Awake!, October 8, 1975

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Awake! — October 8, 1975

Source: jw.org

Contents

People Need a Sound Guide

Where Sound Guidance Should Lead

Does Man Have the Answers?

Does a Dependable Guide Exist?

A Book of Myths or a Misrepresented Guide?

Is the Bible Realistic?

Practical Guidance That Works

Proof in the Lives of People

An Appeal Beyond the Here and Now

What Will You Choose?

Watching the World

A Paradise Was Lost

Better Times Are Ahead

People Need a Sound Guide

TRAVELERS know the value of dependable maps. Repairmen may consult manuals before undertaking a particular job. Even experienced cooks may use others’ recipes. Regardless of what activity a person might pursue, he will likely benefit from some kind of guide.

In caring for daily matters of life, people often rely on past experience and training. Then, too, a person may prepare ahead of time for various situations that he may have to face. A traveler, for example, can read, talk to others and then decide what to take along in the way of clothing, equipment and the like.

However, there are things in life for which one cannot plan ahead. Totally unexpected situations crop up. A person’s knowledge and experience may fail, and his everyday sources of guidance may prove deficient. He may be unsure which way to turn. His situation may be like that of the seamen caught in a fierce storm, described by an ancient Hebrew songwriter as men who “reel and move unsteadily . . . and even all their wisdom proves confused.” (Ps. 107:27) Have you ever felt this way?

Especially in the field of human relations do people keenly sense the need for dependable guidance. For example: What is the best way to bring up children? How can parents maintain good communication with teen-age sons and daughters? What will keep the marriage bond strong? How can good relations be maintained with neighbors and fellow workers? These questions and many others like them deserve answers. But is there a source that can provide the right answers?

There are times when problems simply cannot be solved on the individual level. A person may be the victim of circumstances that are beyond his control—like the pressures resulting from what others do. He may be honest and fair in his dealings with fellowmen. Yet he is powerless when it comes to putting a complete end to all the moral and ethical wrongs that may be committed by those among whom he must live and work. He may work hard, spend money wisely and save on a regular basis. But he cannot prevent national inflation from reducing the value of his savings. Nothing he can do will positively guarantee economic security for himself.

Clearly, people today need a guide that, not only provides sound answers, but also gives aid in coping with problems for which there may be no personal solutions. And since many of the problems are global, that guide should tell how these global problems will be solved.

If such a reliable guide for living exists, what would you expect it to do for you? What effect can its application have on your family, your health and your future?

Where Sound Guidance Should Lead

Why are strong, unified families important? “Entire civilizations have survived or disappeared, depending on whether family life was strong or weak.”—“World Book Encyclopedia,” Vol. 7, p. 24.

Selfishness, bitter quarreling, lack of communication, and suspicion undermine a family’s strength. What should sound guidance do for a family? It should lead a family away from these weakening influences. It should encourage, instead, unselfishness, deep affection and trust among all family members. Following a dependable guide should, therefore, be expected to produce better husbands and wives, better fathers and mothers, and better sons and daughters. Yes, the result should be unified families—families in which each member is concerned, not primarily about himself, but about what will be in the best interests of all.

Sound guidance should also aid people to avoid or minimize stress that can be destructive to personal security, good health and fine relations with fellowmen.

Neurologists recognize that stress can bring about changes in a person’s system that may damage his health and jeopardize his life. A person who becomes physically ill due to frustrations, anxiety over making a living, or poor relations with fellowmen may regain his health if he can be helped to change his altitude and outlook. Hence, proper guidance should also serve as a preventive measure, contributing to a person’s enjoying the best from life under the present circumstances. What kind of guidance, then, is needed?

Man needs guidance that would lead him away from becoming too attached to material things and that would give him assurance that he will not be reduced Io a hopeless state. Such guidance should also aid him to overcome jealousies, hatreds, prejudices and suspicions. It should move him to shun habits that are physically and emotionally harmful.

Can any man or group of men provide the fine guidance that points to a secure and happy future for you and your loved ones?

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Living in harmony with sound guidance should result in producing . . .

NOT THIS . . . BUT STRONG, UNIFIED FAMILIES

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FROM THIS . . . TO THIS

Does Man Have the Answers?

HAVE the world’s experts provided the guidance needed for creating strong, unified families? Do science and technology point the way to a secure and happy future?

Consider what the experts themselves are saying about the guidance they have given to parents:

Do not these admissions show that the experts cannot be depended upon for supplying the right kind of guidance for successful family living?

Is Science the Answer?

What about science and technology? At the close of the nineteenth century people were enthused about the marvels they thought science and technology would bring about in the future.

“Scientific American,” in its issue of July 1899, looked ahead optimistically to the impact the automobile would have on city life. This publication envisioned “light rubber-tired vehicles moving swiftly and noiselessly” over “clean, dustless and odorless” streets, eliminating much of the “nervousness, distraction, and strain of modern metropolitan life.” What a far cry this is from the actual situation today—noisy streets clogged with cars, buses and trucks, spewing deadly gases into the air.

True, science and technology have produced more laborsaving devices, made possible more leisure time for many and given people greater mobility. But, sadly, all this has been accompanied by additional pressures that fragment families, lead to frustrations, ruin the health of many and, in fact, threaten human existence.

Writing in the New York “Times” of January 7, 1975, René Dubos, scientist and author, observed:

“In the United States, the average consumption of energy per person is today approximately double what it was thirty years ago and double also what it is now in Europe. Does anyone really believe that this difference is reflected in more happiness, less suffering, greater longevity among present-day Americans, or in a more rapid progress of American civilization toward more desirable goals? A recent study based on measurements of various social indicators in 55 countries failed to reveal any beneficial effect of increased energy use on the quality of life; if there was a correlation, it was that the greater the energy consumption, the larger the percentages of divorces and suicides!

“An abundant supply of energy is, of course, essential for the production of more and more industrial goods, but this is not all that there is to happiness and civilization. . . .

“I shall go even further and claim that in the highly industrialized parts of the world a decrease in energy use could have a multiplicity of beneficial effects in the long run. These would include improvements in physical and mental health, sounder agricultural practices based on ecological principles, architectural styles more interesting because they are better adapted to local conditions, policies of rural and urban planning that would favor a revival of community spirit—and of course a less disturbed global ecology.”

Regarding the dangerous situation in which man finds himself, Barry Commoner, in his book “Science and Survival” (p. 126), writes:

“Despite the dazzling successes of modern technology and the unprecedented power of modern military systems, they suffer from a common and catastrophic fault. While providing us with a bountiful supply of food, with great industrial plants, with high-speed transportation, and with military weapons of unprecedented power, they threaten our very survival.”

Obviously, the problems facing mankind, in many cases, stem from things that were viewed as promising a better world. There can be no question about the fact that shifting and conflicting opinions of men cannot be depended upon to lead the way out of the present bad situation. Does this not suggest the need for a guide from a source higher than man? Moreover, since many people do things that they know to be wrong and harmful to themselves and others, such a guide must also provide incentive for them to change their ways. It must give them a real purpose in life. Does such a guide exist?

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New York Times, March 2, 1974, P. 31

A Guide to the Perplexed Parent

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The Milwaukee Journal, January 22, 1974, p. 2, part 1

Spock Blames Self for Brats

Does a Dependable Guide Exist?

FOR a guide to be dependable and truly helpful to mankind it must meet certain requirements: It must be simple, frank and understandable. It must lift the level of man’s thinking and give him encouragement and hope. It must be practical, applicable in all ages and societies, and available to all people.

The Bible is a book making that claim. It holds itself forth as a communication from the Creator. It claims to be a lamp to guide one’s path.—Ps. 119:105.

Some have criticized the Bible because of its antiquity, saying that in these modern times man has advanced beyond the Bible’s scope. Is this criticism valid? True, since the beginning, human society has undergone changes, and today we are in a technological age. But as humans are we not the same as ever? Have not the loves, hopes and basic desires of mankind been the same from the start?

Moreover, where do we find most of the problems today? In the family circle and in relations with one another. Technology has merely intensified the problems and brought them more quickly to the fore. Having a purpose in living, enjoying security and happiness are as important as ever, and the needs of mankind have really not changed from what they were thousands of years ago.

Since basic human needs have not changed with the passing of centuries, would not a guide that has an ancient history be more valuable than one that has not endured the test of time? Would not a guide that draws on the experiences of many generations instead of just one give a more complete picture of matters that it considers? So, then, rather than being a weakness, would not the Bible’s antiquity be a factor supporting its claim to be a dependable guide?

True, there are other very ancient writings. But none of these can point to origins as old as that of the Bible. Though Bible writing began about 3,500 years ago, its beginning as God’s spoken word was far earlier, for the record shows that God spoke to the first man Adam. After that, he had communication with man down to the Noachian flood, so that men using his word as a guide were able to ‘walk with God’ and be found righteous by Him.—Gen. 1:28; 6:9; 7:1.

Is the Bible the Product of Mere Men?

‘But the Bible was written by mere men,’ some will say. Does that make it any less authoritative or effective? God could have handed a complete book to men, just as he wrote the Ten Commandments on stone tablets for Moses. But would that have made the book more acceptable to people today than a book written by men who acknowledged their being inspired of God? How could anyone today prove that a book now in existence came directly from man’s Maker thousands of years ago? Would not such an unprovable claim be an obstacle to the book’s being accepted as a reliable guide? On the other hand, no one can deny the Bible’s claim to be,a book written by men. And the person reading the Bible can see for himself whether what it contains agrees with the claim: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

Furthermore, when truthful and God-fearing men wrote from the depths of their heart what God revealed to them, the record thus produced contained a warmth that would not have been there if it had simply been an objective account, lacking the human element. Yes, the expressions recorded by men who had the same experiences, emotions, problems and trials that we undergo have heart appeal.

The most remarkable proof of the Bible’s being written by men who were inspired of God is provided by the many prophecies it contains. It foretold the permanent desolation of such mighty cities as ancient Nineveh and Babylon. (Isa. 13:19, 20; Zeph. 2:13, 14) Even the name of the conqueror of Babylon, Cyrus, was set forth years before his birth. (Isa. 45:1, 2) The very conditions that have marked the present century are vividly portrayed. For example, at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, we read: “Know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” But the Bible does not leave matters there. It points beyond the “last days” to a time when this earth will be a secure home for man and shows what we should do to be among those to enjoy it. (Rev. 21:3, 4) Do you know of any other book that contains such accurate and encouraging information?

Enduring Value

The Bible’s value is also revealed in its endurance through the stiffest opposition and attempts to destroy it. As one writer noted:

“No other human possession has been so cherished and condemned as the Bible. It has been ridiculed, banned and burned. But it also has been treasured and safeguarded. And it has endured.

“Many have died defending it. Others have kept it hidden to prevent its seizure by police. Men have been executed for translating it into common languages. . . .

“About two centuries ago Voltaire declared that ‘it took 12 men to establish Christianity. I will show the world that one man can pull it to pieces. In one hundred years, the Bible will become an obsolete book, to be relegated to the dusty shelves of the antiquarian.’”—George W. Cornell, AP writer in the Montreal Star, December 22, 1973.

The contentions of Voltaire and others like him have proved to be unfounded. History has well demonstrated the Bible truth that “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of grass; the grass becomes withered, and the flower falls off, but the saying of Jehovah [God] endures forever.” (1 Pet. 1:24, 25) Yes, God’s “saying” as set forth in the Bible has survived, whereas many who attacked it have long ago returned to the lifeless dust.

Consequently, would you not say that the Bible is deserving of a thorough examination on your part? Such an effort, we believe, will convince you that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.”—2 Tim. 3:16.

A Book of Myths or a Misrepresented Guide?

A BOOK filled with myths could hardly be a dependable guide. Yet many ideas that are commonly attributed to the Bible are definitely not sound. Why is this? Is the Bible actually in error? Or, might it be that, while the Bible is a factual, dependable guide, many popular beliefs about its teachings are nothing but myths? Consider:

What People Have Attributed to the Bible

God created the earth and all life on it in six twenty-four-hour days. Do you believe this?

The undying souls of bad people go to hell, a place of eternal fiery torment.

What the Bible Says

The Bible does not define the creative days as periods of twenty-four hours each. Regarding God’s view of time, it says: “A thousand years are in your eyes but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch during the night.” (Ps. 90:4) “One day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.” —2 Pet. 3:8.

“All the souls—to me they belong. As the soul of the father so likewise the soul of the son—to me they belong. The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (Ezek. 18:4) “The wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:23) “As for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” (Eccl. 9:5) “All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol [hell, “Douay Version”], the place to which you are going.”—Eccl. 9:10.

The man Noah pronounced a prophetic curse on his grandson Canaan, but no divine curse was ever pronounced upon the black race. (Gen. 9:25) The Bible opposes feelings of tribal, national and racial superiority. It says: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) “He made out of one man every nation of men.”—Acts 17:26.

“[God] will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.” (Isa. 2:4) “Glory in the heights above to God, and upon earth peace among men of goodwill.”—Luke 2:14.

“This is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the true God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited.” (Isa. 45:18) God will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Rev. 11:18) “The heavens and the each that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.”—2 Pet. 3:7.

So what does a comparison of some commonly held beliefs with the Bible reveal? That the Bible has been misrepresented. Do not, therefore, allow yourself to be prejudiced against the Bible on the basis of what others say about it or how those professing to follow it act. Why not see for yourself whether its guidance can point you to a happier life now and to a marvelous future?

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Some people say, ‘God cursed the black race.’

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As long as there are people there will be wars. Is this really so?

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The earth will one day be burned up.

Is the Bible Realistic?

FOR a guide to be realistic, not only must it be free of myths or false concepts, but it must also provide sound thinking on the affairs and problems we face. On this point, let us compare what people think and forecast for the future with what the Bible says.

Despite threats of continuing inflation, unemployment and numerous international problems, many people believe that things will get better. They see long-range solutions to political differences, racial and nationalistic disputes, food shortages and the energy crisis. They believe that the world is on the threshold of peace and security.

A national magazine recently expressed the opinion that “all in all, it’s a hopeful outlook for [the] U.S. as it enters a period of peace. . . . History suggests [that the] stage is being set for economic growth, happier times for the country. [The] U.S. has come out of troubles stronger in the past, will again.”

Of the world outlook, George W. Shepherd, Jr., writes in The Christian Century: “The real world . . . is one in which peace can be built, painfully, only on the basis of international agreement, giving full recognition to the rights and interests of the majority of the nations, in particular those of the Third World. The only framework we have within which such an agreement can possibly be made to work is the United Nations. That is why we are seeing a revival of that body, along with the development of what might be called new ‘pacific action’ measures for peace.”

But what appeal do we see world leaders making to maintain the people’s hope for a continuation of present systems or a “better world”? Do they not make the same promises that have been made for centuries? Has not every past world power called attention to its glory and power, leading the people to feel that it was the hope of the world? But where is the glory of those powers now? Is not the same appeal made today? And even though many people have lost faith in their leaders, for lack of a better hope they feel that somehow a man may come along who can straighten matters out. Is this realistic?

An example of a human “prophetic” forecast for this world is the statement by the late Walter Lippmann, as recorded in The World Book Encyclopedia: “When we look beneath the surface, we shall see that there is underway what we may call the Great Revolution, and it is upon this Great Revolution that we must rely to bring about peace and stability on which eventually the universal society can flourish.

“. . . What is the Great Revolution? It is a radical change in the human condition. It is a product of man’s advancing knowledge, his knowledge of how to control the material conditions of his life on earth.”

However, there are some persons who see such “prophecies” as only a dream. U.S. News & World Report of May 5, 1975, said: “You hear less and less talk these days of ‘a new world order.’ Hardly surprising. More and more, the world seems to be limited to regional groupings, often competitive, seldom co-operative. Even these appear increasingly troubled, torn by nationalism, insecure.”

The Bible’s Viewpoint—Is It Realistic?

The Bible’s viewpoint, on the other hand, is not confusing or vacillating. It points out why man’s plans fail and why each decade brings more severe problems. As God’s inspired Word, it tells us that humanity’s distress is due to imperfection on the part of all mankind. (Rom. 5:12) The Bible says: “It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jer. 10:23) Also the Bible informs us that God’s guidance could help right now, even in this imperfect world, if men would follow it. (Prov. 2:6-9) But men, particularly world leaders, refuse to conform their course to Bible principles, and as a consequence they reap disorder and corruption. Why? Basically, because they want sovereignty independent of God. They do not want to acknowledge God as supreme Counselor and King.—Acts 4:24-26; Rev. 17:12-14.

Yes, the Bible realistically gets at the root of mankind’s problems. It gives a sound view of the present condition and why it exists. What about the future? Does the Bible prophesy doomsday for mankind, or does it hold out a cheerful hope?

A Realistic View of the Future?

For answer, let us look at the prophecy that Jesus gave his disciples who had asked: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matt. 24:3) Jesus, by inspiration, accurately described our present time, saying: “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.”—Matt. 24:7, 8.

People living in this generation have seen the fulfillment of this prophecy, since 1914. Did not this year mark a “beginning of pangs of distress” different from past wars and food shortages? James Cameron, in his book entitled “1914,” says: “In the year 1914 the world, as it was known and accepted then, came to an end. Far more than any year before or since was this the punctuation-mark of the twentieth century.”

How was this so? Because the wars this generation has seen were not ordinary wars. They have been well labeled “World Wars.” Also Jesus said, additionally, that nations would be ‘in anguish, not knowing the way out’ and that men would ‘become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming on the inhabited earth.’ These and many other things that Jesus prophesied in Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapters 17 and 21 are happening, and they are peculiar to our generation. Jesus also foretold that “this generation [experiencing these things] will by no means pass away until all things occur.”—Luke 21:32.

What are the “all things” that are to occur in the one generation? These include the end of this present man-made system of things, not the literal earth and all mankind upon it. It means deliverance from the corrupt, oppressive, polluted condition in which mankind now finds itself. Jesus said to those who want to do the right thing and who look with faith into the Bible: “As these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28) The Bible, therefore, does not have a gloomy “doomsday” outlook but a bright one, for those who desire righteousness and peace. It foretells gloom only for those who selfishly hold on to the corrupt things of this failing system, and who refuse to recognize God’s sovereignty.—2 Thess. 1:6-8.

Aside from these evidences—the anguish of nations and the fear of the things coming upon the earth that world leaders are suffering, and the increase in crime, pollution, immorality and danger of nuclear warfare—what proof do we have that the end of this system of things is near? How can we know that it cannot be much longer, or that it will not be put off into future centuries, as some say?

Final World Power Now in Existence

The Bible gives us a record, either actual or prophetic, of seven world powers during mankind’s history. These are not small, insignificant powers, but powers that had the greatest influence during their term of existence. Each, during its time, was the Number One Power with which the nations had to reckon. These were: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and the Anglo-American World Power. The prophecy of the Bible book of Daniel accurately spoke of the powers of Daniel’s own day, namely, Babylon and Medo-Persia, then foretold the three to follow. The prophecy called the Medo-Persian and the Grecian World Powers by name and described the following two. What did Daniel’s prophecy have to say about them?

In the vision that God gave him, Daniel saw four huge beasts, representing or picturing “kings.” (Dan. 7:17) These symbolic beasts were a lion (Babylon), a bear (Medo-Persia) and a leopard (Greece), followed by a fearsome beast with teeth of iron, different from all the others, and having ten horns. Out of this beast another “king,” a small horn, grew to become prominent, speaking grandiose words. This final horn faced judgment, not inflicted by another world power, but a judgment directly administered by the Almighty God. The terrible beast was the Roman World Power and the horn growing out of it was the Seventh World Power, which would constitute the last one on earth. That is the Anglo-American World Power.—Dan. 7:2-12; compare Daniel 8:20-22.

If we truly are at the time of the end of this system of things, it is of the utmost importance and urgency. It means that we are at the time for the rule of the Messianic kingdom over this earth. So that we may have ample proof, with no doubts, God has provided for us, in the last book of the Bible, full assurance of the truthfulness of Daniel’s prophecy and the nearness of Messiah’s millennial rule of righteousness over the earth. The apostle John, who lived during the rule of the Sixth World Power, the Roman Empire, records the vision that God gave him. He writes: “There are seven kings: five have fallen [before John’s time], one is [the Roman], the other has not yet arrived, but when he does arrive he must remain a short while.”—Rev. 17:10.

The American part of the Seventh World Power has remained only about 200 years—a short time in world history. Intensifying the nearness of the end, John also speaks of an EIGHTH king. But this king is of very short duration, ‘springing from the seven’ and being concurrent with the Seventh World Power. This “king” would be a composite government made up of features of the seven world powers—a world alliance. It “goes off into destruction” along with the Seventh World Power. The Bible, therefore, lists no world power as surviving the seventh. It is the end.—Rev. 17:11.

Is the Bible realistic, then, when it foretold world conditions exactly as we see them today, when it enables us to locate where we are in the stream of history—when it helps us to see that a time of deliverance is near? Certainly the Bible is frank in its identification of the world powers. And it shows us that the efforts of men cannot solve the problems the world now faces, so as to bring happiness to the people. The Bible is realistic also in saying that the cry of “peace and security” by men’s efforts is a false comfort that will immediately precede the destruction of man-made systems.—1 Thess. 5:3.

Yes, the Bible is more realistic than the promises of politicians, economic experts or even clergymen. It shows why the world’s problems exist and what is actually ahead. But can it give advice for day-to-day living that is practical and will help people now? Let us examine this matter.

Practical Guidance That Works

MANY honest-hearted people today recognize that they need help in dealing with their problems. A prominent Florida medical doctor who also is a psychiatrist said: “A high percentage of people are suffering from emotional disturbance as a result of the modern life-style. They think they can deal with drugs, sexual promiscuity, pressures from living beyond their means, changing moral values and the breakdown in family life. But they can’t handle it.” Where, then, can people find the guidance that they so much need?

Noting the practicality of the Bible, statesman Bernard Baruch once observed: “The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount are still our best guides.” Why did he say that? Let us consider briefly some principles stated in the famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus there said of man’s needs: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. . . . So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.” Later, he noted: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.”—Matt. 6:31-34; Luke 12:15.

Here is stressed man’s normal concern for the need of food, clothing and shelter. However, the materialistic world often emphasizes, not the needs, but the wants of man. Commercialism keeps whipping up the desire for luxuries, so that a person can never be satisfied with what he has. Contentment, therefore, does not come to those whose means are great, but to those whose desires are few. Mankind should put in proper perspective what their needs really are and appreciate the practical guidance required to achieve them.

Bible Guidance Practical Today

Although the Bible was written centuries ago, its guidance is still practical today. Time has changed many things, but human nature has not changed. Humans continue to be confronted with the same problems as their predecessors, except that today these problems are much greater, more far-reaching. As The World Book Encyclopedia notes: “In spite of his scientific and technological progress, man has not been so successful in dealing with human problems.” The only reliable solution to them is found in the Bible. “Who is wise? He will both observe these things and show himself attentive toward Jehovah’s acts of loving-kindness.”—Ps. 107:43.

A Simplified Life a Desirable Thing

Simplicity of life is what God recommends. “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” (Mic. 6:8) When a person lives as a human should, as he was created to live, in accordance with these practical guidelines, he can be relatively happy even in this wicked system. When he goes beyond these fundamental recommendations, his life-style may become complicated by many really unessential and unimportant things. These will work to his harm.

Heavy debts, desire for unnecessary things, competition for prestige or position, struggling for social status, trying to live by moral standards that violate the conscience—all these things are contributing to a “mixed-up” society that is suffering from unhappiness, frustration, strife and even suicide. Many people are seeking help from doctors or psychiatrists and are resorting to drugs to relieve tension and to counsel that many times makes the situation worse.

If there were no other proofs of its authenticity and practicality available, the Bible’s righteous principles and moral standards would alone set it apart as a product of the divine mind. Its practicality extends to every phase of daily living. No other book gives us such a rational view of the origin of all things, particularly the origin of mankind, and of the Creator’s purpose toward earth and man. Note how its counsel, if applied, would be effective.

Today, there are great difficulties because of racism and nationalism. The Bible supports no such ideologies, but clearly states that God “made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” (Acts 17:26) Recognition of this fact would eliminate many serious problems.

Morality

The Bible refers to sexual relations without the benefit of marriage as “fornication.” The practical guidance is to “flee from fornication,” for “no fornicator . . . has any inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and of God.” (1 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 5:5) Also the Bible says that none who “are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion . . . will possess the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9, 10, New English Bible) And how much unhappiness, hatred and disease could be eliminated by heeding this Bible advice!—Rom. 1:24-27.

Marriage and Family Life

On counsel relating to marriage, God’s Word recommends: “Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord.” “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.” “Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous.”—Eph. 5:22, 28; 6:1.

The importance of the united family cannot be overstressed. The Bible devotes much space to counsel on the aspects of husband-wife relations, child training and discipline and family happiness. How practical is such counsel? Dr. Charles W. Socarides, writing in an article “Homosexuality Is a Disorder, Not a Way of Life,” refers to a book written by Dr. Irving Bieber entitled “Homosexuality: A Psychoanalytic Study of Male Homosexuals.” In a report on 106 male homosexuals and 100 male heterosexuals, it was observed that parents of homosexuals frequently were a close-binding, overly intimate mother and a hostile, detached father.

Dr. Socarides goes on to say: “It is my conviction that homosexuality is caused by the failure of a human being to complete the separation-individuation phase of early childhood, normally achieved by age three, which is decisive for gender identity. Such failure results in a deficit in masculinity for boys, with a corresponding intensification and continuation of the primary feminine identification with the mother. Thus begins the course of homosexual development.”

Homosexuality is only one of the many bad fruits partially resulting from refusal to recognize the proper places of husband and wife, father and mother, and children in the family unit. How can there be proper child guidance where family unity, trust, confidence and happiness have disappeared? Broken homes, or homes where there is no communication or loving relationship, where order and discipline are lacking, are a factor producing all forms of crime. Can anyone truly say that the ignoring of Bible instructions on family life has produced good results?

Bad Associations

Though in many cases bad tendencies find their beginning in the family background, there are, of course, other factors that cause the spread of moral perversions. Reading pornographic literature is a form of mental association with the authors of these publications. Also actual association with others of low morals draws those not initially inclined in that direction, bringing them into the low sink of debauchery. (1 Pet. 4:4) The Bible counsels to think on good things and warns that “bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33; Phil. 4:8) We cannot avoid bad practices if we make our “friends” those who engage in bad practices and dealings. In very straightforward terms the Bible says: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Prov. 13:20) Is this not good, sound, practical advice?

Business Dealings

The Bible gives counsel even in the field of business dealings. It states the principle: “Two sorts of weights and two sorts of ephah measures [one for buying and one for selling]—they are both of them together something detestable to Jehovah,” and, “Do not rob the lowly one because he is lowly.” (Prov. 20:10; 22:22) Furthermore, it condemns the attitude of those who, because they do not want to work, adopt the slogan, “Soak the rich.” The Bible principle is that impartiality should be practiced toward rich and poor alike: “You must not treat the lowly with partiality, and you must not prefer the person of a great one.”—Lev. 19:15.

The practical instruction of the entire Bible on human relations can be summed up in Jesus’ words: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them; this, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.” (Matt. 7:12) If this principle were followed, think what it would mean to the world! How much happier all would be!

Guidance Essential for Happiness

It is obvious that the Bible’s counsel has not been applied by the majority of people, though many possess Bibles and some read them. Merely this, or even having a religion, is not sufficient. Bible principles must be applied if a person wants happiness. And, though some may be skeptical, the Bible’s counsel can be applied successfully despite the fact that we are living in a corrupt system of things. By doing so now, a person can be assured of improvement in the quality of his life, as the Scriptures say: “Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) This is not mere theory, but fact, as abundant proof in the lives of people thoroughly and also convincingly demonstrates.

[Picture on page 17]

Honesty in business dealings makes happy customers

Proof in the Lives of People

IN THIS mixed-up world it is difficult for a person to simplify his life and to find peace of mind and happiness. Do the Bible’s principles and counsel, if put into practice, actually accomplish these things? Certainly if a good thing is really practiced it should produce concrete results that are satisfying. Does proof exist that the Bible can move people to make the changes necessary for a happy life? Can it help people no matter what their position in life and their circumstances may be?

Yes, it can. There are now at least two million people in the world who really study the Bible and who do their best to apply its counsel in every phase of their lives. They have found that making the Bible their sole guide has led them into useful, productive lives. These people are known as Jehovah’s witnesses. The majority among them are people who have lived normal, law-abiding lives, though some in the past lived lawlessly and immorally. There are former churchgoers and those who were not religious, people from families both united and broken. But they all had one thing in common: They felt the need of emotional security and desired to accomplish something worth while and permanent in their lives. God has regard for any who long for a happy life, want to do what is right, to learn of him and serve him. This is proved by the following experiences.

Psychologist Sees Bible Help a Family

The Bible can accomplish much to help people, even whole families. Observing this truth in action surprised and convinced a man in the psychology field. He says:

“Encouraged by my father, I pursued a college career. Upon completing my education as a psychology major, I began working in the correctional field. This brought me a sense of fulfillment, as I felt that I was really helping people.

“After a number of years, however, I began to see that the methods used did not change youths very much. True, there were surface changes. But there was little lasting personal or social change. This disturbed me greatly. The application of what I had spent years in learning did not really have much of an impact for good.”

In his capacity as supervisor of juvenile delinquents on parole, he handled one case that really caused him to think. This involved a family with three children, all of whom were in difficulty. There was a nine-month break in his caring for the case, which he considered to be hopeless. But when he again saw this family, he noted a remarkable change. The home that had been very dirty and disorderly was now neat and clean. The children were dressed presentably and seemed more secure. What had been responsible for this amazing change? The mother had begun studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses and was applying its principles to family life. Seeing this remarkable transformation caused him to wonder whether there was not something that could bring better results than he could with his training.

Another factor that became of great concern to him was the deterioration in world conditions and the inability of the agency with which he was working to cope with social problems. He notes:

“The agency tried various means to bring about good results. Case loads were reduced, new methods were tried. Past techniques were revived and given new labels. But all these efforts seemed fruitless.”

As a consequence, this man began to look for something better. He tried reading the Bible but did not gain much understanding. His mother, who had become one of Jehovah’s witnesses when he started his college training, had tried to explain things to him previously, but he did not take a real interest in what she said. Finally, though, he went to a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and then began a serious study of the Bible. He also noted young people, among them some former drug users and delinquents who had changed their outlook and personality and had become responsible, moral individuals. Since that time he has come to appreciate, even in his own case, that application of Bible principles can produce real personality changes, not just surface changes.

Prisoner Changes from Violent Life

A similar case was reported in the South Middlesex (Massachusetts) News of May 11, 1975. Under the heading “Inmate Pays Religious Debt” the report is given of a middle-aged prisoner.

This man was placed in a cell with a prisoner who had become one of Jehovah’s witnesses. As a Catholic, the man relates: ‘Everything that the Witness was saying was against whatever I’d been taught, but eventually I began to recognize that Jehovah’s witnesses answer all the contradictions.’ Now this former criminal says that he has been given a solid foundation and goals, “which I never had before in my life.” Out on a work-release program, he has been helping the Witnesses to build a Kingdom Hall in Framingham, Massachusetts. His Bible knowledge, he says, has helped him to reverse “a whole trend of violence” in his family.

His psychologist backs him up, saying that his patient has shifted from an “amoral, destructive person, to one with a conscience.” “I attribute this solely to his experience with the Witnesses, that he’s made these changes. They’ve been responsible for a social re-education of tremendous power and impact, over the last two and a half years. There’s absolutely no way this guy could have carried himself this far through therapy. I’ve seen him shift away from an amoral, destructive attitude to a solid sense of responsibility, which is pretty difficult.”

The psychologist remarked that though people “may very well wonder if this will last,” especially with a person of this man’s background for whom “this is a tremendously potent type thing,” he is quite sure this is a permanent change. He added: ‘Of course, there is no document on this, and no guarantee, but I believe he has found a whole social reference group that has altered his life.’

Truly the Bible’s admonition, when applied, can have a wholesome impact on the life of an individual regardless of his background. Even persons who have lived a good moral life and who get a measure of satisfaction from their work find that only the Bible with its better hope and high principles can give a full, happy life.

Bible Education Even Better than Public Health Education

Consider the experience of a woman in New York city. She had pursued a life of devotion to public health education, with a view to helping her fellowman. This was a commendable pursuit, and she still follows the nursing profession. Eventually, however, the time came when she began to recognize that more than her career was needed to enjoy full happiness and real satisfaction. But there were some obstacles standing in the way of her accepting the Bible as the key to finding what was missing in her life. She relates the following:

“I was not a religious person. In fact, I had serious questions about the existence of God. I just could not understand why babies died, whereas old people suffering from crippling diseases, and helpless paralytics, continued living. Still, my profession, public health nursing and education, brought me some satisfaction.

“My work required some activity in community affairs. I recall that on one occasion I visited a public school and noted the dangerous, rickety condition of the wooden steps. I represented the Public Health Nursing Service on a committee composed of business people, doctors, lawyers and teachers, organized to help the community deal with its problems. This committee drew up a letter to the Board of Education recommending that something be done to remedy this dangerous condition of the dilapidated school. Three years passed, but nothing was done. Our committee wrote three letters during this time, in each instance receiving acknowledgment and commendation for our interest in the community. Nevertheless, the dangerous situation remained.

“I was also disgusted with the status system, based on cultural biases. When I mentioned these matters to my brother, who was one of Jehovah’s witnesses, he pointed out that even the hands of officials are tied. ‘The system,’ he said, ‘keeps them from following through on their better motives.’ This got me to thinking.

“My brother gave me some Bible literature. Though I had no real interest, I began to look into it, only to find fault. At times I became upset about what I read. Then I would check the statements with my Bible and would find them to be true. So I decided that it would be better to read the Bible first before arguing.

“In time I came to appreciate that the Bible is dependable and is inspired of God. What impressed me particularly was Bible prophecy. It amazed me to see that what God had said even centuries in advance was fulfilled. Also, the meaning of the word ‘sin’ helped me to see just where I stood. I never thought of myself as a wicked person. I wasn’t a liar, a thief or an adulteress. The label ‘sinner’ seemed fanatical to me. But when I learned that ‘sin’ in the original languages of the Bible means ‘to miss the mark,’ I could understand. Because, like everyone else, I knew that I had shortcomings.

“Then when I learned that we are living in the last days of this old system and that our heavenly Father purposes to restore the human family to perfect health on a cleansed earth, beginning in the near future—my, this would be the best welfare program ever! Now, while still helping others physically, I can also help them spiritually.”

Happiness in Marriage

The contrast between life with and without Biblical guidance and the corresponding effect on family life are well illustrated in the case of a young man who served in the United States Air Force.

While in the Air Force this man began living a life of immorality and in time felt forced to get married to a girl who was pregnant with his child. Even then he did not accept his responsibility as husband and father but sent his wife back home to her mother and did not remain faithful to her. Eventually the first marriage ended in divorce and his former wife remarried.

Upon his discharge from the military, this man returned home to live with his father, mother and brother. At the time they were studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses. So he, too, began to study and to progress in living by the Bible. Eventually he remarried, as he was Scripturally free to do. Contrasting the present with the past, he relates:

“In the past I lacked respect for women. By the way I lived, I brought much unhappiness to myself and others, especially to my first wife. After starting to live by the Bible, I could see that applying its principles was the best way to live. By treating my second wife in a Christian way, loving her as I do myself, I have found real happiness in marriage. Our marriage of ten years has been comparatively without problems. When consulted by others about marital problems, I direct them to what the Bible says. I know from personal experience that applying its counsel really works. On the other hand, those who disregard it, knowingly or unknowingly, experience much unhappiness and heartache.”

Saved from Suicide

The guidance provided by the Bible can even save a person from a state of utter despair and give him a life of purpose. This was the experience of a youth in the western part of the United States.

At the age of twelve this boy lost his father in death. His mother was an alcoholic and therefore unable to give him much parental guidance. This left him feeling very insecure. His association with other teen-agers led to his starting to drink heavily, to smoke marijuana and eventually to take barbiturates. All of this contributed to increased depression. He developed an inferiority complex and found life very difficult.

Then, at the age of seventeen, he began seeking help through religion. During the vacation period he would go to the Catholic church morning, noon and night, spending several hours there each day. He prayed extensively and started reading the Bible. He found the Psalms and the book of Proverbs very helpful and refreshing. Nevertheless, despite his earnest efforts and prayer, he felt that he was making little headway.

One night when he was walking home from church, he was extremely depressed. He prayed and then, at about 11:30 p.m., called his sister-in-law, telling her that he was so depressed that he was ready to take his life. Not knowing just what to say, his sister-in-law told him to wait and she would call back. She quickly phoned a fellow worker, one of Jehovah’s witnesses, who had been very helpful to her in coping with problems.

This Witness then called him up and arrangements were made that very night to get together with him at the home of his sister-in-law. About 11:45 p.m. the Witness and her teen-age son arrived to pick him up by car. The apparent closeness of the mother and son as well as their conduct impressed him very much. For three hours thereafter they discussed such questions as, Where are the dead? and, Why has God permitted wickedness? The youth was encouraged to learn that, according to Bible prophecy, the present system is in its “last days” and will soon be replaced by a righteous new system. He was thrilled to know that there was a possibility of his not having to wait to grow old and die before being reunited with his father. He might actually have the opportunity of surviving the end of this system and being able to welcome back his father from the dead.

Asked whether he would like to study the Bible, he thought for a moment. What he had heard had really helped him. So he agreed, feeling that even greater good would result from a regular Bible study. That indeed proved to be the case. Study of the Scriptures and applying them gave him a goal in life and a solid hope for the future. He was able to change his whole way of thinking. His spirit changed from that of sadness and depression to deep-seated joy. Today he uses his time wisely in aiding others to learn about the excellent guidance the Bible contains.

As in the above experiences, Jehovah’s witnesses in all parts of the earth have found that, to the extent that they have followed the Bible, their lives have been happy. There are problems, of course, not all perfectly solvable. But the Bible’s counsel enables one to cope with the problems so that one’s life is not upset.

An Appeal Beyond the Here and Now

‘WHAT benefit do I get now?’ This is often the response when a person is presented a new idea. And it is indeed natural to desire good things now. At the same time we cannot afford to ignore the future. Certainly a guide to life would be sadly lacking if it did not hold out a hope or goal for the future. For, regardless of what a person has now, his outlook on the future has a strong influence on his present course.

The Bible does provide a sound hope for the future, a goal toward which to work. The apostle Paul, after nearly thirty years of living by Christian principles, said: “Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.”—1 Tim. 4:8.

In the preceding article you have read the experiences of people who are getting benefits now because they changed their way of living. Did they do this by merely deciding to change and then following through? No. They saw that what they were doing was not good or was not bringing them the satisfactory life that they desired. They wanted some kind of change. But they did not know what adjustments they had to make, or how to make them. In some instances they observed Jehovah’s witnesses and saw that the Witnesses were happy and had altered their lives in a way that was beneficial. But they were unable to make such adjustments by their own will and strength. They had to study the Bible and see God’s purpose toward humankind. They needed help from God and from other Christians in order to understand in their hearts why they should make changes and to realize that they would receive God’s help to do so. They saw also that there were real benefits for themselves and their families. They needed a purpose in life, and learned that this purpose had to be patterned according to God’s purpose.

Yes, these sincere persons found that the things they needed to do for a better life now meant learning to live as the Creator made man to live—in peace with his family and with his neighbor, fearing and serving God, who only can guide one in the right way. The Bible says: “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” (Mic. 6:8) Also they saw that godly devotion holds promise of the life “which is to come.”

Health Needed for Complete Happiness

What do we need in order to be happy in a life ahead? Probably you will think first of good health. Without it, there is no enjoyment. How will this be provided in ‘the life to come’?

The Bible gives us assurance that good health will be the happy lot of the people when God’s kingdom alone rules the earth. Even now, obedience to God’s principles and commands helps a person to avoid many tensions and diseases that tear down one’s health. The Bible’s good sayings “are life to those finding them and health to all their flesh.” (Prov. 4:22) The Bible’s teachings are “healthful words,” not only in a spiritual sense, but also physically, because spiritual welfare is essential to physical health.—2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3.

But humans also need actual physical healing before they can come to perfection of health and vigor. Right living in itself will not bring such a curing of the body. Something more is needed. How will this healing be provided?

Man cannot heal himself, because he is imperfect by inheritance. (Ps. 51:5) He does things that are not right, especially when he is under pressure. This is because all are sinners, even those who do not want to do wrong. The Bible word used for sin actually means “to miss the mark.” Man cannot lift himself by his own bootstraps. Nor can one man rescue another, because all are in the same “mire” of imperfection that eventually results in death. The psalmist wrote that, regardless of a person’s status—rich, wise or powerful—“not one of them can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him; . . . that he should still live forever and not see the pit.”—Ps. 49:6-9.

Therefore, help has to come from God. Sickness is linked, in the Bible, with sin, and healing is related to forgiveness. King David realized mankind’s situation and he wrote to Israel: “Bless Jehovah, O my soul, and do not forget all his doings, him who is forgiving all your error, who is healing all your maladies.” (Ps. 103:2, 3; compare Luke 5:18-25.) We have to wait on this help if we wish to live in perfect health. When will this healing come? During the thousand-year reign of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. All evidences indicate that the beginning of this reign is very near at hand.—Matt. 24:32-34.

This is something to look forward to—a real goal for our lives—a real incentive to learn about God’s will for us and to follow it. But, you may ask, what guarantee do we have that God will do these things for us? Note, now, how thoroughly the Bible explains, as a solid basis for our faith, how carefully God has arranged for the healing and rehabilitation of mankind.

How God Arranged for Mankind’s Healing

Jehovah God loves that which he has created, just as a father loves his sons. Jesus, when on earth, said: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) This Son originally lived with his Father in heaven from a time before the earth was created. (John 1:1; Rev. 3:14) When he was on earth he alluded to his prehuman existence when he asked God in prayer: “Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.”—John 17:5.

Think what it cost God to send his Son to earth, transferring his life to the womb of a Jewish girl, so that he would be born a man, to live among an imperfect, sinful people! And think of the obedience of the Son of God and his love for God in giving up heavenly riches, to be treated on earth worse than a slave and finally to die an ignominious death. (1 Pet. 2:21-25) The apostle Paul wrote about what Jesus did: “Although he was existing in God’s form, [he] gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.”—Phil. 2:6-8.

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Awake!, October 8, 1975