The Watchtower — February 15, 1993

Paradise or Garbage Dump​—Which Do You Prefer?

NO ONE would have mistaken him for anything other than what he was: a European tourist in need of rest and eager to enjoy the sunshine on an island paradise. Crossing the spacious sand dunes bordering the seashore, he carefully picked his way through a litter of discarded bottles, cans, plastic bags, chewing-gum and candy wrappers, newspapers, and magazines. Clearly irritated, he wondered if this was the paradise he had traveled to reach.

Have you ever had a similar experience? Why do people dream about vacationing in some paradise, but once they are there, seemingly have no scruples about turning it into a veritable garbage dump?

Not Just in “Paradise”

This obvious disregard for beauty, neatness, and cleanliness is not unique to the “paradises” to which many tourists flock. Modern society is severely blighted by pollution almost everywhere. Numerous businesses pollute on a grand scale by creating tons of waste products. Mishandled toxic wastes and accidental oil spills threaten to ruin large areas of our earth, making them unfit for life.

Wars also pollute. As the world looked on in horror, the 1991 Persian Gulf war added a new dimension. Iraqi forces deliberately set fire to some 600 oil wells, transforming Kuwait “into an apocalyptic vision of hell,” as a European newspaper described it. The German magazine Geo termed the inferno “the greatest environmental catastrophe ever inflicted by human hand.”

At war’s end, a clean-up mission was immediately begun. Just extinguishing the burning oil wells entailed many months of hard work. The World Health Organization reported that the increased pollution in Kuwait might cause the death rate there to grow by 10 percent.

Less Dangerous but Very Irritating

For every prominent and flagrant example of large-scale environmental pollution, there are thousands of small-scale examples. Litterbugs and graffiti “artists” may be less dangerous polluters, but they nevertheless help rob planet Earth of its potential to be a paradise.

In some places graffiti are so commonplace that citizens have become “graffiti blind,” hardly noticing them anymore. They are on subway cars, on the walls of buildings, and on telephone booths. No longer are graffiti confined to the walls of public toilets.

Some cities are full of dilapidated and deserted buildings. Residential areas are blemished by untidy homes and yards. Wrecked cars, discarded machinery, and junky debris clutter up farmyards that could otherwise be pleasingly attractive.

In certain circles people seem unconcerned about having unclean and untidy bodies. Flaunting a disheveled look in dress and grooming may be not only acceptable but even fashionable. Those who appreciate neatness and cleanliness are viewed as hopelessly old-fashioned.

What a Tremendous Job!

What a tremendous clean-up campaign would be necessary to transform the beaches, forests, and mountains of our earthly home into the paradises pictured on the covers of glossy tourist magazines​—not to mention what would have to be done to cities, towns, and farms and to people themselves!

The aforementioned tourist was pleased to see a clean-up crew going through the area later in the day removing the larger pieces of debris. They left behind, however, pieces of broken glass, bottle caps, tin-can tabs, and too many cigarette butts to count. So even after a cleanup, there was still abundant evidence that the landscape was more closely related to a garbage dump than to a paradise.

A global cleanup to save planet Earth from becoming a global garbage dump would require getting rid of all such vestiges of these blights. Are there any prospects that such a cleanup will take place? If so, how? Who will carry it out? When?

Rooting Out Pollution From Heart and Mind

JEHOVAH did not give humans a yearning for filth or disorder. Their planet home was designed to be a paradise of cleanliness, order, and beauty. God did not purpose that it degenerate into an unsightly garbage dump.​—Genesis 2:8, 9.

However, after humans rejected divine guidance, they began building their own kind of world order. Without the benefit of divine wisdom and lacking experience, they were forced to learn by trial and error. Secular history confirms the Bible truth that humans cannot successfully rule themselves; for thousands of years “man has dominated man to his injury.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9; Jeremiah 10:23) The modern problem of pollution, in all its forms, is a consequence of human misrule.

Adopting God’s View

People desirous of pleasing God try hard to live up to the Creator’s standards of cleanliness. Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses were faced with a problem when an international convention was scheduled to be held in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in mid-1991.a About 75,000 people would be attending, a crowd that Strahov Stadium could comfortably accommodate. But the stadium had not been used for five years. It had fallen into disrepair, an unsightly victim of the elements. Some 1,500 of Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over 65,000 hours renovating and repainting it. By convention time this clean-up campaign had made the stadium a worthy place in which to worship the true God, Jehovah.

What motivates Jehovah’s Witnesses to be different, while the world in general shows such little appreciation for cleanliness and order? Appreciation for the Bible’s counsel that Christians should root out negative traits, such as selfishness, inconsiderateness, greed, and lack of love. “Strip off the old personality with its practices,” the Bible says. Replace it “with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it.” A personality characterized by love for cleanliness, order, and beauty has no room for polluting tendencies.​—Colossians 3:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:14.

The new personality requires that Christians be pollution conscious, not wantonly polluting or disobediently ignoring antipollution laws that governments enact. It helps them to avoid adopting the throw-away, selfish, and lazy attitude that leads to littering. By promoting respect for the property of others, it rules out using graffiti as a way of expression, as innocent fun, or as an alternative art form. It requires that homes, cars, clothes, and bodies be kept clean.​—Compare James 1:21.

As to people unwilling to put on this new personality, can fault be found with God for barring them from life in his coming Paradise? Hardly. Anyone who still had polluting tendencies tucked away in his heart or mind would threaten the restored paradisaic beauty of planet Earth, much to the sorrow of those who desire to maintain it. God’s decision “to bring to ruin those ruining the earth” is both righteous and loving.​—Revelation 11:18; 21:8.

Active Participation?

Does this mean, however, that Christians are required to promote antipollution or clean-up measures?

Pollution is clearly detrimental to health and public safety. Jehovah has appropriate concern about such matters, as we can see from the laws that he gave the Israelites. (Exodus 21:28-34; Deuteronomy 22:8; 23:12-14) But at no time did he direct them to proselytize other peoples on matters of public safety; nor were first-century Christians ever told to do so.

Today, environmental matters can easily become political issues. In fact, some political parties have been formed specifically for the purpose of solving environmental problems. A Christian who lets himself be polarized along political lines is no longer politically neutral. Jesus laid down for his disciples the principle: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” A Christian who disregards that requirement runs the danger of becoming aligned with “the rulers of this system of things, who are to come to nothing.”​—John 17:16; 1 Corinthians 2:6.

Jesus did not try to solve all the social problems of his day; nor did he tell his disciples to do so. His command to them was: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” He did not command them about environmental policies.​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

Explaining what should have priority in a Christian’s life, Christ said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) When Jehovah, by means of the Messianic Kingdom, enforces his righteous principles on a global scale, environmental problems will be solved permanently and to the satisfaction of all.

Thus, Jehovah’s Witnesses take a balanced position. In view of Romans 13:1-7, it is mandatory that they conscientiously obey governmental laws regulating the environment. In addition, godly love of neighbor moves them to show respect for the property of others​—public or private—​by not disfiguring it and by not discarding waste indiscriminately. But they are clearly not directed to take the lead in worldly clean-up measures. They rightfully put preaching the message of God’s Kingdom first, realizing that this is the way to do the most lasting good.

A Spiritual Cleanup

The ancient Israelites were repeatedly warned of the consequences if they polluted the earth by shedding blood, by adopting an immoral life-style, or by showing disrespect for sacred things. (Numbers 35:33; Jeremiah 3:1, 2; Malachi 1:7, 8) Significantly, they were condemned for this spiritual pollution, not for any physical pollution of which they may also have been guilty.b

It is, therefore, spiritual pollution or uncleanness that a Christian today primarily strives to avoid. This he does by putting on “the new personality,” which roots out polluting tendencies from heart and mind. Over four million of Jehovah’s Witnesses are benefiting from this spiritual cleanup, achieving within their ranks religious and moral cleanness, as well as notable physical cleanness.​—Ephesians 4:22-24.

Today is the time for a spiritual clean-up campaign. A physical clean-up campaign earth wide will follow in due time and will save our home from becoming a global garbage dump by giving it the pollution-free environment it deserves.​—Ecclesiastes 3:1.

[Footnotes]

Rejoice in the Clean Earth Ahead!

HOW happy we can be that Jehovah, a God of order and cleanliness, will fulfill his original purpose to make the earth into a global paradise! (Isaiah 11:6-9) He promises: “My word that goes forth from my mouth . . . will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted.” “It is impossible for God to lie,” so these are not empty words.​—Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 6:18.

We can be relieved that Jehovah will lovingly intercede before humans have gone to the point of no return, beyond which point total ecological breakdown would be unavoidable!​—Revelation 11:18.

Jehovah will remove unrepentant, wanton polluters and persons rebelliously ignoring his principles of order and cleanliness. No one will be permitted to jeopardize the restored Paradise.​—Proverbs 2:20-22.

During God’s Kingdom rule, under the direction of Christ Jesus, humans will be taught how to root out any remaining causes of physical pollution. Then​—not now—​is when it will be imperative that all of God’s servants get actively involved in personal and collective measures that will contribute to an unprecedented global cleanup.​—Compare Ezekiel 39:8-16.

Survivors of the end of the present wicked system of things will support this physical clean-up program with the same dedication and enthusiasm with which they participate in the spiritual clean-up campaign of today.​—Psalm 110:3.

A cleansed earth is bound to come, spearheaded by the greatest clean-up campaign of all times, accomplished by God’s Kingdom. All traces of pollution will be removed. Nowhere any graffiti. No more discarded bottles, cans, plastic bags, chewing-gum and candy wrappers, newspapers, and magazines to clutter any beach or paradisaic spot.

Rejoice in the clean earth ahead!

[Picture on page 7]

Will you be participating in the coming global cleanup?

What Is Wrong With the Love of Money?

PAUL and Mary managed a supermarket in a poor African community.a By working hard night and day, they made a lot of money. In time Mary could boast of a large new house filled with luxurious furniture. As for Paul, he was able to drive around in a luxury car.

One day Paul was approached by a group opposed to the government. They demanded: “We want your business to donate [$100] per month to support our cause.” Not wanting to take sides in the political struggle, Paul and Mary courageously refused. Because of their neutral stand, they were suspected of receiving financial support from the government. One weekend, while Paul and Mary were out of town, their shop was looted, and their car and lovely home were set aflame.

A sad account, indeed, but can we learn from it? Many who have worked hard to become rich may not have been struck by a calamity that robbed them of their riches, yet what about the future? Why does the Bible say that “those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin”?​—1 Timothy 6:9.

A Balanced View of Money

According to the Bible, a true Christian must provide for the material needs of his or her dependent family members. Circumstances, such as unemployment or health problems, can sometimes make this difficult. On the other hand, a Christian who willfully neglects to provide for his family “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.”​—1 Timothy 5:8.

In some rural communities, people live off the land by growing their own food and raising livestock. Some make little use of money, obtaining the necessities of life by bartering for goods and services. However, the most common way breadwinners provide for their families is by engaging in some sort of employment in return for wages. They use money earned to buy food and other items that contribute to the welfare of their family. In addition, money wisely saved can provide a measure of protection in times of hardship or calamity. For instance, it may be used to cover medical expenses or to make vital repairs to one’s home. That is why the Bible realistically states that “money is for a protection” and that it “meets a response in all things.”​—Ecclesiastes 7:12; 10:19.

Because money accomplishes so much, there is danger of developing an unrealistic view of its power. A Christian needs to be aware of its limitations in comparison with other more important things. For example, the Bible compares the value of money with godly wisdom, saying: “Wisdom is for a protection the same as money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12) In what way does godly wisdom have this advantage over money?

A Lesson From the Past

Events that took place in Jerusalem in the year 66 C.E. illustrate the advantage of godly wisdom over money. After repelling the invading Roman armies, the Jews in Jerusalem apparently believed that business prospects were now good. Indeed, they began to mint their own money in celebration of their newfound freedom. Their coins were stamped, in Hebrew, with such expressions as “For the freedom of Zion” and “Jerusalem the Holy.” Each new year, they struck new coins with inscriptions that identify them as of “year two,” “year three,” and “year four.” Archaeologists have unearthed even a few rare coins with the inscription “year five,” corresponding to the year 70 C.E. Did Jewish Christians view the new Jewish money as a valid symbol of lasting freedom?

No. Because they kept in mind their Master’s words of wisdom. Jesus had foretold the Roman invasion that took place in 66 C.E. He had advised his followers that when it happened, they should ‘withdraw from the midst of Jerusalem.’ (Luke 21:20-22) History testifies that Jewish Christians did just so. They were evidently willing to suffer the loss of property, possessions, and business opportunities because of leaving Jerusalem. Four years later, the Roman armies returned and laid siege to the city.

“There was a great deal of gold in the City,” according to an eyewitness, the historian Josephus. But vast amounts of money could not save Jerusalem from famine, which steadily “grew worse” and “devoured whole houses and families.” Some inhabitants swallowed gold coins and tried to flee the city. But they were killed by their enemies, who ripped open their bellies in order to extract the money. “For the wealthy,” explains Josephus, “it was just as dangerous to stay in the City as to leave it; for on the pretext that he was a deserter many a man was killed for the sake of his money.”

In less than six months from the start of the siege, Jerusalem was destroyed, and over one million of its inhabitants died from famine, pestilence, and the sword. The love of money had blinded many, plunging them into destruction and ruin, whereas applying words of wisdom had enabled Jewish Christians to escape.

That was not the only case in history when money failed people in a time of crisis. What a cruel master the love of money can be! (Matthew 6:24) Moreover, it can also rob you of present happiness.

Pleasures Money Cannot Buy

The obsession to become rich can blind a person to many pleasures that do not require a lot of money. Consider, for example, happy family relationships, true friends, natural wonders, a spectacular sunset, an impressive thunderstorm, the starry heavens, the antics of animals, or the flowers and trees in an unspoiled forest.

True, some rich people have more time to enjoy the above pleasures, but most of them are extremely busy trying to preserve or increase their wealth. Strange as it may sound, happiness often eludes even those with leisure. This surprises modern researchers. “How are we to account for the fact that something so eagerly desired by so many people, and believed in as a kind of cure-all, when obtained should have a range of effects varying from the disappointing to the traumatic?” asks Thomas Wiseman in his book The Money Motive​—A Study of an Obsession.

One thing that can rob a rich person of happiness is the difficulty in knowing who his real friends are. Rich King Solomon experienced that “when good things become many, those eating them certainly become many.” (Ecclesiastes 5:11) Many rich people also suffer anxiety in trying to maintain or increase the value of their wealth. This often robs them of pleasurable sleep. The Bible explains: “Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, regardless of whether it is little or much that he eats; but the plenty belonging to the rich one is not permitting him to sleep.”​—Ecclesiastes 5:12.

The love of money can damage relationships between family and friends because it may tempt someone into acts of dishonesty and crime. Money lovers often turn to gambling. Sadly, the craving for just one more gambling experience drives many into debt. “By the time they come to me,” said a South African psychiatrist, “[compulsive gamblers] are usually beyond the point of return, they have lost jobs, businesses, homes, and their families have often left them.” How true the Bible’s warning: “A man of faithful acts will get many blessings, but he that is hastening to gain riches will not remain innocent.”​—Proverbs 28:20.

“It Makes Wings . . . and Flies Away”

Another reason the love of money is so dangerous is that human governments have proved unable to cooperate fully or ensure that money retains an internationally stable value; nor have they been able to prevent recessions, depressions, and stock-market crashes. Fraud, theft, and inflation also underscore the truth of the inspired words: “Do not toil to gain riches. Cease from your own understanding. Have you caused your eyes to glance at it, when it is nothing? For without fail it makes wings for itself like those of an eagle and flies away toward the heavens.”​—Proverbs 23:4, 5.

Inflation. That problem certainly is not confined to poor countries. Earlier this century, galloping inflation struck industrialized nations of central Europe. For example, before World War I, a German mark was about equal to a British shilling, a French franc, or an Italian lira. Ten years later, the shilling, the franc, and the lira were more or less equal to 1,000,000,000,000 marks. What effect does soaring inflation have on people in wealthy societies? “If what happened to the defeated Central Powers in the early 1920s is anything to go by,” states Adam Fergusson in his book When Money Dies, “then [monetary collapse] unleashes such greed, violence, unhappiness, and hatred, largely bred from fear, as no society can survive uncrippled and unchanged.”

In 1923, Germany revalued its currency by striking off 12 zeros so that 1,000,000,000,000 old marks suddenly became equivalent to one new mark. This move halted the inflation but had other disastrous consequences. Fergusson explains: “The re-establishment of monetary sanity, which bankrupted thousands, robbed millions of their livelihoods, and killed the hopes of millions more, indirectly exacted a more terrible price that the whole world had to pay.” Evidently, the “terrible price” that the author had in mind was the rise of Nazism and World War II.

That large bank accounts have failed so many in the past should come as a sober warning in these times of worldwide economic uncertainty. The Son of God himself warned that money would fail, which it certainly has done many times. (Luke 16:9) But the greatest and most widespread monetary failure will come when Jehovah God executes judgment upon this wicked world. “Valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury, but righteousness itself will deliver from death.”​—Proverbs 11:4.

How important, therefore, that each of us strives to maintain a righteous standing with our true Friends, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ!

The Source of Lasting Happiness

Paul and Mary, mentioned at the outset, were Jehovah’s Witnesses. For many years they shared in the full-time evangelizing work. However, their desire for riches caused them to stop attending meetings of the Christian congregation, and they stopped sharing their faith in the public ministry. But they woke up. “Now I can see how senseless it was to spend all my time and energy on something that can go up in smoke in a few minutes,” said Mary after being robbed and having her home vandalized. Happily, this couple learned a lesson before it was too late. Yes, the greatest harm the love of money can cause is that of robbing a person of an approved relationship with Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Without these Friends, what hope can we have of surviving the end of this wicked world into the promised new world of righteousness?​—Matthew 6:19-21, 31-34; 2 Peter 3:13.

So regardless of whether you consider yourself rich or poor, guard against developing a love of money. Work at attaining and maintaining the greatest treasure​—an approved standing with Jehovah God. This you can do by giving constant attention to the urgent invitation: “The spirit and the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.”​—Revelation 22:17.

[Footnotes]

[Pictures on page 8, 9]

Both sides of a coin minted during the Jewish revolt with the inscription “year two”

[Credit Line]

Pictorial Archive (Near Eastern History) Est.

“Let Marriage Be Honorable Among All”

“Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement.”​—HEBREWS 13:4.

1. What have many people learned about successful marriage?

MILLIONS of people, even in this age of easy divorce, enjoy enduring marriages. They have found a formula for success, despite differences of personality and background. Such marriages are found among Jehovah’s Witnesses. In most cases these couples will admit that they have had their ups and downs, even some causes for complaint against each other. Yet, they have learned to ride through minor storms and keep their ship of marriage on course. What are some of the factors that have kept them going?​—Colossians 3:13.

2. (a) What are some positive factors that sustain a marriage? (b) What are some factors that can subvert a marriage? (See box on page 14.)

² Comments made by some whose Christian marriages have been happy and lasting are quite revealing. One husband of 16 years said: “Any time a problem has come up, we’ve really made an effort to listen to each other’s point of view.” This highlights one of the solidifying factors in many marriages​—open, frank communication. A wife, married for 31 years, stated: “Holding hands and doing fun things to keep the romance between us has always been a priority.” And that is an additional aspect of communication. Another couple, married for nearly 40 years, emphasized the importance of retaining a sense of humor, of being able to laugh at themselves and each other. They also said that it helped to be able to see the best and the worst in each other and yet show loyal love. The husband mentioned willingness to acknowledge mistakes and then apologize. Where there is a yielding spirit, the marriage will bend to adjust rather than snap.​—Philippians 2:1-4; 4:5, Kingdom Interlinear.

A Changing Climate

3, 4. What changes in attitude have taken place regarding fidelity in marriage? Can you give examples?

³ Over the last few decades, all over the world, perceptions have changed with regard to fidelity in marriage. Some married people believe that there is nothing wrong with an affair, a modern euphemism for adultery, especially if the other partner knows of and accepts it.

⁴ One Christian overseer commented about the situation: “The world has virtually abandoned any serious attempt to live by a moral code. Chaste conduct has come to be viewed as old-fashioned.” Prominent political, sports, and entertainment personalities openly violate the Bible’s standards of moral conduct, and such people continue to be lionized. There is virtually no stigma attached to any type of moral wrongdoing or perversion. Chastity and integrity have seldom been valued in so-called high society. Then, on the principle of ‘what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander,’ the masses follow that example and condone what God condemns. It is as Paul expressed it: “Having come to be past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness.”​—Ephesians 4:19; Proverbs 17:15; Romans 1:24-28; 1 Corinthians 5:11.

5. (a) What is God’s position on adultery? (b) What is covered by the Bible’s use of the word “fornication”?

⁵ God’s standards have not changed. It is his position that cohabiting without the benefit of marriage is living in fornication. Infidelity in marriage is still adultery.a The apostle Paul stated clearly: “What! Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men . . . will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean, but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.”​—1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

6. What encouragement can we find in Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11?

⁶ An encouraging point in that text is Paul’s expression, “Yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean.” Yes, many who in the past ran in the world’s loose “low sink of debauchery” have come to their senses, accepted Christ and his sacrifice, and been washed clean. They have chosen to please God by leading moral lives and are happier as a result.​—1 Peter 4:3, 4.

7. What conflict exists in the understanding of “immorality,” and what is the Bible’s viewpoint?

⁷ On the other hand, the modern world’s definition of immorality is so diluted that it does not match God’s view. A dictionary defines “immoral” as “contrary to established morality.” Today’s “established morality,” which condones premarital and extramarital sex as well as homosexuality, is what the Bible condemns as immorality. Yes, from the Biblical viewpoint, immorality is gross infringement of God’s moral code.​—Exodus 20:14, 17; 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Christian Congregation Affected

8. How can immorality affect those in the Christian congregation?

⁸ Immorality today is so prevalent that it can even exert pressure on those in the Christian congregation. It can influence them through all-pervasive, degrading TV programs, videos, and pornographic reading material. Although only a small proportion of Christians are affected, it has to be recognized that the majority of cases of disfellowshipping from the ranks of Jehovah’s Witnesses for unrepentant conduct unbecoming a Christian are related to some form of sexual immorality. On the positive side, a large proportion of those disfellowshipped eventually recognize their errors, resume a clean way of life, and in time are reinstated in the congregation.​—Compare Luke 15:11-32.

9. How does Satan manipulate the unwary?

⁹ There is no question that Satan is going about like a roaring lion, ready to devour the unwary. His machinations, or “crafty acts,” are ensnaring unwary Christians every year. The ever-present spirit of his world is selfish, hedonistic, and wanton. It panders to the flesh. It rejects self-control.​—Ephesians 2:1, 2; 6:11, 12, footnote; 1 Peter 5:8.

10. Who are subject to temptation, and why?

¹⁰ Who in the congregation can be exposed to the temptations of immorality? Most Christians, whether they be elders in a local congregation, traveling overseers, Bethelites, pioneers preaching many hours each month, busy parents raising a family, or young people facing peer pressure. Fleshly temptation is common to all. Sexual chemistry can be triggered when it is least expected. Thus Paul could write: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. No temptation has taken you except what is common to men [and women].” It is regrettable, but some Christians in positions of responsibility have succumbed to this lure of immorality.​—1 Corinthians 10:12, 13.

Drawn Out and Enticed

11-13. What are some situations that have led to immorality?

¹¹ What are the temptations and situations that have led some to the foolish course of adultery and fornication? They are many and complex and may vary from one country or culture to another. However, there are certain basic situations that surface in many countries. For example, it is reported that some have organized parties where alcoholic drinks were freely available. Others have loved worldly suggestive music and provocative dancing. In some areas of Africa, there are wealthy men​—unbelievers—​who have concubines; some women have been tempted to seek economic security in such a situation even though it involves immorality. In other areas Christian husbands have left their families to earn a living in the mines or elsewhere. Then their loyalty and fidelity are tested to a degree or in ways that would not have been experienced back home.

¹² In developed countries some have fallen into Satan’s trap by often being with a member of the opposite sex and without a third person present​—such as regularly being in the confined intimacy of a car for driving lessons.b Elders doing shepherding calls also need to exercise caution so as not to be alone with a sister when counseling her. Conversations can become emotionally charged and result in an embarrassing situation for both parties.​—Compare Mark 6:7; Acts 15:40.

¹³ The aforementioned circumstances have led some Christians to lower their guard and commit immoral acts. Even as happened in the first century, they have allowed themselves to be ‘tried and drawn out by their own fleshly desires,’ which has led to sin.​—James 1:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 5:1; Galatians 5:19-21.

14. Why is selfishness an underlying factor in cases of adultery?

¹⁴ A careful consideration of disfellowshippings shows that immoral acts have certain underlying factors in common. In such cases there is some form of selfishness. Why do we say that? Because in cases of adultery, some innocent person or persons are going to get hurt. It may be the legal spouse. It will certainly be the children, if there are any, for if adultery results in divorce, the children, who desire the security of a united family, may pay the highest price. The adulterer is primarily thinking of his or her own pleasure and advantage. That is selfishness.​—Philippians 2:1-4.

15. What may have been some causes leading to adultery?

¹⁵ Usually adultery is not a sudden act of weakness. There has been a gradual, even imperceptible, deterioration in the marriage itself. Perhaps communication has become routine or sterile. There may have been little mutual encouragement. Each may have taken the other for granted. The spouses may not have been satisfying each other sexually for some time. Certainly when adultery occurs, there has also been a diminishing relationship with God. Jehovah is no longer clearly perceived as a living God who is conscious of all our thoughts and deeds. It may even be that in the mind of the adulterer, “God” becomes a mere word, an abstract entity who is not part of daily life. Then it becomes easier to sin against God.​—Psalm 51:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Hebrews 4:13; 11:27.

The Key to Resistance

16. How can a Christian resist the temptation to be unfaithful?

¹⁶ If any Christian should find himself or herself being tempted into the pathway of unfaithfulness, what factors should be taken into account? First of all, thought should be given to the meaning of Christian love, solidly based on Bible principles. Never should physical or erotic love be allowed to take over and precipitate a fall into selfishness, bringing suffering to others. Rather, the situation should be regarded from Jehovah’s viewpoint. It should be viewed in the greater context of the congregation and the dishonor that bad conduct would bring on it and on Jehovah’s name. (Psalm 101:3) Disaster may be avoided by getting the mind of Christ on the matter and then acting accordingly. Remember, unselfish Christlike love never fails.​—Proverbs 6:32, 33; Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13:5, 8.

17. What upbuilding examples of faithfulness do we have?

¹⁷ A key to resistance is to fortify one’s faith and vision of the hope ahead. This means keeping uppermost in the heart outstanding examples of integrity that faithful men and women of old, and Jesus himself, have left. Paul wrote: “So, then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such contrary talk by sinners against their own interests, that you may not get tired and give out in your souls.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) Rather than scuttle the ship of marriage, the wise person will think of ways to repair any damage in order to recover it, thus avoiding the pitfall of treachery and duplicity.​—Job 24:15.

18. (a) Why is treachery not too strong a word to describe adultery? (b) How does God view the paying of vows?

¹⁸ Is treachery, which is treason, too strong a word regarding immorality? Treason is the betrayal of a trust or a confidence. Surely the marriage vow involves trust and a promise to love and cherish, through thick and thin, through good times and bad. It involves something that many consider outdated for the times in which we live​—one’s word of honor expressed in the marriage vow. To betray that trust is to commit a form of treason against one’s spouse. God’s view of vows is clearly stated in the Bible: “Whenever you vow a vow to God, do not hesitate to pay it, for there is no delight in the stupid ones. What you vow, pay.”​—Ecclesiastes 5:4.

19. In contrast with what does Satan rejoice when a Witness fails?

¹⁹ Let there be no doubt about it. Just as there is great rejoicing in heaven over the salvation of one sinner, so there is great rejoicing on earth among Satan’s hordes, visible and invisible, when one of Jehovah’s Witnesses fails to keep his or her integrity.​—Luke 15:7; Revelation 12:12.

Temptations Common to All

20. How can we resist temptation? (2 Peter 2:9, 10)

²⁰ Is immorality inevitable in some cases? Are the flesh and Satan so strong that Christians cannot resist and keep their integrity? Paul gives encouragement in these words: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” In today’s world we may not avoid temptation altogether, but by turning to God in prayer, we can certainly endure and overcome any temptation.​—1 Corinthians 10:13.

21. What questions will be answered in our next study?

²¹ What does God offer us to help us to endure temptations and come out victorious? What do we individually need in order to protect our marriages, our families, as well as the reputation of Jehovah’s name and that of the congregation? Our next article will treat those questions.

[Footnotes]

Do You Remember?

◻ What are some factors that help to strengthen a marriage?

◻ Why should we shun the world’s view of morality?

◻ What are some temptations and situations that can lead to immorality?

◻ What is the principal key to resisting sin?

◻ How does God help us in times of temptation?

[Box on page 14]

COMMON FACTORS IN LASTING MARRIAGES

◻ Firm adherence to Bible principles

◻ Both mates have a strong relationship with Jehovah

◻ Husband respects his wife, her feelings and her opinions

◻ Good communication on a daily basis

◻ Seek to please each other

◻ A sense of humor; able to laugh at oneself

◻ Freely admit faults; freely forgive

◻ Keep the romance alive

◻ Be united in the raising and disciplining of children

◻ Regularly uniting in prayer to Jehovah

NEGATIVE FACTORS THAT UNDERMINE MARRIAGE

◻ Selfishness and obstinacy

◻ Failing to do things together

◻ Poor communication

◻ Lack of adequate consultation between the spouses

◻ Poor money management

◻ Differences of criteria in dealing with children and/​or stepchildren

◻ Husband working late or neglecting family for other duties

◻ Failure to care for family’s spiritual needs

[Picture on page 15]

Keeping marriage honorable brings lasting happiness

Cultivating the New Personality in Marriage

“You should be made new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality.”​—EPHESIANS 4:23, 24.

1. Why is marriage not to be taken lightly?

MARRIAGE is one of the most serious steps that one takes in life, so it should never be taken lightly. Why is that? Because it requires a lifelong commitment to another person. It means a sharing of one’s entire life with that person. Mature judgment is needed if that commitment is to be sound. It also demands a positive influence ‘actuating the mind and so shaping the new personality.’​—Ephesians 4:23, 24; compare Genesis 24:10-58; Matthew 19:5, 6.

2, 3. (a) What is needed to choose a marriage partner wisely? (b) What is involved in a marriage?

² There is good reason not to rush into marriage, swept along by the powerful desire of the flesh. Time is needed for the adult personality and character to develop. With time also comes experience and knowledge that can serve as a foundation for sound judgment. Then, choosing a compatible life partner may have a greater degree of success. A Spanish proverb states it plainly: “Better to walk single than be badly married.”​—Proverbs 21:9; Ecclesiastes 5:2.

³ Choosing the right partner is obviously fundamental to a successful marriage. For that the Christian must bring Biblical guidelines to bear, not being guided just by physical attraction and undue emotional and romantic pressures. Marriage is much more than the joining together of two bodies. It is the joining together of two personalities, two family and educational backgrounds, possibly two cultures and languages. The uniting of two persons in marriage certainly calls for proper use of the tongue; with the power of speech, we either tear down or build up. From all of this, we also see the wisdom of Paul’s counsel to ‘marry only in the Lord,’ that is, a fellow believer.​—1 Corinthians 7:39; Genesis 24:1-4; Proverbs 12:18; 16:24.

Facing the Stresses of Marriage

4. Why do friction and tension sometimes arise in marriage?

⁴ Even with a good foundation, there will be times of friction, pressure, and tension. These are normal for any person, whether married or not. Economic and health problems can cause stress in any relationship. Changes of mood can lead to personality clashes in the best of marriages. Another factor is that no one has perfect control of the tongue, as James stated: “We all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also his whole body. . . . The tongue is a little member and yet makes great brags. Look! How little a fire it takes to set so great a woodland on fire!”​—James 3:2, 5.

5, 6. (a) What is needed when misunderstandings arise? (b) What action may need to be taken to heal a breach?

⁵ When pressures arise in marriage, how can we control the situation? How can we prevent a misunderstanding from developing into a quarrel and a quarrel into a ruptured relationship? This is where the force actuating the mind comes into play. This motivating spirit can be either positive or negative, upbuilding and spiritually inclined or degrading, ruled by fleshly inclinations. If it is upbuilding, the individual will act to heal the breach, to keep his or her marriage on course. Arguments and disagreements should not end a marriage. The air can be cleared and mutual respect and understanding restored by applying Bible counsel.​—Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:23, 26, 27.

⁶ Under these circumstances Paul’s words are very appropriate: “Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”​—Colossians 3:12-14.

7. What problem may some have in their marriage?

⁷ That text is easy to read, but under the pressure of modern life, it is not always so easy to apply. What may be a basic problem? Sometimes, without realizing it, a Christian may live by a double standard. At the Kingdom Hall, he is among brothers, and he acts with kindness and consideration. Then, back home, in the domestic routine, he might tend to forget his spiritual relationship. There it is just man and wife, “him” and “her.” And under stress he (or she) might end up saying unkind things that would never be uttered in a Kingdom Hall. What has happened? Momentarily, Christianity has evaporated. A servant of God has forgotten that he (or she) is still a Christian brother (or sister) at home. The force actuating the mind has become negative instead of positive.​—James 1:22-25.

8. What can result when the force actuating the mind is negative?

⁸ What is the result? The husband may cease to ‘dwell with his wife according to knowledge, assigning her honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.’ The wife may no longer respect her husband; her “quiet and mild spirit” is lost. The force actuating the mind has become physical instead of spiritual. A “fleshly frame of mind” has taken over. So, what can be done to keep that motivating force spiritual and positive? We must fortify our spirituality.​—1 Peter 3:1-4, 7; Colossians 2:18.

Strengthen the Force

9. What choices do we have to make in daily life?

⁹ The motivating force is the mental inclination that comes into play when we have to make decisions and choices. Life presents a constant series of options​—good or bad, selfish or unselfish, moral or immoral. What will help us to make right decisions? The force actuating the mind if it is centered on doing Jehovah’s will. The psalmist prayed: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, in the way of your regulations, that I may observe it down to the last.”​—Psalm 119:33; Ezekiel 18:31; Romans 12:2.

10. How can we strengthen in a positive way the force actuating the mind?

¹⁰ A strong relationship with Jehovah will help us to please him and turn away from what is bad, including infidelity in marriage. Israel was encouraged to “do what is good and right in the eyes of Jehovah [their] God.” But God also counseled: “O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad.” In view of the seventh of the Ten Commandments: “You must not commit adultery,” Israelites had to hate adultery. That commandment showed God’s strict view of faithfulness in marriage.​—Deuteronomy 12:28; Psalm 97:10; Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10.

11. How can we further fortify the force actuating our minds?

¹¹ How can we further strengthen the force that actuates the mind? By appreciating spiritual activities and values. That means we must fulfill the need to study God’s Word regularly and learn to delight in discussing together Jehovah’s thoughts and counsel. Our heartfelt sentiments should be like those of the psalmist: “With my whole heart I have searched for you. Do not cause me to go astray from your commandments. In my heart I have treasured up your saying, in order that I may not sin against you. Instruct me, O Jehovah, in the way of your regulations, that I may observe it down to the last. Make me understand, that I may observe your law and that I may keep it with the whole heart.”​—Psalm 119:10, 11, 33, 34.

12. What things can unite us in reflecting the mind of Christ?

¹² This kind of appreciation for Jehovah’s righteous principles is maintained not only by studying the Bible but also by sharing regularly in Christian meetings and by engaging in the Christian ministry together. These two powerful influences can constantly strengthen the force actuating our minds so that our unselfish way of life will always reflect the mind of Christ.​—Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 2:16.

13. (a) Why is prayer a valuable factor in strengthening the force actuating the mind? (b) What example did Jesus set in this respect?

¹³ Another factor is what Paul highlights in his letter to the Ephesians: “With every form of prayer and supplication . . . carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18) Husbands and wives need to pray together. Often those prayers open the heart and lead to frank conversations that repair any breach. In times of test and temptation, we need to turn to God in prayer, asking for help, for spiritual strength to do what is in agreement with the mind of Christ. Even the perfect Jesus turned to his Father in prayer on many occasions, asking for strength. His prayers were heartfelt and intense. Likewise today, in times of temptation, we can find strength to make the right decision by calling upon Jehovah to help us to resist the desire to give in to the flesh and betray a marriage vow.​—Psalm 119:101, 102.

Contrasting Examples of Conduct

14, 15. (a) How did Joseph react to temptation? (b) What helped Joseph to resist temptation?

¹⁴ How can we face temptation? In this respect we have a clear distinction between the courses taken by Joseph and by David. When Potiphar’s wife persistently tried to seduce handsome Joseph, who evidently was single at the time, he finally answered her by saying: “There is no one greater in this house than I am, and [your husband] has not withheld from me anything at all except you, because you are his wife. So how could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?”​—Genesis 39:6-9.

¹⁵ What helped Joseph to take the right course when it would have been so easy to succumb? He had a powerful force actuating his mind. He was very conscious of his relationship with Jehovah. He knew that committing fornication with this infatuated woman would actually be a sin not only against her husband but, more important, against God.​—Genesis 39:12.

16. How did David react to a temptation?

¹⁶ In contrast, what happened to David? He was a married man, with several wives as permitted by the Law. One evening he observed from his palace a woman bathing. It was the beautiful Bath-sheba, wife of Uriah. David clearly had a choice of action​—to continue watching while lust rose in his heart or to turn away and reject the temptation. What did he choose to do? He had her brought to his palace, and he committed adultery with her. Even worse, he went on to cause her husband’s death.​—2 Samuel 11:2-4, 12-27.

17. What can we deduce about David’s spiritual state?

¹⁷ What was David’s problem? From his later contrite confession in Psalm 51, we can deduce some facts. He said: “Create in me even a pure heart, O God, and put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one.” It is evident that on the occasion of his temptation, he did not have a pure and steadfast spirit. Perhaps he had neglected his reading of Jehovah’s Law, and as a result, his spirituality weakened. Or he may have allowed his position and power as king to corrupt his thinking so that he fell prey to lustful desire. Certainly, the force actuating his mind at that time was selfish and sinful. Thus, he came to recognize his need for “a new spirit, a steadfast one.”​—Psalm 51:10; Deuteronomy 17:18-20.

18. What counsel did Jesus give about adultery?

¹⁸ Some Christian marriages have been ruined because one or both of the partners allowed themselves to fall into a state of spiritual weakness similar to King David’s. His example should warn us against continually looking at another woman, or man, with passion, for adultery may finally ensue. Jesus showed that he understood human emotions in this regard, for he said: “You heard that it was said, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” In such a case, the force actuating the mind is selfish and carnal, not spiritual. What, then, can Christians do to avoid adultery and keep their marriages happy and satisfying?​—Matthew 5:27, 28.

Strengthen the Marriage Bond

19. How can a marriage be strengthened?

¹⁹ King Solomon wrote: “If somebody could overpower one alone, two together could make a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two.” Certainly, two in a harmonious marriage can stand together in adversity better than one. But if their bond is like a threefold cord by having God in it, the marriage will be solid. And how can God be in a marriage? By the couple’s applying his principles and counsel for marriage.​—Ecclesiastes 4:12.

20. What Bible counsel can help a husband?

²⁰ Surely, if a husband applies the counsel of the following texts, his marriage will have a better basis for success:

“You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered.”​—1 Peter 3:7.

“Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it. In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”​—Ephesians 5:25, 28.

“Her [husband] rises up, and he praises her. There are many daughters that have shown capableness, but you​—you have ascended above them all.”​—Proverbs 31:28, 29.

“Can a man walk upon the coals and his feet themselves not be scorched? Likewise with anyone having relations with the wife of his fellowman, no one touching her will remain unpunishable. Anyone committing adultery . . . is bringing his own soul to ruin.”​—Proverbs 6:28, 29, 32.

21. What Bible counsel can help a wife?

²¹ If a wife pays attention to the following Bible tenets, it will contribute to the permanence of her marriage:

“You wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect [and of your] quiet and mild spirit.”​—1 Peter 3:1-4.

“Let the husband render to his wife her [sexual] due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband. . . . Do not be depriving each other of it, except by mutual consent for an appointed time.”​—1 Corinthians 7:3-5.

22. (a) What other factors can affect a marriage for good? (b) How does Jehovah view divorce?

²² The Bible also shows that love, kindness, compassion, patience, understanding, encouragement, and praise are other essential facets of the jewel of marriage. A marriage without them is like a plant without sunshine and water​—it seldom blooms. So let the force actuating our minds impel us to encourage and refresh each other in our marriage. Remember that Jehovah ‘hates a divorcing.’ If Christian love is being practiced, there should be no room for adultery and collapse of the marriage. Why? “Because love never fails.”​—Malachi 2:16; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 5:3-5.

Can You Explain?

◻ What is fundamental to a happy marriage?

◻ How can the force actuating the mind affect a marriage?

◻ What can we do to strengthen the force actuating our minds?

◻ How did Joseph and David differ when under temptation?

◻ What Bible counsel will help husbands and wives to strengthen the marriage bond?

[Pictures on page 18]

Do we live by a double standard​—kind in the congregation and harsh at home?

Caring for the Aged​—Challenges and Rewards

SHINETSU, a Christian minister, was enjoying his assignment immensely. His family of three included his wife’s mother. They were happily working with a small congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, teaching people the Bible, until one day he was asked to consider traveling with his wife to visit other congregations. It would require a move every week. He was delighted with the prospect, but who would care for Mother?

Many families will eventually face a similar challenge​—how best to care for aging parents. Usually little thought is given to the matter while the parents are in rather good health and working. However, little things may reveal that they are getting older, such as trembling hands as they try to thread a needle or a failing memory as they struggle to recall when they last saw some misplaced item. Often, though, it is a sudden accident or illness that makes one aware of their needs. Something must be done.

In some countries parents enjoying relatively good health prefer to live their golden years with their mates alone rather than with their children. In other countries, such as in many Oriental and African countries, it is the norm for the elderly to live with their children, particularly the eldest son. Especially is this true if one of the parents is bedridden. In Japan, for example, of those who are 65 years of age and over and are bedridden to some extent, about 240,000 are cared for at home by their families.

Moral and Scriptural Obligations

Although we are living in the generation in which many have become “lovers of themselves,” lacking “natural affection,” we clearly have moral and Scriptural obligations toward the elderly. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Tomiko, who cares for her elderly mother, stricken with Parkinson’s disease, expressed the moral obligation she felt when she said about her mother: “She cared for me for 20 years. Now I want to do the same for her.” Wise King Solomon admonished: “Listen to your father who caused your birth, and do not despise your mother just because she has grown old.”​—Proverbs 23:22.

Neither religious prejudice nor animosity on the part of an unbelieving parent cancels that Scriptural directive. The Christian apostle Paul was inspired to write: “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 Timothy 5:8) Jesus set the example for us when, as one of his final acts before dying, he arranged for his mother to be cared for.​—John 19:26, 27.

Dealing With the Difficulties Encountered

Many adjustments need to be made by all when families are reunited after living separately for many years. These changes call for a great deal of love, patience, and mutual understanding. If the eldest son, or another son or a daughter, moves his family into the parents’ home, a whole new set of circumstances presents itself. There may be a new job, new schools for the children, and a new neighborhood to get used to. Often it will mean increased duties for the wife.

It will be just as hard for the parents to adjust. They may have become accustomed to a measure of privacy, quiet, and freedom; now they will have the hubbub of energetic grandchildren and their friends. They have been used to making their own decisions and may resent any attempts to direct them. Many parents, foreseeing the day when their sons’ families will come to live with them, have built separate houses nearby or additions to their homes with connecting hallways, providing a measure of independence for all.

Where the home is small, greater adjustments may be necessary to make room for the new arrivals. One mother laughed as she recalled how upset her four daughters were when additional furniture and other items kept coming into their bedrooms in order to make room for their 80-year-old grandmother. Still, most of these problems usually work themselves out as all come to recognize the need for the adjustments and remember the Bible’s admonition that love “does not look for its own interests.”​—1 Corinthians 13:5.

A Loss of Freedom

A serious problem for a Christian woman may develop if her husband does not share her faith and decides to move the family in with his parents. The demands of caring for the family may seem to make it nearly impossible for her to balance her Christian obligations with her other duties. Setsuko said: “My husband felt it was dangerous to leave his somewhat senile mother home alone, and he wanted me to be home at all times. If I tried to go to a meeting, he would get upset and complain. At first, because of my Japanese background, I too felt it was wrong to leave her alone. But then, in time, I realized that things could be worked out.”

Hisako had a similar problem. “When we moved in with my husband’s family,” she reports, “he, because of fear of what the relatives would think, wanted me to change my religion and stop my religious activities. To make matters worse, on Sundays the relatives who lived nearby would come to visit, making it hard for me to go to the meetings. Further, the children wanted to play with their cousins rather than go to the meetings. I could see that our spirituality was being affected. I had to take a firm stand and explain to my husband that my religion was not something to be changed like a suit of clothes but was important to me. In time, the family adjusted.”

Some have solved the problem of getting more free time by having a part-time housekeeper come in to help one or two days a week. Others have found a measure of freedom for personal errands and Christian activity by seeking the aid of their children, nearby relatives, even friends in the congregation. Husbands too have been able to lend a helping hand on nights and weekends when they are in the home.​—Ecclesiastes 4:9.

Keeping Them Active

Keeping the elderly active is another challenge to be faced. Some elderly ones are happy to share in cooking and other chores around the home. They feel needed if asked to watch the children and find contentment in caring for a small vegetable garden, tending flowers, or sharing in some hobby.

Others, however, want to sleep most of the day and expect to be waited on. But keeping them as active as possible appears to be important to their well-being, longevity, and mental alertness. Hideko found that although her mother was in a wheelchair, taking her to the meetings was just the stimulation her mother needed. She was warmly welcomed by all and was included in conversations. The attention given to her eventually led to her agreeing to study the Bible with an older woman. A couple, who have a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, take her with them to their Christian meetings. “She generally does not want to do anything,” they observed, “but she is happy at the meetings. She is warmly welcomed, so she willingly comes. We feel it is very beneficial for her.”

Shinetsu, mentioned at the beginning of the article, solved his problem by finding an apartment for his wife’s mother central to the area where he served as a traveling minister. He and his wife would thus stay with her between his visits to different congregations each week. His wife, Kyoko, said: “My mother feels that she is an important part of our work and feels needed. She is delighted when my husband asks her to cook some special dish.”

Dealing With Senility

As parents age, various degrees of senility may develop, so they require more and more attention. They forget days, times, seasons, and promises. They may fail to cut their hair and wash their clothes. They may even forget how to dress and bathe themselves. Many become disoriented, whereas others have a hard time sleeping at night. There is a tendency to repeat themselves and get irritated if it is brought to their attention. The mind plays tricks on them. They may insist that something has been stolen from them or that robbers are trying to break into the house. One family with four daughters had to endure constant groundless accusations of sexual wrongdoing. “It was disagreeable,” they said, “but we just learned to endure the charges and try to change the subject. Disagreeing with Grandma was futile.”​—Proverbs 17:27.

Emotional Needs to Be Filled

Age brings trials to the elderly. There are grievous sicknesses, loss of mobility, and mental anguish to endure. Many feel that their lives have no direction or purpose. They may feel that they are a burden and express a desire to die. They need to feel loved, respected, and included. (Leviticus 19:32) Hisako said: “We always try to include Mom in our conversation when she is present, making her the subject where possible.” Another family endeavored to bolster their grandfather’s self-respect by asking him to conduct the daily discussion of a Bible text.

One must constantly strive to maintain a proper view of the elderly. Bedridden patients resent it when they feel that they are being spoken down to or treated with disrespect. “Mother was alert,” explained Kimiko, who lived with her disabled mother-in-law, “and she knew when I did not have my heart in nursing her or was being condescending.” Hideko also had to work on her attitude. “At first I was frustrated when I had to care for my mother-in-law. I had been a pioneer [a full-time minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses], and I missed the ministry. Then I saw that I needed to adjust my thinking. Although the house-to-house ministry is important, this too was an important part of heeding God’s commandments. (1 Timothy 5:8) I realized that I needed to develop more love and empathy if I was going to have joy. My conscience would bother me when I simply did things mechanically out of a sense of duty. When I had an accident and was in pain, I thought of my mother-in-law and the pain she had. After that it was easier for me to show more warmth and empathy.”

Carers Also Need Care

Not to be overlooked is the need for expressing appreciation to the one on whom the burden of caring for the aged particularly falls. (Compare Proverbs 31:28.) Most women continue to care for their obligations with or without hearing expressions of appreciation. When we consider what their work involves, however, such expressions are certainly appropriate. They will likely have extra cleaning, washing, and cooking to do. Consider, too, trips to the hospital or doctor, as well as feeding or washing an elderly patient. One woman, who long cared for her mother-in-law, said: “I know it is hard for my husband to put it into words, but he does show me in other ways that he appreciates what I am doing.” Simple words of thanks can make it all seem worthwhile.​—Proverbs 25:11.

There Are Rewards Too

Many families who have cared for aging parents for years say that this has helped them cultivate important Christian qualities: endurance, self-sacrifice, unselfish love, diligence, humility, and tenderness. Many families have drawn closer together emotionally. An additional bonus is the opportunity to converse more with parents and get to know them better. Hisako said about her mother-in-law: “She had an interesting life. She went through a lot. I have come to know her better and have learned to appreciate qualities in her that I did not recognize before.”

“There was a time before I studied the Bible when I wanted to get a divorce and flee the situation,” explained Kimiko, who took care of her husband’s parents and his bedridden grandmother. “Then I read that we should ‘look after . . . widows in their tribulation.’ (James 1:27) I am happy I did my best, as now none of the family can rightfully complain about my beliefs. My conscience is clear.” Another said: “I have seen with my own eyes the terrible effects of Adam’s sin and now appreciate even more the need of the ransom.”

Will you soon be welcoming another member of your family to your household? Or will you perhaps be moving in with your aged parents? Do you feel some trepidation? That is understandable. There will be adjustments to make. But you will find yourself richly rewarded in meeting the challenge successfully.

[Picture on page 24]

The aged need to feel loved and respected

Should Christians Observe a Day of Rest?

JUNE had been exceptionally rainy. Because of this, an age-old secular tradition was broken during the 1991 Wimbledon tennis championships. For the first time in history, matches were played on a Sunday to make up for lost time. Apart from an occasional stretching of the rules such as this one, Sunday remains a sacred day of rest in England, as well as in many other countries.

Some people observe a different day of rest. Jews worldwide strictly observe the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. During Sabbath, the aircraft of Israel’s national airline do not fly, and in certain towns public transport does not operate. In Jerusalem traditionalists have certain streets closed off to block all traffic that they consider illicit.

The fact that many religions still observe a weekly day of rest or a sabbath raises several questions. Is Sabbath keeping for Jews only? Why have most religions of Christendom come to accept a different day of rest? Does observance of a weekly day of rest remain a Biblical requirement today?

Has the Sabbath Always Existed?

We find the first Scriptural mention of a sabbath in the book of Exodus. While the Israelites were in the desert, they received manna, a miraculous food, from Jehovah. Each sixth day of the week, they were to gather a double portion because the seventh day was to be “a sabbath to Jehovah,” during which all work was forbidden.​—Exodus 16:4, 5, 22-25.

Moreover, Israelites were given the Sabbath to remind them that they had been slaves in the land of Egypt. This reminder would have been of little significance if they had previously respected such a law. Therefore, the regulations governing the Sabbath were given to Israel alone.​—Deuteronomy 5:2, 3, 12-15.

Meticulous and Burdensome Practices

Because the Mosaic Law was not very detailed regarding the Sabbath, rabbis over the centuries drew up numerous interdicts, mainly forbidding all forms of work on the Sabbath. According to the Mishnah, the prohibited work was grouped into 39 main categories, such as sewing, writing, and farm work. Many of these regulations are not Bible-based. Citing the Mishnah, the Encyclopædia Judaica acknowledges that they are as “mountains hanging by a hair, for there is little on the subject in the Scriptures yet the rules are many.”

To apply the commandment that a man should not “go out of his place on the seventh day,” a maximum distance was determined, and this was termed the “Sabbath limit.” According to certain sources, it corresponded to two thousand cubits, or about 2,900 feet [900 m]. (Exodus 16:29, King James Version) However, this regulation could be subtly bypassed: The evening before, Sabbath meals could be deposited a distance of two thousand cubits from the house. This location could then be considered an extension of the family home, and another two thousand cubits could be counted from that point.

Many of these man-made restrictions were in force in Jesus’ day. Thus, religious leaders reproached his disciples for having plucked heads of grain to eat as they were passing through grainfields. They were accused of breaking the Sabbath​—plucking grain was considered reaping, and rubbing it was viewed as milling or grinding. Jesus denounced their extreme views on several occasions, for they misrepresented the spirit of Jehovah’s law.​—Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6; John 5:1-16; 9:1-16.

From a Saturday to a Sunday Sabbath

“Sundays will be kept for serving God devoutly.” Such is the Fourth Commandment on the Sabbath as presented by the Catholic Church. The recently published French Catéchisme pour adultes explains: “The Christian Sunday is celebrated the day after the Sabbath: on the eighth day, that is to say, the first day of the new creation. It adopts the essential elements of the Sabbath but is centered on Christ’s Passover.” How did this changeover from a Saturday to a Sunday sabbath come about?

Even though Sunday was the day on which Jesus was resurrected, for early Christians it was a workday like any other. But a decision by a Laodicean church council (mid-to-late fourth century C.E.) reveals that with the passing of time, the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday was replaced by a “Christian” sabbath on Sunday. This canon “forbade Christians to Judaize and to be idle on the day of the [Jewish] Sabbath, and the Lord’s day [the day of the week on which he was resurrected] was to be honored in a Christian way.” From then on Christendom’s adherents had to work on Saturdays and refrain from work on Sundays. Later, they were required to attend Mass on Sunday.

With the backing of the secular authorities, work on Sundays was soon prohibited throughout Christendom. From the sixth century onward, transgressors were fined or whipped, and their oxen could be confiscated. On occasion, unrepentant sinners could be reduced to servitude.

In a sense, laws relating to acceptable work on Sundays were as complex as traditions governing the Jewish Sabbath. The Dictionnaire de théologie catholique gives lengthy explanations regarding the development of church casuistry and, among the things prohibited, mentions servile work, farm work, legal proceedings, markets, and hunting.

Paradoxically, the Jewish Sabbath was referred to as justification for these prohibitions. The New Catholic Encyclopedia mentions Emperor Charlemagne’s laws regarding Sundays: “The Sabbatarian idea, expressly repudiated by St. Jerome and condemned by the Council of Orléans in 538 as Jewish and non-Christian, was clearly stated in Charlemagne’s decree of 789, which forbade all labor on Sunday as a violation [of the Ten Commandments].” Thus, although it pleased the church to see the civil authorities impose a Sunday day of rest, it allowed this secular arm to justify these restrictions on the basis of a legal foundation it rejected, namely, the Mosaic law concerning the Sabbath.

A Non-Scriptural Stand

Centuries before, several Church Fathers, and Augustine in particular, rightly declared that the Sabbath was a temporary arrangement reserved for the Jews. So doing, those Church Fathers simply adopted what the Christian Greek Scriptures explain, namely, that the Sabbath is an integral part of the Law covenant that was abolished by Jesus’ sacrifice.​—Romans 6:14; 7:6; 10:4; Galatians 3:10-14, 24, 25.

In the contemporary Vocabulaire biblique, Protestant theologian Oscar Cullmann is quoted as admitting that “because Jesus came, died, and was resurrected, O[ld] T[estament] festivals have now been fulfilled, and to maintain them ‘means reverting back to the old covenant, as if Christ had never come.’” Having considered this valid point, is it possible to justify compulsory Sabbath observance?

Today, Catholic authors generally seek support at Acts 20:7, which speaks of “the first day of the week” (Sunday), when Paul met with his companions to share a meal with them. However, this was simply a point of detail. Nothing in this text nor in other Bible verses indicates that this account was meant to be an example that was to be followed by Christians, certainly not an obligation. Yes, Sunday observance of a sabbath lacks Scriptural backing.

What Rest Is There for Christians?

Although Christians are not obliged to observe a weekly day of rest, they are nevertheless invited to observe rest of another kind. Paul explains this to his fellow Jewish Christians, saying: “So there remains a sabbath resting for the people of God. . . . Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest.” (Hebrews 4:4-11) These Jews, before becoming Christians, had previously followed the Mosaic Law as scrupulously as they could. Now Paul was no longer encouraging them to seek salvation through works but instead to “rest” from their dead works. Henceforth, they were to have faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, which was the only means by which mankind could be righteous in God’s eyes.

How can we today show the same consideration for God’s viewpoint? Like their fellowmen, Jehovah’s Witnesses, as reasonable humans, appreciate the weekly rest day from secular work that is in force in many countries. This allows them time for family association and refreshment. But more particularly, it has proved to be a period for other Christian pursuits. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) These include meetings and participation in the public ministry, visiting their neighbors to share Biblical information about the approaching time when believing mankind will enjoy earth-wide peace. If you would like to know about this, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to help you, whether that be on Saturday, Sunday, or any other day of the week.

[Picture on page 28]

Jesus kept the Sabbath law perfectly, rather than Jewish traditions

[Picture on page 29]

Christian pursuits provide refreshment on days of rest from secular work

The “Divine Teaching” District Conventions

ALL those desiring to be taught by Jehovah keenly look forward to the “Divine Teaching” District Conventions. The four-day program will highlight significant aspects of Scriptural teaching that safeguard Christians in these times of growing personal problems and world turmoil. The program will help them to withstand firmly ‘whatever is in opposition to healthful teaching’ and to be better teachers of God’s Word.​—1 Timothy 1:10.

What fine examples we have to imitate! The Greatest Teacher is none other than Jehovah God himself! Thus, Elihu rightly said to Job that Jehovah “is the One teaching us more than the beasts of the earth, and he makes us wiser than even the flying creatures of the heavens.” He also asked concerning Jehovah: “Who is an instructor like him?” (Job 35:11; 36:22) God is referred to at Isaiah 30:20 as the “Grand Instructor.”

Second only to Jehovah as a teacher is Jesus Christ. He was known as the “Teacher” and as the “Instructor,” being referred to as such some 50 times in the Gospels. In spite of his many sensational cures and other miracles, Jesus was not known as the Physician but as the Teacher, the Instructor.​—Matthew 8:19; Luke 5:5; John 13:13.

Most fittingly, Jesus taught his disciples and apostles to be teachers as he was. We can see this from Matthew 10:5 to 11:1 and Luke 10:1-11. Shortly before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples the noted teaching commission recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20. The book of Acts, as well as the inspired letters that follow it in the Christian Greek Scriptures, relate how zealously, skillfully, and faithfully Jesus’ early followers carried out this teaching commission.

This teaching work is more urgent today than ever before. We are living in the last days of this system of things, and because of that, lives are involved. For people not to share in the sins of Babylon the Great and receive part of her plagues, they must be taught and helped to come out of Babylon and take their stand for Jehovah and his Kingdom.​—Revelation 18:4.

To aid all of Jehovah’s Witnesses in their efforts to carry out their teaching commission, Jehovah through his organization has provided the “Divine Teaching” District Conventions. These four-day conventions will begin in the Northern Hemisphere in the early summer. May each dedicated servant of Jehovah make certain that he attends at least one of these conventions, being present and attentive from the opening song and prayer on Thursday afternoon until the closing prayer on Sunday afternoon.

1993 District Convention Locations

JUNE 3-6

NEW YORK, NY (Tentative), Yankee Stadium, 157th St. & River Ave.

JUNE 10-13

AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

BILOXI, MS, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 3800 W. Beach Blvd.

BIRMINGHAM, AL, Civic Center Coliseum, One Civic Center Plaza.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL, The Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave.

KNOXVILLE, TN, Thompson-Boling Assembly Center, 1600 Stadium Dr.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Japanese and sign language also), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

NEW YORK, NY (Tentative) (Sign language also), Yankee Stadium, 157th St. & River Ave.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

WICHITA, KS, Kansas Coliseum, I-135 at 85th St. N.

JUNE 17-20

AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

BILOXI, MS, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 3800 W. Beach Blvd.

CICERO, IL (Sign language also), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Sign language also), The Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave.

DENVER, CO, McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Vietnamese also), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Exposition Center, 1881 Expo Mall East.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-South Coliseum, Mid-South Fairgrounds.

NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

NORTH FT. MYERS, FL, Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN DIEGO, CA, Jack Murphy Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Sign language also), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, Notre Dame University Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

JUNE 24-27

BILLINGS, MT, MetraPark Arena, Hwy. #10.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

DENVER, CO (Sign language also), McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

KANSAS CITY, MO, Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee St.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Exposition Center, 1881 Expo Mall East.

NORTH FT. MYERS, FL, Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd.

OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 E.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

PONTIAC, MI (Sign language also), Silverdome, 1200 Featherstone Rd.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, Notre Dame University Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

JULY 1-4

BEAUMONT, TX (Spanish only), Civic Center Arena, 701 Main St.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

CROWNSVILLE, MD (Greek only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Sunrise Beach Rd.

FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

KANSAS CITY, MO, Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee St.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Spanish only), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Freedom Hall Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

MACON, GA (Sign language also), Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Exposition Center, 1881 Expo Mall East.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-South Coliseum, Mid-South Fairgrounds.

MOBILE, AL, Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr.

NORTH FT. MYERS, FL, Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd.

OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 E.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

PROVIDENCE, RI, Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

RENO, NV, Reno-Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

RICHMOND, VA (Sign language also), Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Portuguese sessions also), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, Notre Dame University Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

TACOMA, WA, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St.

TUCSON, AZ (Sign language also), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 8-11

BEAUMONT, TX (Spanish only), Civic Center Arena, 701 Main St.

BROOKLYN, NY (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 973 Flatbush Ave.

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

FRESNO, CA, Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (Korean only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

KENNEWICK, WA (Spanish only), Tri-Cities Coliseum, 7100 W. Quinault.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (Japanese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Spanish only), Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave.

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sign language also), Freedom Hall Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-South Coliseum, Mid-South Fairgrounds.

MONROE, NY (Portuguese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mountain & Forest Roads.

NEW YORK, NY (Spanish only) (Tentative), Yankee Stadium, 157th St. & River Ave.

NORTH FT. MYERS, FL, Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd.

PROVIDENCE, RI (Sign language also), Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

RENO, NV, Reno-Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Spanish only), Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

TACOMA, WA (Sign language also), Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St.

TUCSON, AZ (Spanish only), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

WOODLAND HILLS, CA (Tagalog only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20600 Ventura Blvd.

JULY 15-18

ABILENE, TX (Spanish only), Taylor County Coliseum, E. South 11th St. & Loop 322.

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

FRESNO, CA (Spanish only), Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

HOUSTON, TX (Sign language also), Astrodome, Loop 610 at Kirby Dr.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (French only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (Chinese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Veterans Stadium, S. Broad & Pattison Ave.

PHOENIX, AZ, America West Arena, 2800 N. Central Ave.

PROVIDENCE, RI, Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

RENO, NV, Reno-Sparks Convention Arena, 4590 S. Virginia St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. LOUIS, MO, The Arena, 5700 Oakland Ave.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Spanish only), Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Convention Center Arena, S. Alamo & Market Sts.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Spanish only), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, Prairie Capital Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

TUCSON, AZ (Spanish only), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WOODLAND HILLS, CA (Korean only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20600 Ventura Blvd.

JULY 22-25

BELTON, TX (Spanish only), Bell County Expo Center Arena, 301 W. Loop 121.

BISMARCK, ND, Civic Center Arena, 601 E. Sweet Ave.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (French only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20850 Griffin Rd.

FORT WORTH, TX (Sign language also), Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

FRESNO, CA (Spanish only), Convention Center, 700 “M” St.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

LINCOLN, NE (Sign language also), Devaney Sports Center, 16th St. & Military Rd.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Veterans Stadium, S. Broad & Pattison Ave.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. LOUIS, MO, The Arena, 5700 Oakland Ave.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Spanish only), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 29–AUGUST 1

ROCHESTER, NY, Community War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga County War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

AUGUST 5-8

ROCHESTER, NY, Community War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga County War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

Britain

JUNE 10-13

GUERNSEY, C.I., Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, St. Peter Port.

JUNE 24-27

LONDON (Italian only), Surrey Assembly Hall, Brickhouse Lane, South Godstone, Surrey.

PLYMOUTH, Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Home Park.

SWINDON (Tentative), Swindon Town Football Club, County Ground, County Rd.

WEST BROMWICH, The Hawthorns, Halfords Lane.

JULY 1-4

LEEDS, Leeds United Football Club, Elland Rd.

MANCHESTER, Manchester City Football Club, Maine Rd., Moss Side.

JULY 8-11

LONDON (CRYSTAL PALACE), National Sports Centre, Norwood.

STOKE, Stoke City Football Club, Victoria Ground, Stoke-on-Trent.

SUNDERLAND, Sunderland Football Club, Roker Park, Grantham Rd.

JULY 15-18

CARDIFF (Tentative), Welsh National Rugby Ground, Cardiff Arms Park.

NORWICH, Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Rd.

PERTH, St. Johnstone Football Club, McDiarmid, Park, Crieff Rd.

SHEFFIELD, Don Valley Athletics Stadium, Attercliffe.

JULY 22-25

LONDON (TWICKENHAM) (Greek and Spanish also), Rugby Union Ground, Whitton Rd., Twickenham, Middx.

Ireland

JULY 1-4

NAVAN, Navan Exhibition Centre.

JULY 8-11

NAVAN, Navan Exhibition Centre.

JULY 15-18

NAVAN, Navan Exhibition Centre.

Canada

JULY 1-4

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Portuguese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

EDMONTON, ALTA. (Sign language also), Edmonton Northlands Coliseum, 75th St. & 118th Ave.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 12700, boul. Métropolitain Est, Pointe-aux-Trembles.

QUEBEC CITY, QUE. (French only; sign language also), Colisée, 2205, avenue du Colisée.

TORONTO, ONT. (Sign language also; Korean, Polish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese sessions also), SkyDome, 300 Bremner Blvd.

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sign language also), Pacific Coliseum, P.N.E. Grounds, Hastings St. E. & Renfrew St.

WINNIPEG, MAN., Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Ave.

JULY 8-11

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Greek only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

HAMILTON, ONT., Copps Coliseum, 101 York Blvd.

KAMLOOPS, B.C., Kamloops Riverside Coliseum, 300 Lorne St.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 12700, boul. Métropolitain Est, Pointe-aux-Trembles.

NEWCASTLE, N.B., Miramichi Civic Center, Radio St. & King George Hwy.

OTTAWA, ONT. (Arabic and sign language also; Armenian sessions also), Civic Centre Arena, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.

SASKATOON, SASK. (Sign language also), Saskatchewan Place, 3515 Thatcher Ave.

SHERBROOKE, QUE. (French only), Palais des Sports, 360, rue Parc.

VICTORIA, B.C. (Sign language also), Victoria Memorial Arena, 1925 Blanshard St.

JULY 15-18

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

KAMLOOPS, B.C., Kamloops Riverside Coliseum, 300 Lorne St.

MONTREAL, QUE. (French only; sign language also), Olympic Stadium, boul. Pie-IX & rue Sherbrooke.

ST. JOHN’S, NFLD. (Sign language also), St. John’s Memorial Stadium, Lake Ave.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT., Sault Memorial Gardens, 269 Queen St. E.

JULY 22-25

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

CALGARY, ALTA. (French and Spanish sessions also), Stampede Corral, Stampede Park, 12th Ave. & 4th St. SE.

HULL, QUE. (French only), Palais des Congrès, 200, promenade du Portage.

KITIMAT, B.C., Tamitik Arena, 400 City Centre.

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Chinese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 15577 82nd Ave., Surrey.

JULY 29–AUGUST 1

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

HALIFAX, N.S. (Sign language also; Spanish sessions also), Halifax Metro Centre, 1800 Argyle St.

AUGUST 5-8

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

The Early Riser

AMONG the fruit trees of the Mediterranean area, the almond tree is one of the most striking. In late January or February​—well before most of the other trees—​it awakens from its winter lethargy. And what an awakening! The whole tree is clothed with a mantle of delicate pink or white blooms, the latter resembling somewhat the white hair of the elderly.​—Compare Ecclesiastes 12:5.

The ancient Hebrews called the almond tree the “awakening one,” alluding to its early flowering. This characteristic was employed by Jehovah to illustrate an important message. At the start of his ministry, Jeremiah was shown in vision an almond shoot. What did it mean? Jehovah explained: “I am keeping awake concerning my word in order to carry it out.”​—Jeremiah 1:12.

Just as the almond tree ‘awakens’ early, so Jehovah had figuratively been “getting up early” to send his prophets to warn his people about the consequences of disobedience. (Jeremiah 7:25) And he would not rest​—he would ‘keep awake’—​until his prophetic word was accomplished. So it was that in 607 B.C.E., at the appointed time, Jehovah’s judgment came upon the apostate nation of Judah.

God’s Word predicts that a similar judgment will come against the wicked system in which we live. (Psalm 37:9, 10; 2 Peter 3:10-13) Referring to such judicial action, the prophet Habakkuk assures us: “For the vision is yet for the appointed time . . . Keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late.” (Habakkuk 2:3) The beautiful almond blossom reminds us that Jehovah will keep awake concerning his word in order to carry it out.

[Picture Credit Line on page 32]

Pictorial Archive (Near Eastern History) Est.

Would You Welcome a Visit?

Even in this troubled world, you can gain happiness from accurate Bible knowledge of God, his Kingdom, and his wonderful purpose for mankind. If you would welcome further information or would like to have someone call to conduct a free home Bible study with you, please write to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or to the appropriate address listed on page 2.