The Watchtower — January 1, 1995

Keep Integrity and Live!

“CURSE God and die!” Our magazine cover depicts the wife of Job, who assailed him with those words. That was some 3,600 years ago. Yet that verbal attack on God’s faithful servant highlights an issue that confronts mankind down to this day. Faithful Job had suffered terrible losses​—his livestock, his home, his ten children. Now his body was being tortured by a chronic disease, testing him to the limit. The reason? The archenemy of God and man, Satan the Devil, was pursuing a challenge that man cannot maintain integrity to God under severe test.​—Job 1:11, 12; 2:4, 5, 9, 10.

Today, as in Job’s day, “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one,” Satan the Devil. (1 John 5:19) Indeed, that is even more true today, for now “the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth,” has been thrown out of the heavens down to this earth. (Revelation 12:9) This accounts for the intense woes that afflict mankind in our time. The first world war, erupting in 1914, marked “a beginning of pangs of distress” that have continued deep into this 20th century.​—Matthew 24:7, 8.

In this cruel, degraded world, do you ever feel that you have come to the limit of human endurance? Do you ever wonder, ‘Is there any purpose to life?’ Job may have felt that way, but he never lost faith in God, though he made mistakes. He expressed his determination in these words: “Until I expire I shall not take away my integrity from myself!” He had confidence that God would ‘get to know his integrity.’​—Job 27:5; 31:6.

Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, also had to endure trials while here on earth. Satan attacked Jesus in various ways. He played on Jesus’ physical needs and tested His reliance on God’s Word, as at the mountain of temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11) He harassed Jesus by having the apostate scribes and Pharisees and their dupes persecute him, accuse him of blasphemy, and conspire to kill him. (Luke 5:21; John 5:16-18; 10:36-39; 11:57) They did far worse to Jesus than the three false comforters did to Job.​—Job 16:2; 19:1, 2.

In the garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus approached the climax of this testing, he told his disciples: “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death.” Then, “he fell upon his face, praying and saying: ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will.’” Finally, on the torture stake, in fulfillment of the prophetic words of Psalm 22:1, Jesus cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But ultimately God did not forsake Jesus because Jesus maintained perfect integrity to Him, providing a model for all true Christians to follow. Jehovah rewarded Jesus’ integrity keeping by resurrecting him and exalting him to the highest heavens. (Matthew 26:38, 39; 27:46; Acts 2:32-36; 5:30; 1 Peter 2:21) God will reward all others who similarly keep integrity to him.

Not only did Jesus’ integrity give a complete answer to Satan’s challenge but the sacrifice of his perfect human life provided the ransom, on the basis of which integrity-keeping humans may gain everlasting life. (Matthew 20:28) First, Jesus gathers an anointed “little flock” who become joint heirs with him in the Kingdom of the heavens. (Luke 12:32) After this, “a great crowd” are gathered to survive “the great tribulation,” coming out of it to inherit everlasting life in the realm of God’s Kingdom on earth.​—Revelation 7:9, 14-17.

Integrity-keeping Job will be among the billions of dead ones who will then be resurrected to become part of that peaceful “new earth” society. (2 Peter 3:13; John 5:28, 29) As depicted on the back cover of our magazine, integrity had its reward in Job’s day when Jehovah “blessed the end of Job . . . more than his beginning.” He had gained spiritual strength as one who “did not sin with his lips.” God extended his life an additional 140 years. Materially, he gave Job double of all that he had before, and Job “came to have seven sons and three daughters,” the daughters being considered the most beautiful in all the land. (Job 2:10; 42:12-17) But all of this prosperity was only a foretaste of the blessings that integrity keepers will enjoy in the Paradise of the “new earth.” You too can share in that joy, as the following pages will explain!

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Jesus set the perfect example as an integrity keeper

Triumphing Over Satan and His Works

“Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.”​—JAMES 4:7.

1. How has “the hand of the wicked one” affected mankind today?

JOB correctly stated: “Earth itself has been given into the hand of the wicked one.” (Job 9:24) And now we face the most critical times in all human history. Why? Because these are “the last days” of Satan’s demonistic domination of the earth. It is no wonder that, under Satan’s prompting, ‘wicked men and impostors are advancing from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.’ (2 Timothy 3:1, 13) Moreover, persecutions, injustices, cruelties, crimes, economic hardships, chronic illnesses, pangs of old age, emotional depressions​—these and more may weigh heavily upon us.

2. How may we cope with Satan’s attacks today?

² The great adversary, Satan the Devil, is making a concentrated attack on mankind and on true worshipers of God in particular. His goal is to turn all potential integrity keepers against God and bring them down to ruin along with him and his demon angels. We are assured, though, that if we endure in integrity, the Devil will flee from us. Like Jesus, we can ‘learn obedience’ to God through the things we suffer, and by His undeserved kindness, we can attain to everlasting life.​—Hebrews 5:7, 8; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-10.

3, 4. (a) What external trials did Paul have to contend with? (b) What was Paul’s concern as a Christian elder?

³ The apostle Paul also was tested in many ways. Stating his credentials as a minister of Christ, he wrote: “I am more outstandingly one: in labors more plentifully, in prisons more plentifully, in blows to an excess, in near-deaths often. By Jews I five times received forty strokes less one, three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I experienced shipwreck, a night and a day I have spent in the deep; in journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from highwaymen, in dangers from my own race, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers, in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in abstinence from food many times, in cold and nakedness.

⁴ “Besides those things of an external kind, there is what rushes in on me from day to day, the anxiety for all the congregations. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is stumbled, and I am not incensed?” (2 Corinthians 11:23-29) Thus, Paul kept integrity when facing persecutions and trials from the outside, and as a Christian elder, he was deeply concerned with strengthening weaker brothers and sisters in the congregation, helping them to keep integrity. What a fine example for Christian elders today!

Integrity Under Persecution

5. What is the answer to direct persecution?

⁵ What devices does Satan use to break down integrity? As indicated above, one of Satan’s most vicious strategies is direct persecution, but there is an answer. Ephesians 6:10, 11 counsels us: “Go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations [or, “crafty acts,” footnote] of the Devil.”

6. How can it be shown that Jehovah’s Witnesses have come off “completely victorious”?

⁶ Often during these last days, Jehovah’s Witnesses have had to contend with trials. Thus, we can say with Paul: “In all these things we are coming off completely victorious through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37) This is proved by the record of integrity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the concentration camps of Germany, Austria, Poland, and Yugoslavia during the Nazi era between 1933 and 1945, under Communistic oppression in Eastern Europe between 1945 and 1989, and during the persecutions that have racked parts of Africa and Latin America in more recent times.

7. What stirring examples of integrity are reported from Ethiopia?

⁷ Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ethiopia provided a stirring example of integrity between 1974 and 1991. One of the politically minded captors told an imprisoned brother: “Better to release the lions from the zoo than to let you people go free again!” These cruel persecutors tortured Jehovah’s servants, and after some years an appeal court ordered executions. The body of one brother was put on public display as a warning example. Other brothers who appealed the death sentence were released by a more liberal court, and some of these faithful ‘conquerors’ had parts on the program at the “Divine Teaching” District Convention in Addis Ababa early in 1994.a​—John 16:33; compare 1 Corinthians 4:9.

8. How has Satan tried to capitalize on “ethnic cleansing”?

⁸ Satan has failed to crack the integrity of such loyal brothers and sisters by direct frontal attack. So, what other crafty devices does he employ? Revelation 12:12 says of these last days: “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” Having failed to annihilate God’s loyal people by persecutions, in his anger he attempts to massacre entire populations, no doubt with a view to destroying Jehovah’s people along with the rest. Thus so-called ethnic cleansing has been carried out in parts of the former Yugoslavia, and genocides have been attempted in Liberia, Burundi, and Rwanda.

9. Why do Satan’s tactics often fail? Give examples.

⁹ Often, though, Satan’s tactics boomerang on him, for satanic affliction awakens honesthearted people to the realization that their only hope rests in God’s Kingdom, zealously proclaimed by Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Matthew 12:21) Indeed, interested ones flock to the Kingdom! For example, in strife-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the March 26, 1994, celebration of the Memorial of Jesus’ death, 1,307 attended, 291 more than in the previous year. Peak attendances were recorded in Sarajevo (414), Zenica (223), Tuzla (339), Banja Luka (255), and other towns. In neighboring Croatia there was a new peak attendance of 8,326. The violence taking place around them did not prevent Jehovah’s Witnesses in those lands from obeying the command to “keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.”​—1 Corinthians 11:26.

In Strife-Torn Rwanda

10, 11. (a) What has transpired in supposedly Christian Rwanda? (b) How have faithful missionaries expressed themselves?

¹⁰ In 1993, Rwanda, with 2,080 Kingdom publishers, had 4,075 attend the “Divine Teaching” District Convention, and 230 were baptized. Of these, 142 immediately applied for auxiliary pioneer service. Home Bible studies being conducted climbed to 7,655 in 1994​—evidently too many for Satan’s liking! Though the great majority of the populace profess to be Christian, intertribal massacres were launched. The Vatican’s L’Osservatore Romano admitted: “This is an out-and-out genocide, for which unfortunately even Catholics are responsible.” An estimated half million men, women, and children died, and some two million were made homeless or forced to flee. Maintaining their nonviolent Christian neutrality, Jehovah’s Witnesses tried to stay together. Hundreds of our brothers and sisters were killed. But in one congregation of 65 Kingdom publishers, where 13 were killed, meeting attendance increased to 170 by August 1994. Relief supplies from Witnesses in other lands were among the first to arrive. Our prayers ascend in behalf of the survivors.​—Romans 12:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2; Hebrews 10:23-25.

¹¹ Amid all the horror, the three missionaries who were in Rwanda escaped. They write: “We realize that our brothers throughout the world have had to face up to similar situations or worse, and we know that it is all part of the sign of the last days of this wicked system. Still, when one is personally involved, it brings home the reality of things and makes one appreciate how precious life is. Certain scriptures have taken on new meaning for us, and we look forward to the time when the former things will no longer come to mind. In the meantime we want to keep busy in Jehovah’s service.”

Youthful Integrity Keepers

12, 13. (a) What integrity-keeping course did a youngster take? (b) Where may our youths find encouragement today?

¹² Jesus indicated that those who are cut off by family members for the sake of the truth will be rewarded “a hundredfold.” (Mark 10:29, 30) This was true of Entellia, a ten-year-old girl in northern Africa, who loved God’s name​—Jehovah—​as soon as she heard it. She studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses and walked 90 minutes each way to meetings, even though her opposed family often shut her out of the home on her return. At 13 years of age, she started to preach from house to house, and the family’s opposition intensified. One day relatives bound her hands and feet and had her lie in the broiling sun for seven hours, occasionally throwing dirty water over her. They beat her viciously, destroying one of her eyes, and finally drove her from her home. However, she found work in a hospital and eventually qualified as a nurse. At age 20 she was baptized and enrolled immediately as an auxiliary pioneer. Impressed by her integrity, her family has welcomed her back into their home, and nine of them have accepted home Bible studies.

¹³ Entellia gained much encouragement from Psalm 116, especially Ps 116 verses 1-4, which she has read over and over again: “I do love, because Jehovah hears my voice, my entreaties. For he has inclined his ear to me, and throughout my days I shall call. The ropes of death encircled me and the distressing circumstances of Sheol themselves found me. Distress and grief I kept finding. But upon the name of Jehovah I proceeded to call: ‘Ah, Jehovah, do provide my soul with escape!’” Jehovah answers such prayers!

14. How have Polish Witnesses shown outstanding integrity?

¹⁴ As in Jesus’ day, Satan has often used religious fanaticism to fan the flames of persecution​—but without success. Outstanding is the example of our brothers in Poland, as described in the 1994 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even youngsters were called upon to prove themselves integrity keepers. In 1946 one such was a 15-year-old girl who was told: “Just make the Catholic sign of the cross. Otherwise a bullet awaits you!” Keeping integrity, she was dragged into a forest, horribly tortured, and shot.​—Compare Matthew 4:9, 10.

Other Crafty Devices of Satan

15, 16. (a) What is Satan’s demonic policy, and how may we resist him? (b) Why is there no need for our young people to stumble?

¹⁵ Satan’s demonic policy is indeed “rule or ruin”! He has many cruel weapons in his arsenal. It is no wonder, then, that the apostle Paul warns: “We have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God, that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12, 13) Materialistic desires, degraded entertainment and propaganda, satanic music, peer pressure at school, drug abuse, and drunkenness​—any of these can wreck our lives. Hence, the apostle goes on to counsel: “Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.”​—Ephesians 6:16.

¹⁶ This appears to be especially necessary today in view of the bizarre music with which Satan is drenching this world. In some cases there is a direct connection to Satanism. A report from the San Diego County (U.S.A.) sheriff’s office stated: “We had a concert down here where the band had 15,000 kids chanting ‘Natas’​—that is, Satan spelled backwards.” Satanism has been described as a hole into which adolescents stumble “because they have been wandering desperate, angry and alone.” You youngsters in the Christian congregation, there is no need for you to stumble! Jehovah provides you with spiritual armor that Satan’s darts will never pierce.​—Psalm 16:8, 9.

17. How may emotional depression be overcome?

¹⁷ Satanic burning missiles are designed to play on the emotions. Through pressures of life, such as physical sickness or a state of deep depression, our adversary may cause some to have a feeling of worthlessness. One may become discouraged because of not being able to spend many hours in God’s service or because of missing out on some of the congregation’s meetings. Loving care by elders and other kindhearted brothers and sisters may help in overcoming difficult traumas. Always remember that Jehovah loves his faithful servants. (1 John 4:16, 19) Psalm 55:22 states: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.”

18. With what satanic machinations do some have to struggle?

¹⁸ Satan’s crafty “machinations” have recently appeared in yet another form. In some lands many adults have experienced invasive thoughts conveying the overwhelming impression that as children they were sadistically abused by satanic cults. Where do such ideas come from? Despite extensive research, secular opinions vary greatly. Some view such thoughts as actual memories, others as fantasies​—perhaps induced by questionable therapy—​and still others as a kind of hallucination caused by some childhood trauma.

19. (a) What thoughts did Job have to contend with? (b) How may elders follow Elihu’s example?

¹⁹ It is of interest that God’s servant Job had to contend with “disquieting thoughts” that Satan conveyed through Eliphaz and Zophar. (Job 4:13-18; 20:2, 3) Job thus suffered “vexation,” resulting in his indulging in “wild talk” about the “terrors” afflicting his mind. (Job 6:2-4; 30:15, 16) Elihu listened quietly to Job and sincerely helped him see Jehovah’s all-wise view of matters. Likewise today, understanding elders show that they care for afflicted ones by not adding more “pressure” to such ones. Rather, like Elihu, they patiently listen to them and then apply the soothing oil of God’s Word. (Job 33:1-3, 7; James 5:13-15) Thus anyone whose emotions are disturbed by traumas, real or fancied, or who is “terrified . . . with dreams, and by visions” as Job was, may find soothing Scriptural comfort within the congregation.​—Job 7:14; James 4:7.

20. How may distressed Christians be helped to maintain their spiritual equilibrium?

²⁰ At present a Christian can be certain that, in one way or another, Satan is behind these horrible thoughts. If some in the congregation suffer in this way, they are wise to see such frightening mental impressions as a direct attempt by Satan to upset their spiritual equilibrium. They need patient and understanding Scriptural support. By prayerfully turning to Jehovah and by benefiting from spiritual shepherding, those experiencing distress will avail themselves of power beyond what is normal. (Isaiah 32:2; 2 Corinthians 4:7, 8) Thus they will be able to endure faithfully and refuse to allow evil intrusive thoughts to affect the peace of the congregation. (James 3:17, 18) Yes, they will be able to oppose the Devil, showing the same spirit that Jesus did when he said: “Go away, Satan!”​—Matthew 4:10; James 4:7.

21. How do the Scriptures warn of Satan’s cunning ways?

²¹ We know that Satan’s aim is somehow to corrupt our minds, as the apostle Paul warned at 2 Corinthians 11:3: “I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning, your minds might be corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are due the Christ.” The present ruination of all flesh, or human society alienated from God, reminds us of the degradation wrought by the corrupted and violent hybrid “Fellers” of Noah’s day. (Genesis 6:4, 12, 13, footnote; Luke 17:26) It is not surprising, therefore, that Satan resorts to crafty acts and cunning means to vent his anger, especially against God’s people.​—1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:17.

22. With Satan out of the way, what blessings may be expected?

²² Satan is not even mentioned in the concluding chapters of the Bible book of Job. His wicked challenge that humans cannot keep integrity to God had been proved false by Job’s integrity. Likewise, in the near future when “a great crowd” of integrity keepers “come out of the great tribulation,” there will be the abyssing of Satan. Men and women of faith, including faithful Job, will join that “great crowd,” to enjoy paradisaic blessings, even grander than those that rewarded Job!​—Revelation 7:9-17; 20:1-3, 11-13; Job 14:13.

[Footnotes]

Questions in Review

◻ What fine examples of integrity did Job, Jesus, and Paul set?

◻ How have integrity keepers faced up to Satan?

◻ How may youths resist Satan’s crafty devices?

◻ What can be done to cope with satanic machinations?

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In Ethiopia, Meswat and Yoalan now serve Jehovah full-time after the example of their father, who was executed

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Entellia, a youthful integrity keeper in northern Africa

The Integrity-Keeping Nation

“Open the gates . . . that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter.”​—ISAIAH 26:2.

1. Why may Isaiah’s statement about a “righteous nation” be surprising?

TODAY, there are all kinds of nations. Some are democracies, some dictatorships. Some are wealthy, some poor. One thing they have in common: All are part of the world of which Satan is god. (2 Corinthians 4:4) In view of this, the words of Isaiah may come as a surprise to some when he says: “Open the gates, you men, that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter.” (Isaiah 26:2) A righteous nation? Yes, there is a righteous nation, since the prophecy points to its existence in our day. How can this unusual nation be identified?

2. What is “the righteous nation”? How do we know?

² In the New World Translation rendition of Isaiah 26:2, the nation is said to be “keeping faithful conduct.” The King James Version (margin) renders the verse, “the righteous nation which keepeth the truths.” Both are apt descriptions. In fact, the righteous nation is easy to recognize because it is the only nation on earth that is subject to Christ the King, hence not part of Satan’s world. (John 17:16) As such, its members are known for ‘maintaining their conduct fine among the nations.’ They follow a life-style that glorifies God. (1 Peter 2:12) Moreover, wherever they are in the world, they are part of “the congregation of the living God, a pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) Supporting the truth, they reject the pagan philosophies taught by Christendom, and they champion “the unadulterated milk belonging to the word”​—God’s Word, the Bible. (1 Peter 2:2) Further, they zealously preach the Kingdom good news “in all creation that is under heaven.” (Colossians 1:23) Can there be any doubt that this nation is made up of the remaining ones of “the Israel of God,” the congregation of anointed Christians? Not at all!​—Galatians 6:16.

The Nation Is Born

3. Describe how “the righteous nation” came to be born.

³ When was “the righteous nation” born? Its beginning was prophesied in the book of Isaiah. At Isaiah 66:7, 8, we read: “Before she [Zion] began to come into labor pains she gave birth. Before birth pangs could come to her, she even gave deliverance to a male child. . . . Zion has come into labor pains as well as given birth to her sons.” Most unusually, Zion, God’s heavenly organization, was to bring forth “a male child” before she suffered labor pains. In 1914 the Messianic Kingdom was brought forth in the heavens. (Revelation 12:5) After that, the first world war engulfed more and more nations, and anointed Christians suffered severe distress and persecution. Finally, in the year 1919, the spiritual nation, the “male child,” was brought forth on earth. Thus Zion ‘gave birth to her sons’​—the anointed members of the new “righteous nation”—​and these were organized for an ever-expanding witness work.​—Matthew 24:3, 7, 8, 14; 1 Peter 2:9.

4. Why has God’s righteous nation had to struggle to maintain integrity?

⁴ Since its inception, this nation has met up with severe tests of its integrity. Why? When the heavenly Kingdom was brought to birth, Satan and his demons were cast from heaven down to the earth. A loud voice proclaimed: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death.” Satan reacted to this turn of events with great anger “and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of [the woman’s] seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.” Faced with the onslaughts of Satan, anointed Christians stood firm. To this day, zealous members of God’s righteous nation exercise faith in Jesus’ ransoming blood and continue to give Jehovah an answer for the great taunter by keeping integrity “even in the face of death.”​—Revelation 12:1, 5, 9-12, 17; Proverbs 27:11.

5. What fine attitude of modern-day Witnesses has helped them to keep integrity?

⁵ In 1919, when the modern-day witness to God’s Kingdom got under way, the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then called, were few in number but strong in faith. They became foundation members of ‘a strong city, with salvation set for walls and rampart.’ Their trust was in “Jah Jehovah [who] is the Rock of times indefinite.” (Isaiah 26:1, 3, 4) Like Moses of old, they proclaimed: “I shall declare the name of Jehovah. Do you attribute greatness to our God! The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.”​—Deuteronomy 32:3, 4.

6. In what way has Jehovah blessed his people in these last days?

⁶ Since then, the gates of God’s Kingdom arrangement have remained wide open as first the remaining ones of the 144,000 anointed Christians were gathered and now a great crowd of “other sheep” are joining in the declaring of Jehovah’s Kingdom purposes. (John 10:16) Thus, it can be announced joyfully: “You have added to the nation; O Jehovah, you have added to the nation; you have glorified yourself. You have extended afar all the borders of the land.” (Isaiah 26:15) As we survey the world field today, we see how true those words are! By power of holy spirit, the witness to Christ’s incoming Kingdom has been given “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The extent of that expansion may be gauged from the 1994 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, appearing on pages 12 to 15.

A New Peak of Publishers

7, 8. (a) What evidence is there that God’s people have ‘lengthened their tent cords’? (b) Looking at the 1994 Service Year Report, what areas do you see that are ‘extending their borders’ outstandingly?

⁷ Consider some of the highlights of this report. The peak of Kingdom publishers in the field reached 4,914,094! How thrilling to observe the constant ingathering of the “great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes”! Yes, these too have proved to be integrity keepers. “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” being counted righteous because of exercising faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.​—Revelation 7:9, 14.

⁸ Particularly since 1919, the call has gone forth to Jehovah’s organization: “Make the place of your tent more spacious. And let them stretch out the tent cloths of your grand tabernacle. Do not hold back. Lengthen out your tent cords, and make those tent pins of yours strong.” (Isaiah 54:2) In response, the preaching work goes on unabated, even in the icy Yukon, bordering on Alaska, where a hardy group of pioneers endure temperatures that can sink to 50 or 60 degrees below zero Fahrenheit [-45° to -50° C.] for weeks at a time. In recent years crowds are flocking ever faster to Jehovah’s integrity-keeping nation. The gates have opened wider to receive these from Asian lands outside Christendom, from former Communist strongholds, from many African lands, and from Catholic domains, such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and South America. Displaced persons have opened up another field. In England, for example, Witnesses are caring for the needs of 13 foreign-language ethnic groups.

“Keep Doing This”

9. (a) What does the 1994 Memorial attendance indicate? (b) Which are some of the countries with unusually high Memorial attendances?

⁹ Another highlight of the annual report is the attendance at the Memorial. Shortly before he died, Jesus instituted the Memorial commemorating his death and told his followers: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24) It was thrilling in 1994 to see 12,288,917​—much more than twice the number of active publishers—​come together to obey that command, either as partakers or as observers. In some lands the ratio of Memorial attenders to publishers was even higher. The 4,049 publishers in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were delighted to have 12,876 attend the Memorial, more than three times the number of publishers. And in Benin, the 16,786 Memorial attenders represented almost five times the number of publishers. One congregation of some 45 publishers had 831 in attendance!

10. (a) What responsibility does the high Memorial attendance place upon us? (b) Describe what can happen when one who attended the Memorial receives further help.

¹⁰ Jehovah’s Witnesses are happy that so many interested persons joined with them on that auspicious occasion. Now they want to help these ones make further progress in their understanding and love of the truth. Some may respond the way Alla in Russia did. Alla was studying with a special-pioneer sister but made little progress, so the study was discontinued. Nevertheless, Alla accepted an invitation to attend the Memorial. That meeting, which has so much significance, made a deep impression on her. Upon returning home, she threw away all her icons and prayed to Jehovah for help. Two days later the pioneer sister called on Alla to see how she had enjoyed the Memorial. A fruitful discussion ensued. Alla’s study was restarted. Soon she was sharing in the witness work. This experience shows the value of follow-up calls on those who attend the Memorial. Many will likely respond as Alla did.

“Not Forsaking the Gathering of Ourselves Together”

11-13. (a) What is part of the faithful conduct of the righteous nation? (b) Why do true Christians need to attend meetings?

¹¹ The Memorial is the most important meeting on the calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but it is by no means the only one. Each week Jehovah’s Witnesses gather together in obedience to the apostle Paul’s words: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25) They are associated with Jehovah’s righteous nation that is identified by its faithful conduct. Faithful conduct includes faithfully attending meetings.

¹² This is evidently well understood in the Philippines, where the average countrywide attendance at the Sunday meetings is 125 percent of the number of publishers. It is well understood, too, by a group of Witnesses and interested persons in Argentina. They live about 12 miles [20 km] from the Kingdom Hall. Nevertheless, the circuit overseer reports that except in cases of sickness, not one of them ever misses the meetings. They travel for four hours by buggy or on horseback, and during winter they make the journey home through the darkness of night.

¹³ As the end of this system draws closer, life gets harder, problems mount, and attending meetings regularly may be more of a challenge. But under such circumstances, we have more need than ever for the spiritual food and warm fellowship that can be found only at such gatherings.

“Be at It Urgently”

14. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses have a sense of urgency about their ministry, and what results demonstrate this?

¹⁴ Last year, the Catholic Church in Italy referred to the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses as “savage proselytism.” Really, though, there is nothing savage about what the Witnesses do. Rather, their ministry is an expression of deep love for their neighbors. It is also evidence of obedience to Paul’s words: “Preach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season, in troublesome season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) A sense of urgency moves Jehovah’s Witnesses to be zealous in their ministry, as seen in their spending a total of 1,096,065,354 hours in 1994 preaching to their neighbors, making return visits, and conducting 4,701,357 Bible studies. Many were able to share in the pioneer service, which shows that the pioneer spirit is alive and active. The average of 636,202 pioneers worldwide proves this.

15, 16. (a) How have both young and old demonstrated the pioneer spirit? (b) Looking at individual countries in the 1994 Service Year Report, where do you see outstanding numbers of pioneers?

¹⁵ Among those pioneers are many young ones. Some in the United States are now serving as regular pioneers during high school, with classmates being their primary territory. These youths have found that pioneering is the very best way of protecting themselves from the drugs, immorality, and violence that pervade many schools in that land. Many other young ones have pioneering as their goal when they leave school. Irina, in Ukraine, auxiliary pioneered all through high school in order to prepare herself for pioneering after graduation. When she finished school, her family offered to cooperate as far as secular work was concerned so that she could represent them in the regular pioneer work. Economically, things are not easy in Ukraine. But Irina says: “I know that I am doing a work that means life not just for me but also for those to whom I preach.” It is truly a delight to see so many young ones today thinking like Irina. What better way is there for them to ‘remember their Grand Creator in the days of their young manhood and womanhood’?​—Ecclesiastes 12:1.

¹⁶ A good number of pioneers are advanced in age. One reports that during the second world war, her father and brother were killed as they fought in the war, and her mother and sister were shot in a ghetto. Later she lost her son. Now, in her declining years and suffering from poor health, Jehovah has given her, in the Christian congregation, a much larger family than the one she lost. And she finds her joy in helping others as a regular pioneer.

17, 18. How can each of us, whether a pioneer or not, show the pioneer spirit?

¹⁷ Of course, not everyone can be a pioneer. Jehovah is pleased to accept our whole tithe, the best that we can offer, whatever this may be in our particular case. (Malachi 3:10) Indeed, all of us can cultivate the spirit of these zealous pioneers and do whatever our circumstances allow to further the preaching of the good news.

¹⁸ For example, in Australia, April 16 was set aside as a special day for street witnessing. It was well supported by publishers and pioneers alike, as was evident in the new publisher peak of 58,780 for that month. Further, 90,000 more magazines were distributed than in the same month last year. During the special day, a sister placed magazines with a man, and while taking down his name and address to follow up on the interest, she discovered that they were related! It turned out that they were cousins who had not seen each other for 30 years. That surely made for some very happy return visits!

Keep Integrity to the End

19. Why is it urgent that Jehovah’s righteous nation keep integrity right to the end?

¹⁹ It is urgent that all in God’s righteous nation keep integrity as Satan’s world goes into its death throes. Soon, Jehovah’s holy nation will hear the call: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over.” This bloodguilty world will inevitably meet up with divine judgment. “For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones.” (Isaiah 26:20, 21) May each one of us stand firm as an integrity-keeping Christian associated with Jehovah’s righteous nation. Then we will rejoice to attain to everlasting life in the earthly or heavenly realm of Christ’s Kingdom.

Do You Remember?

◻ When was “the righteous nation” born?

◻ Why have God’s people needed endurance during these last days?

◻ What is demonstrated by the high number of publishers and the hours spent in the ministry seen in the 1994 Service Year Report?

◻ Why is attendance at meetings so important as this world draws nearer to its end?

◻ Why must all associated with God’s righteous nation keep integrity?

[Chart on page 12-15]

1994 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See bound volume)

[Picture on page 18]

Integrity keepers in Jehovah’s righteous nation will attain to everlasting life in perfection

A Priceless Treasure to Share

AS TOLD BY GLORIA MALASPINA

When the shoreline of Sicily disappeared, my husband and I began to focus our attention on our destination, the Mediterranean island of Malta. What a thrilling prospect! As the ship crossed the sea, we thought of the apostle Paul’s experience on Malta during the first century.​—ACTS 28:1-10.

THE year was 1953, and Malta did not then recognize the preaching activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The year before, we had graduated from the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and were assigned to Italy. After just a short time of studying Italian, we were eager to see what awaited us on Malta.

How did I, a young woman, come to be a foreign missionary? Let me explain.

Mother’s Inspiring Example

In 1926, when our family was living in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada, my mother accepted the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die from a Bible Student (as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known). She read it with keen interest, and that very week she attended a group Bible study, using the Watch Tower magazine. Mother was an avid Bible reader, and she accepted the message about God’s Kingdom as the treasure she had been seeking. (Matthew 6:33; 13:44) Despite violent opposition from Father, and although she had three small girls to care for, she took her stand for what she was learning.

Mother’s unwavering faith during the next 20 years kept me and my two older sisters, Thelma and Viola, aware of the wonderful hope of life eternal in a new world of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13) She faced many difficult trials, but we never doubted the rightness of her chosen course.

In 1931, when I was only ten, we moved to a farm in northern Minnesota, U.S.A. There we were cut off from regular association with Jehovah’s Witnesses but not from Biblical instruction from Mother. Her devoted service as a colporteur, or full-time minister, inspired me to want to join her in that work. In 1938 my two sisters and I symbolized our dedication to Jehovah by being baptized at an assembly in Duluth, Minnesota.

After I graduated from high school in 1938, Mother encouraged me to take a business course so that I could support myself as a pioneer (the new name for colporteur). This proved to be good advice, especially since Father decided to go his own way and left us on our own.

Sharing Our Treasure Full-Time

Eventually I moved to California, and in 1947, I began in the pioneer work in San Francisco. While engaged in preconvention work for the “All Nations Expansion” Assembly in Los Angeles, I met Francis Malaspina. Our mutual goal of missionary work led to the start of a loving relationship. We were married in 1949.

In September 1951, Francis and I were invited to the 18th class of Gilead. On graduation day, February 10, 1952, after five months of intensive training, the countries to which we were to be sent were called out in alphabetical order by the president of the school, Nathan H. Knorr. When he said, “Italy, Brother and Sister Malaspina,” we were already traveling in our minds!

A few weeks later, we boarded the ship in New York for the ten-day voyage to Genoa, Italy. Giovanni DeCecca and Max Larson, of the Brooklyn headquarters staff, were there on the dock to see us off. In Genoa we were met by missionaries who were familiar with the intricacies of entry into the country.

Excited by everything around us, we boarded a train to Bologna. Our view on arrival was that of a city still disfigured by the bombings of World War II. But there were also many pleasant things, such as the irresistible aroma of roasting coffee that filled the morning air and the spicy smell of superb sauces being prepared for countless types of pasta.

Fulfilling a Goal

We started out in the ministry with a memorized presentation, and we delivered it until the message was accepted or the door was closed. The desire to express ourselves moved us to study the language diligently. After four months, we were assigned to a new missionary home in Naples.

This huge city is notable for its marvelous views. We enjoyed our service there, but after another four months, my husband was assigned to the circuit, or traveling, work visiting congregations from Rome to Sicily. In time, we also visited Malta and even Libya in Northern Africa.

The train trips from Naples to Sicily during those years were a test of physical endurance. We would board a packed train and stand in crowded passageways, sometimes for six to eight hours. However, it gave us a fine opportunity to study those around us. Many times a large demijohn of homemade wine served as a seat for its owner, who would occasionally use its contents to satisfy his thirst during the long journey. Friendly passengers often offered to share their bread and salami with us, a hospitable, heartwarming gesture that we appreciated.

In Sicily we would be met by friends who carried our suitcases up the mountain on a three-and-a-half-hour steady climb to the congregation at the top. The warm welcome of our Christian brothers made us forget our weariness. Sometimes we rode surefooted mules, but we never looked to the depths below where a single misstep by the mule would have taken us. Our brothers’ firm stand for Bible truth despite their hardships strengthened us, and the love we were shown made us thankful to be with them.

Malta and Libya

Filled to the brim with memories of our brothers in Sicily, we sailed for Malta. The apostle Paul had found kindly people there, and so did we. A storm in St. Paul’s Bay made us realize the danger that small ships faced in the first century. (Acts 27:39–28:10) Yet ahead was Libya. How would we fare in this African land where our work was banned?

Once again we experienced a totally different culture. The sights and sounds of the city of Tripoli caught my attention as we walked through the pillared streets of the downtown area. Men used woven camel-hair garments to protect themselves from the burning heat of the Sahara Desert by day and from the coolness of the night. We learned to appreciate and respect the way people adapt to climatic conditions where they live.

The cautious zeal of the brothers taught us much about relying heavily on Jehovah and following the instructions of those who are more knowledgeable about preaching under such circumstances. Our Christian brothers were of many nationalities; yet they worked harmoniously in their service to Jehovah.

A New Assignment

Because of opposition to our preaching work, we had to leave Italy, but we happily accepted a new preaching assignment in Brazil in 1957. Francis and I adapted to the life and customs, and after eight months, Francis was invited to do circuit work. We traveled by bus, by plane, and on foot. This immense, beautiful country opened up before us like a lesson in geography.

Our first circuit took in ten congregations in the city of São Paulo, as well as ten small towns in the interior and along the southern coastal area of the state of São Paulo. There were no congregations in those towns at the time. We would locate a place to stay, and after getting settled, we would call from house to house with the Kingdom message. We also left invitations to a showing of one of the Watch Tower Society’s educational films.

Getting on a bus with films, projector, transformer, files, literature, invitations, and equipment to handstamp the location of the film showing on the invitations was no small task. By comparison, our small suitcase of clothing was not a big item. The projector had to be cushioned on our laps so that it would not shake apart from travel over the rough roads.

After locating a place to show the film, we would go from door to door and leave invitations to the film showing. Sometimes we obtained permission to project the film in a restaurant or a hotel. At other times we stretched a sheet between two poles in the open air. The appreciative audience, many of whom had never seen a motion picture, would stand and listen attentively as Francis read the narration. Afterward, we would distribute Bible literature.

To reach villages, we traveled by bus. Some of the rivers were not spanned by a bridge, so the bus would be put on a large raft and floated to the other side. We were advised to get off the bus and, if we saw the bus slipping off into the river, to jump off the other side of the raft to avoid getting sucked down. Thankfully, we never lost a bus to the river​—a good thing, especially since the river was noted for having flesh-eating piranha fish!

After attending the international convention in New York in 1958, we returned to Brazil, where we soon afterward were back in the traveling work. Our district took us to the Uruguayan border on the south, Paraguay on the west, the state of Pernambuco in the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern side of Brazil.

The Leper Colony

In the mid-1960’s, we accepted an invitation to show one of the Society’s films in a leper colony. I have to admit that I was somewhat fearful. We had little knowledge of leprosy, except what we had read about it in the Bible. Upon entering the compound, which was painted white, we were directed to a large auditorium. A section had been roped off in the middle for us and our equipment.

The electrician who was helping us was a 40-year resident of the colony. He had lost his hands at the wrists and some other parts of his body, badly disfiguring him. I was startled at first, but his cheerful demeanor and dexterity in handling his work put me at ease. We were soon conversing about many things as we completed the necessary preparations. Of the one thousand afflicted persons housed in the facility, over two hundred attended. As they limped in, we noted many different stages of the disease they were suffering from. What a moving, emotional experience for us!

We thought of what Jesus said to the leper who begged, “Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean.” Touching the man, Jesus assured him, “I want to. Be made clean.” (Matthew 8:2, 3) After the program ended, many approached us to thank us for coming, their damaged bodies a vivid testimony to mankind’s great suffering. Later, local Witnesses studied the Bible with those desirous of learning more.

In 1967 we returned to the United States to take care of some severe health problems. As we continued to deal with these, we were again privileged to serve in the circuit work. For the next 20 years, I shared with Francis in the traveling work in the United States. During this time he also taught the Kingdom Ministry School.

What a source of encouragement it was to me to have a loving husband and faithful companion who cared for whatever assignment he was given! Together we were privileged to share the treasure of Bible truth on parts of four continents.

Sustained by the Treasure

Back in 1950, Mother married David Easter, a faithful brother who was baptized in 1924. They served together many years in the full-time ministry. However, during the final portion of Mother’s life, Alzheimer’s disease began to manifest itself. She required much care as the disease took over her power to reason. My supportive sisters and David shouldered the heavy responsibility of caring for her, since they did not want us to leave our special privileges of full-time service. Mother’s faithful example right down to her death in 1987 did much to help us chart our course in life, and the hope she cherished of a heavenly reward consoled us.

By 1989, I could tell that Francis was not as energetic as he used to be. We were unaware that snail fever, a disease well-known in many parts of the world, was taking its toll. In 1990, this unrelenting enemy took over, and I lost my beloved partner with whom I had shared over 40 years in Jehovah’s service.

Adjustments are a part of life. Some are easy, and some are difficult. But Jehovah, the Giver of the priceless treasure of Bible truth, sustained me by means of his organization and the love and encouragement of my family. I am still finding contentment as I look forward to the fulfillment of all of Jehovah’s unfailing promises.

[Picture on page 23]

When my husband and I were missionaries in Italy

“Out of the Mouth of Babes”

WHEN Samuel was a young boy, he stood firm for right principles despite the wickedness of the sons of High Priest Eli. (1 Samuel 2:22; 3:1) In the days of Elisha, a little Israelite captive in Syria gave a courageous witness to her mistress. (2 Kings 5:2-4) When Jesus was 12 years old, he spoke boldly to the teachers of Israel, asking questions and giving answers that astounded onlookers. (Luke 2:46-48) Throughout history Jehovah has been served faithfully by his young worshipers.

Do young people today show that same faithful spirit? Yes, indeed! Reports from branch offices of the Watch Tower Society show that many, many believing youngsters “offer themselves willingly” in Jehovah’s service. (Psalm 110:3) The fine results of their endeavors encourage all Christians, young and old, “not [to] give up in doing what is fine.”​—Galatians 6:9.

A good example is Ayumi, a little Japanese girl who became a publisher when she was six years old and made it her goal to witness to everyone in her class. She got permission to place several publications in the classroom library, preparing herself to answer any questions that her schoolmates might ask. Almost all her classmates as well as the teacher got to know the publications. During her six years of elementary school, Ayumi arranged for 13 Bible studies. She was baptized while in the fourth grade, and one of her friends with whom she had studied was baptized in the sixth grade. Moreover, the mother and two older sisters of this Bible student also studied and were baptized.

Good Conduct a Witness

“Maintain your conduct fine among the nations,” said the apostle Peter, and young Christians take this command seriously. (1 Peter 2:12) As a result, their good conduct often gives a fine witness. In the African country of Cameroon, a man came for the second time to a congregation meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses and happened to sit beside a small girl. When the speaker invited the audience to look up a passage in the Bible, the man noticed that the little girl quickly found the verse in her own Bible and attentively followed the reading. Her attitude so impressed him that at the conclusion of the meeting, he went to the speaker and said: “This small girl has made me want to study the Bible with you.”

In South Africa there is a school where 25 students are children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their good conduct has resulted in a fine reputation for Jehovah’s Witnesses. One teacher confided to a Witness parent that she did not understand how the Witnesses manage to train their children so well, especially since her own church had proved incapable of helping young ones. A new teacher came to assist in the school and immediately noticed the good conduct of the Witness children. She asked one of the Witness boys what she would have to do to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He explained that she should have a Bible study, and he arranged for his parents to follow up on the interest.

In Costa Rica, Rigoberto recognized the ring of truth when two classmates used the Bible to answer his questions about the Trinity, the soul, and hellfire. What they said carried weight with him not only because of their ability to use the Scriptures but also because their excellent conduct was so different from what he had witnessed in the churches of Christendom. In spite of family opposition, Rigoberto is making good progress in his Bible study.

In Spain two Witnesses of Jehovah​—one of them nine years old—​visited a man named Onofre. While the adult Witness did most of the talking, the young Witness followed along in the Scriptures and quoted some Bible texts from memory. Onofre was impressed. He decided that he wanted to study the Bible at the same place where that young boy had learned to handle the Scriptures so well. Hence, early the following Sunday morning, he went to the Kingdom Hall. He had to wait outside until mid-afternoon, when the Witnesses came for their meeting. From then on, he made fine progress and recently symbolized his dedication by water baptism.

Effective Young Witnesses

Yes, Jehovah uses young ones as well as adults to reach the meekhearted. Such was further seen in an experience from Hungary. There, a hospital nurse noticed that whenever visitors came to see a certain ten-year-old patient, they would bring her reading matter as well as food. Intrigued, she wondered what a young girl would be reading about and found that it was the Bible. The nurse talked to her and later said: “From the first moment, she was really teaching me.” When the young girl left the hospital, she invited the nurse to attend a convention, but the nurse turned her down. Later, though, she agreed to attend the “Pure Language” District Convention. Soon after, she started a Bible study, and one year later she was baptized​—all as a result of a little girl using her time in the hospital to read Bible literature.

Ana Ruth, in El Salvador, was in her second year in high school. She had the habit of leaving Bible literature on her desk for others to read if they wanted to. Noticing that the literature disappeared and then reappeared after some time, Ana Ruth discovered that a schoolmate, Evelyn, was reading it. After a while, Evelyn accepted a study and began attending congregation meetings. Eventually, she was baptized, and now she serves as a regular auxiliary pioneer. Ana Ruth is a regular pioneer.

In Panama a sister started a study with a woman whose husband began to oppose the truth to the point that the study almost stopped. However, gradually the husband’s attitude softened. Some time later, his fleshly brother, a Witness, asked him to install a burglar alarm in his house. While he was installing the alarm, his nine-year-old niece came home looking very sad. He asked her what was wrong, and she said that she and her older sister had gone to conduct a Bible study but the person was not at home, so she had not been able to do anything for Jehovah that day. Her uncle said: “Why not preach to me? Then you will do something for Jehovah.” His niece ran happily to get her Bible, and a study was started.

Her mother (the man’s sister-in-law) was listening. She thought that the whole thing was just a joke, but every time the man went to her house, he asked his niece for a Bible study. When the mother saw that her brother-in-law was serious and had some difficult questions, she decided to conduct the study herself with her daughter present. He began to study twice a week and made rapid progress. Finally, he reached the point of dedication and was baptized at the same assembly as his wife​—thanks to the fine attitude of his young niece.

Courage of the Young Gives a Fine Witness

The Bible says: “Be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, hope in Jehovah.” (Psalm 27:14) These words apply to all of God’s servants, and young as well as adult applied them during the past year. In Australia, when a five-year-old girl started in a new school, her mother went to the teacher to explain the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The teacher said: “I already know what you believe. Your daughter has explained everything to me.” This young girl had not been too timid to approach her teacher on her own to explain her faith.

Five-year-old Andrea in Romania also showed courage. When her mother left the Orthodox faith to become a Witness, her neighbors refused to listen to her. One day at the Congregation Book Study, Andrea heard the service overseer stress the need to preach to one’s neighbors. She thought seriously about this, and back home she said to her mother: “After you leave for work, I will get up, arrange my bag with literature just as you do, Mommy, and I will pray to Jehovah to help me talk about the truth with the neighbors.”

The next day Andrea did what she had promised. Then, mustering up her courage, she rang the bell of a neighbor. When the neighbor answered the door, this little girl said: “I know that since my mother became a Witness, you don’t like her. She has tried to talk to you several times, but you did not want to listen to her. This is upsetting to her, but I want you to know that we love you.” Then, Andrea went on to give a fine witness. In one day, she distributed six books, six magazines, four booklets, and four tracts. Since then, she has been regular in the field service.

In Rwanda our brothers have had to show great courage in view of the strife there. On one occasion a family of Witnesses was put in a room where soldiers prepared to kill them. The family asked permission to pray first. This was granted, and all except the daughter, Deborah, prayed silently. According to a report, Deborah prayed out loud: “Jehovah, this week Papa and I placed five magazines. How are we going to get back to these people to teach them the truth and help them get life? Besides, how am I going to be a publisher now? I wanted to get baptized in order to serve you.” Upon hearing this, a soldier said: “We cannot kill you because of this little girl.” Deborah responded: “Thank you.” The family was spared.

When Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem near the end of his earthly life, he was greeted by vast, cheering crowds. The crowds were made up of children as well as adults. According to the record, young boys “were crying out in the temple and saying: ‘Save, we pray, the Son of David!’” When the chief priests and the scribes protested at this, Jesus retorted: “Did you never read this, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have furnished praise’?”​—Matthew 21:15, 16.

Is it not thrilling to see that even today Jesus’ words are true? “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings”​—and, may we add, teenagers and young men and women—​Jehovah has furnished praise. Indeed, when it comes to praising Jehovah, there is no minimum age.​—Joel 2:28, 29.

Determining Weakness, Wickedness, and Repentance

SIN is something that Christians hate​—a falling short of Jehovah’s righteous standards. (Hebrews 1:9) Unhappily, all of us sin from time to time. All of us struggle with inherent weakness and imperfection. In most cases, though, if we confess our sins to Jehovah and earnestly try not to repeat them, we can approach him with a clean conscience. (Romans 7:21-24; 1 John 1:8, 9; 2:1, 2) We thank Jehovah that, on the basis of the ransom sacrifice, he accepts our sacred service despite our weaknesses.

If someone falls into serious sin because of fleshly weakness, he urgently needs shepherding in harmony with the procedure outlined at James 5:14-16: “Is there anyone [spiritually] sick among you? Let him call the older men of the congregation to him . . . If he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him. Therefore openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may get healed.”

Hence, when a dedicated Christian commits gross sin, something more than personal confession to Jehovah is needed. The elders must take certain steps, since the cleanness or the peace of the congregation is threatened. (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:9, 10) Elders may have to determine: Is the individual repentant? What led up to the sin? Was it the result of an isolated moment of weakness? Was it a practice of sin? Such determination is not always simple or clear-cut and demands considerable discernment.

What, though, if the sin is because of pursuing a course of wrongdoing and wicked conduct? Then, the elders’ responsibility is clear. When directing the handling of a serious matter in the Corinthian congregation, the apostle Paul said: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) Wicked people have no place in the Christian congregation.

Weighing Weakness, Wickedness, and Repentance

How can elders know when someone is repentant?a This is not a simple question. Think, for example, of King David. He committed adultery and then, in effect, murder. Yet, Jehovah allowed him to keep living. (2 Samuel 11:2-24; 12:1-14) Then think of Ananias and Sapphira. They lyingly tried to deceive the apostles, hypocritically pretending to be more generous than they really were. Serious? Yes. As bad as murder and adultery? Hardly! Yet, Ananias and Sapphira paid with their lives.​—Acts 5:1-11.

Why the different judgments? David fell into serious sin because of fleshly weakness. When confronted with what he had done, he repented, and Jehovah forgave him​—although he was severely disciplined with regard to problems in his household. Ananias and Sapphira sinned in that they hypocritically lied, trying to deceive the Christian congregation and thus ‘play false to the holy spirit and to God.’ That turned out to be evidence of a wicked heart. Hence, they were judged more severely.

In both cases Jehovah made the judgment, and his judgment was correct because he can examine hearts. (Proverbs 17:3) Human elders cannot do that. So how can elders discern whether a serious sin is evidence of weakness more than of wickedness?

In fact, all sin is wicked, but not all sinners are wicked. Similar sins may be evidence of weakness in one person and wickedness in another. Indeed, sinning usually involves a measure of both weakness and wickedness on the part of the sinner. One determining factor is how the sinner views what he has done and what he intends to do about it. Does he show a repentant spirit? Elders need discernment to perceive this. How can they get that discernment? The apostle Paul promised Timothy: “Give constant thought to what I am saying; the Lord will really give you discernment in all things.” (2 Timothy 2:7) If elders humbly give “constant thought” to the inspired words of Paul and the other Bible writers, they will get the discernment needed to view properly those who sin in the congregation. Then, their decisions will reflect Jehovah’s thinking, not their own.​—Proverbs 11:2; Matthew 18:18.

How is this done? One way is to examine how the Bible describes wicked people and see whether the description applies to the individual being dealt with.

Taking Responsibility and Repenting

The first humans who chose a course of wickedness were Adam and Eve. Despite being perfect and having full knowledge of Jehovah’s law, they rebelled against divine sovereignty. When Jehovah confronted them with what they had done, their reactions were worthy of note​—Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent! (Genesis 3:12, 13) Compare this with the deep humility of David. When faced with his grave sins, he accepted responsibility and begged for forgiveness, saying: “I have sinned against Jehovah.”​—2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51:4, 9, 10.

Elders do well to consider these two examples when handling cases of serious sin, especially on the part of an adult. Does the sinner​—like David when he was convinced of his sin—​forthrightly accept the blame and repentantly look to Jehovah for help and forgiveness, or does he seek to minimize what he has done, perhaps blaming someone else? True, the person who sins may wish to explain what led up to his acts, and there may be circumstances, either past or present, that elders may need to consider when deciding how to help him. (Compare Hosea 4:14.) But he should accept that he is the one who sinned and that he is responsible before Jehovah. Remember: “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”​—Psalm 34:18.

Practicing What Is Bad

In the book of Psalms, there are many references to wicked people. Such scriptures can further help elders to discern whether a person is basically wicked or weak. For example, consider the inspired prayer of King David: “Do not draw me along with wicked people and with practicers of what is hurtful, those who are speaking peace with their companions but in whose hearts is what is bad.” (Psalm 28:3) Notice that wicked people are mentioned in parallel with “practicers of what is hurtful.” A person who sins because of fleshly weakness is likely to stop as soon as he comes to his senses. If, though, someone ‘practices’ what is bad so that it becomes a part of his life, this could be evidence of a wicked heart.

David mentioned another characteristic of wickedness in that verse. Like Ananias and Sapphira, the wicked person speaks good things with his mouth but has bad things in his heart. He may be a hypocrite​—like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day who ‘outwardly indeed appeared righteous to men but inside were full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.’ (Matthew 23:28; Luke 11:39) Jehovah hates hypocrisy. (Proverbs 6:16-19) If someone hypocritically tries to deny his serious sins even when speaking with the judicial committee, or grudgingly admits only what is already known by others, refusing to confess fully, this could well be evidence of a wicked heart.

Haughty Disregard for Jehovah

Other things that characterize a wicked person are outlined in Psalm 10. There we read: “In his haughtiness the wicked one hotly pursues the afflicted one; . . . he has disrespected Jehovah.” (Psalm 10:2, 3) How are we to view a dedicated Christian who is haughty and disrespects Jehovah? Surely, these are wicked mental attitudes. A person who sins out of weakness will, once he realizes his sin or has it drawn to his attention, repent and strive hard to turn his life around. (2 Corinthians 7:10, 11) In contrast, if a man sins because of a fundamental disrespect for Jehovah, what will stop him from returning again and again to his sinful course? If he is haughty despite being counseled in a spirit of mildness, how can he have the humility needed to repent sincerely and truly?

Consider now David’s words a little later in the same psalm: “Why is it that the wicked one has disrespected God? He has said in his heart: ‘You will not require an accounting.’” (Psalm 10:13) In the setting of the Christian congregation, the wicked man knows the difference between right and wrong, but he does not hesitate to do wrong if he thinks he can get away with it. As long as there is no fear of exposure, he gives full rein to his sinful inclinations. Unlike David, if his sins do come to light, he will scheme to avoid discipline. Such a man is highly disrespectful of Jehovah. “There is no dread of God in front of his eyes. . . . What is bad he does not reject.”​—Psalm 36:1, 4.

Harming Others

Usually, more than one person is affected by a sin. For example, an adulterer sins against God; he victimizes his wife and children; if his partner in sin is married, he victimizes her family; and he stains the good name of the congregation. How does he view all of that? Does he show heartfelt sorrow along with genuine repentance? Or does he manifest the spirit described in Psalm 94: “All the practicers of what is hurtful keep bragging about themselves. Your people, O Jehovah, they keep crushing, and your inheritance they keep afflicting. The widow and the alien resident they kill, and the fatherless boys they murder. And they keep saying: ‘Jah does not see; and the God of Jacob does not understand it’”?​—Psalm 94:4-7.

Likely, the sins handled in a congregation will not involve murder and killing. Yet the spirit manifested here​—the spirit of being ready to victimize others for personal benefit—​may become obvious as the elders investigate wrongdoing. This too is arrogance, the mark of a wicked man. (Proverbs 21:4) It is totally the opposite of the spirit of a true Christian, who is willing to sacrifice himself for his brother.​—John 15:12, 13.

Applying Godly Principles

These few guidelines are not intended to set rules. They do, however, give an idea of some things that Jehovah views as truly wicked. Is there a refusal to accept responsibility for the wrong committed? Has the one who sinned brazenly ignored previous counsel on this very matter? Is there an entrenched practice of serious wrongdoing? Does the wrongdoer manifest a blatant disregard for Jehovah’s law? Has he made calculating efforts to conceal the wrong, perhaps corrupting others at the same time? (Jude 4) Do such efforts only intensify when the wrong comes to light? Does the wrongdoer show total disregard for the harm he has done to others and to Jehovah’s name? What about his attitude? After kindly Scriptural counsel is given, is he haughty or arrogant? Does he lack a heartfelt desire to avoid repeating the wrong? If the elders perceive such things, which strongly indicate a lack of repentance, they may conclude that the sins committed give evidence of wickedness rather than merely weakness of the flesh.

Even when dealing with a person who seems to have wicked inclinations, elders do not cease to exhort him to pursue righteousness. (Hebrews 3:12) Wicked individuals may repent and change. If that were not the case, why did Jehovah urge the Israelites: “Let the wicked man leave his way, and the harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way”? (Isaiah 55:7) Perhaps, during a judicial hearing, the elders will perceive a marked change in his heart condition as reflected in a repentant bearing and attitude.

Even at the time of disfellowshipping an individual, the elders, as shepherds, will urge him to repent and try to make his way back into Jehovah’s favor. Remember the “wicked man” in Corinth. Evidently he changed his way, and Paul later recommended his reinstatement. (2 Corinthians 2:7, 8) Consider also King Manasseh. He was very wicked indeed, but when he finally repented, Jehovah accepted his repentance.​—2 Kings 21:10-16; 2 Chronicles 33:9, 13, 19.

True, there is a sin that will not be forgiven​—sin against the holy spirit. (Hebrews 10:26, 27) Jehovah alone determines who has committed that sin. Humans have no authority to do so. The responsibility of the elders is to keep the congregation clean and to help to restore repentant sinners. If they do so with discernment and humility, letting their decisions reflect Jehovah’s wisdom, then Jehovah will bless this aspect of their shepherding.

[Footnotes]

[Picture on page 29]

Ananias and Sapphira hypocritically played false to the holy spirit, showing wickedness of heart

Kingdom Proclaimers Report

Jehovah Is Stronger Than His Enemies

THE Devil and his demons have long tried to hinder the preaching of the good news by means of false religion and spiritism. The Bible speaks about Satan’s evil intent at 2 Corinthians 4:4 where it states that “the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.”

But Jehovah God is stronger than Satan. There is nothing that Jehovah’s enemies can do to stop the accomplishment of his divine will, which is that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) The following reports from Kingdom proclaimers in Australia highlight this.

◻ After a 20-year break with religion, a woman began to read the Bible again. This renewed interest in the Bible caused her to have numerous questions, so she prayed to God for help to find the answers. She wanted to search for the truth, but she knew that going back to her old religion would not solve her problem. Instead, she started her search by visiting a used-book store and asking if they had any books on religion.

The storeowner remembered that she had a religious book, not in the store, but at home. The title of the book was You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The woman eagerly read the book and found the answers to many of her Bible questions. After searching for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the telephone book, she finally contacted them and began a regular study of the Bible.

◻ A young woman hired the services of a local newspaper to advertise the sale of an amulet. The advertisement referred to it as a ‘medieval amulet that is very powerful.’ One of Jehovah’s Witnesses noticed the ad. She decided to call the telephone number given and talk to the woman about the source of the amulet’s alleged power. A discussion on the Bible’s view of demonic activity followed. The young woman with the amulet revealed that just one day earlier, she had prayed to God for help with her problems with demons. The Witness made arrangements for another discussion over the telephone.

When she called, the young woman was not at home. The mother answered the telephone and said: “I don’t know what you told my daughter, but what has happened is a miracle!” She related that after the initial call, her daughter threw away all her satanic pictures and books and started reading the Bible.

Soon after, arrangements were made for a personal visit to the young woman. She immediately accepted a regular study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She also began associating with the Witnesses by attending their Christian meetings. Again, Jehovah defeated the demons by making the accurate knowledge of Bible truths shine forth.

Keep Integrity . . . Live!

Ancient Job kept integrity and was richly blessed.

Even in this troubled world, you too 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, NY 11201-2483, or to the appropriate address listed on page 2.