This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. To make a donation, please visit donate.jw.org.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

1-2. Who was Zadok? (1 Chronicles 12:22, 26-28)

PICTURE the scene. A crowd of over 340,000 men had gathered to make David king over all of Israel. For three days, the sounds of animated conversation, joyful songs of praise, and lighthearted laughter echoed throughout the rocky hills near Hebron. (1 Chron. 12:39) A young man named Zadok would not likely have stood out in that large crowd. However, Jehovah made sure that we would know that Zadok was there. (Read 1 Chronicles 12:22, 26-28.) Who was Zadok?

² Zadok was a priest who worked closely with High Priest Abiathar. Zadok was also a seer who was able to discern the divine will and who was granted extraordinary insight. (2 Sam. 15:27) People would turn to Zadok when they needed wise advice. He was also a man of courage. It is this aspect of his personality that we will focus on in this article.

3. (a) Why do Jehovah’s worshippers need to be courageous? (b) What will we discuss in this article?

³ During these last days, Satan is intensifying his attacks on God’s people. (1 Pet. 5:8) We need to be courageous as we wait on Jehovah to put an end to Satan and his wicked system. (Ps. 31:24) Let us consider three ways that we can imitate Zadok’s courage.

SUPPORT GOD’S KINGDOM

4. Why do Jehovah’s people need courage to support God’s Kingdom? (See also picture.)

⁴ As Jehovah’s people, we wholeheartedly support God’s Kingdom, but we often need courage to do so. (Matt. 6:33) For example, in this wicked world, we need courage to live by Jehovah’s standards and to preach the Kingdom good news. (1 Thess. 2:2) And it often takes courage to remain politically neutral in this increasingly divided system of things. (John 18:36) Many among Jehovah’s people have suffered financial loss, have been physically abused, or have been imprisoned because of refusing to participate in political or military activity.

---

5. Why did Zadok need courage to support David?

⁵ Zadok did not go to Hebron just to celebrate David’s kingship. He went there armed and ready for battle. (1 Chron. 12:38) He was willing to follow David into battle and to defend Israel from its enemies. What Zadok possibly lacked in experience as a warrior, he made up for in courage.

6. How did David set a good example of courage for Zadok to follow? (Psalm 138:3)

⁶ Where did a priest like Zadok learn to be so courageous? He was surrounded by men who were strong and courageous. No doubt he benefited from their example. For instance, David’s example of courageously “leading Israel on its campaigns” moved all of Israel to support him wholeheartedly. (1 Chron. 11:1, 2) David always relied on Jehovah for help against his enemies. (Ps. 28:7; read Psalm 138:3.) Zadok had other inspiring examples right by his side​—men such as Jehoiada and his warrior son Benaiah as well as the 22 other tribal chiefs who rallied to David’s side. (1 Chron. 11:22-25; 12:26-28) These men all took decisive action to support David’s kingship.

7. (a) What modern-day examples of courage can we learn from? (b) What do you learn from Brother Nsilu’s example, as related in the video?

⁷ We gain strength and courage when we consider the examples of those who have courageously supported Jehovah’s rulership. Our King, Christ Jesus, firmly resisted pressure to become involved in Satan’s political system of things. (Matt. 4:8-11; John 6:14, 15) He always relied on Jehovah for strength. We also have countless modern-day examples of young men who have taken a stand as conscientious objectors or who have refused to participate in political activities. Why not look up some of their experiences on jw.org?a

HELP YOUR BROTHERS

8. When might elders need courage in order to provide practical help to their brothers?

⁸ Jehovah’s people love to help one another. (2 Cor. 8:4) However, at times, it takes courage to do so. For example, when a war breaks out, the local elders realize that their brothers and sisters need encouragement, support, and perhaps spiritual or physical provisions. Out of love for the sheep, the elders put their own safety at risk in order to provide what is needed. (John 15:12, 13) In this regard, they follow Zadok’s courageous example.

9. As reported at 2 Samuel 15:27-29, what did David direct Zadok to do? (See also picture.)

⁹ David’s life was in danger. His son Absalom was determined to steal the kingdom from him. (2 Sam. 15:12, 13) David needed to leave Jerusalem at once! He called out to his servants: “Get up, and let us run away, for none of us will escape from Absalom!” (2 Sam. 15:14) As the servants were leaving, David realized that someone needed to stay back to keep him informed of Absalom’s plans. So he sent Zadok and other priests back into the city to serve as informants. (Read 2 Samuel 15:27-29.) They had to proceed cautiously. What David told those priests to do was risky and even life-threatening. Imagine what Absalom​—an egotistical, vengeful, and treacherous man—​would have done to Zadok and the other priests if he had found out that they were spying on him to protect David!

---

10. How did Zadok and those with him protect David?

¹⁰ David worked out a plan that involved Zadok and Hushai, another loyal friend of David’s. (2 Sam. 15:32-37) Following the plan, Hushai won the confidence of Absalom and recommended a military strategy that would give David time to prepare for an attack. Next, Hushai informed Zadok and Abiathar of the plan. (2 Sam. 17:8-16) The two men were then able to send a message to David. (2 Sam. 17:17) With Jehovah’s help, Zadok and his fellow priests played an important role in protecting David’s life.​—2 Sam. 17:21, 22.

11. How can we imitate Zadok’s courage when helping our brothers?

¹¹ If we are called on to help our brothers during dangerous times, how can we show courage like that of Zadok? (1) Follow direction. In such circumstances, it is important that we remain united. Cooperate with the direction from your local branch office. (Heb. 13:17) Elders should regularly review local arrangements for disaster preparedness as well as organizational direction on what to do when a disaster is imminent. (1 Cor. 14:33, 40) (2) Be courageous but cautious. (Prov. 22:3) Use common sense. Do not take unnecessary risks. (3) Rely on Jehovah. Remember that Jehovah is deeply interested in the well-being of both you and your brothers. He can help you to assist your brothers safely.

12-13. What do you learn from the experiences of Viktor and Vitalii? (See also picture.)

¹² Consider Viktor and Vitalii, two spiritual brothers who worked to deliver food and water to their fellow believers in Ukraine. “We looked everywhere for food,” says Viktor. “Often there was shooting around us. One brother donated food from his store. This donation gave many publishers what they needed to survive for some time. As we were loading items into our truck, a rocket landed about 20 meters (66 ft) away from us. Throughout the day, I implored Jehovah to give me the courage I needed to continue to help the publishers.”

¹³ “It called for a lot of courage,” says Vitalii. “My first trip took 12 hours. I prayed to Jehovah the whole way.” Vitalii was courageous, but he was also cautious. He adds: “I kept asking Jehovah for wisdom and modesty. I drove only on the roads approved by the authorities. I have benefited from seeing firsthand how the brothers and sisters worked together. They cleared obstacles from the road, collected and loaded humanitarian aid, and provided us with food and places to rest along the way.”

---

REMAIN LOYAL TO JEHOVAH

14. How may we be affected if someone we love becomes disloyal to Jehovah?

¹⁴ Few trials can leave us feeling more discouraged than when a family member or a close friend leaves Jehovah. (Ps. 78:40; Prov. 24:10) The closer our bond is with the person, the more difficult it can be to accept the situation. If you have had such a painful experience, Zadok’s example of loyalty can strengthen you.

15. Why did Zadok need courage to remain loyal to Jehovah? (1 Kings 1:5-8)

¹⁵ Zadok remained loyal to Jehovah when his close associate Abiathar chose to be disloyal. This happened at the end of David’s reign. As David lay on his deathbed, his son Adonijah tried to seize the throne that Jehovah had promised to Solomon. (1 Chron. 22:9, 10) Abiathar chose to support Adonijah. (Read 1 Kings 1:5-8.) In doing so, Abiathar was being disloyal not only to David but also to Jehovah! Can you imagine how sad and disappointed Zadok must have felt? For some four decades, he and Abiathar had worked closely together as priests. (2 Sam. 8:17) They had cared for “the Ark of the true God” together. (2 Sam. 15:29) Initially, both men had supported David’s kingship​—and so much more.​—2 Sam. 19:11-14.

16. What may have helped Zadok to remain loyal?

¹⁶ Zadok remained loyal to Jehovah despite Abiathar’s choice. David never doubted Zadok’s loyalty. When Adonijah’s scheme was revealed, David turned to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to anoint Solomon as king. (1 Ki. 1:32-34) Being with loyal worshippers of Jehovah, such as Nathan and other supporters of King David, must have strengthened and encouraged Zadok. (1 Ki. 1:38, 39) When Solomon became king, he “appointed Zadok the priest in place of Abiathar.”​—1 Ki. 2:35.

17. How can you imitate Zadok if someone close to you becomes disloyal to Jehovah?

¹⁷ How can you imitate Zadok? If someone close to you chooses to leave Jehovah, make your choice clear. (Josh. 24:15) Jehovah will give you the strength and the courage you need. Rely on him through prayer and by staying close to fellow loyal worshippers. Jehovah treasures your loyalty, and he will reward you for it.​—2 Sam. 22:26.

18. What do you learn from Marco and Sidse’s experience?

¹⁸ Consider the example of Marco and his wife, Sidse, whose two adult daughters left the truth. Marco says: “From the day your children are born, you love them so much. You would do anything to protect them from harm. So when they choose to leave Jehovah, it is heartbreaking.” He continues: “But Jehovah has been by our side. He has made sure that when I am weak, my wife is strong, and when she is weak, I am strong.” Sidse adds: “We would not have been able to endure if Jehovah had not provided us with the strength we needed. I was struggling with the feeling that it was my fault, so I told Jehovah how I felt. After a short time, a sister whom I hadn’t seen for many years came up to me, laid her hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes, and said: ‘Remember, Sidse, it is not your fault!’ With Jehovah’s help, I have managed to maintain my joy in serving him.”

19. What are you determined to do?

¹⁹ Jehovah wants all his worshippers to be courageous like Zadok. (2 Tim. 1:7) However, He does not want us to rely on our own strength. He wants us to rely on him. So when you find yourself in a situation where you need courage, turn to Jehovah. You can be sure that he will make you as courageous as Zadok was!​—1 Pet. 5:10.

1. How do you feel about the truth?

JEHOVAH’S people love the truth found in God’s Word. We have built our faith on it. (Rom. 10:17) We have come to believe that Jehovah set up the Christian congregation as “a pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Tim. 3:15) And we gladly submit to “those who are taking the lead” among us as they explain the truth from the Bible and give direction in harmony with God’s will.​—Heb. 13:17.

2. According to James 5:19, what risk do we face after we learn the truth?

² However, after we have accepted the truth and the role of God’s organization in providing reliable guidance, we could still be led astray. (Read James 5:19.) Satan would like nothing better than to cause us to lose confidence in the Bible or in the direction we receive from God’s organization.​—Eph. 4:14.

3. Why do we need to hold fast to the truth? (Ephesians 6:13, 14)

³ Read Ephesians 6:13, 14. Soon the Devil will use powerful propaganda to mislead entire nations into taking sides against Jehovah. (Rev. 16:13, 14) We can also expect Satan to intensify his efforts to mislead Jehovah’s people. (Rev. 12:9) Consequently, it is important that we train ourselves to see the difference between truth and falsehood and to be obedient to the truth. (Rom. 6:17; 1 Pet. 1:22) Our survival during the great tribulation will depend on it!

4. What will we consider in this article?

⁴ In this article, we will identify two qualities that are needed to help us recognize the truth that comes from the Bible and to accept direction from God’s organization. Then we will consider three suggestions to follow in order to continue holding fast to the truth.

QUALITIES NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE THE TRUTH

5. How does fear of Jehovah help us recognize the truth?

⁵ Fear of Jehovah. When we have cultivated proper fear of Jehovah, we love him so much that we would never do anything to displease him. We are eager to learn the difference between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood, so that we can gain Jehovah’s approval. (Prov. 2:3-6; Heb. 5:14) We must never allow our fear of man to become greater than our love for Jehovah, since what pleases humans often displeases Jehovah.

6. How did fear of man cause ten Israelite chieftains to distort the truth?

⁶ If we were to fear humans more than we fear God, we could be led away from the truth. Consider the example of the 12 chieftains who spied out the land that Jehovah had promised to give to the Israelites. For ten of the spies, their fear of the Canaanites was stronger than their love for Jehovah. They told their fellow Israelites: “We are not able to go up against the people, because they are stronger than we are.” (Num. 13:27-31) From a human standpoint, the Canaanites were stronger than the Israelites​—that part was true. But to say that the Israelites would not be able to conquer their enemies left Jehovah out of the picture. Those ten spies should have focused on what Jehovah wanted the Israelites to do. They should also have meditated on what he had done for them in the recent past. Then they would have realized that the strength of the Canaanites was nothing in comparison to Jehovah’s almighty power. Unlike those faithless spies, Joshua and Caleb wanted to have Jehovah’s approval. They told the people: “If Jehovah is pleased with us, he will certainly bring us into this land and give it to us.”​—Num. 14:6-9.

7. How can we strengthen our fear of Jehovah? (See also picture.)

⁷ To strengthen our fear of Jehovah, we need to focus on pleasing him in every decision we make. (Ps. 16:8) As you read Bible accounts, ask yourself, ‘If I had been in that situation, what decision would I have made?’ For example, picture yourself listening as the ten Israelite chieftains gave their negative report. Would you have believed the report and given in to the fear of man, or would your love for Jehovah and your desire to please him have won out? An entire generation of Israelites failed to recognize the truth that Joshua and Caleb spoke. As a result, they lost the opportunity to enter the Promised Land.​—Num. 14:10, 22, 23.

---

8. What quality must we work hard to cultivate, and why?

⁸ Humility. Jehovah reveals the truth to those who are humble. (Matt. 11:25) We humbly accepted help to learn the truth. (Acts 8:30, 31) Still, we must be careful not to become proud. Being prideful could lead us to consider our personal opinions to be just as valid as Scriptural principles and direction from Jehovah’s organization.

9. How can we maintain our humility?

⁹ To maintain our humility, we need to remember our littleness when compared to Jehovah’s greatness. (Ps. 8:3, 4) We can also pray to develop a humble, teachable spirit. Jehovah will help us put his thoughts, which he provides through his Word and his organization, ahead of our own. In your Bible reading, look for points about how Jehovah loves humility and hates pride, arrogance, and haughtiness. And take extra care to remain humble if you receive a privilege of service that gives you a measure of prominence.

HOW WE CAN HOLD FAST TO THE TRUTH

10. Whom has Jehovah used to provide instruction and direction to his people?

¹⁰ Maintain confidence in theocratic direction. In ancient Israel, Jehovah used Moses and then Joshua to convey instructions to His people. (Josh. 1:16, 17) The Israelites were blessed when they viewed these men as representatives of Jehovah God. Centuries later when the Christian congregation was first formed, the 12 apostles gave direction. (Acts 8:14, 15) Then that group was expanded to include other elders in Jerusalem. By following the guidance received from those faithful men, “the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number day by day.” (Acts 16:4, 5) In modern times, we too are blessed when we follow theocratic direction from Jehovah’s organization. But how would Jehovah feel if we were to refuse to recognize those whom he has appointed? We can answer that question by considering what happened when the Israelites were being led to the Promised Land.

11. What happened to those in ancient Israel who challenged God’s choice of Moses as the one taking the lead? (See also picture.)

¹¹ At one point in the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, prominent men challenged Moses and the role that Jehovah had assigned him. They said: “The whole assembly [not just Moses] is holy, all of them, and Jehovah is in their midst.” (Num. 16:1-3) Although it was true that in God’s eyes “the whole assembly” was holy, Jehovah had chosen Moses to take the lead among His people. (Num. 16:28) By criticizing Moses, the rebels were really criticizing Jehovah. They did not focus on what Jehovah wanted; they focused on what they wanted​—more power and recognition. God struck down the leaders of the rebellion as well as thousands more who sympathized with them. (Num. 16:30-35, 41, 49) Today we can be sure that Jehovah disapproves of those who disrespect his organizational arrangements.

---

12. Why can we maintain our confidence in Jehovah’s organization?

¹² We can maintain our confidence in Jehovah’s organization. When it becomes clear that an adjustment is needed in our understanding of a certain Bible truth or in the way that the Kingdom work is organized, those taking the lead do not hesitate to make the necessary changes. (Prov. 4:18) They do so because, more than anything else, they want to please Jehovah. They also do their best to base their decisions on God’s Word, the standard to which all of Jehovah’s people must adhere.

13. What is “the standard of wholesome words,” and what must we do with it?

¹³ “Keep holding to the standard of wholesome words.” (2 Tim. 1:13) “The standard of wholesome words” refers to Christian teachings found in the Bible. (John 17:17) Such teachings form the basis for everything we believe. Jehovah’s organization has taught us to cling to that standard. As long as we do so, we will be blessed.

14. How did some Christians lose their grip on “the standard of wholesome words”?

¹⁴ What could happen if we deviated from “the standard of wholesome words”? Consider an example. In the first century, a rumor was apparently circulating among some Christians that the day of Jehovah had arrived. There may have been a letter​—supposedly written by the apostle Paul—​that made such an assertion. Without taking the time to check the facts, some Christians in Thessalonica believed the rumor and were even spreading it. They would not have been fooled had they remembered the things Paul had taught them when he was still with them. (2 Thess. 2:1-5) Paul counseled his brothers not to believe everything they heard. And to help them in the future, Paul concluded his second letter to the Thessalonians with the words: “Here is my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.”​—2 Thess. 3:17.

15. How can we protect ourselves from falsehoods that appear to be genuine? Give an example. (See also pictures.)

¹⁵ What can we learn from Paul’s words to the Thessalonians? When we hear something that does not harmonize with what we have learned from the Bible or when we hear a sensational rumor, we need to use discernment. In the former Soviet Union, our enemies once circulated a letter that was allegedly from world headquarters. The letter encouraged some of the brothers to form a separate, independent organization. The letter itself appeared to be genuine. But faithful brothers were not fooled. They realized that the message the letter contained did not line up with what they had been taught. Today, enemies of the truth sometimes use modern technology in an effort to confuse and divide us. Rather than be “quickly shaken from [our] reason,” we can protect ourselves by considering whether what we hear or read is in harmony with the truths we have already learned.​—2 Thess. 2:2; 1 John 4:1.

---

16. According to Romans 16:17, 18, what should we do if some deviate from the truth?

¹⁶ Remain united with those who are loyal to Jehovah. God wants us to be united in our worship. We will remain united as long as we cling to the truth. Any who deviate from the truth create divisions within the congregation, so God warns us to “avoid them.” Otherwise, we ourselves could be drawn away from the truth.​—Read Romans 16:17, 18.

17. What benefits do we gain by recognizing the truth and holding firmly to it?

¹⁷ When we recognize the truth and hold firmly to it, we will stay spiritually safe and healthy. (Eph. 4:15, 16) We will be protected from Satan’s false teachings and propaganda, and we will remain secure in Jehovah’s care during the great tribulation. Keep holding firmly to what is true, “and the God of peace will be with you.”​—Phil. 4:8, 9.

1-2. (a) What warning did Jesus give his disciples? (b) Why did the disciples give in to human weakness? (See also pictures.)

“THE spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.”a (Matt. 26:41b) With those words, Jesus showed that he understood our imperfect condition. But his words also included a warning: Beware of overconfidence. Earlier that very night, the disciples had confidently expressed their determination to stick by their Master. (Matt. 26:35) Their motives were good. Still, they did not realize how quickly they could weaken under pressure. Thus, Jesus cautioned them: “Keep on the watch and pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation.”​—Matt. 26:41a.

² Sadly, the disciples failed to keep on the watch. When Jesus was arrested, did they stick by him or did they give in to the temptation to flee? Caught off guard, the disciples did exactly what they said that they would never do​—they abandoned Jesus.​—Matt. 26:56.

---

3. (a) To remain loyal to Jehovah, why must we avoid overconfidence? (b) What will we discuss in this article?

³ We cannot afford to be overconfident. True, we are determined to let nothing turn us away from Jehovah. Yet, we are also imperfect and vulnerable to temptation. (Rom. 5:12; 7:21-23) Without warning, we could find ourselves in circumstances that make the wrong course seem very appealing. To remain loyal to Jehovah and his Son, we need to follow Jesus’ counsel to keep on guard against the temptation to sin. This article can help us do that. First, we will consider in what areas we must especially be on guard. Then, we will discuss how to guard ourselves against temptation. Finally, we will consider how to remain on guard.

KEEP ON GUARD​—IN WHAT AREAS?

4-5. Why keep on guard even against minor sins?

⁴ Even sins that are relatively minor can weaken our relationship with Jehovah. Also, they can lead us to commit more serious sins.

⁵ All of us face temptation to sin. But each one of us has areas of vulnerability, whether it is to commit a serious sin, to engage in some form of unclean conduct, or to fall prey to worldly thinking. For example, one person may be fighting temptation to commit sexual immorality. Another might be strongly inclined toward unclean practices, such as masturbation or viewing pornography. Still another may be struggling with fear of man, independent thinking, a quick temper, or something else. As James states, “each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.”​—Jas. 1:14.

6. What must we be honest about?

⁶ Do you know in which areas you are most easily tempted? It does us no good to fool ourselves by denying our weaknesses or concluding that we are too strong to fall into wrongdoing. (1 John 1:8) After all, Paul indicates that even those “who have spiritual qualifications” might give in to temptation if they do not keep on guard. (Gal. 6:1) We must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge the areas in which we are not strong.​—2 Cor. 13:5.

7. To what should we give special attention? Illustrate.

⁷ Once we have identified those areas in which we are most susceptible to temptation, what should we do? Strengthen our resistance! To illustrate, in Bible times the most vulnerable part of a city wall was its gates. Therefore, the gates were the most heavily guarded. Similarly, we need to give special attention to any areas in which we know that we are especially weak.​—1 Cor. 9:27.

HOW TO BE ON GUARD

8-9. How could the young man described in Proverbs chapter 7 have avoided committing a serious sin? (Proverbs 7:8, 9, 13, 14, 21)

⁸ How can we guard ourselves? Consider what we can learn from the young man discussed in Proverbs chapter 7. He committed sexual immorality with an immoral woman. Verse 22 tells us that the young man went after her “suddenly.” But as the preceding verses show, he had taken several steps before this that gradually led him to sin.

⁹ What led up to his sin? First, in the evening, he “passed along the street near [the immoral woman’s] corner.” Then, he marched toward her house. (Read Proverbs 7:8, 9.) Next, when he saw the woman, he did not turn away. Instead, he accepted her kiss and listened as she spoke of the communion sacrifices she had offered, perhaps in an attempt to make him think that she was not a bad person. (Read Proverbs 7:13, 14, 21.) Had the young man avoided the dangers that led up to the sin, he would have guarded himself from the temptations and from the sin.

10. How might a person today make the same mistake as the young man?

¹⁰ Solomon’s account illustrates what can happen to any worshipper of Jehovah. He might fall into serious sin and later feel that everything occurred “suddenly.” Or he might say, “It just happened.” And yet, if he thinks about what actually occurred, he will likely discover that he took some unwise steps that led to his transgression. Those steps might have involved bad association, unwholesome entertainment, or frequenting questionable places​—whether in person or online. Perhaps he had also stopped praying, reading the Bible, attending meetings, or sharing in the ministry. Like the young man discussed in Proverbs, he may not have committed the sin so “suddenly” after all.

11. To keep from falling into sin, what should we avoid?

¹¹ What is the lesson for us? We need to avoid not only the sin itself but also the steps that lead to sin. Solomon makes that very point after relating the account of the young man and the immoral woman. Referring to the woman, he states: “Do not stray onto her paths.” (Prov. 7:25) He also says of such a wayward woman: “Stay far away from her; do not go near the entrance of her house.” (Prov. 5:3, 8) Yes, we guard ourselves from sin by keeping far away from the circumstances that lead to it.b This might include avoiding certain situations or activities that are not off-limits for Christians in general but that are known to lead us into temptation.​—Matt. 5:29, 30.

12. What resolve did Job make, and how would it help him guard against temptation? (Job 31:1)

¹² To avoid situations that lead to sin, we will need to make a firm resolve. That is what Job did. He “made a covenant with [his] eyes” never to look lustfully at other women. (Read Job 31:1.) Adhering to that resolve would keep him far away from committing adultery. We too can resolve to avoid anything that is likely to lead to temptation.

13. Why must we guard our thinking? (See also pictures.)

¹³ We must also guard our thinking. (Ex. 20:17) Some believe that there is nothing wrong with fantasizing about improper desires as long as an individual does not act on them. But such thinking is wrong. A person who dwells on a wrong desire intensifies the desire. In a sense, he creates a temptation, which he will now have to resist. Of course, wrong thoughts will at times come into our mind. The key is to reject these thoughts immediately and replace them with good ones. When we do, we keep wrong thoughts from growing into a powerful desire that is hard to fight and that might even lead us to committing a serious sin.​—Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:2; Jas. 1:13-15.

---

14. What else can help us guard against temptation?

¹⁴ What else can we do to guard ourselves against temptation? We need to be absolutely convinced that we will always benefit from obeying Jehovah’s laws. We may on occasion struggle to bring our thoughts and desires into harmony with what God approves, but the peace of mind that we will experience will be well worth the effort.

15. How will cultivating right desires help us guard against temptation?

¹⁵ We need to cultivate right desires. If we learn to “hate what is bad and love what is good,” we will strengthen our resolve to do what is right and avoid situations that lead to sin. (Amos 5:15) Proper desires will also fortify us to remain firm if we find ourselves in a tempting situation that we could not have anticipated or prevented.

16. How can spiritual activities help us to remain on guard? (See also pictures.)

¹⁶ How can we cultivate right desires? We should be absorbed as much as possible in spiritual activities. When we are at Christian meetings or in the ministry, we are not easily tempted to do wrong. Instead, we build our desire to please Jehovah. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Heb. 10:24, 25) By reading and studying God’s Word and meditating on it, we strengthen our love for what is good and our hatred for what is bad. (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2, 3; 119:97, 101) Remember, Jesus told his disciples: “Pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matt. 26:41) As we spend time with our heavenly Father in prayer, we take advantage of his help and strengthen our determination to please him.​—Jas. 4:8.

---

REMAIN ON GUARD

17. What tendency did Peter give in to on more than one occasion?

¹⁷ Likely, we can rid ourselves completely of some imperfect tendencies. But we might find that other inclinations continue to give us trouble. Consider the case of the apostle Peter. He gave in to fear of man when he denied Jesus three times. (Matt. 26:69-75) Peter seemed to have overcome that fear when he gave a bold witness before the Sanhedrin. (Acts 5:27-29) However, some years later, “fearing those of the circumcised class,” he temporarily stopped eating with Gentile Christians. (Gal. 2:11, 12) Peter’s fear had returned. Perhaps he was never completely free of it.

18. What can happen with regard to some wrong tendencies?

¹⁸ We might find ourselves in a similar situation. How? A tendency that we thought we had put behind us might return to tempt us again. For example, one brother admits: “I resisted pornography for ten years and convinced myself that my problem was over. But the addiction was lying dormant, waiting for the right circumstance to rear its ugly head.” Commendably, he did not give up. He realized that he would need to put forth a daily effort to resist this vice​—perhaps for the rest of his life in this system of things. With the help of his wife and his congregation elders, he took stronger measures to resist pornography.

19. How can we resist a persistent tendency?

¹⁹ How can we resist a persistent tendency so that we do not act on it? By following Jesus’ counsel with regard to temptation: “Keep on the watch.” Even during periods when you feel strong, continue to avoid situations that can lead to temptation. (1 Cor. 10:12) Keep applying the strategies that brought you success. Proverbs 28:14 states: “Happy is the man who is always on guard.”​—2 Pet. 3:14.

THE REWARDS OF KEEPING ON GUARD

20-21. (a) What rewards will we enjoy as we keep on guard against temptation? (b) If we do our part, what will Jehovah do for us? (2 Corinthians 4:7)

²⁰ We can be certain that keeping on guard against temptation is worth the effort. Whatever “temporary enjoyment” sin may offer, living by Jehovah’s standards will make us far happier. (Heb. 11:25; Ps. 19:8) That is because we are designed to live according to his ways. (Gen. 1:27) Thus we will enjoy a clean conscience and keep ourselves in line for everlasting life.​—1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 1:3; Jude 20, 21.

²¹ True, “the flesh is weak.” But this does not mean that we are helpless. Jehovah stands ready to give us the needed power. (Read 2 Corinthians 4:7.) Note, however, that it is the power beyond what is normal that God provides. The normal power​—the effort we put forth from day to day to guard against temptation—​is our responsibility to supply. If we do our part, we can be confident that Jehovah will answer our prayers for added strength when we need it. (1 Cor. 10:13) Yes, with Jehovah’s help, we can keep on guard against temptation.

1-2. What does the Bible reveal about some of the kings of Israel?

THE Bible names more than 40 men who ruled as kings of Israel.a That record candidly reveals intriguing details about some of them. For example, even the good kings did some bad things. Consider good King David. Jehovah said: “My servant David . . . walked after me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes.” (1 Ki. 14:8) Yet, that man committed sexual immorality with a married woman and conspired to have her husband killed in battle.​—2 Sam. 11:4, 14, 15.

² On the other hand, many of the unfaithful kings did some good things. Consider Rehoboam. In Jehovah’s eyes, he “did what was bad.” (2 Chron. 12:14) Yet, Rehoboam obeyed God’s order to have ten tribes break away from his kingdom. He also benefited his nation by fortifying its cities.​—1 Ki. 12:21-24; 2 Chron. 11:5-12.

3. What important question arises, and what will we discuss in this article?

³ An important question arises. If Israel’s kings did good and bad things, on what basis did Jehovah determine whether a king was faithful in His eyes? The answer to that question will help us understand what Jehovah is looking for in us. We will discuss three factors that Jehovah evidently took into consideration when evaluating the kings of Israel: their heart condition, their repentance, and their adherence to true worship.

THEIR HEART WAS COMPLETE TOWARD JEHOVAH

4. What was one difference between the faithful kings and the unfaithful kings?

⁴ The kings who pleased Jehovah worshipped him with a complete heart.b Good King Jehoshaphat “searched for Jehovah with all his heart.” (2 Chron. 22:9) Speaking of Josiah, the inspired record says: “There was no king like him prior to him, who returned to Jehovah with all his heart.” (2 Ki. 23:25) What about Solomon, who in his later years did what was bad? “His heart was not complete.” (1 Ki. 11:4) And regarding Abijam, another unfaithful king, the Bible record states: “His heart was not complete with Jehovah.”​—1 Ki. 15:3.

5. Explain what it means to serve Jehovah with a complete heart.

⁵ What does it mean, then, to serve Jehovah with a complete heart? A person with a complete heart does not just go through the motions of worshipping God. Rather, he serves out of love and devotion. Furthermore, he maintains that love and devotion throughout his life.

6. How can we maintain a complete heart? (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:29, 30)

⁶ How can we imitate the faithful kings and maintain a complete heart? By avoiding bad influences. Unwholesome entertainment, for example, can divide our heart. So can bad association and materialistic thinking. If we detect that something is beginning to weaken our love for Jehovah, let us take swift action to remove it.​—Read Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:29, 30.

7. Why is it important to avoid bad influences?

⁷ We must not let our heart become divided. If we are not careful, we could fool ourselves into thinking that by increasing our spiritual activities, we need not reject bad influences. To illustrate, imagine yourself outside on a brutally cold and windy day. On arriving home, you turn on the heat. How much good would that do you if you left the door open? The cold air would quickly fill your house. The point? We need to do more than just take in spiritual food that warms our relationship with Jehovah. We must also close the door on unwholesome influences, so that this world’s cold “air,” or ungodly attitude, does not enter our heart and divide it.​—Eph. 2:2.

THEY REPENTED OF THEIR SINS

8-9. How did King David and King Hezekiah respond to reproof? (See picture.)

⁸ As noted earlier, King David erred seriously. But when the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin, David humbly repented. (2 Sam. 12:13) From his expressions recorded in Psalm 51, we sense the sincerity of his repentance. David did not merely pretend to feel sorry in order to fool Nathan or to avoid punishment.​—Ps. 51:3, 4, 17, superscription.

⁹ King Hezekiah too sinned against Jehovah. The Bible record states: “His heart became haughty, bringing indignation against him and against Judah and Jerusalem.” (2 Chron. 32:25) Why did Hezekiah become proud? Perhaps he felt superior because of his riches, his victory over the Assyrians, or his miraculous cure from illness. It may have been pride that moved him to show off his wealth to the Babylonians, resulting in his being reproved by the prophet Isaiah. (2 Ki. 20:12-18) But like David, Hezekiah humbly repented. (2 Chron. 32:26) In the final analysis, Jehovah viewed him as a faithful king who “kept doing what was right.”​—2 Ki. 18:3.

---

10. How did King Amaziah respond to correction?

¹⁰ In contrast, King Amaziah of Judah did what was right “but not with a complete heart.” (2 Chron. 25:2) Where did he go wrong? After Jehovah helped him defeat the Edomites, Amaziah bowed down to their gods.c Then when confronted by Jehovah’s prophet, the king stubbornly turned him away.​—2 Chron. 25:14-16.

11. According to 2 Corinthians 7:9, 11, what must we do to obtain forgiveness? (See also pictures.)

¹¹ What do we learn from these examples? We need to repent of our sins and do all we can to avoid repeating them. What if we receive counsel from congregation elders, even on a seemingly minor matter? We should not feel rejected by Jehovah or by the elders. Even the good kings of Israel were not above receiving counsel and reproof. (Heb. 12:6) When we receive correction, we should (1) respond humbly, (2) make the necessary changes, and (3) move on with our wholehearted service to Jehovah. If we repent of our sins, Jehovah will forgive us.​—Read 2 Corinthians 7:9, 11.

---

THEY ADHERED TO TRUE WORSHIP

12. What especially distinguished the faithful kings?

¹² The kings whom Jehovah considered faithful adhered to true worship. And they encouraged their subjects to do the same. Of course, they had their shortcomings, as we have seen. But they were exclusively devoted to Jehovah and even fought vigorously to cleanse the land of idolatry.d

13. Why did Jehovah judge King Ahab as unfaithful?

¹³ What about the kings whom Jehovah judged as unfaithful? Certainly not everything they did was bad. Even wicked King Ahab showed a measure of humility and regret for his part in Naboth’s murder. (1 Ki. 21:27-29) He also built cities and won victories for Israel. (1 Ki. 20:21, 29; 22:39) But Ahab was notorious for promoting false worship under the influence of his wife. For this, he never repented.​—1 Ki. 21:25, 26.

14. (a) Why did Jehovah regard King Rehoboam as unfaithful? (b) What characterized the reigns of the unfaithful kings?

¹⁴ Consider another unfaithful king​—Rehoboam. As noted earlier, he accomplished a fair amount of good during his reign. But when his kingship was firmly established, he abandoned the Law of Jehovah in favor of false worship. (2 Chron. 12:1) Thereafter, he wavered between true worship and false worship. (1 Ki. 14:21-24) Rehoboam and Ahab were not the only kings to deviate from true worship. In fact, by far the majority of the unfaithful kings were guilty of supporting false worship in some way. Clearly, in Jehovah’s eyes, adhering to true worship was a major factor in determining whether a king was good or bad.

15. Why is adherence to true worship important to Jehovah?

¹⁵ Why was the issue of worship so important to Jehovah? For one thing, the kings were responsible for guiding God’s people in true worship. Also, false worship inevitably leads to other serious sins and injustices. (Hos. 4:1, 2) Furthermore, the kings and their subjects were dedicated to Jehovah. Thus, the Bible likens their involvement in false worship to adultery. (Jer. 3:8, 9) A person who commits literal adultery sins against his or her mate in a most personal way. Similarly, a dedicated servant of Jehovah who engages in false worship sins against Him in a direct and personal manner.e​—Deut. 4:23, 24.

16. In Jehovah’s eyes, what especially distinguishes the righteous from the wicked?

¹⁶ What lessons can we learn? Certainly, we must be determined to avoid false worship. But we must also adhere to true worship and remain active in it. The prophet Malachi stated plainly what in Jehovah’s eyes distinguishes a good person from a bad one. He wrote: “You will again see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person, between one serving God and one not serving him.” (Mal. 3:18) Therefore, we must not allow anything​—not even our imperfections and mistakes—​to discourage us to the point that we quit serving God. To stop serving Jehovah is in itself a serious sin.

17. How might our choice of a marriage mate affect our devotion to Jehovah?

¹⁷ If you are single and are considering marriage, can you see how Malachi’s words about serving God have a bearing on your choice of a marriage mate? A person may have some fine qualities, but if that person is not serving the true God, is he or she presently viewed as righteous in Jehovah’s eyes? (2 Cor. 6:14) As a marriage mate, will that one exert a positive spiritual influence on you? Consider: The pagan wives of King Solomon may have had some good qualities. But they were not worshippers of Jehovah, and they gradually inclined Solomon’s heart toward false worship.​—1 Ki. 11:1, 4.

18. What should parents teach their children?

¹⁸ Parents, you can use the Bible’s record of the kings to instill in your children zeal for Jehovah’s worship. Help them appreciate that Jehovah viewed a king either as good or as bad depending largely on whether that king promoted true worship. Teach your children by word and example that spiritual matters​—such as studying the Bible, attending meetings, and participating in the field ministry—​take priority over all other activities. (Matt. 6:33) Otherwise your children might conclude that being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is nothing more than belonging to the “family religion.” As a result, they might put true worship in second place or even leave it entirely.

19. What hope is there for any who have stopped serving Jehovah? (See also the box “You Can Return to Jehovah!”)

¹⁹ Is someone who has stopped serving Jehovah beyond hope? No, because he can repent and resume true worship. To do so, he may need to swallow his pride and accept help from congregation elders. (Jas. 5:14) No effort he makes is too great if it results in his being restored to Jehovah’s favor!

20. If we imitate the faithful kings, how will Jehovah view us?

²⁰ What lessons, then, have we learned from the kings of Israel? We can be like the faithful kings if we maintain a heart that is completely devoted to Jehovah. Let us learn from our mistakes, repent, and make the needed corrections. And may we remember the importance of adhering to the worship of the one and only true God. If you personally stick to Jehovah, he will view you as someone who does what is right in his eyes.

Nicolas and Céline faced a different challenge. They accepted an assignment from the France branch to move to a new congregation. They relate: “The period following the initial excitement was difficult because we missed our friends. We did not yet have a sufficiently strong relationship with the brothers in our new congregation.”a In view of the challenges, how can you make a success of moving to a new congregation? What can others do to help? And what spiritual blessings might you receive and impart in your new congregation?

FOUR PRINCIPLES TO HELP YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE

1. Rely on Jehovah. (Ps. 37:5) Kazumi, in Japan, left the congregation she had been a part of for 20 years when her husband received a job transfer. How did she “commit [her] way to Jehovah”? She says: “I poured out my heart to Jehovah about all the panic, loneliness, and anxiety I felt. Each time I did so, he gave me the strength I needed.”

How can you increase your reliance on Jehovah? Just as a plant needs water and nutrients from the soil in order to grow, so our faith must be nourished in order to grow. Nicolas, previously mentioned, found that meditating on the examples of Abraham, Jesus, and Paul​—men who made many sacrifices to do God’s will—​strengthened his confidence in Jehovah’s support. A regular program of personal Bible study will not only help you to cope with any changes in your life but also equip you with spiritual gifts that you can share with others in your new congregation.

2. Avoid making comparisons. (Eccl. 7:10) Jules encountered a wide culture gap when he moved from Benin to the United States. “I had the impression that I had to relate my life story to each new person I met,” he recalls. Because this was different from what he was used to, he started isolating himself from the congregation. After getting to know the brothers and sisters better, however, he changed his viewpoint. He says: “I believe that wherever we are on the earth, humans are the same. They just express themselves differently. Accepting people as they are is essential.” So avoid making comparisons with your former congregation. As one pioneer sister, Anne-Lise, put it: “I did not move to find what I had left behind. I moved in order to discover new things.”

Elders too need to avoid making comparisons with their former congregation. Different methods are not necessarily wrong. It is wise to get to know the local circumstances before making suggestions. (Eccl. 3:1, 7b) It is better to lead by example than to impose one’s own ideas on a congregation.​—2 Cor. 1:24.

3. Get involved. (Phil. 1:27) Moving requires a lot of time and energy, but it is vital to attend congregation meetings​—in person if possible—​right from the start. After all, if those in your new congregation never see you or rarely do, how can they support you? Lucinda, who moved with her two daughters to a large city in South Africa, recalls: “I was advised to focus on getting deeply involved with the congregation, working with others in the ministry, and participating at the meetings. We also offered our home to be used for meetings for field service.”

“Striving side by side” in theocratic activities with the brothers and sisters in your new congregation is a fine way to contribute to “the faith of the good news.” Anne-Lise, mentioned earlier, was encouraged by her elders to try to preach with everyone. The result? “I quickly realized that this is a key to fitting in,” she says. Also, volunteering for such activities as cleaning and maintaining the Kingdom Hall will indicate that you now consider this to be your congregation. The more you get involved, the sooner you will be accepted and feel a part of your new spiritual family.

4. Develop new friendships. (2 Cor. 6:11-13) Showing personal interest is the best way to make friends, so allow ample time before and after meetings to approach others and get to know them. Make a conscious effort to learn their names. Remembering people’s names and being warm and approachable will attract others to you and no doubt lead to precious new friendships.

Rather than worry about being accepted, allow your new brothers and sisters to get to know you as you really are. Do as Lucinda relates, “We have close friendships now because of taking the initiative to invite others to our home.”

“WELCOME ONE ANOTHER”

Entering a Kingdom Hall full of strangers may be daunting for some. So how can you make it easier for the new arrivals? “Welcome one another,” encouraged the apostle Paul, “just as the Christ also welcomed you.” (Rom. 15:7) By imitating Christ, elders can help new ones to feel welcome. (See the box “What Contributes to a Successful Move.”) However, all in the congregation, including children, have a part to play in making new friends.

Welcoming others includes showing hospitality but may also involve offering practical help. One sister, for example, gave of her precious time to show a new arrival around town and to explain the public transportation system. The sister’s gesture really touched the new one and helped her to adapt.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW

As a locust matures, it sheds its skin several times before its wings are capable of flying. Similarly, when moving to a new congregation, you need to shed any apprehension that prevents you from spreading your wings in Jehovah’s service. “Moving is excellent training,” confirm Nicolas and Céline. “Adapting to new people and different surroundings encouraged us to cultivate new qualities.” Jean-Charles, quoted at the outset, comments on how his family has benefited: “The change has allowed our children to blossom in the new congregation. After just a few months, our daughter accepted assignments in the midweek meeting and our son became an unbaptized publisher.”

What if your circumstances prevent you from moving, for example, to where the need is greater? Then why not make a fresh start where you are and try to apply some of the above suggestions? While relying on Jehovah, fully involve yourself in congregation activities by making arrangements to work with others in the ministry and developing new friendships or strengthening existing ones. Could you reach out to new or needy ones, providing some kind of practical help? Since love characterizes true Christians, doing so will no doubt contribute to your spiritual growth. (John 13:35) You can be assured that “God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.”​—Heb. 13:16.

Despite the challenges, many Christians have made a success of moving to a new congregation​—and so can you! “Changing congregations helped me to widen out,” says Anne-Lise. Kazumi is now convinced that by moving “you can experience Jehovah’s support in ways you haven’t before.” And what about Jules? He says: “The friendships I have made help me not to feel out of place anymore. I now feel such a part of my new congregation that I would find it hard to leave.”

Who is the “woman” mentioned at Isaiah 60:1, and how does she “arise” and “shed light”?

Isaiah 60:1 reads: “Arise, O woman, shed light, for your light has come. The glory of Jehovah shines on you.” The context shows that the “woman” was Zion, or Jerusalem, the capital of Judah at that time.a (Isa. 60:14; 62:1, 2) The city stands for the entire nation. Isaiah’s words raise two questions: First, when and how did Jerusalem “arise” and shed spiritual light? Second, are Isaiah’s words having a greater fulfillment in our time?

When and how did Jerusalem “arise” and shed spiritual light? Jerusalem and its temple lay in ruins while the Jews were in exile in Babylon for 70 years. But after Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians, Israelites from all over the Babylonian Empire were free to return to their homeland and restore true worship. (Ezra 1:1-4) Beginning in 537 B.C.E., a faithful remnant from all 12 tribes did so. (Isa. 60:4) They began to offer sacrifices to Jehovah, to celebrate the festivals, and to rebuild the temple. (Ezra 3:1-4, 7-11; 6:16-22) Once again, Jehovah’s glory started to shine on Jerusalem​—that is, God’s restored people. They, in turn, became a source of enlightenment to the nations, which were in spiritual darkness.

However, Isaiah’s restoration prophecies were only partially fulfilled on ancient Jerusalem. The Israelites in general did not continue to obey God. (Neh. 13:27; Mal. 1:6-8; 2:13, 14; Matt. 15:7-9) Later, they even rejected the Messiah, Jesus Christ. (Matt. 27:1, 2) In 70 C.E., Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed the second time.

Jehovah foretold that tragic outcome. (Dan. 9:24-27) Clearly, it was not his purpose for earthly Jerusalem to fulfill every aspect of the restoration prophecies in Isaiah chapter 60.

Are Isaiah’s words having a greater fulfillment in our time? Yes, but in regard to another symbolic woman​—“the Jerusalem above.” The apostle Paul wrote about her: “She is our mother.” (Gal. 4:26) Jerusalem above is the heavenly part of God’s organization, which is made up of loyal spirit creatures. Her children include Jesus and the 144,000 spirit-anointed Christians, who like Paul have a heavenly hope. The anointed Christians make up “a holy nation”​—“the Israel of God.”​—1 Pet. 2:9; Gal. 6:16.

How did the Jerusalem above “arise” and “shed light”? She did so through her earthly anointed children. Compare their experiences with what was prophesied in Isaiah chapter 60.

The anointed Christians had to “arise” because they had gone into a spiritually dark state when the foretold weeds of apostasy overwhelmed them in the second century C.E. (Matt. 13:37-43) They thus became captives to Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. The anointed remained captive until “the conclusion of the system of things,” a period that began in the year 1914. (Matt. 13:39, 40) Soon thereafter, in 1919, they were set free and immediately began to shed spiritual light by throwing themselves into the preaching work.b Over the years, people from all nations have come to that light, including the remaining ones of the Israel of God​—the “kings” mentioned at Isaiah 60:3.​—Rev. 5:9, 10.

In the future, anointed Christians will reflect divine light in an even greater way. How so? When they finish their earthly course, they will become part of “New Jerusalem,” or Christ’s bride of 144,000 fellow kings and priests.​—Rev. 14:1; 21:1, 2, 24; 22:3-5.

New Jerusalem will play a key role in fulfilling Isaiah 60:1. (Compare Isaiah 60:1, 3, 5, 11, 19, 20 with Revelation 21:2, 9-11, 22-26.) Just as earthly Jerusalem was the seat of government in ancient Israel, so New Jerusalem and Christ will become the government of the new system of things. How does New Jerusalem “[come] down out of heaven from God”? By directing its attention to the earth. God-fearing people out of all nations “will walk by means of its light.” They will even be set free from sin and death. (Rev. 21:3, 4, 24) The result will be the complete “restoration of all things,” as Isaiah and other prophets foretold. (Acts 3:21) That grand restoration began when Christ became King and will conclude at the end of his Thousand Year Reign.