WT STUDY 2012, en

STUDY ARTICLES

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JULY 2-8

Do You Really AppreciateGod’s Gift of Marriage?PAGE 3 ˙ SONGS: 87, 75

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JULY 9-15

Take a Positive Viewof a Strained MarriagePAGE 8 ˙ SONGS: 36, 69

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JULY 16-22

Trust in Jehovah—The Godof “Times and Seasons”PAGE 17 ˙ SONGS: 116, 135

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JULY 23-29

Are You Reflectingthe Glory of Jehovah?PAGE 23 ˙ SONGS: 93, 89

34567MAY 15, 2012

DSTUDY ED I T I O N

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THE PURPOSE OF THIS

MAGAZINE, The Watchtower,

is to honor Jehovah God, the

Supreme Ruler of the universe.

Just as watchtowers in ancient

times enabled a person to

observe developments from

afar, so this magazine shows us

the significance of world events

in the light of Bible prophecies.

It comforts people with the

good news that God’s Kingdom,

which is a real government in

heaven, will soon bring an end

to all wickedness and transform

the earth into a paradise. It

promotes faith in Jesus Christ,

who died so that we might gain

everlasting life and who is now

ruling as King of God’s Kingdom.

This magazine has been pub-

lished by Jehovah’s Witnesses

continuously since 1879 and is

nonpolitical. It adheres to the

Bible as its authority.��

This publication is not for sale. It is

provided as part of a worldwide Bible

educational work supported by voluntary

donations. Unless otherwise indicated,

Scripture quotations are from the modern-

language New World Translation of the

Holy Scriptures—With References.

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34567�

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MAY 15, 2012��

PURPOSE OF STUDY ARTICLES

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STUDY ARTICLES 1, 2 PAGES 3-12

These articles present sound reasons for

applying Jehovah’s counsel on marriage.

They will heighten our appreciation for

God’s gift of wedlock. Moreover, they show

why it is vital to take a positive view of a

strained marriage and point out how apply-

ing Scriptural counsel can result in marital

happiness.

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STUDY ARTICLE 3 PAGES 17-21

This article examines ways in which

Jehovah is the Great Timekeeper. The

consideration will fortify our faith in him

and in his Word, the Bible. It will also

strengthen our resolve to use our time

wisely while we wait confidently for

Jehovah’s salvation.

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STUDY ARTICLE 4 PAGES 23-27

Although we love God, we are imperfect.

Nevertheless, we desire to reflect the glory

of Jehovah. This article explains how this

is possible. It shows what we must do in

order to imitate God and please him. (Eph.

5:1) It also points out how we can keep on

glorifying him.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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13 I WAS DRAWN

TO WISE OLDER

ONES��

22 QUESTIONS

FROM READERS��

28 “WATCH OUT FOR

THE LEAVEN OF

THE PHARISEES”��

31 FROM OUR

ARCHIVES

COVER: At a truck stop in Toulouse,France, a pioneer couple witness to truckdrivers. Over 1,800 trucks from variousEuropean countries pass through this citydaily

FRANCE POPULATION

62,787,000

PUBLISHERS

120,172

PIONEER INCREASE

IN LAST FIVE YEARS

119 percent

Vol. 133, No. 10 Semimonthly

ENGLISH

The Watchtower (ISSN 0043-1087) is

published semimonthly by Watchtower

Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.;

L. Weaver, Jr., President; G. F. Simonis,

Secretary-Treasurer; 25 Columbia Heights,

Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, and by Watch

Tower Bible and Tract Society of Canada,

PO Box 4100, Georgetown, ON L7G 4Y4.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY,

and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes

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Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.

Printed in Canada.

“THIS is at last bone of my bones and flesh ofmy flesh. This one will be called Woman, be-cause from man this one was taken.” (Gen.

2:23) How happy the first man, Adam, was to re-ceive a wife! No wonder he waxed poetic! After Je-hovah had caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep, Hecreated this beautiful woman from one of the man’sribs. Adam later named her Eve. God united the twoin happy wedlock. Since Jehovah used Adam’s ownrib as a base for creating her, Adam and Eve werecloser than any present-day husband and wife.

2 In his inimitable wisdom, Jehovah planted with-in humans the capacity for romantic love—a quali-ty that would draw men and women together. SaysThe World Book Encyclopedia: “A man and womanwho marry hope to share a sexual relationship anda permanent romantic attraction.” That has hap-pened countless times among Jehovah’s people.

THEY WERE GRATEFUL FOR

THE GIFT OF MARRIAGE

3 Faithful Abraham had a high regard for mar-riage. Therefore, he sent his eldest servant to Mes-opotamia to obtain a wife for Isaac. Prayer by thatservant brought good results. God-fearing Rebek-ah became Isaac’s beloved wife and played a partin Jehovah’s arrangement for preserving Abraham’sseed. (Gen. 22:18; 24:12-14, 67) We should not con-clude from this that a person—well-meaning thoughhe or she may be—should become an unsolicitedmatchmaker. In present-day society, many make

1. Describe Adam’s reaction when he received a wife.2. Why are men and women drawn to one another?3. How did Isaac acquire a wife?

DO YOU REALLYAPPRECIATE

GOD’S GIFT OFMARRIAGE?

“May Jehovah make agift to you, and do youfind a resting-placeeach one in the houseof her husband.”—RUTH 1:9.

LOOK FOR THE ANSWERS:

��

Why can we say that past

servants of God appreciated his

gift of marriage?

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How do we know that Jehovah is

concerned about our choice

of marriage mate?

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What Bible counsel on wedlock

do you plan to apply in your life?

3

their own choice of marriage mate. Ofcourse, marriages are not made in heav-en, but God will guide Christians in thisand other aspects of life if they pray fordirection and are led by his spirit.—Gal.5:18, 25.

4 A beautiful Shulammite girl of an-cient Israel did not want her friends topressure her to become one of King Sol-omon’s many wives. She said: “I haveput you under oath, O daughters of Je-rusalem, that you try not to awaken orarouse love in me until it feels inclined.”(Song of Sol. 8:4) The Shulammite anda certain shepherd did have special feel-ings for each other. Humbly, she said:“A mere saffron of the coastal plain Iam, a lily of the low plains.” Ah, butthe shepherd replied: “Like a lily amongthorny weeds, so is my girl companionamong the daughters”! (Song of Sol. 2:1, 2) They truly loved each other.

5 Because the Shulammite and theshepherd primarily loved God, theirmarital bond would be strong indeed. Infact, the Shulammite said to her belovedshepherd: “Place me as a seal upon yourheart, as a seal upon your arm; becauselove is as strong as death is, insistenceon exclusive devotion is as unyieldingas Sheol is. Its blazings are the blaz-ings of a fire, the flame of Jah [for it isfrom him]. Many waters themselves arenot able to extinguish love, nor can riv-ers themselves wash it away. If a manwould give all the valuable things of hishouse for love, persons would positive-ly despise them.” (Song of Sol. 8:6, 7)When weighing wedlock, why should aservant of Jehovah settle for anythingless?

4, 5. What convinces you that the Shulammiteand the shepherd had special feelings for eachother?

A CHOICE THAT MATTERS TO GOD

6 Jehovah cares about your choice ofmarriage mate. With regard to inhab-itants of Canaan, the Israelites werecommanded: “You must form no mar-riage alliance with them. Your daugh-ter you must not give to his son, andhis daughter you must not take for yourson. For he will turn your son from fol-lowing me, and they will certainly serveother gods; and Jehovah’s anger will in-deed blaze against you, and he will cer-tainly annihilate you in a hurry.” (Deut.7:3, 4) Centuries later, Ezra the priestdeclared: “You yourselves have actedunfaithfully in that you gave a dwell-ing to foreign wives so as to add to theguiltiness of Israel.” (Ezra 10:10) Andthe apostle Paul told fellow Christians:“A wife is bound during all the timeher husband is alive. But if her husbandshould fall asleep in death, she is free tobe married to whom she wants, only inthe Lord.”—1 Cor. 7:39.

7 If a dedicated servant of Jehovahmarried an unbeliever, this would bean act of disobedience to God. The Is-raelites of Ezra’s day acted unfaithfullyby giving “a dwelling to foreign wives,”and it would be wrong to try to waterdown the plain statements of the Scrip-tures. (Ezra 10:10; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15) AChristian who marries an unbeliever isnot exemplary and lacks real apprecia-tion for God’s gift of marriage. Enter-ing such a union after baptism can costone some privileges among God’s peo-ple. And it would be illogical to expectblessings while admitting in prayer, ‘Je-hovah, I deliberately disobeyed you, butplease bless me anyway.’

6, 7. How do we know that God cares aboutour choice of marriage mate?

4

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS BEST

8 The maker of a machine knows ex-actly how it works. If the device needsto be assembled, he can provide thenecessary details about it. What if we ig-nore the instructions and assemble thepieces in our own way? The results arelikely to be disastrous—if the machineworks at all. Well, if we are to fulfill adesire for happy wedlock, we must fol-low the instructions provided by Jeho-vah, the Maker of marriage.

9 Jehovah knows everything there isto know about mankind and marriage.He implanted a sexual need in humansso that they would “be fruitful and be-come many.” (Gen. 1:28) God under-stands feelings of loneliness, for pri-or to creating the first woman, he said:“The man’s being alone is not good; Iwill make him a helper to match him.”(Gen. 2:18, Byington) Jehovah is also ful-ly aware of the joy possible within thebonds of matrimony.—Read Proverbs 5:15-18.

10 Because of the sin and imperfec-tion passed on to the human race bysinful Adam, no present-day marriageis perfect. Among Jehovah’s servants,however, wedlock can result in truehappiness if God’s Word is followed.For instance, consider Paul’s clearcounsel on intimate relations in mar-riage. (Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.)It is not Scripturally required that mar-riage mates limit sexual relations toefforts to produce offspring. Such in-

8. Explain why we should follow God’s guid-ance on marriage.9. Why can we say that Jehovah understandsfeelings of loneliness as well as the happinesspossible in marriage?10. What factors should govern the intimaterelations of Christian marriage mates?

timacy can rightly fill emotional andphysical needs. But perverted practicescertainly do not please God. Christianhusbands and wives will undoubted-ly want to handle this important aspectof their life with tenderness, allowingthem to display genuine affection foreach other. And, of course, they shouldavoid any actions that would displeaseJehovah.

11 Wedlock should be filled with joy,not unhappiness and drudgery. Espe-cially should a Christian home be aplace of rest and peace. Consider whathappened some 3,000 years ago whenthe aged widow Naomi and her wid-owed daughters-in-law, Orpah and

11. How was Ruth blessed for doing things Je-hovah’s way?

Ruth showed appreciation for God’s gift of marriage

MAY 15, 2012 5

Ruth, were on the road from Moab to Ju-dah. Naomi urged the younger womento return to their people. The MoabitessRuth stuck with Naomi, was faithful tothe true God, and was assured ‘a per-fect wage from Jehovah, under whosewings she sought refuge.’ (Ruth 1:9; 2:12) With great appreciation for God’sgift of marriage, Ruth became the wifeof elderly Boaz, a true worshipper of Je-hovah. When resurrected on earth inGod’s new world, she will be delightedto learn that she became an ancestressof Jesus Christ. (Matt. 1:1, 5, 6; Luke 3:23, 32) What blessings she received fordoing things Jehovah’s way!

SOUND COUNSEL FOR

SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE

12 The Maker of marriage tells uswhat we need to know about suc-cessful wedlock. No human knows asmuch. The Bible is always right, andthe only way anyone can direct atten-tion to sound counsel on marriage isto stick to the standards set out in theScriptures. For instance, the apostlePaul wrote under inspiration: “Let eachone of you individually so love his wifeas he does himself; on the other hand,the wife should have deep respect for

12. Where can one find sound counsel on wed-lock?

her husband.” (Eph. 5:33) There is noth-ing about such Biblical counsel that ma-ture Christians cannot understand. Thequestion is, Will they apply Jehovah’sWord? They will if they really appreciatehis gift of marriage.�

13 A Christian husband is to deal lov-ingly with his wife. The apostle Peterwrote: “You husbands, continue dwell-ing in like manner with them accord-ing to knowledge, assigning them hon-or as to a weaker vessel, the feminineone, since you are also heirs with themof the undeserved favor of life, in or-der for your prayers not to be hindered.”(1 Pet. 3:7) A husband’s prayers can behindered if he does not apply Jehovah’scounsel. The spiritual condition of bothmates is likely to be affected detrimen-tally, possibly leading to great stress,quarrels, and acts of harshness.

14 A wife who is guided by Jehovah’sWord and his holy spirit can do muchto make her home a place of tranquil-lity and happiness. It is natural for aGod-fearing husband to love his wifeand protect her physically and spiritual-ly. She yearns for his love, and that re-quires that she be lovable. “The trulywise woman has built up her house,”says Proverbs 14:1, “but the foolish onetears it down with her own hands.” Awise and loving wife contributes great-ly to the success and happiness of herfamily. She also shows that she reallyappreciates God’s gift of marriage.

� For detailed discussions of marriage, see chap-ters 10 and 11 of the book “Keep Yourselves in God’sLove.”

13. What may result from failure to follow thecounsel found at 1 Peter 3:7?14. A loving wife can have what influence onfamily life?

A good marriagehonors Jehovah and

can bring greathappiness to everyone

in the family

6

15 Husbands and wives who basetheir union on Jesus’ example in dealingwith his congregation show gratitudefor God’s gift of marriage. (Read Ephe-sians 5:22-25.) What blessings spousesenjoy when they truly love each otherand never let pride, the childish silenttreatment, or other unchristian traitsmar their marriage!

LET NO ONE PUT THEM APART

16 Although most people plan to getmarried at some point in life, certainservants of Jehovah remain single be-cause they cannot find a mate pleasingto them and to Him. Others have theGod-given gift of singleness, allowingthem to devote themselves to Jehovah’sservice without the distractions of mar-riage. Of course, singleness is to be en-joyed within the limits set by Jehovah.—Matt. 19:10-12; 1 Cor. 7:1, 6, 7, 17.

17 Whether single or married, all ofus need to bear in mind Jesus’ words:“Did you not read that he [God] whocreated them from the beginning madethem male and female and said, ‘Forthis reason a man will leave his fatherand his mother and will stick to hiswife, and the two will be one flesh’?So that they are no longer two, but oneflesh. Therefore, what God has yokedtogether let no man put apart.” (Matt.19:4-6) Coveting another person’s mar-riage mate is a sin. (Deut. 5:21) If anyChristian begins to entertain such a cov-etous desire, he or she should act quick-

15. What counsel is found at Ephesians 5:22-25?16. Why do some Christians remain single?17. (a) What words of Jesus regarding mar-riage should we bear in mind? (b) If any Chris-tian should even begin to covet another per-son’s marriage mate, what should he dowithout delay?

ly to rout out the unclean desire, even atthe cost of great emotional pain becauseof having allowed selfish cravings to de-velop. (Matt. 5:27-30) It is vital to cor-rect such thinking and suppress the sin-ful yearning of a treacherous heart.—Jer.17:9.

18 Even many of those who haveknown little or nothing about JehovahGod and his wonderful gift of marriagehave shown at least a measure of grati-tude for the marital bond. How muchmore so should we who are dedicated to“the happy God,” Jehovah, rejoice in allof his provisions and give evidence thatwe really appreciate God’s gift of mar-riage!—1 Tim. 1:11.

18. How do you feel that we ought to viewGod’s gift of marriage?

Do you show that you really appreciateJehovah’s gift of marriage?

MAY 15, 2012 7

8

WHENChristians get married, they make avow before God—a responsibility not tobe taken lightly. (Eccl. 5:4-6) In the sense

that he is the Originator of the marital arrangement,Jehovah has “yoked together” those united in wed-lock. (Mark 10:9) This yoke exists in God’s sight re-gardless of the laws that sanctioned the wedding.Servants of Jehovah should view marriage as a bind-ing arrangement whether they were his worship-pers at the time of their wedding or not.

2 A successful marriage can result in great hap-piness. But what can be done if the marital bondis strained? Can a weakened marriage be strength-ened? What help is there for those whose maritalpeace is threatened?

WILL IT BE A JOY OR A HEARTACHE?

3 When a Christian’s marriage succeeds, it is ajoy and brings honor to Jehovah. If it fails, it is aheartache at best. An unmarried Christian who iscontemplating wedlock is in a position to get mar-riage off to a fine start by following God’s guidance.On the other hand, a person who makes an unwisedecision when choosing a husband or a wife mayexperience dissatisfaction and grief. For instance,some youths begin dating when they are not readyfor the responsibilities associated with married life.Certain individuals find a prospective mate on theInternet and rush into what proves to be a very un-happy marriage. Others commit a serious sin dur-

1. How do Christians view marriage, and why?2. What questions will be considered in this article?3, 4. What may happen if a person makes an unwise deci-sion when choosing a marriage mate?

TAKE APOSITIVE VIEWOF A STRAINED

MARRIAGE

“To the married peopleI give instructions,yet not I but the Lord.”—1 COR. 7:10.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

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In what sense does God yoke

marriage mates together?

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How can elders help Christians

who have marital problems?

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How should we view marriage?

MAY 15, 2012 9

ing courtship and marry anyway, butthey may begin their married life withlittle respect for each other.

4 Some Christians do not marry “onlyin the Lord” and suffer the often pain-ful consequences of a religiously divid-ed household. (1 Cor. 7:39) If that isyour experience, pray for God’s forgive-ness and help. He does not remove theeffects of a person’s past errors, but hedoes assist repentant ones to cope withtrials. (Ps. 130:1-4) Put your heart intopleasing him now and forever, and ‘thejoy of Jehovah will be your stronghold.’—Neh. 8:10.

WHEN MARITAL BONDS

ARE THREATENED

5 Those who experience heartache inthe marital relationship may wonder: ‘Ismy unhappy marriage really worth sav-ing? If only I could turn back the clockand begin again with another marriagemate!’ They may dream of breaking thebond—‘Oh, to be free again! Why not geta divorce? Even if I cannot get a Scriptur-al divorce, why not separate and enjoylife again?’ Instead of thinking in thoseterms or fantasizing about what mighthave been, Christians should make thebest of their current state by seekingGod’s guidance and following it.

6 If a Christian were to get a divorce,he or she may or may not be Scriptural-ly free to get married again. Jesus said:“Whoever divorces his wife, except onthe ground of fornication, and mar-ries another commits adultery.” (Matt.19:9) Here, “fornication” includes adul-tery and other serious sexual sins. It

5. Regarding an unhappy marriage, what kindof thinking should be avoided?6. Explain what Jesus said, as recorded at Mat-thew 19:9.

is vital to weigh prayerfully any thoughtof divorce when neither mate has beenguilty of sexual immorality.

7 A failed marriage may cast doubton one’s spiritual state. The apostle Paulraised this serious question: “If indeedany man does not know how to pre-side over his own household, how willhe take care of God’s congregation?”(1 Tim. 3:5) In fact, when both matesprofess to be Christians and yet theirmarriage fails, observers may think thatsuch individuals do not really practicewhat they preach.—Rom. 2:21-24.

8 When baptized marriage mates are

7. What may observers think if a Christianmarriage fails?8. What must be wrong if Christian mates de-cide to part?

Jehovah blesses Christian mates who makeefforts to strengthen a strained marriage

10

planning to separate or to divorce eachother on unscriptural grounds, some-thing surely is spiritually wrong in theirlife. Scriptural principles are apparentlynot being applied by one partner or per-haps by both partners. If they were truly‘trusting in Jehovah with all their heart,’there would be little reason for believ-ing that they could not avoid a failedmarriage.—Read Proverbs 3:5, 6.

9 Many marriages that seemed tobe headed for failure have in timeturned out to be very successful. Chris-tians who refuse to give up quickly ona difficult marriage often enjoy a fine

reward. Consider what can happenin a religiously divided household. Theapostle Peter wrote: “You wives, be insubjection to your own husbands, in or-der that, if any are not obedient to theword, they may be won without a wordthrough the conduct of their wives, be-cause of having been eyewitnesses ofyour chaste conduct together with deeprespect.” (1 Pet. 3:1, 2) Yes, because ofhis mate’s fine conduct, an unbeliev-er may embrace the true faith! Sucha saved marriage honors God and canbe a great blessing for the husband,the wife, and any children they mayhave.

9. How have some Christians been rewardedfor their patient efforts in connection with mar-riage?

10 With a desire to please Jehovah,most single Christians choose dedicat-ed fellow believers as marriage mates.Even then, however, circumstances maytake an unexpected turn. On rare occa-sions, for example, a mate may developserious emotional problems. Or sometime after the wedding, a spouse maybecome an inactive publisher. To illus-trate: Linda,� a zealous Christian and adevoted mother, watched helplessly asher baptized husband unrepentantlyembarked on an unscriptural path andwas disfellowshipped. What should aChristian do if his or her marriage bondseems hopelessly frayed for such a rea-son?

11 ‘Must I keep on trying to save mymarriage no matter what happens?’ youmight ask. Nobody can or should makesuch a decision for you. Yet, there aresound reasons for not giving up on amarital bond that is weakening. Thegodly man or woman who endures thetrials of a difficult marriage for the sakeof conscience is precious to God. (Read1 Peter 2:19, 20.) By means of his Wordand spirit, Jehovah will help a Christianwho makes earnest efforts to strengthena strained marriage.

THEY ARE READY TO ASSIST

12 If you face marital problems, donot hesitate to seek the spiritual assis-tance of mature Christians. The eldersserve as shepherds of the flock and willgladly direct attention to the inspired

� Names have been changed.

10, 11. What unexpected problems may arisein a marriage, but of what may a Christian becertain?12. How will the elders view us if we seek theirhelp?

Christians who do notgive up quickly on a

strained marriage oftenenjoy a fine reward

MAY 15, 2012 11

counsel found in the Scriptures. (Acts20:28; Jas. 5:14, 15) Do not concludethat you and your mate will lose the re-spect of the elders if you seek spiritualassistance and discuss a serious maritalproblem with them. Their loving regardfor you will increase as they see that youearnestly desire to please God.

13 When asked for help by Christiansliving in religiously divided households,elders refer to such counsel as that ofPaul, who wrote: “To the married peo-ple I give instructions, yet not I but theLord, that awife should not depart fromher husband; but if she should actuallydepart, let her remain unmarried or elsemake up again with her husband; and ahusband should not leave his wife. . . .For, wife, how do you know but thatyou will save your husband? Or, hus-band, how do you know but that youwill save your wife?” (1 Cor. 7:10-16)What a blessing it is when an unbeliev-ing mate is won over to true worship!

14 Under what circumstances might aChristian wife “actually depart”? Somehave chosen to separate because of amate’s willful nonsupport. Others havedone so because of extreme physicalabuse or the absolute endangerment ofa Christian’s spirituality.

15 Whether to depart or not is a per-sonal decision. However, the baptizedmate ought to give this matter prayerfuland honest consideration. For example,has the unbeliever been totally respon-sible for the endangerment of spiritual-ity, or has the Christian been negligentabout Bible study, inconsistent in meet-

13. What counsel is found at 1 Corinthians 7:10-16?14, 15. When might a Christian spouse con-sider actually departing, but why is prayerfuland honest consideration important?

ing attendance, and irregular in theministry?

16 The fact that we treasure our rela-tionship with God and are grateful forhis gift of marriage ought to restrain usfrom making hasty decisions regardingdivorce. As servants of Jehovah, we areconcerned about the sanctification ofhis holy name. Surely, then, we wouldnever scheme to get out of one marriagewhile our heart is planning on anothermarriage.—Jer. 17:9; Mal. 2:13-16.

17 A Christian who is married to anunbeliever should earnestly endeavor tokeep the marriage bond intact. Yet, a

16. What should restrain Christians from mak-ing hasty decisions regarding divorce?17. Under what circumstances could it be saidthat God has called married Christians topeace?

The Christian congregation can be a source ofcomfort and spiritual assistance

12

Christian need not feel guilty if, despitethe Christian’s sincere effort to preservethe union, an unbelieving mate refus-es to remain with the believer. “If theunbelieving one proceeds to depart, lethim depart,” wrote Paul. “A brother or asister is not in servitude under such cir-cumstances, but God has called you topeace.”—1 Cor. 7:15.�

HOPE IN JEHOVAH

18 When dealing with any maritalproblem, look to Jehovah for courageand always hope in him. (Read Psalm27:14.) Consider Linda, who was men-tioned earlier. Her marriage eventual-ly ended in divorce, although she hadput many years of effort into trying tosave it. Does she feel that she wastedher time? “Not at all,” she says. “My

efforts gave a good witness to onlook-ers. I have a clear conscience. Best of all,those years helped our daughter to staysolidly in the truth. She grew up to be azealous, dedicated Witness of Jehovah.”

19 A Christian woman named Mari-lyn is glad that she trusted in God andput forth extra effort to save her mar-

� See “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love,” pages 219-221; The Watchtower of November 1, 1988, pages 26-27; September 15, 1975, page 575.

18. Even if it is not possible to save a marriage,what good may result from efforts to do so?19. What may happen if efforts are made tosave a marriage?

riage. “I was tempted to separate frommy husband because of financial non-support and spiritual endangerment,”she says. “Yet, my husband served asan elder before he got involved in someunwise business arrangements. He be-gan missing meetings, and we simplystopped communicating. A terrorist at-tack in our city frightened me so muchthat I withdrew into a shell. Then I re-alized that I too was at fault. We start-ed communicating again, resumed ourfamily study, and became regular atmeetings. The elders were kind andvery helpful. Our marriage blossomedanew. In time, my husband again quali-fied for congregation privileges. It was ahard lesson with a happy outcome.”

20 Whether we are single or married,let us always act courageously and hopein Jehovah. If we are encountering mar-ital difficulties, we should earnestlyseek to resolve them, remembering thatthose united in wedlock are “no longertwo, but one flesh.” (Matt. 19:6) And letus bear in mind that if we persevere ina divided household despite hardships,we may experience the joy of winning amate over to true worship.

21 Regardless of our circumstances,may we be resolved to walk circum-spectly in order to have a fine testimo-ny from observers outside the congrega-tion. If our marriage is threatened, let uspray intensely, scrutinize our motiveshonestly, consider the Scriptures care-fully, and seek the spiritual assistanceof the elders. Above all, may we be de-termined to please Jehovah God in allthings and show real appreciation forhis wonderful gift of marriage.

20, 21. With respect to marriage, what shouldwe be resolved to do?

Always hope inJehovah and look

to him for courage

MAY 15, 2012 13

I WAS born in Sydney, Australia, in 1932, to par-ents who believed in God but did not attendchurch. My mother taught me that God was al-ways watching, ready to punish me if I wasnaughty. This made me afraid of God. Yet, I wasfascinated by the Bible. When my aunt visited uson weekends, she told me many interesting Biblestories. I always looked forward to her visits.

When I was a teenager, my father read a set ofbooks that my mother had obtained from an el-derly lady who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.He was so impressed with what he read in thoseChristian publications that he agreed to studythe Bible with the Witnesses. As he was havinghis Bible study one evening, my father caught meeavesdropping. He was about to send me backto bed when the visitor said, “Why don’t you letElva sit in?” That suggestion marked the begin-ning of a new way of life and of my friendshipwith the true God—Jehovah.

Shortly thereafter, my father and I began at-tending Christian meetings. What he learnedmoved him to make changes in his life. He evenbegan to control his temper. This prompted my

mother and older brother, Frank, to start attend-ing meetings.� All four of us made progress andwere eventually baptized as Jehovah’s Witness-es. Since then, many older ones have influencedme in a positive way during various stages of mylife.

WHEN MAKING A CAREER CHOICE

As a teenager, I was drawn to older ones in ourcongregation. One of them was Alice Place, theelderly sister who had first called on our fami-ly. She became like a grandmother to me. Alicetrained me in the public ministry and encour-aged me to reach out for baptism. At the age of15, I attained that goal.

I also drew close to an elderly couple namedPercy and Madge [Margaret] Dunham. Their as-sociation had a great impact on my future. Yousee, I loved mathematics, and I had my heart seton teaching math. Percy and Madge had servedas missionaries in Latvia during the 1930’s.

� Elva’s brother, Frank Lambert, became a zealous pioneer inthe Australian outback. The 1983 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses,pages 110-112, relates one of his many exciting preaching expe-ditions.

I Was Drawn toWise Older Ones

AS TOLD BY ELVA GJERDE

Some 70 years ago, a visitor to our housemade a suggestion to my father thatcompletely changed the course of my life.Since that momentous day, several otherpeople have also had an impact on my life.In the process, I have gained a preciousfriendship that I value more than any other.Let me explain.

When World War II broke out in Europe, theywere invited to serve at the Australia Bethel, lo-cated in an inner suburb of Sydney. Percy andMadge took a real interest in me. They relatedmanyexciting experiences that they had enjoyedin the missionary activity. I could clearly see thatteaching the Bible would be far more satisfyingthan teaching mathematics. So I decided to be-come a missionary instead.

The Dunhams encouraged me to prepare formissionary service by pioneering. Thus, in 1948,at age 16, I joined the ranks of ten other youngpeople who were happily pioneering in my homecongregation in Hurstville, Sydney.

Over the next four years, I pioneered in fourother towns—all in New South Wales andQueensland. One of my first Bible students wasBetty Law (now Remnant). Betty, a caring girl,was two years older than I was. She later becamemy pioneer partner in the town of Cowra, some145 miles (230 km) west of Sydney. Although wepioneered together for only a short time, Bettyand I continue to be friends to this day.

Upon receiving a special pioneer assignment, Imoved to Narrandera—a town 137 miles (220 km)southwest of Cowra. My new partner was JoyLennox (now Hunter), a zealous pioneer whowas also two years older than I was. We were theonly Witnesses in town. Joy and I roomed with

a hospitable couple, Ray and Esther Irons. Theyalong with their son and three daughters wereinterested in the truth. Ray and his son workedon a sheep and wheat farm outside of town dur-ing the week, while Esther and the girls ran alocal boarding house. Every Sunday, Joy and Icooked a huge roast dinner for the Irons fami-ly and about a dozen of their boarders—all hun-gry male railway laborers. This service coveredpart of our rent. After we cleaned up, we servedthe Irons family a delicious spiritual meal—theweekly Watchtower study. Ray, Esther, and theirfour children came into the truth and became thefounding members of the Narrandera Congrega-tion.

In 1951, I attended a convention of Jehovah’sWitnesses in Sydney. There I went to a spe-cial meeting for pioneers who were interested inmissionary work. More than 300 were in atten-dance at that meeting held in a large tent. Na-than Knorr from Brooklyn Bethel addressed thegroup and spelled out the urgent need to car-ry the good news to every corner of the earth.We hung on to every word he said. Many of thepioneers present later opened up the Kingdomwork in the South Pacific and other areas. I wasthrilled to be 1 of 17 Australians invited to the19th class of Gilead School in 1952. At just 20years of age, mydream of missionary service wascoming true!

WHEN NEEDING REFINEMENT

The instruction and association at Gileadnot only increased my Bible knowledge andstrengthened my faith but also had a profoundeffect on my personality. I was young and idealis-tic and tended to expect perfection from myselfas well as others. Some of my views were overlystrict. For example, when I saw Brother Knorrplaying a friendly ball game with a group ofyoung Bethelites, I was shocked.

The Gilead instructors—all discerning menwith years of experience—must have seen that Iwas struggling. They took an interest in me and

Pioneering with Joy Lennox in Narrandera

MAY 15, 2012 15

helped me to adjust my thinking. Gradually, I be-gan to see Jehovah as a loving and appreciativeGod, not as a strict and demanding one. Someof my classmates also helped me. I recall one ofthem saying: “Elva, Jehovah is not up there us-ing a whip. Don’t be so strict with yourself!” Herplain-spoken words touched my heart.

After Gilead, four of my classmates and I wereassigned to Namibia, Africa. Soon we were con-ducting 80 Bible studies between us. I loved Na-mibia and missionary life, but I had fallen in lovewith a Gilead classmate who had been assignedto Switzerland. After spending a year in Namib-ia, I joined my fiance in Switzerland. After wewere married, I accompanied my husband in hiswork as a circuit overseer.

WHEN CONFRONTING A CRISIS

After spending five enjoyable years in the cir-cuit work, we were invited to serve at Switzer-land Bethel. In the Bethel family there, I wasthrilled to be surrounded by many spirituallymature older brothers and sisters.

Soon thereafter, I received a terrible shock. Idiscovered that my husband had been unfaithfulto me and to Jehovah. Then he walked out on me.I was devastated! I don’t know how I would havecoped with the situation without the love andsupport of my dear older friends in the Bethelfamily. They listened to me when I needed to talkand let me rest when I needed to rest. Their com-forting words and kind deeds supported me dur-ing my unspeakable pain and helped me draweven closer to Jehovah.

I also recalled words uttered years earlier bywise older ones who had been tempered bytrials. These included comments made byMadge Dunham. She once told me: “Elva, inyour life of service to Jehovah, you will face manytrials, but the hardest tests may come from thoseclose to you. During those trials, drawclose to Je-hovah. Remember that you serve him, not im-perfect humans!” Madge’s counsel steered methrough many dark moments. I determined thatI would never allow my husband’s mistakes toseparate me from Jehovah.

In time, I decided to return to Australia to pio-neer closer to my family. During the ocean voy-age home, I enjoyed regular lively Bible discus-sions with a group of fellow passengers. In thegroup was a quiet Norwegian man named ArneGjerde. He liked what he heard. Arne later vis-ited my family and me in Sydney. He made rap-id spiritual progress and came into the truth. In1963, Arne and I were married, and two years lat-er I gave birth to our son, Gary.

WHEN CONFRONTING ANOTHER LOSS

Arne, Gary, and I basked in the contentmentof happy family life. Soon Arne enlarged ourhome to accommodate my aged parents. Aftersix years of marriage, though, we reeled undera blow of a different kind. Arne was diagnosedwith brain cancer. I visited him in the hospitalevery day while he undertook a lengthy courseof radiation therapy. For a while he progressedwell; then his condition deteriorated and he

Elva with members of the SwitzerlandBethel family in 1960

suffered a stroke. I was told that he had onlyweeks to live. However, Arne survived. He even-tually returned home, where I slowly nursed himback to health. In time, he was able to walk againand to resume his activity as a congregation el-der. His happy disposition and good sense of hu-mor contributed to his recovery and made it eas-ier for me to give him ongoing care.

Years later, in 1986, Arne’s health again wors-ened. By then my parents had died, so we movedto the beautiful Blue Mountains outside of Syd-ney, which placed us closer to our friends. Later,Gary married a lovely spiritual sister, Karin, andthey suggested that the four of us share a home.Within months, we all moved into a home onlya few streets away from where Arne and I hadbeen living.

During the last 18 months of his life, Arne wasbedridden and required constant care. Since Iwas housebound for most of that time, I spenttwo hours each day studying the Bible and Bible-based publications. During those study sessions,I discovered much wise advice on how to copewith my situation. I also received loving visitsfrom older ones in our congregation—some ofwhom had endured similar trials. Their visits tru-ly lifted my spirits! Arne died in April 2003, witha sound hope in the resurrection.

MY GREATEST SUPPORT

When I was young, I was idealistic. But I foundout that life seldom turns out the way we expect.I have enjoyed countless blessings and have alsoendured two major tragedies—losing one part-ner to infidelity and another to illness. Alongthe way, I have drawn guidance and comfortfrom several sources. My greatest support stillis “the Ancient of Days”—Jehovah God. (Dan.7:9) His counsel has molded my personality, andit led me to rewarding experiences in the mis-sionary work. When problems arose, ‘Jehovah’sloving-kindness sustained me and his consola-tions fondled my soul.’ (Ps. 94:18, 19) I have alsoenjoyed the love and support of my family and

of ‘true companions born for when there is dis-tress.’ (Prov. 17:17) Many of these were wise old-er ones.

“Is there not wisdom among the aged and un-derstanding in length of days?” asked the patri-arch Job. (Job 12:12) Looking back on my life,I can say that the answer is yes. The advice ofwise older ones has helped me, their comfort hassupported me, and their friendships have en-riched my life. I am grateful that I was drawn tothem.

Now at 80, I am an older one myself. My ex-periences have made me especially sensitive tothe needs of other elderly ones. I still love tovisit and help them. But I also enjoy the com-pany of young people. Their energy is stimulat-ing, and their enthusiasm is contagious. When Isense that young ones are reaching out to mefor guidance or support, I find it rewarding to bethere for them.

Caring for Arne when he was ill

16 MAY 15, 2012

JEHOVAH GOD provided the means to measuretime long before he created man. On the fourthcreative day, God said: “Let luminaries come to

be in the expanse of the heavens to make a divisionbetween the day and the night; and they must serveas signs and for seasons and for days and years.”(Gen. 1:14, 19, 26) In harmony with Jehovah’s will,that is, of course, what took place.

2 Until now, however, scientists have debated thenature of time. “Time is one of the world’s deepestmysteries,” states one encyclopedia. “No one can sayexactly what it is.” Yet, Jehovah fully understandstime. After all, he is “the Creator of the heavens, . . .the Former of the earth and the Maker of it.” Jehovahis also “the One telling from the beginning the fina-le, and from long ago the things that have not beendone.” (Isa. 45:18; 46:10) With a view to strengthen-ing our faith in him and in his Word, the Bible, let usconsider how creation and fulfilled prophecy showthat Jehovah is the Great Timekeeper.

CREATION INSPIRES FAITH IN

THE GREAT TIMEKEEPER

3 In the physical world, precise timing can beseen on a microscopic as well as on a macroscopicscale. Atoms vibrate at consistent rates. Internation-al time-standard clocks regulated by atomic vibra-tions are accurate to 1 second in 80 million years.The movement of planets and stars is also preciselytimed. Their predictable positions in the sky havebeen used to mark the seasons and to navigate. Je-hovah—the Maker of these reliable “timepieces”—is

1, 2. What shows that Jehovah fully understands time?3. How is precise timing manifested in the physical world?

TRUST IN JEHOVAHTHE GOD OF “TIMESAND SEASONS”

“He is changing timesand seasons, removingkings and setting upkings.”—DAN. 2:21.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

��

How do creation and fulfilled

prophecy show that Jehovah is

the Great Timekeeper?

��

Appreciating that Jehovah is the

God of “times and seasons”

moves us to do what?

��

Why is Jehovah’s timetable not

controlled by world events and

human plans?

17

18

indeed “vigorous in power” and de-serves our praise.—Read Isaiah 40:26.

4 Precise timing can be observed inthe world of biology. The life cycles ofmany plants and animals are regulatedby internal clocks. Many birds instinc-tively know when to begin their migra-tion. (Jer. 8:7) Humans too have internalclocks, usually governed by the 24-hourcycle of day and night. After a travel-er crosses several time zones by air-plane, it may take days for his body toreset these clocks. Truly, the many ex-amples of timing manifest in creationdemonstrate the power and wisdom ofthe God of “times and seasons.” (ReadPsalm 104:24.) Yes, the Great Timekeep-er is all-wise and all-powerful. We canhave faith that he is able to accomplishwhat he wills!

PROPHECIES FULFILLED

ON TIME INSPIRE FAITH

5 The book of creation teaches usmuch about Jehovah’s “invisible quali-ties,” but it leaves unanswered such im-portant questions as, What does the fu-ture hold for mankind? (Rom. 1:20) Forthe answer, we must turn to what Godhas revealed in the pages of his Word,the Bible. When we examine it, we findprophecies that have always been ful-filled right on time! Jehovah can revealwhat is yet to occur because he canforesee the future accurately. Moreover,what the Scriptures foretell happens ontime because Jehovah God can causeevents to take place according to his pur-pose and timetable.

4. How does timing in the biological realmshow God’s wisdom?5. (a) Only in what way can we know aboutmankind’s future? (b) Why can Jehovah foretellevents and their timing?

6 Jehovah wants his worshippers tounderstand Scriptural prophecies andbenefit from them. Although God is notlimited by our perception of time, wecan relate to the terms he uses when heforetells that an event will occur at a spe-cific time. (Read Psalm 90:4.) For exam-ple, the book of Revelation refers to “thefour angels” who “have been preparedfor the hour and day and month andyear”—units of time we can understand.(Rev. 9:14, 15) Seeing how prophecieswere fulfilled at specified times shouldinspire faith in the God of “times andseasons” and in his Word. Let us consid-er a few examples.

7 First, let us look back to the seventhcentury B.C.E. “In the fourth year of Je-hoiakim the son of Josiah, the king of Ju-dah,” the word of the Great Timekeep-er “occurred to Jeremiah concerning allthe people of Judah.” (Jer. 25:1) Jehovahforetold the devastation of Jerusalemand the deportation of the Jews fromthe land of Judah to Babylon. There theywould “serve the king of Babylon seven-ty years.” Babylonian armies destroyedJerusalem in 607 B.C.E., and Jews fromJudah were indeed deported to Babylon.But what was to happen at the end of70 years? Jeremiah prophesied: “This iswhat Jehovah has said, ‘In accord withthe fulfilling of seventy years at Bab-ylon I shall turn my attention to youpeople, and I will establish toward youmy good word in bringing you back tothis place.’ ” (Jer. 25:11, 12; 29:10) Thisprophecy was fulfilled right on time—in537 B.C.E. after the Medes and Persiansfreed the Jews from Babylon.

6. What shows that Jehovah wants us to under-stand the fulfillment of Bible prophecies?7. How does the fulfillment of Jeremiah’sprophecy regarding Jerusalem and Judah showthat Jehovah is the Great Timekeeper?

MAY 15, 2012 19

8 Consider another prophecy involv-ing God’s people of ancient times. Abouttwo years before the Jews left Babylon,God foretold through the prophet Dan-iel that the Messiah would appear 483years after the order to rebuild Jerusalemwas given. The Medo-Persian king gavethat order in 455 B.C.E. Exactly 483 yearslater—in 29 C.E.—Jesus of Nazareth wasanointed by holy spirit at his baptismand thus became the Messiah.�—Neh. 2:1, 5-8; Dan. 9:24, 25; Luke 3:1, 2, 21, 22.

9 Now take note of what the Scrip-tures foretold regarding the Kingdom.Bible prophecy indicated that the Messi-anic Kingdom would be established inheaven in 1914. In part, the Bible did soby giving “the sign” of Jesus’ presence,pointing to the time when Satan wouldbe cast out of heaven, which would re-sult in great woe for the earth. (Matt.24:3-14; Rev. 12:9, 12) Moreover, Bi-ble prophecy pointed to the exact time—1914—when “the appointed times ofthe nations [would be] fulfilled” andKingdom rule would begin in heaven.—Luke 21:24; Dan. 4:10-17.�

10 What lies ahead is the “great trib-ulation” foretold by Jesus. It will befollowed by his Thousand Year Reign.There can be no doubt that these thingswill come to pass right on schedule.When Jesus walked the earth, Jehovahhad already set the “day and hour” for

� See Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! pages 186-195.� See Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! pag-

es 94-97.

8, 9. How do Daniel’s prophecies concerningthe coming of the Messiah and the establish-ment of the heavenly Kingdom show that Jeho-vah is the God of “times and seasons”?10. What future events are sure to happen ontime?

these events to occur.—Matt. 24:21, 36;Rev. 20:6.

‘BUY OUT THE OPPORTUNE TIME’

11 How should recognizing that King-dom rule has begun and that we areliving in “the time of the end” affectus? (Dan. 12:4) Many see the worseningworld conditions yet fail to acknowledgethat these developments fulfill Bibleprophecy regarding the last days. Theymay expect this system to fall apart oneday or may believe that somehow hu-man efforts will achieve “peace and se-curity.” (1 Thess. 5:3) But what about us?If we recognize that we are living deepin the last days of Satan’s world, shouldwe not endeavor to use the remainingtime to serve the God of “times andseasons” and help others come to knowhim? (2 Tim. 3:1) We ought to make wise

11. Knowing that we are living in the time ofthe end should have what effect on us?

Daniel had faith in the fulfillment ofGod-given prophecy

20

decisions about how we use our time.—Read Ephesians 5:15-17.

12 “Buying out the opportune time”is not easy in a world full of distrac-tions. “Just as the days of Noah were,”warned Jesus, “so the presence of theSon of man will be.” How were thedays of Noah? It had been foretold thatthe world of that time would come toan end. At that time, wicked humanswould drown in the waters of a glob-al deluge. As “a preacher of righteous-ness,” Noah faithfully declared God’smessage to the people of his day. (Matt.24:37; 2 Pet. 2:5) But they were “eatingand drinking, men marrying and wom-en being given in marriage, . . . and theytook no note until the flood came andswept them all away.” Jesus thereforewarned his followers: “Prove yourselvesready, because at an hour that you donot think to be it, the Son of man is com-ing.” (Matt. 24:38, 39, 44) We must proveto be like Noah, not like the people ofhis day. What will help us to keep our-selves ready?

13 Although the Son of man is com-ing at an hour we do not think to beit, we need to remember that Jehovah isthe Great Timekeeper. His timetable isnot controlled by world events and hu-man plans. Jehovah regulates the tim-ing and outcome of matters to accom-plish his will. (Read Daniel 2:21.) In fact,Proverbs 21:1 tells us: “A king’s heart isas streams of water in the hand of Jeho-vah. Everywhere that he delights to, heturns it.”

14 Jehovah can influence events in or-

12. What can we learn from Jesus’ statementregarding Noah’s day?13, 14. Remembering what about Jehovah willhelp us to serve him faithfully while we awaitthe coming of the Son of man?

der to accomplish his purpose and ful-fill it on time. Many of the momentouschanges in the world have been fulfill-ing prophecy, particularly in regard tothe global preaching of the good newsof God’s Kingdom. Think about the col-lapse of the Soviet Union and its conse-quences. Few would have thought thatsuch enormous political changes couldhappen so quickly. As a result of thesechanges, however, the good news is nowbeing preached throughout many landswhere our work was previously banned.By all means, then, let us buy out the op-portune time to serve the God of “timesand seasons” faithfully.

EXERCISE FAITH

IN JEHOVAH’S TIMING

15 Continuing in the Kingdom-preaching work in these last days re-quires faith in Jehovah’s timing. Thechanging world situation may callfor some changes in how the disciple-making work is carried on. The orga-nization may occasionally make ad-justments to address the needs of ouractivity as Kingdom proclaimers. Wedemonstrate faith in the God of “timesand seasons” by fully cooperating withsuch adjustments as we serve loyally un-der his Son, the “head of the congrega-tion.”—Eph. 5:23.

16 Jehovah wants us to pray to himfreely with complete confidence that hewill provide needed “help at the righttime.” (Heb. 4:16) Does that not demon-strate his loving concern for us as indi-viduals? (Matt. 6:8; 10:29-31) We showour faith in Jehovah God by praying reg-

15. Howcan we show faith with regard to orga-nizational adjustments?16. Why can we have faith that Jehovah willprovide help at the right time?

MAY 15, 2012 21

ularly for his help and then acting in har-mony with our prayers and his direction.Furthermore, we remember to pray forour fellow believers.

17 Now is not the time to “waver in alack of faith”; it is the time to becomepowerful by faith. (Rom. 4:20) God’s en-emies—Satan and those under his influ-ence—are trying to stop the work that Je-sus assigned to His followers, includingus. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Despite the Devil’sattacks, we know Jehovah as “a livingGod, who is a Savior of all sorts of men,especially of faithful ones.” He “knowshow to deliver people of godly devotionout of trial.”—1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Pet. 2:9.

18 Soon, Jehovah will bring an endto this wicked system of things. Whilewe have not been given all the detailsand the exact time when this will occur,we do know that at just the right time,Christ will do away with God’s enemies,and Jehovah’s sovereignty will be vindi-cated. So, then, what a mistake it wouldbe to fail to discern “the times and theseasons” in which we now live! Maywe never fall into the snare of thinkingthat “all things are continuing exactlyas from creation’s beginning.”—1 Thess.5:1; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4.

“SHOW A WAITING ATTITUDE”

19 Jehovah God’s original purpose forhumankind included endless time tolearn about him and his beautiful cre-ation. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states: “Every-thing he [Jehovah] has made pretty inits time. Even time indefinite he has putin their heart, that mankind may never

17, 18. (a) What action will Jehovah soon takeagainst his enemies? (b) We must avoid whatsnare?19, 20. Why should we show a waiting atti-tude with regard to Jehovah?

find out the work that the true God hasmade from the start to the finish.”

20 How glad we can be that Jehovahhas never changed his purpose for man!(Mal. 3:6) With God “there is not a varia-tion of the turning of the shadow.” (Jas.1:17) His timetable is not governed byhuman means of measuring time, suchas the rotation of the earth. Jehovah is“the eternal King.” (1 Tim. 1:17, ftn.)Therefore, let us “show a waiting atti-tude for the God of [our] salvation.”(Mic. 7:7) Indeed, “be courageous, andmay your heart be strong, all you whoare waiting for Jehovah.”—Ps. 31:24.

Do you make good use of time to do Jehovah’s will?

ˇ An inspired psalmist sang: “Precious in theeyes of Jehovah is the death of his loyal ones.”(Ps. 116:15) The life of every true worshipper ofJehovah is very valuable to him. However, morethan the death of an individual is meant by thewords just quoted from Psalm 116.

When delivering a memorial talk for a Chris-tian, it is not fitting to apply Psalm 116:15 to thedeceased person, even though he died as a loyalservant of Jehovah. Why? Because the psalmist’sstatement has a broader significance. It meansthat God counts the death of the entire group ofhis loyal ones too costly for him to let it take place.—See Psalm 72:14; 116:8.

Psalm 116:15 assures us that Jehovah will notallow his loyal servants as a group to be entire-ly removed from the earth. In fact, our modern-day history chronicles our endurance of severetrials and persecution, thus furnishing clear evi-dence that God will never permit us to be exter-minated.

Because of his limitless power and unfailingpurpose, Jehovah will not allow us to be sweptout of existence as a group. If God were to permitthat, it would seem that his enemies are morepowerful than he is—an impossibility! Jehovah’spurpose that this globe be inhabited by peopleloyal to him would go unfulfilled—and there isno possibility of that. (Isa. 45:18; 55:10, 11) Why,the rendering of sacred service to Jehovah wouldcease on earth if no humans were left to wor-ship him in the earthly courtyards of his greatspiritual temple! There would be no foundationfor the “newearth”—righteous human society liv-ing on our globe under the “new heaven.” (Rev.21:1) Then, too, Christ’s Thousand Year Reign

could not become a reality without any earthlysubjects.—Rev. 20:4, 5.

God’s position and reputation would be calledinto question were he to allow his enemies towipe out the entire group of his people on earth.Such a development would be a blot on Jeho-vah’s position as Universal Sovereign. Further-more, because of his respect for himself and hisholy name, Jehovah will not permit the deathof his loyal ones as a group. And consider this:Since “there is no injustice” with God, he willnever fail to preserve the group of humans who

have been serving him loyally. (Deut. 32:4; Gen.18:25) Moreover, permitting the exterminationof his servants as a body would be contrary toGod’s Word: “Jehovah will not desert his peoplefor the sake of his great name.” (1 Sam.12:22) In-deed, “Jehovah will not forsake his people, norwill he leave his own inheritance.”—Ps. 94:14.

How comforting it is to know that Jehovah’speople will never perish from the earth! By allmeans, then, let us ever prove loyal to God, trust-ing in his promise: “Any weapon whatever thatwill be formed against you will have no success,and any tongue at all that will rise up against youin the judgment you will condemn. This is the he-reditary possession of the servants of Jehovah,and their righteousness is from me.”—Isa. 54:17.

How is the death of God’s loyalones “precious in the eyesof Jehovah”?

God will never

permit his people to

be exterminated

22 MAY 15, 2012

IN ONE way or another, all of us resemble ourparents. Therefore, it is not surprising to hearsomeone say to a boy, ‘You are just like your fa-

ther.’ A girl may be told, ‘You remind me of yourmother.’And children often imitate what they see intheir parents. But what about us? Can we imitateour heavenly Father, Jehovah? Although we havenot seen him, we can perceive his precious quali-ties by studying his Word, byobserving his creation,and by meditating on the Scriptures and especiallyon the words and deeds of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.(John 1:18; Rom. 1:20) It is possible for us to reflectJehovah’s glory.

2 Before Adam and Eve were created, God wasconfident that humans would be able to carry outhis will for them, reflect his qualities, and bring himglory. (Read Genesis 1:26, 27.) In practicing god-ly devotion, we should display the qualities of theOne who made us. If we do so, we have the blessedprivilege of reflecting God’s glory regardless of ourculture, our education, or our ethnic background.Why? Because “God is not partial, but in every na-tion the man that fears him and works righteous-ness is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:34, 35.

3 Anointed Christians reflect Jehovah’s glory. Thespirit-begotten apostle Paul therefore wrote: “All ofus, while we with unveiled faces reflect like mirrorsthe glory of Jehovah, are transformed into the sameimage from glory to glory.” (2 Cor. 3:18) When theprophet Moses descended from Mount Sinai with

1, 2. Why is it reasonable to expect that we can imitate Jeho-vah’s qualities?3. What feeling can Christians experience as they serve Jeho-vah?

ARE YOUREFLECTING

THE GLORY OFJEHOVAH?

“We . . . reflect likemirrors the glory ofJehovah.”—2 COR. 3:18.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

��

Despite our sinful state, how

can we glorify Jehovah?

��

How do our prayers and our

presence at Christian meetings

help us to reflect God’s glory?

��

What can help us to keep on

glorifying Jehovah?

23

24

the tablets bearing the Ten Command-ments, his face emitted rays because Je-hovah had spoken with him. (Ex. 34:29, 30) Though Christians have not hadsuch an experience and their faces donot emit rays, they beam with joy asthey tell others about Jehovah, his qual-ities, and his wonderful purpose formankind. Like burnished metal mir-rors of ancient times, anointed ones andtheir earthly companions thus reflect Je-hovah’s glory in their life and minis-try. (2 Cor. 4:1) Are you reflecting Jeho-vah’s glory by your godly conduct andby your activity as a regular Kingdomproclaimer?

WE DESIRE TO REFLECT

JEHOVAH’S GLORY

4 As Jehovah’s servants, we certain-ly want to honor and glorify our Cre-ator in everything we do. All too of-ten, however, what we desire to do isnot what we do. Paul had to contendwith that problem personally. (Read Ro-mans 7:21-25.) Explaining why we havesuch a struggle, Paul wrote: “All havesinned and fall short of the glory ofGod.” (Rom. 3:23) Yes, through inheri-tance from sinful Adam, mankind be-came subject to the harsh mastery of‘King Sin.’—Rom. 5:12; 6:12.

5 What is sin? It is anything contraryto Jehovah’s personality, ways, stan-dards, and will. Sin mars a person’s re-lationship with God. Sin causes us tomiss the mark, even as an archer canshoot an arrow but miss his target.We can sin intentionally or by mis-take. (Num. 15:27-31) Sin is deeply in-grained in humans and creates a barri-er between them and their Creator. (Ps.

4, 5. (a) Like Paul, what struggle do we have?(b) How has sin affected us?

51:5; Isa. 59:2; Col. 1:21) Thus, mankindin general is completely out of harmonywith Jehovah and misses the pricelessopportunity to reflect God’s glory. Un-questionably, sin is the worst disabilityafflicting humankind.

6 Despite our sinful condition, Jeho-vah has proved to be “the God whogives hope.” (Rom. 15:13) He has pro-vided the means for abolishing sin—theransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. By ex-ercising faith in that sacrifice, we are nolonger “slaves to sin,” but we are in a po-sition to reflect Jehovah’s glory. (Rom. 5:19; 6:6; John 3:16) Maintaining this ap-proved relationship with God guaran-tees us Jehovah’s blessing now as wellas the future benefits of perfection andeverlasting life. Although we are stillsinful humans, what a blessing it is to beviewed by God as individuals who canreflect his glory!

REFLECTING GOD’S GLORY

7 To be in the proper position to re-flect God’s glory, we must honestly rec-ognize our sinful nature. (2 Chron. 6:36)We need to acknowledge our sinful in-clinations and work to control them sothat we canprogress to the point of trulyglorifying God. For example, if we havefallen into the dishonoring sin of view-ing pornography, we must face the factthat we need spiritual help—and take ac-tion to get it. (Jas. 5:14, 15) This wouldbe the first step to take in working to-ward a life that fully honors God. Asworshippers of Jehovah, we must con-tinually make a self-examination to de-termine whether we are measuring up

6. Despite our sinful state, how can we glorifyGod?7. What must we acknowledge about ourselvesin order to reflect God’s glory?

MAY 15, 2012 25

to his righteous standards. (Prov. 28:18; 1 Cor. 10:12) Whatever the natureof our sinful tendencies, we must keepon curbing them so that we can reflectGod’s glory.

8 Jesus was the only human who everlived and died without failing to pleaseGod and reflect His glory. Although weare not perfect as Jesus was, we canand should strive to follow his example.(1 Pet. 2:21) Jehovah weighs the effortwe put forth along with the progress wemake, and he blesses our earnest en-deavor to bring him glory.

9 Jehovah’s written Word can illumi-nate for us the pathway to improve-ment. In-depth study of the Scripturesand meditative Bible reading are essen-tial. (Ps. 1:1-3) Reading the Scripturesdaily will help us to make improvement.(Read James 1:22-25.) Bible knowledgeis the basis for our faith and is themeans of fortifying our determinationto avoid grave sin and to please Jehovah.—Ps. 119:11, 47, 48.

10 To reflect God’s glory, we also needto “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12)We can and should pray that Jehovahhelp us to serve him in an acceptableway. To that end, we can properly askhim for holy spirit, for more faith, forstrength to resist temptation, and forability to ‘handle the word of the trutharight.’ (2 Tim. 2:15; Matt. 6:13; Luke 11:13; 17:5) As a child depends on his fa-ther, so we need to depend on our heav-enly Father, Jehovah. If we ask him tohelp us serve him more fully, we can

8. Although we are not perfect, what shouldwe do?9. What role does the Bible play in the lives ofChristians who desire to measure up to God’srequirements?10. How can prayer help us to serve Jehovahmore fully?

have confidence that he will do so. Maywe never feel that we are a bother tohim! Instead, in prayer let us praise him,thank him, seek his direction especiallywhen under trial, and ask that he helpus to serve him in ways that glorify hisholy name.—Ps. 86:12; Jas. 1:5-7.

11 God has entrusted the care of hisprecious sheep to “the faithful and dis-creet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47; Ps. 100:3)The slave class is very interested in howfellow believers are reflecting Jehovah’sglory. Our appearance as Christian min-isters is adjusted at our meetings, evenas we might have a tailor alter our cloth-ing so that we look better. (Heb. 10:24,25) Let us therefore be on time, for ifwe customarily arrive late, we lose outon at least some of the spiritual ‘tailor-ing’ needed to improve our appearanceas Jehovah’s servants.

LET US IMITATE GOD

12 If we are to reflect Jehovah’s glo-ry, we must “become imitators of God.”(Eph. 5:1) One way to imitate Jehovah isto adopt his viewpoint regarding mat-ters. Striving to live in any other wayis dishonoring to him and damaging tous. Since the world that surrounds us isunder the influence of the wicked one,Satan the Devil, we must work hard tohave a hatred for what Jehovah hatesand a deep love for what he loves. (Ps.97:10; 1 John 5:19) We need heartfeltconviction that the only proper way toserve God is by doing all things for hisglory.—Read 1 Corinthians 10:31.

13 Jehovah hates sin, and so should

11. How do congregation meetings help us toreflect God’s glory?12. How can we imitate God?13. Why must we hate sin, and what will thismove us to do?

we. Indeed, we ought to move as faraway from wrongdoing as possible andnot see how close we can get to it with-out being overcome by sin. For instance,we need to guard against succumbingto apostasy, a sin that would make usunfit to glorify God. (Deut. 13:6-9) Letus therefore have nothing to do withapostates or anyone who claims to bea brother but who is dishonoring God.This should be the case even if he is afamily member. (1 Cor. 5:11) We are notbenefited by trying to refute the argu-ments of apostates or those who are crit-ical of Jehovah’s organization. In fact,it is spiritually dangerous and improp-er to peruse their information, whetherit appears in written form or it is foundon the Internet.—Read Isaiah 5:20; Mat-thew 7:6.

14 Displaying love is an outstandingway for us to imitate our heavenly Fa-ther. Yes, like him we should be lov-ing. (1 John 4:16-19) In fact, the love wehave among ourselves identifies us asdisciples of Jesus and servants of Jeho-vah. (John 13:34, 35) Although our in-herent sinful state may sometimes getin the way, we must push it aside andprove to be loving at all times. Cultivat-ing love and other godly qualities willprevent us from doing unkind and sin-ful things.—2 Pet. 1:5-7.

15 Love makes us want to do goodthings for other people. (Rom. 13:8-10)For example, love for our spouse willkeep the marriage bed free of defile-ment. Love for the elders, coupled withrespect for their work, will help us tobe obedient and submissive to their di-

14. When working to reflect God’s glory, whatquality should stand out in us, and why?15. How does love affect our relationship withothers?

rection. Children who love their par-ents obey and honor them and do notspeak negatively about them. If we loveour fellow humans, we will not viewthem as inferior or speak to them dis-respectfully. (Jas. 3:9) And elders wholove God’s sheep will treat them withtenderness.—Acts 20:28, 29.

16 The quality of love should alsostand out in our ministry. Because ofour profound love for Jehovah, we willnot allow ourselves to be swayed by theapathy or negative response of somehouseholders. Instead, we will keepon preaching the good news. Love willmove us to prepare well and to endeavorto be effective in the ministry. If we trulylove God and our neighbor, we will notview the Kingdom-preaching work as achore or a duty. Instead, we will consid-er it a great privilege and will carry itout joyfully.—Matt. 10:7.

KEEP ON GLORIFYING JEHOVAH

17 The world in general is not con-scious of the seriousness of sin, but weare. This makes us aware of the needto fight against our sinful inclinations.Acknowledging our sinful nature allowsus to train our conscience so that it willmove us to act properly when an urgeto sin begins to develop in our mindand heart. (Rom. 7:22, 23) True, we maybe weak, but God can strengthen us todo what is right in any situation.—2 Cor.12:10.

18 If we are to glorify Jehovah, wemust also fight against wicked spirit

16. How will displaying love help us in ourministry?17. Why do we benefit from acknowledgingthat we fall short of God’s glory?18, 19. (a) What enables us to succeed in ourfight against wicked spirit forces? (b) Whatshould be our resolve?

26 MAY 15, 2012

forces. Our God-given spiritual armorenables us to do this successfully. (Eph.6:11-13) Satan ceaselessly tries to robJehovah of the glory that He alonedeserves. The Devil also continues tomake every effort to destroy our rela-tionship with Jehovah. But what a blowit is to Satan when we and millions ofother imperfect men, women, and chil-dren maintain integrity and glorify God!Therefore, let us continue to laud Jeho-vah, like the heavenly creatures who ex-claim: “You are worthy, Jehovah, evenour God, to receive the glory and thehonor and the power, because you creat-ed all things, and because of your willthey existed and were created.”—Rev.4:11.

19 May it be our determination tokeep on glorifying Jehovah, come whatmay. He surely rejoices that so manyloyal individuals are doing their verybest to imitate him and reflect his glory.

(Prov. 27:11) May our sentiments be likethose of David, who sang: “I laud you,O Jehovah my God, with all my heart,and I will glorify your name to time in-definite.” (Ps. 86:12) How we long forthe day when we will reflect the glo-ry of Jehovah perfectly and can praisehim forever! This will be obedient man-kind’s joyful experience. Are you re-flecting the glory of Jehovah God now,with the prospect of doing so through-out all eternity?

Are you reflecting Jehovah’s gloryin these ways?

This self-righteousness figures in oneof Jesus’ parables. He said: “The Phari-see stood and began to pray these things

to himself, ‘O God, I thank you I am not as therest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulter-ers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice aweek, I give the tenth of all things I acquire.’But the tax collector standing at a distance wasnot willing even to raise his eyes heavenward, butkept beating his breast, saying, ‘O God, be gra-cious to me a sinner.’ ”—Luke 18:11-13.

Jesus praised the tax collector’s humble atti-tude, saying: “I tell you, This man went down tohis home proved more righteous than [the Phar-isee]; because everyone that exalts himself willbe humiliated, but he that humbles himself willbe exalted.” (Luke 18:14) Although tax collec-tors had a reputation for dishonesty, Jesus soughtto help those among them who listened to him.At least two tax collectors—Matthew and Zac-chaeus—became his followers.

What if we were to think that we are betterthan others because of our God-given abilities orprivileges or because of the failures and weak-nesses of others? We should quickly dismisssuch thoughts, for the Scriptures say: “Love ispatient; love is kind and envies no one. Loveis never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; neverselfish, not quick to take offence. Love keeps noscore of wrongs; does not gloat over other men’ssins, but delights in the truth.”—1 Cor. 13:4-6, TheNew English Bible.

We should have an attitude similar to that ofthe apostle Paul. After mentioning that “ChristJesus came into the world to save sinners,” Pauladded: “Of these I am foremost.”—1 Tim. 1:15.��

Questions for meditation:

Do I recognize that I am a sinner and thatmy salvation depends on Jehovah’s undeservedkindness? Or do I view long years of faithful ser-vice, privileges in God’s organization, or naturalabilities as a basis for feeling superior to others?

“Watch Outfor the Leaven ofthe Pharisees”Jesus warned his disciples: “Watch out for the leaven of

the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1) A parallel

account of Jesus’ words makes it clear that he was con-

demning “the teaching” of the Pharisees.—Matt. 16:12.

The Bible sometimes uses “leaven,” or yeast, as a sym-

bol of corruption. No doubt both the teachings and the

attitude of the Pharisees had a corrupting effect on their

listeners. Why was the Pharisees’ teaching dangerous?

1 The Pharisees prided themselves on

being righteous, and they looked down

on the common people.

The Pharisees wore scripture-containingcases.—Matt. 23:2, 5

28 MAY 15, 2012

But Jesus warned: “All the works theydo they do to be viewed by men; for

they broaden the scripture-containing cases thatthey wear as safeguards, and enlarge the fringesof their garments. They like the most prominentplace at evening meals and the front seats inthe synagogues, and the greetings in the market-places and to be called Rabbi by men.” (Matt. 23:5-7) Contrast their attitude with that of Jesus. Al-though he was the perfect Son of God, he washumble. When a certain man called him “good,”Jesus said: “Why do you call me good? Nobody isgood, except one, God.” (Mark 10:18) On anoth-er occasion, Jesus washed the feet of his disci-ples, thereby setting a pattern of humility for hisfollowers.—John 13:1-15.

A true Christian should serve fellow believ-ers. (Gal. 5:13) Especially is this so in the caseof those who want to qualify as overseers in thecongregation. It is proper to be “reaching out foran office of overseer,” but this goal should springfrom a desire to help others. This “office” is not aposition of prominence or power. Those servingas overseers need to be “lowly in heart,” as Jesuswas.—1 Tim. 3:1, 6; Matt. 11:29.��


Do I tend to favor those who have positions ofresponsibility in the congregation, perhaps withthe hope of gaining prominence or additionalprivileges? Am I inclined to focus primarily onaspects of God’s service that seem to bring rec-ognition and praise? Indeed, am I trying to shinebefore others?

2 The Pharisees sought to impress oth-

ers by public displays of their righ-

teousness. They desired prominence

and flattering titles.

Unlike the haughty Pharisees, humbleChristian elders serve others

30

The Mosaic Law furnished the over-all structure for Israel’s worship of Jeho-vah. However, minute details were not

provided. For instance, the Law forbade workon the Sabbath, but it did not explicitly definewhat constituted work and what did not. (Ex. 20:10) The Pharisees sought to fill in such supposedgaps by means of their laws, definitions, and tra-ditions. While Jesus ignored the arbitrary rulesof the Pharisees, he did observe the Mosaic Law.(Matt. 5:17, 18; 23:23) He saw beyond the letterof the Law. Jesus discerned the spirit behind theLaw and the need for mercy and compassion. Hewas reasonable, even when his followers failedhim. For example, although he urged three of hisapostles to stay awake and keep on the watch onthe night of his arrest, they fell asleep repeated-ly. Nevertheless, he sympathetically remarked:“The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh isweak.”—Mark 14:34-42.��


Do I seek to lay down arbitrary, inflexible rulesor to turn my personal opinions into law? Am Ireasonable in what I expect of others?

3 The Pharisees’ rules and traditions

made the application of the Law bur-

densome for the common people.

Reflect on the contrast between Jesus’ teaching

and that of the Pharisees. Do you see ways in

which you could improve? If so, why not resolve

to do so?

Like Jesus, are you reasonable aboutwhat you expect of others?

IN 1886, one hundred copies ofMillennial Dawn, Volume I, leftthe Bible House in Allegheny,Pennsylvania, U.S.A., boundfor Chicago, Illinois. CharlesTaze Russell hoped to distributethe new volume in bookstores.One of the largest firms in the

United States distributing books on religion hadagreed to take Millennial Dawn on consignment.But two weeks later, the entire shipment cameback to the Bible House.

Reportedly, a well-known evangelist had be-come indignant at seeing Millennial Dawn on dis-play with his books. If the book remained on theshelf, he fumed, he and all his famous evangelicalfriends would take their books—and their busi-ness—elsewhere. The distributor reluctantly re-turned the Dawns. Additionally, advertisementshad been placed in newspapers. But opponentssaw to it that the advertising contracts were can-celed. How, then, would this new publicationreach seekers of truth?

The colporteurs, as they were called, provedto be the key.� In 1881, Zion’s Watch Tower hadcalled for 1,000 preachers who could distributeBible literature full-time. Although the colpor-teurs numbered only a few hundred, they scat-tered seeds of truth in printed form far and wide.By 1897, nearly one million Dawns had been dis-tributed, largely by the colporteurs. Most of themlived on the small reimbursement they receivedfor each Watch Tower subscription or book theyplaced.

� After 1931, the term “colporteur” was replaced by “pioneer.”

Who were these intrepid colporteurs? Somestarted as teens, others in their later years. Manywere single or married without children, but nota few families joined the ranks. Regular colpor-teurs worked long days, and auxiliary colpor-teurs put in one or two hours daily. Not everyonehad the health or the circumstances to do colpor-teur work. But at a 1906 convention, those whocould were told that they did not need to be “verylearned, or very talented, or have the tongue of anangel.”

On nearly every continent, ordinary people ac-complished an extraordinary work. One brotherestimated that in seven years he placed 15,000

“I Am Learning to Lovethe Colporteur WorkMore Each Day”

Colporteur A. W. Osei in Ghana, about 1930

MAY 15, 2012

www.watchtower.org w12 05/15-E

books. Yet, he said, “I did not enter the colpor-teur work to be a book salesman, but rather, to bea witness for Jehovah and his truth.” Whereverthe colporteurs went, seeds of truth took root andgroups of Bible Students began to multiply.

Clergymen scorned the colporteurs, callingthem mere book peddlers. The 1892 Watch Towercommented: “Few know [them] as the Lord’s realrepresentatives, or recognize that dignity whichthe Lord sees in their humility and self-sacrifice.”

Indeed, the life of the colporteurs was no “flowerybed of ease,” as one of them put it. Sturdy shoesand bicycles were the primary means of transpor-tation. Where cash was scarce, colporteurs bar-tered books for food. After a day in the field, tiredbut happy preachers returned to tents and rent-ed rooms. Then came the Colporteur Wagon, ahomemade house car that saved much time andmoney.�

Beginning at the 1893 Chicago Convention, theprogram included special colporteur sessions.These featured lively exchanges of experiences,suggested preaching techniques, and practicaladvice. Brother Russell once urged hardworkingpreachers to have a hearty breakfast, a midmorn-ing glass of milk, and on a hot day, an ice-creamsoda.

Colporteurs seeking a fellow worker, or preach-ing companion, wore a yellow ribbon. Newer col-porteurs paired up with more experienced ones.Such training was apparently needed, for onenew colporteur had nervously introduced thebooks by saying, “You don’t want these, do you?”Happily, the householder did, and later she be-came a sister.

One brother wondered, ‘Should I retainmy present lucrative situation and donate$1,000 (U.S.) a year to the work, or should I be-come a colporteur?’ The Lord would appreciate ei-ther, he was told, but giving his time to the Lorddirectly would bring him greater blessings. MaryHinds saw the colporteur work as “the best way ofdoing the most good for the greatest number ofpeople.” And timid Alberta Crosby stated, “I amlearning to love the Colporteur work more eachday.”

Today, many fleshly and spiritual descendantsof the zealous colporteurs are still holding true totheir spiritual heritage. If you do not yet have acolporteur or a pioneer in your family line, whynot work on starting your own family tradition?You too will learn to love the full-time preachingwork more each day.

� Details about house cars will appear in a future issue.

They did not need to be“very learned, or verytalented, or have thetongue of an angel”

Top: Colporteurs Edith Keen and Gertrude Morris inEngland, about 1918; bottom: Stanley Cossaboom andHenry Nonkes in the United States, with empty cartonsthat had contained the books they placed

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