As told by Matsue Ishii

FOR nearly a year, I had been held in solitary confinement in a tiny, filthy, flea-infested prison cell in Sendai, Japan. For that whole time, I wasn’t allowed to take a shower or a bath. My flesh was ulcerated, eaten by bedbugs. I was so racked by rheumatism that I could neither sit nor stand. Reduced to skin and bones and weighing less than 70 pounds [30 kg], I was near death.

But why was I there? Why had the authorities banged on my door at five in the morning, June 21, 1939, and arrested me? What had I done? Those were difficult times nearly 50 years ago in Japan. Let me tell you about them and about the circumstances that landed me in prison and about how I survived.

My Early Life

I was born in 1909 in Kure City, Japan, just 16 miles [25 km] from Hiroshima. My parents ran a rice shop and a kimono store. When I was nine, the Spanish flu hit our area, and soon coffins with dead bodies were piled around the crematorium. My elder sister and I caught the disease, and a week later she died. At her sudden death, I began to wonder: ‘Why do people die? What happens to them at death?’

Father was a zealous Buddhist, and to find the answer, I visited various Buddhist temples. I would ask the monks there: “Why do men die?”

“You don’t have to think about things like that,” they would answer. “If you continue to rely on Buddha and chant your mantras, you’ll be certain of attaining Nirvana and entering paradise.”

When I was 17, I learned about a book called the Bible. I obtained one but could not understand it. Later I started to attend a “Christian” church in Kure City. When I heard that man’s death was the result of Adam’s sin, it made sense to me, and I became a zealous church member.

At that time the opinion often voiced in rural towns was: “Yaso [Christian] religion will ruin the country.” As I was the first zealous “Christian” in our area, the townspeople accused me of bringing shame on the town and almost compelled me to leave. My parents were very displeased with me.

Learning Bible Truth

In an effort to make me abandon my faith, Father arranged for me to marry a total stranger, Jizo Ishii, a zealous Buddhist. His elder brother was a chief priest of a Buddhist temple. I was told that although Jizo was not a Christian, he would be understanding about my faith. So I moved to Osaka and at the age of 19 married Jizo, who was a tailor. But contrary to what my father had said, Jizo wouldn’t permit me to attend church.

At the back of our house in Tojo-cho, Osaka, there was a house with a sign: “Osaka Branch of the International Bible Students Association.” Assuming it to be a Christian group, I visited the house.

“Do you believe in the second advent of the Lord?” I asked the young man who came to the door.

“Christ’s second advent was realized in 1914,” he answered.

In astonishment, I told him that was impossible. “You should read this book,” he said, handing me The Harp of God.

To keep my husband from seeing the book, I hid it in a straw bag containing charcoal and read it whenever I could. Each fact struck me like a thunderbolt​—only 144,000 are going to heaven; Christ is not a part of a Trinity but is the only-begotten Son of Jehovah, the almighty God; we are living in the time of the end; and the Spanish flu that took my sister’s life was a part of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. I was convinced that this was the truth I had been searching for.

Eventually, my husband found out that I was reading a Christian book. However, when I took a firm stand for my faith, he began wondering whether something very important was involved and so read The Harp of God himself. I was baptized the following year, March 23, 1929, and my husband was baptized shortly afterward.

Serving as Colporteurs

We closed the tailor shop and dismissed the employees. Filled with joy, we set out in door-to-door preaching activity in Osaka. In September 1929, I became Japan’s second colporteur, as full-time ministers were then called, and my husband joined the colporteur ranks later. Together we covered three quarters of Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Tokyo, Sendai, Sapporo, Okayama, and the island of Shikoku. We stayed in each place for about six months, renting an apartment and concentrating on literature distribution.

We used literature that was available in Japanese, such as the books The Harp of God, Deliverance, Creation, Reconciliation, and Government, as well as The Golden Age (now Awake!) and The Watchtower. As colporteurs, we spent 180 hours a month going from door to door. Although we were physically exhausted, our joy in serving was great.

Japanese colporteurs in those days were not reimbursed for their expenses but received half of the money from literature placements for living costs. Life was not easy. A fellow colporteur died of dysentery. While nursing the patient, I too contracted the disease and was hospitalized. When we served in Nagoya, a fire started next door to where we were staying. We ran down the stairs from the second floor with only the clothes we were wearing, barely escaping with our lives. What few belongings we had and the literature for distribution all went up in smoke, leaving us penniless.

When we were serving in Okayama, my husband ran a high fever for days and was diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was usually a fatal disease then. If death was inevitable, we wanted to go to Sapporo on the northernmost island, Hokkaido, to witness where the preaching work had never been done.

In September 1930, we moved to Hokkaido, where I expected my husband to die. Here the air was fresh, milk and potatoes were inexpensive, and my husband’s health gradually improved. Jehovah never forsook us but blessed us with tremendous joy in our ministry.

When we worked in Sendai for the first time, Mr. Inoue, the president of Tohoku Imperial University, granted me a personal interview. He accepted the books I had with me and then escorted me to the entrance to see me off. While witnessing from door to door, I also met Bansui Doi, a famous man of literature, who translated Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey into Japanese. He accepted the book Creation.

Among appreciative recipients of our message was the Miura family from Ishinomori. Hagino, the wife, was 17 years old when she visited our home in Sendai. After spending the night discussing the Bible, she was convinced we had the truth. Soon the whole family moved to Tokyo, where Hagino and her husband, Katsuo, served as colporteurs. Katsuo died as a faithful Witness, and Hagino is still serving faithfully. Their son, Tsutomu, has been a translator at the Japan branch of the Watch Tower Society for many years.

Temporary Bethel Service

In the 1930’s my husband and I would serve a few months each year in the Bethel located in Ogikubo, Tokyo. At the time, there were about 20 workers there. Two noisy presses printed The Golden Age. Jizo and I worked in the Clothing Department. At the change of the seasons, colporteurs would send damaged clothing to Bethel. We washed, mended, and ironed it and then sent it back to them. We even made new clothing for colporteurs. When this work was completed, we would return to the colporteur work ourselves.

One of my cherished memories of Bethel was in connection with the historic convention in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., in 1931. A brother had assembled a shortwave radio to receive foreign broadcasts. Turning the dial all day and all night, we tried desperately to get the convention program. In the middle of the night, the voice of the president of the Watch Tower Society, J. F. Rutherford, came across in full force. Immediately a brother started translating. Thus we heard the resolution to adopt the new name, “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” and the thunderous applause of approval. Far away in the Japan Bethel, we raised a shout of joy in harmony with our brothers in America. A few minutes later, the radio reception deteriorated, and nothing more was heard. But Jehovah let us be a part of this historic moment.

Witnessing Despite Opposition

During the worldwide depression after World War I, a whirlwind of nationalism and militarism swept Japan. The emperor was viewed as a living god to whom the integrity of all citizens belonged. But we would tell the people: “There is only one God.”

“Are you saying that the emperor is not God?” they would reply.

“There is to be a wonderful future brought about by God’s Kingdom,” we would explain.

“Do you want a rule other than that of the emperor?” they would ask. Whatever we said, our words were twisted and we were called traitors. The authorities intensified their censorship of our literature, and the frequency with which plainclothes detectives tailed us increased.

Usually once a year, a public talk was held. Even though we had only about 20 Witnesses in Tokyo, about 500 attended the talk “The Fall of Christian Civilization” in the city’s Yodobashi Public Hall. Policemen surrounded the speaker on the platform, and if he said anything they considered objectionable, a voice would boom, “Speaker, stop!” At that the speaker would tactfully refer to a scripture and read it. Since the Bible wasn’t banned, he was allowed to continue.

Arrest and Imprisonment

Almost ten years after we started in the colporteur work, a wholesale arrest of Jehovah’s Witnesses took place in Japan. On that fateful morning of June 21, 1939, I was taken to the police station in Ishinomaki and thrown into a dark detention room that had soot hanging from the ceiling. Soon I was transferred to Sendai and put into solitary confinement. My husband was arrested too, and I lost all contact with him until after the war.

I lay in that filthy cell almost a year and nearly died. Later I learned that during that period the authorities were conducting an investigation of Junzo Akashi, the overseer of the Japan branch. Finally, my interrogation started. “Fling the Bible on the floor and stamp on it,” ordered a reviling investigator. Then he showed me the investigation record of Akashi. At first I thought it was a trick.

“Do you believe in Akashi?” asked the interrogator.

“Akashi is only an imperfect human,” I answered. “As long as Akashi followed Bible principles, Akashi was used as a servant of God. But since his statements have deviated from the Bible, he is no longer my brother.” Alas, Akashi had indeed abandoned the truth!

Eventually, the sentence was given, and I was confined in the Sendai Women’s Prison. Again I was put in solitary confinement. Meals, although meager, were provided. For 30 minutes each morning, I was permitted to take a walk under the surveillance of a woman warden. Once a warden told me: “If times were better, you would be in a position to teach us. Since times are bad, please be patient.” I was encouraged by her words.

Meanwhile, Japan plunged into war with the United States, and this dominated the world scene. Toward the end of 1944, five and a half years after my arrest, I was released. In August 1945 atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Japan lost the war.

From Darkness Into Light

My husband and I returned to Kure City and in the postwar chaos eked out a living by running a tailor shop. Old companions were scattered, and we lost almost all contact with them. However, about four years after the war, we heard that missionaries were coming from the United States, and the Kingdom work would be reopened in Japan.

Taking our six-year-old son, whom we had adopted after the war, my husband attended the first postwar assembly, held in Tarumi, Kobe. It ran from the end of December 1949 into the new year of 1950. Since 1939 the Kingdom work in Japan had experienced a ‘dark age,’ but finally we were being transferred into the light!

In 1951 we heard that Nathan H. Knorr, then president of the Watch Tower Society, was scheduled to visit Japan, but we did not know the date. On April 27, 1951, as we were tailoring clothes until midnight, we heard the day’s final radio news. “Mr. N. H. Knorr, president of the Watch Tower, will visit Japan and deliver a talk at Kyoritsu Auditorium,” the announcer said. The next day I boarded a train and traveled the 560 miles [900 km] to Tokyo amid chaotic postwar poverty. On April 29, I was sitting listening to Brother Knorr.

I was thrilled to hear the announcement of the publication of The Watchtower in Japanese for the first time after the war. I went home with the newly published May 1, 1951, issue. I can recall no time in my whole life when I felt happier. “Now the work in Japan is officially reopened,” I thought, “and just as was prophesied, Jehovah’s work will increase, one will be a thousand.”

Since then we have enjoyed full contact with Jehovah’s organization. In August 1951 Brother Adrian Thompson visited us for the first time as circuit overseer. Meetings were started, and the first two special pioneer brothers in Japan were assigned to Kure City. The congregation gradually grew, and my husband served as congregation servant.

What happened to the some 130 Witnesses in prewar Japan? The bad example of Junzo Akashi, the branch overseer, had a traumatic effect on many. A few became his followers, others were scattered, and some apparently died in the persecution. About a dozen remained active in Jehovah’s service, and some are still blessed with a measure of health and are serving zealously.

As my health improved, I served as a regular pioneer for a few years. When my husband was 71 years old, he vomited a massive volume of blood and was rushed to the hospital. The doctors, thankfully, honored his refusal to accept a blood transfusion. Although he recovered considerably, he died six months later. Our adopted son, Kozo, was a special pioneer for many years and is now a Christian elder.

In retrospect, it seems to me that most of those from before the war who excelled in ability and intellect left God’s organization when subjected to great pressure. Maybe they relied on their own abilities. Those who remained faithful had no special abilities and were inconspicuous. Surely all of us must always trust in Jehovah with all our heart.​—Proverbs 3:5.

Eventually the “great tribulation” is certain to come. (Matthew 24:21) We may then face trials that dwarf the previous ones. Enduring them may not be as easy as we imagine. But if we truly rely on Jehovah, really love him and cry out in our heart for his help, just as he did not forsake me, he will not forsake his servants who strive to serve him faithfully.​—Psalm 37:25.

[Picture on page 23]

I married Jizo Ishii, a total stranger to me

[Picture on page 25]

When Brother Knorr visited Japan in 1951, he served missionaries and assemblies in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kobe (above)

Part 6​—The Sixth World Power—​Rome

The Roman Empire ruled at the time that Christianity began. A better knowledge of ancient Rome will help you understand the circumstances under which Jesus preached and the climate that prevailed as his early followers spread Christianity throughout the then known world.

ROME, the sixth world power of Bible history, was ruling when Jesus was born and when his apostles preached. Greece, the preceding world power, had provided an international language with which Christian teaching could be carried throughout that part of the world​—the Koine, or common, Greek. Now Rome provided the conditions and the roads that aided in the rapid spread of Christian truth.

Rome, once a small city in Latium, Italy, grew to head the greatest world empire of ancient Bible times. To start with, it expanded to control the Italian peninsula. It defeated mighty Carthage on the north coast of Africa. Spain, Macedonia, and Greece came under its control. Then it captured Jerusalem in 63 B.C.E. and made Egypt a Roman province in 30 B.C.E. At its height, this mighty empire stretched from Britain down to Egypt and from Portugal all the way over to Mesopotamia, the land of ancient Babylon. It completely surrounded the Mediterranean, which it called Mare Nostrum (Our Sea).

Many Roman ruins can still be visited throughout the realm of that far-flung empire. You can see Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, the magnificent aqueduct at Segovia in Spain, the Roman theater at Orange, and the arena in Arles (both in southern France). You can walk through the silent ruins of Ostia Antica, near Rome, and marvel at ancient Pompeii, south of Naples. In Rome you can imagine the excited crowds in the Colosseum and see the Arch of Titus that commemorates his destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 C.E., foretold by Jesus more than 35 years in advance.

In ancient Rome the wealthy had large households, with servants and slaves that sometimes numbered in the hundreds. The poor were crowded into multistoried tenements that lined dirty, crooked streets. Very few could be called middle class. The State provided free both a grain allowance and entertainment to keep the poor from rioting. Taxes levied on the provinces paid these expenses.

The Roman Army

The famed Roman army was made up of a number of legions. Each legion, composed of 4,500 to 7,000 men, was a complete army in itself. Its commander was responsible solely to the emperor. A legion was divided into 60 centuries, usually composed of a hundred men each. The century was under the leadership of a centurion, called an “army officer” in the New World Translation. It was a centurion who was in command of the four soldiers who put Jesus to death and who, observing the circumstances and miraculous phenomena surrounding his death, said: “Certainly this was God’s Son.” (Matthew 27:54; John 19:23) It was also a centurion, Cornelius, who was the first uncircumcised non-Jew to become a Christian.​—Acts 10:22.

The legions had standards, apparently images or symbols made of wood or metal, that served a purpose similar to that served by modern flags. Considered sacred, these were guarded at the cost of human life. The Encyclopædia Britannica says: “The Roman standards were guarded with religious veneration in the temples of Rome. It was not unusual for a general to order a standard to be cast into the ranks of the enemy, to add zeal to the onset of his soldiers by exciting them to recover what to them was perhaps the most sacred thing the earth possessed.”

Roman Roads and Titles

Rome welded its subject nations into a world empire. It provided roads to make all parts of this empire accessible. And the people traveled! Just look at the list of places from which people had come to Jerusalem for the Festival of Pentecost 33 C.E. They were from Media far to the northeast, from Rome and North Africa far to the west, and from many places in between.​—Acts 2:9-11.

Many of the routes laid down by Roman roadbuilders are still in use today. South of Rome, you can drive along the ancient Appian Way, on which the apostle Paul himself entered Rome. (Acts 28:15, 16) It has been said that the Roman roads “provided facilities for land travel not surpassed until the coming of the railroad.”​—The Westminster Historical Atlas to the Bible.

In governing their far-flung empire, the Romans often retained local customs. Thus, authorities in different areas were known by many different names or titles. In Modern Discovery and the Bible, A. Rendle Short says that even “the recognized Roman historians” would not try to “give all these gentry their correct denomination.” Yet, he says, the Bible writer Luke “always manages to achieve perfect accuracy” in this matter. For example, Luke calls Herod a “tetrarch,” Herod Agrippa a “king,” Thessalonian officials “politarchs,” and Sergius Paulus, governor of Cyprus, “proconsul.” (Luke 3:1; Acts 25:13; Acts 17:6; Acts 13:7; see New World Translation Reference Bible, footnotes.) Sometimes it was just a coin found here or an inscription there that verified that this Bible writer used the right title at the right time. Such care and accuracy are an additional evidence of the truthfulness with which the Bible records the historical facts of the life and times of Jesus Christ.a

The Empire and Christianity

A thriving Christian congregation existed in Rome. It was likely formed by those who returned to Rome after accepting Christianity in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. (Acts 2:10) The Bible book of Romans was written to this congregation about the year 56 C.E. Later, Paul came to Rome as a prisoner, and for two years he gave a thorough witness to people who visited his house of detention. Thus, members of the emperor’s Praetorian Guard learned of the Kingdom message, and even members of “the household of Caesar” became Christians.​—Philippians 1:12, 13; 4:22.

Customs, laws, and regulations of the Roman Empire are often mentioned in the Bible. Augustus’ decree brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Jesus affirmed the propriety of paying the tax that Caesar demanded. Jewish priests pretended loyalty to Caesar in order to get Jesus put to death. And under Roman law, the Christian apostle Paul appealed his case to Caesar.​—Luke 2:1-6; 20:22-25; John 19:12, 15; Acts 25:11, 12.

A Roman soldier’s armor​—his helmet, breastplate, shield, shod feet, and sword—​was used to illustrate the value of truth, the hope of salvation, righteousness, faith, preaching the good news, and God’s Word as defenses that help us to stand firm against Satan’s attacks. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8) It was to the example of a well-disciplined Roman soldier that Paul referred when he told Timothy to be “a fine soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3, 4) However, the Christian’s warfare was spiritual, not fleshly. Thus, early Christians refused to serve in the Roman army. Justin Martyr (110-165 C.E.) said that Christianity “changed our warlike weapons,​—our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage.” Many Christians lost their lives for refusing military service.

The Caesars

Rome reached the pinnacle of its glory under the Caesars. It would be good to review key facts about a few of them, as they were involved in Bible history.

In the year 44 B.C.E., Julius Caesar was assassinated. Octavian eventually became sole ruler. In 30 B.C.E., Octavian subjugated Egypt, bringing an end to the Greek Ptolemaic kingdom there. This brought a final end to the Grecian World Power that had existed since the time of Alexander the Great, 300 years earlier.b

In the year 27 B.C.E., Octavian became emperor. He assumed the title “Augustus,” meaning “exalted, sacred.” He renamed a month for himself and borrowed a day from February so that August would have as many days as the month named after Julius Caesar. Augustus was emperor when Jesus was born, and he ruled until the year 14 C.E.​—Luke 2:1.

Tiberius, Augustus’ successor, ruled from 14 to 37 C.E. In the 15th year of Tiberius’ reign, John the Baptizer began to preach. It was also during his reign that Jesus was baptized, performed his three-and-a-half-year earthly ministry, and offered his life as a sacrifice. He was still reigning when Jesus’ followers began to spread Christianity throughout the then known world.​—Luke 3:1-3, 23.

Gaius, nicknamed Caligula, ruled from 37 to 41 C.E. Claudius (41-54 C.E.) succeeded him and expelled the Jews from Rome, as is stated at Acts 18:1, 2. He was later poisoned by his wife, and her young son Nero came to the throne. A great fire swept through Rome in July 64 C.E., destroying about a quarter of the city. The historian Tacitus says that to take suspicion off himself, Nero blamed the fire on the Christians, who were then “torn by dogs and perished” and “doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle.” During this persecution, Paul, who had preached from Jerusalem to Rome and perhaps even to Spain, was imprisoned for a second time. He was likely killed by Nero about 66 C.E.

Other Roman emperors that interest us include Vespasian (69-79 C.E.) under whose reign Titus destroyed Jerusalem, Titus himself (79-81 C.E.), and Titus’ brother Domitian (81-96 C.E.), who revived the official persecution of Christians. According to tradition, it was during this persecution that the aged apostle John was exiled to the penal isle of Patmos. There he was given the thrilling vision of the conclusion of these wicked human systems of things and their replacement by God’s righteous heavenly Kingdom, which John recorded in the Bible book of Revelation. (Revelation 1:9) John was apparently released during the reign of the next emperor, Nerva, 96-98 C.E., and his Gospel and three letters were completed after Trajan (98-117 C.E.) began to rule.

Decline of the Roman Empire

In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine decided to unify the people under one “Catholic,” or universal, religion. Pagan customs and celebrations were given “Christian” names, but the same old corruption continued. In the year 325 C.E., Constantine presided over the church council at Nicaea and decided in favor of the doctrine of the Trinity. Far from being a true Christian, Constantine soon found reason to kill his eldest son, Crispus, and his own wife, Fausta.

Constantine moved his government to Byzantium, which he first named New Rome and later Constantinople (City of Constantine). This city on the Bosporus, where Europe and Asia meet, remained the capital of the Roman Empire in the east for 11 centuries, till it fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Back in Rome, the western wing of the Roman Empire fell in 476 C.E., when the emperor was deposed by King Odoacer, a general of German descent, and the throne was left vacant. Charlemagne later tried to restore the western empire and in the year 800 C.E. was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III. Then, in 962 C.E., Pope John XII crowned Otto I emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation​—a title that was renounced only in the year 1806.

However, by that time a seventh and final world power of Bible history was emerging. As prophesied, it too would pass away, to be replaced by a permanent government, God’s heavenly Kingdom.​—Revelation 17:10; Daniel 2:44.

[Footnotes]

[Map on page 26]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

The extent of the Roman Empire

Atlantic Ocean

BRITANNIA

GAUL

SPAIN

ITALY

Rome

GREECE

Mediterranean Sea

Black Sea

Caspian Sea

EGYPT

Jerusalem

Tigris

Euphrates

[Picture on page 28]

The Appian Way on which Paul traveled on his way to Rome

You Are Invited to the “Divine Justice” District Conventions

WHAT a Grand Provider our loving Creator, Jehovah God, is! Truly, “every good gift and every perfect present” proceed from him. (James 1:17) Fittingly, in Psalm 136 we read 26 times the expression: “For his loving-kindness is to time indefinite.”

Among his many spiritual provisions for his ancient people were three annual festivals: the Passover and the Festival of Unfermented Cakes; the Festival of Weeks, or Pentecost; and the Festival of Booths, or Ingathering. These three festivals were viewed with great anticipation, for they were both spiritually upbuilding and occasions of great joy.​—Leviticus 23:40-43.

In modern times, Jehovah God has put it into the hearts of his servants likewise to have three annual spiritual festivals: the special assembly day, the two-day circuit assembly, and the three- or four-day district convention. These also serve as occasions of spiritual upbuilding and joyous association. According to reports received at the time of this writing, 6,128,388 attended the “Trust in Jehovah” District Conventions that began in June 1987, and 85,091 were baptized. This year every Witness looks forward to attending the “Divine Justice” District Convention.

What a grand and noble theme “Divine Justice” is! And how important! Why, even imperfect men pay lip service to the importance of justice. That is why the framers of the United States Constitution some 200 years ago provided not only for executive and legislative branches of government but also for a judiciary so that the cause of justice would be served. However, long centuries before that, Jehovah God himself provided for three divisions of government, all of which reside in him. Thus, at Isaiah 33:22 we read: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King.”

In fact, we are told that justice is the end, goal, or purpose of government. But while recognizing this fine principle, when it comes to putting it into practice, how far short selfish and imperfect men come! All forms of racial, national, and religious prejudice are just so many instances of the violation of justice. And so are all abuses of power, whether perpetrated by governments, corporations, religious bodies, or individuals.

How thankful we can be that God’s Word assures us of the ultimate triumph of justice and righteousness, for Jehovah is preeminently the God of justice! That is why Moses sang of him: “The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) Jehovah God has such respect for justice that he gave his only-begotten Son as a sacrifice so that He might bring everlasting life to obedient mankind. (Romans 3:25, 26) Rightly, Jehovah favors those who are lovers of justice and righteousness, even as we read at Psalm 11:7: “Jehovah is righteous; he does love righteous acts. The upright are the ones that will behold his face.” According to another translation, he “is just and loves just dealing.”​—The New English Bible.a

Our “Divine Justice” District Convention will strengthen our faith in the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It will also strengthen our determination at all times and under all circumstances to heed the command at Micah 6:8 to “exercise justice.” This is a real challenge in view of our inherited selfish tendencies and the temptations of the selfish world all about us.

In most locations, the convention will open on Thursday afternoon, and each day will feature an appropriate theme, the first day’s theme being “Happy Are Those Observing Justice,” based on Psalm 106:3. The keynote address will highlight that justice marks all God’s ways, and it will be followed by reports from full-time observers of justice, such as missionaries from foreign lands.

“Receive the Discipline That Gives Insight” (based on Proverbs 1:3) is Friday’s theme. On this day, two symposiums will stress the importance of disciplining and of accepting discipline. A modern-day drama, “Marked for Survival,” will underscore the need to be identified as one of Jehovah’s servants. The day’s program will conclude with some very fine counsel to “Look to Jehovah for Insight.”

Reassuring is the theme of the third day, Saturday: “His Judgments Are True and Righteous,” taken from Revelation 19:2. Featured in the morning is the talk “Baptism That Leads to a Favorable Judgment.” The afternoon’s program will begin with a symposium that will counsel elders to “Serve for Justice Itself.” This will be followed by another symposium, entitled “The Appointed Time Is Near,” dealing with prophecies in the Christian Greek Scriptures that foretell the triumph of justice.

Sunday, the fourth and final day of the convention, has as its theme “Justice​—Justice You Should Pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20) Outstanding in the morning’s program is the colorful and timely Bible drama “Jehovah’s Judgments Against Law-Defying People.” A truly comforting message for all lovers of justice is contained in the afternoon’s public discourse, “Justice for All by God’s Appointed Judge.” All will get more benefit from this talk if they first familiarize themselves with Acts chapter 17. Fittingly, in the concluding talk, all present will be admonished, “Keep Pursuing Justice as the Climax Nears.”

Truly, a rich spiritual feast awaits all who attend one of the “Divine Justice” District Conventions. So come with a good spiritual appetite, fully conscious of your spiritual need. Show the same appreciation for Jehovah’s table that you show when attending your local congregation meetings​—by the way you are groomed, by arriving well before the program starts, and by remaining for each day’s concluding prayer. Give rapt attention to each part on the program. Take notes; these will not only give you something to remember the convention by but will help you to concentrate on the material as it is being presented.

And let us not overlook the principle stated by Jesus and recorded at Acts 20:35: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” So do your part to help the convention function smoothly and efficiently. And be ever alert to opportunities for informal witnessing. Be especially conscious of this, for no time has been set aside for house-to-house witnessing during the convention. In all such ways, you can demonstrate that you are indeed a happy observer of justice.

You may contact Jehovah’s Witnesses locally for the convention location nearest you

[Footnotes]

Appreciated by a Medical Doctor

A medical doctor in Frankfurt, West Germany, who had been invited to renew his subscriptions for the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, not only sent the money for the renewals but explained:

“I am constantly amazed to find such a wide offering of really good and very interesting articles​—many of them outside the realm of religion—​at such a low price. Though I have little time for myself, my evenings were often spent curled up in my living room reading your magazines by lamplight. Again, a warm thank you for your efforts.”

Why not enjoy this excellent reading material yourself? You can have these two valuable journals delivered to your home by filling in and mailing the accompanying coupon.

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