The Watchtower, February 15, 1968

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The Watchtower — February 15, 1968

Source: jw.org

Contents

Finding Personal Security

Mary Is Not the Mother of God

Apathy Is Dangerous

Youth No Hindrance

Husbands, Assume Your Responsibilities of Headship

Working What Is Good Toward Those in the Faith

“A New Age of Violence”

Steadfast, Unmovable in Jehovah’s Work

The Homes of the First Christians

“Good News for All Nations” District Assemblies

Questions From Readers

Announcements

Finding Personal Security

NO ONE wants to be insecure. Yet, there are ever so many things that work toward a loss of security. There are sickness, old age, family troubles, crime, violence and loneliness. There is also the insecurity that is brought on when those regarded as friends turn out to be disloyal, untrustworthy, or fail to help in time of need.

The threats to personal security are not diminishing in our time. Indeed, personal security is threatened now as never before. As U.S. News and World Report of September 25, 1967, said:

“Whether it be in areas of large population—like China, India or the Soviet Union—or in the smaller countries of Africa or Latin America or even in the ‘sophisticated’ United States, the quest for national contentment is plagued by friction, disorder and violence.”

Amid all this friction, disorder and violence, as well as the other kinds of difficulties, where can one turn for greater security? How can a person minimize the heartache that insecurity brings?

SOURCE OF GREATEST SECURITY

Whatever a person may undertake in life, he will improve his personal security by turning to the right source for guidance. And since it is God who created man and man’s mind, it is only He who can give true guidance that leads to the greatest personal security. In his Word, the Bible, God says: “My son, my law do not forget, and my commandments may your heart observe, because length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you. Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.”—Prov. 3:1, 2, 5, 6.

Yes, the key to the greatest personal security in these troubled times is this: Learn God’s laws and then live by them. God’s laws were established for man’s benefit. The closer a person comes to guiding his life by them, the greater the benefit and security he will receive. That this is the case can be testified to by hundreds of thousands of persons throughout the world who associate together in an organization based on God’s laws and principles. These are Jehovah’s witnesses. They believe in God, obey his laws, and associate together for their upbuilding in a unified organization made up of over 25,000 congregations in 197 different lands world wide. They enjoy a security the rest of the world does not have.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

It is not presumptuous for those who obey Jehovah’s laws to say that they enjoy greater security. Impartial observers say the same thing. Note what one writer who is not one of Jehovah’s witnesses said about a recent assembly of theirs held in Asheville, North Carolina:

“These days when all we hear or see are news items about rioting, looting and hate propaganda it is time to console ourselves with the balance of good tidings that are entered on the plus side of the ledger.

“I am referring particularly to the recent convocation of Jehovah’s witnesses that came to Asheville for a week early this month.

“The headquarters of the gathering was in the City Auditorium—George Vanderbilt Hotel buildings. I was inadvertently treated to a grandstand seat for observing the activities of these wonderful people on account of our office location directly across the street from the two buildings. . . .

“Never was there a policeman in sight. There were no raucous noises, no disturbances and no altercations.

“People stood patiently in long thick queues at mealtime of each of the three meals served daily.

“The order was perfect and there was no obscene shouting. Remember there were at times as many as seven thousand people around the headquarters—a good many of them colored.

“There was NO litter about. . . . Undoubtedly they were motivated by the Spirit of Good Will towards humanity.”—Asheville Citizen, July 26, 1967.

This man observed a society of people from all walks of life, from all races, being motivated by God’s laws. They were also guided by God’s powerful holy spirit, as his spirit accompanies those obeying his laws. And where the spirit of God operates, this will be the result: “The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control.”—Gal. 5:22, 23.

Throughout the world it is the same. For instance, in Sweden during an assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses, the Stockholm newspaper Expressen commented:

“Nowhere are things so peaceful and decent as at the tent city of Jehovah’s witnesses. The happy and cheerful witnesses don’t get drunk, they don’t smoke.”

Toward the end of that assembly, the chief of police remarked:

“We are sorry that you have to take down your fine installations and that all of these nice, happy people will be disappearing from our vicinity.”

In Jerusalem, a tour director said of Jehovah’s witnesses: “This was the largest group that any tourist agency in Jerusalem ever handled. And it was the only group that I have ever worked with that did not give me even one complaint.”

When tens of thousands of Jehovah’s witnesses gathered in Manila, the Philippines, the editor-in-chief of the Evening News noted all the work necessary for their assembly and said:

“Not one of them thought of asking for pay. If Catholics could show the same unity of spirit, if they could participate in a community effort with the same zeal and dedication that the Witnesses are demonstrating, think of the world of good that they could do!”

Yes, truly Bible-based Christianity is the same the world over. It does not matter if those who practice it live in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or anywhere else. They all worship in exactly the same way. They have the same high principles. They have the same personal security and happiness.

HOW POSSIBLE

How is it possible for so many persons to live in this way while the rest of the world is in turmoil? (Luke 21:25, 26) It is because these all have turned to the only source of security, the Creator of man, Jehovah God. He knows best how man should organize and operate a society. He knows best what will make people secure and happy.

This security is based on the accurate knowledge of God found in his Word, the Bible. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) And today God makes this right knowledge available to searching, sincere persons, enabling them to come into a secure position. The prophet Isaiah foretold just this for our day when he said: “‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, . . . and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ . . . And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples.”—Isa. 2:3, 4.

Those who turn to the instruction that comes from Jehovah gain great security. They learn to trust God. They listen to him as he speaks from his Word, the Holy Scriptures. They understand clearly what they need to do to gain security, and they do it. They have the same attitude as the first-century Christians who said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) By obeying God as ruler they come under his guidance, as well as under his protection. He leads them to organize their affairs in the right way. Their thinking and activity are correctly channeled by God’s holy spirit, his invisible active force, much like a radar beam guides an aircraft to its correct destination. And only those who obey God as ruler benefit in this way from his spirit: “The holy spirit . . . God has given to those obeying him as ruler.”—Acts 5:32.

That is why worldly societies, organizations, political parties and religions do not have security and are in agonizing confusion today. They are not really obeying God as ruler, so they do not have God’s guidance and blessing. Their condition, in contrast to that of God’s servants, the Bible foretold in these words: “Look! My own servants will cry out joyfully because of the good condition of the heart, but you yourselves will make outcries because of the pain of heart and you will howl because of sheer breakdown of spirit.”—Isa. 65:14.

IN EVERY ENDEAVOR

By obeying God as ruler in all endeavors of life, true Christians gain great security. For example, God’s law says to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39) Thus, God’s servants will not commit acts of violence or destruction. Instead, they learn loving, constructive, security-building ways that can help others. That is why among them is being fulfilled the well-known prophecy of Isaiah that says: “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 any more.”—Isa. 2:4.

Obeying God as ruler can also bring better health. How is this so? Because by adhering to God’s laws one avoids heavy drinking, smoking, immoderate eating, immorality, drug addiction and other practices that damage one’s health. And by associating with those who also obey God as ruler, an individual is not in the kind of company that leads to health-damaging practices. So by obeying God’s laws a person is more likely to enjoy better health than those who give way to unrestrained appetites.

True, we are all still subject to sickness and old age. Yet, here too there is greater security among those obeying God as ruler. God’s laws instruct them to provide materially and spiritually for the sick and aged, so those needing assistance and encouragement are not ignored by their families. (1 Tim. 5:4, 8) Such sick and aged ones are also lovingly assisted by their many Christian brothers who provide association and encouragement for them. This is something that they really do.

Then there is the greater security that comes in family life when married couples obey God as ruler. When problems arise they both turn to the same unerring principles in God’s Word for guidance. They appreciate that it is God who originated marriage and that he gives the best counsel for happiness in it. And for those contemplating marriage, God’s Word counsels: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers”; marry “only in the Lord.” (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 7:39) Marrying only someone who also obeys God as ruler vastly increases the prospects for marital security and happiness. Indeed, it is the way to the greatest happiness in marriage. So because they build their marriages in harmony with God’s Word there is not the same rising tide of family breakups among Jehovah’s witnesses as there is in the world.

Also, there is added security in having friends you can really trust, true friends who come to your aid in time of need, friends who have your best interests at heart. Those who obey God as ruler are such kinds of friends. Since they obey God’s laws regarding honesty, morality and personal integrity, they will not be stealing, committing immorality, getting drunk, or abandoning friends in time of need. They have a genuine love for their fellowman and will not be motivated by selfish interests. And when newly interested ones associate with them, Jehovah’s witnesses assist them to appreciate that ungodly conduct is not permitted among God’s people. These new ones are patiently aided to bring their lives into harmony with Scriptural principles. Thus, God’s high standards of personal behavior are always maintained. What a great feeling of security comes from being among people who obey God as ruler!

EVEN GREATER SECURITY AHEAD

There is even greater security to come in the near future. Soon, the things that interfere with personal security, including this violent system of things that is so filled with wickedness, will be eliminated. God has guaranteed to bring these things to an end within our generation! (Matt. 24:34) Sickness, old-age infirmities, death inherited from Adam and wickedness will become things of the past. Those who obey God as ruler will enjoy life in a new system of things. And in that new system the Bible promises that God “will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more. The former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:3, 4) Thus, with everything that tends to cause insecurity taken out of the way, those who obey God as ruler will be able to enjoy perfect security in a righteous new order that will endure forever.

Security now, and the even greater security to come in God’s new system, can be yours. It can be realized by learning what God requires and then by doing it. God’s sure promise to those who do is: “As for the one listening to me, he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity.”—Prov. 1:33.

Mary Is Not the Mother of God

TO APPROXIMATELY 590 million Roman Catholics throughout the world this statement will undoubtedly be shocking, but it is what the Holy Bible affirms. Why be afraid to consider its testimony? As God’s inspired Word, the Bible is the truth, and the truth can never mislead you.

If you search throughout the Bible, you will be unable to find a single statement that even suggests that Mary is the mother of God. Why, then, do so many people believe it? Because it is an official teaching of their church. The reasoning behind the teaching is revealed in the official Roman Catholic publication A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, published in 1949. It states on page 61: “Although Christ’s conception and birth were miraculous, He, like other men, came into the world as an infant, having Mary for His Mother. Since His origin from the Blessed Virgin is true generation, Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is God, and she is therefore truly the Mother of God.”

On the surface this may seem like sound reasoning, but it is built upon an assumption that is not correct, and, therefore, the conclusion is wrong. That is why the Bible gives no support to the conclusion. The error is in assuming that Jesus Christ is God. Jesus never regarded himself as God and neither did his disciples. This is readily seen from what the Bible says.

CHRIST IS SUBJECT TO GOD

Consider what the Sacred Record states as to how Jesus regarded himself. All the Bible quotations will be from the Catholic Douay Version unless otherwise indicated. To the opposing religious leaders of his day Jesus said: “Do you say of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world: Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God?” (John 10:36) Notice that he did not claim to be God but the Son of God. Jesus always regarded himself as being inferior to his heavenly Father and subject to him. As shown at John 14:28, Jesus acknowledged this by saying: “The Father is greater than I.” He also showed it by pointing out that he had not come to earth to do his own will, which he certainly would have been doing had he been God. As recorded at John 6:38, he said: “I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.” On another occasion he observed: “If God were your Father, you would indeed love me. For from God I proceeded, and came; for I came not of myself, but he sent me.” (John 8:42) If he were God, he would have come of himself.

It is, therefore, evident from Jesus’ own testimony that he did not regard himself as God or try to make himself equal to God. By referring to himself repeatedly as the Son of God he indicated that he was one of the creations of God, as were the angels and Adam. They all are called sons of God.—Job 1:6; Luke 3:38, Knox.

The fact that Jesus Christ acknowledged God as his Father indicates that God brought him into existence, gave him a beginning. After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ testified to this in the revelation that he gave to the apostle John, saying: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the beginning of the creation of God.” (Apoc. 3:14) That Jesus Christ was speaking here is indicated by Revelation 1:5.

On one occasion Jesus spoke of his Father as being his God, which he could not do if he were actually God himself. To Mary Magdalen he said: “Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and to your God.” (John 20:17) Since Jesus was ascending to his God, the One who had sent him, how could Jesus’ mother Mary have been the mother of God?

TESTIMONY OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES

But what about the disciples of Jesus Christ who were inspired to write about him? What is their testimony? The apostle Paul was inspired to testify, at 1 Corinthians 11:3, to the inferior position that the resurrected Jesus Christ holds in heaven with respect to his Father, saying: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” If Jesus Christ were God, he would have no one as head over him, especially after returning to the heavens.

Further showing his subjection to God after ascending to heaven, 1 Corinthians 15:28 states: “When all things shall be subdued unto him, then the Son also himself shall be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

But you may say, “What about John 1:1, which says that ‘the Word was God’?” On the surface it would seem from this that Jesus Christ is God, but that would be a wrong conclusion, as it would not be in harmony with the other texts we have just considered from the Catholic Bible. The difficulty arises when translating the Greek text into English. A Bible translation entitled “The New Testament in an Improved Version,” which was published in 1808, renders this passage in a way that is harmonious with the rest of the testimony that the Bible gives regarding Jesus Christ. It says: “The Word was in the beginning, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.” This agrees with the very next Joh 1 verse 2, which says that the Word was “with God.”

By wrongly assuming that Jesus Christ is God, it is possible to conclude that Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is the mother of God. But since the Scriptures testify to the fact that Jesus Christ is not God Almighty, but is the Son of God, the Father’s first creation, the conclusion is in error. It has misled all the millions of people who venerate Mary as the mother of God. It has induced them to be among those, mentioned at Romans 1:25, who “changed the truth of God into a lie; and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.”

Religious organizations that mislead people into worshiping a creature are not God’s true representatives on earth as they claim. Instead, they are part of the world empire of false religion called in the Bible “Babylon the Great.” To honest persons, misled by Babylon the Great, who want to do what is right in the eyes of God the command is given at Apocalypse 18:4: “Go out from her, my people; that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.”

Apathy Is Dangerous

HOW often have Jehovah’s witnesses called at your door of late? Almost every week? Once a month, perhaps? At times you may have been too busy to listen to the message that they brought from the Bible. But if you have ever stopped to listen to what they have to say, you observed that they stick close to the Bible’s authority on every question. You noted that they do not speak as the clergy, and that many things they show you from the Bible are quite different from what the churches teach.

But now, the question is, Are you doing anything about it? Or, have you concluded that there is nothing to be done? Have you decided to let things slide along as they are, on the basis that all religion is good? Surely you must know that when one religion teaches that Jesus Christ is God and that Mary is the Mother of God, and another presents evidence from the Bible showing that Jesus did not claim to be God and that Mary is therefore not the Mother of God, both cannot be right. And if one is wrong, how can any truth seeker support in any way what God disapproves? Love of the truth will move him to break free from false worship and actively engage in true worship now.

On the other hand, perhaps you are simply indifferent to the religious questions that are at issue in these days. Is it possible that you feel that as long as you have a Bible in your home and read it occasionally everything will be all right? Is this a sound view? Not when you review these words of Jesus Christ: “Everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house and it caved in, and its collapse was great.” (Matt. 7:26, 27) The apathetic attitude can lead to disaster.

WARNING EXAMPLES

The Bible account contains some warning examples of those who manifested apathy. Consider the position taken by the multitudes who must have seen Noah’s boat-building operations and heard the warning message delivered by that faithful servant of God. They were not going to allow any such unusual happening to disturb the normal course of their lives. “As they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away.” (Matt. 24:38, 39) These were Jesus’ words, and he added: “So the presence of the Son of man will be.”

And what about the attitude adopted by those young men who were betrothed to the daughters of Lot? Their prospective father-in-law had been warned by God about the oncoming destruction of Sodom. He hastened to them with the urgent message: “Get up! Get out of this place, because Jehovah is bringing the city [Sodom] to ruin!” They heard him, but did they pay attention? Did they do anything about it? No, for the account goes on to tell: “In the eyes of his sons-in-law he seemed like a man who was joking.” (Gen. 19:14) They were unimpressed by the urgency of Lot’s message. Are you likewise unimpressed by the urgency of the message delivered by Jehovah’s witnesses? You do well to examine your reaction.

Like Lot, Jehovah’s witnesses of today are warning about the nearness of God’s great day of anger, urging people to take the practical steps that will bring them into peaceful relations with God before that dreadful day arrives. (Zeph. 1:14-18; 2:2, 3) Apathy cost Lot’s sons-in-law their lives, for only Lot and his daughters escaped. Apathy now can cost you your life.

Can you imagine what must have gone through the minds of the apathetic ones when they realized the full extent of the calamity that had overtaken them? As the floodwaters rose higher and higher toward the peaks of the tallest mountains, would not Noah’s contemporaries remember that open door of the ark that God finally shut? And what about Lot’s sons-in-law when the tempest of literal fire rained down upon their home city? Would they not then realize, when too late, that Lot’s warning had been right after all? Then what about the message you have received again and again from Jehovah’s witnesses? It will soon be too late to act on it.

RESPONSIBILITY TO ACT

When apathy and complacency prevent one from taking a clear stand against that which is wrong in God’s sight, a grave responsibility comes upon such one. In one Biblical example the outcome was disastrous. This was the case of Eli, priest in ancient Israel at God’s place of worship at Shiloh. His two priestly sons were “good-for-nothing men” who showed great disrespect for Jehovah’s clean worship. (1 Sam. 2:12-17) Eli remonstrated with them, but took no positive action, even though their evil doings were common knowledge and were bringing reproach upon Jehovah’s name. Eli failed to dissociate himself from their wickedness.—1 Sam. 2:29.

Eli now received a terrible message from God: “Look! Days are coming when I shall certainly chop off your arm and the arm of the house of your forefather, so that there will not come to be an old man in your house. And this is the sign for you that will come to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: On one day both of them will die.” (1 Sam. 2:31, 34) In fulfillment of that word, Eli received the stunning news of Israel’s defeat in battle with the Philistines, the loss of the ark of the true God and the death of both his sons. The shock caused him to fall backward and to break his neck.—1 Sam. 4:17, 18.

Have you learned about the blasphemous nature of clergy teachings and practices? Have you learned that they are not in agreement with the Word of God? Then what have you done about it? Do you think it is proper to say or do nothing about the matter for the sake of peace? Do you keep putting off the day when you will take a firm stand against wrong, as did Eli? Such a course of apathy could bring God’s displeasure. It could bring you into danger.

Listening to Jehovah’s witnesses simply because you enjoy their evident sincerity or their ability to use the Scriptures will bring no approval from God unless you exert yourself to do something about your own relationship with him. Failure to bestir yourself and apply in your life the things learned from the Witnesses could put you in a class with those faithless Israelites who heard the pronouncements of God’s prophet Ezekiel, but were not moved to action. Jehovah informed his prophet: “Look! you are to them like a song of sensuous loves, like one with a pretty voice and playing a stringed instrument well. And they will certainly hear your words, but there are none doing them.”—Ezek. 33:32.

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED

Can there be any doubt about what you should do? The urgent need is to conform your life to God’s requirements. One of these is to assemble regularly with others who have keen appreciation for Bible truth. (Heb. 10:24, 25) The meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses are open to you, and you have doubtless received many a warm invitation to attend. There you will have the opportunity to participate in group discussion of the Bible’s teachings, a practice that results in swift progress to Christian maturity.

‘Well, I will do it next month,’ you may be saying, ‘or, just as soon as I have some pressing problems straightened away.’ But what could be more important than your life? You cannot afford to delay. Eli delayed acting until it was too late. Lot’s sons-in-law might have done something had they had just a few more weeks or months to think about it. But God’s hour for Sodom’s destruction arrived. Nothing could delay it. So, too, the shutting of the door of Noah’s ark came at God’s decreed hour, and nothing could then prevail to have it opened.

Now is the time to cast aside the apathetic attitude, and act resolutely for your own safety. Hesitation now could be fatal. Your very life is in the balance. Quickly grasp the opportunity for eternal life in the New Order under God’s kingdom of the heavens. Act NOW!

Youth No Hindrance

● While the Bible is recognized as the greatest storehouse of wisdom and the embodiment of correct religious doctrine, it does not necessarily require old age and much experience to grasp some of its fundamental truths. As the young man Elihu once said: “It is not those merely abundant in days that prove wise, nor those just old that understand judgment.” (Job 32:9) This was exemplified by the experience related at a recent circuit assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses. A young eleven-year-old girl said:

“I have always wanted at least a small part in making disciples of people of all nations. But since my baptism I wanted more—I wanted to conduct a Bible study with someone. Last summer the time came. I had placed a Bible and ‘This Good News of the Kingdom’ booklet with a lady just three blocks from home. So Kathy, my younger sister, and I could go all by ourselves to make the return call.

“We prepared well before we left to make the call. The lady agreed to let us study with her. Because of her work our studies were sometimes cut short. But all summer long we stopped our playing, cleaned up and went regularly on this study. After going through several booklets we took up the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book. By this time her interest had increased so much that the questions she asked were too much for me to answer, so my mother came along to help out. The result? The lady now comes to the Kingdom Hall regularly and witnesses to relatives.

“The part I like best is that she was puzzled as to why I insisted on her getting her lessons studied. Now she realizes that this is what she has searched for all her life, and I had a part in helping her.”

Husbands, Assume Your Responsibilities of Headship

“I have become acquainted with him in order that he may command his sons and his household after him so that they shall keep Jehovah’s way to do righteousness and judgment; in order that Jehovah may certainly bring upon Abraham what he has spoken about him.”—Gen. 18:19.

1. Who are interested in this subject? Why?

THE subject of this article certainly is of interest to Christian husbands, their wives and families. In fact, we feel that actually all persons are concerned, that you are too, even though you may not be a worshiper of Jehovah God, one of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses, or perhaps may not profess to practice the “Christian religion” at all. Family problems are universal. Husbands and fathers everywhere often find them to be overwhelming. Where do the responsibilities of husbands properly begin? How far do they go? Is there a reliable guide to which husbands can turn and which will give them real, practical help? Yes, we say, and so we direct your attention to the following, which Jehovah’s witnesses considered at their Christian conventions during 1966.

2. What do all members of Christian families need to understand?

2 In view of the fact that 50 percent of monogamous married persons are husbands, the responsibilities of headship apply to a great many of Jehovah’s people. The other 50 percent of the married persons, wives, and the rest of the families, children, also need to understand that there are responsibilities of headship that husbands and fathers must assume if they are to discharge their Scriptural privileges and obligations. These responsibilities actually exist and they should be assumed. We know this because such responsibilities are undeniably established by the Bible in several ways.

3. (a) What arrangements of old are helpful examples now? (b) Why did Jehovah “become acquainted with” Abraham?

3 They are shown in the family organization that was established by Jehovah God at the outset, as in God’s arrangement for Adam and Eve and also for the family of his servants emerging from the ark following the great Deluge. Husbands who were approved by Jehovah God constitute Scriptural examples for Christian husbands. Such was the family head, Noah, of whom it is stated: “Noah was a righteous man. He proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God. In time Noah became father to three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth.” (Gen. 6:9, 10) Another example is Abraham, of whom Jehovah said: “I have become acquainted with him in order that he may command his sons and his household after him so that they shall keep Jehovah’s way to do righteousness and judgment; in order that Jehovah may certainly bring upon Abraham what he has spoken about him.” (Gen. 18:19) There is no question that these husbands, Noah and Abraham, were the heads of their families.

4, 5. State additional Bible support of headship responsibilities.

4 The Bible further establishes the responsibilities of headship in the example of Christ Jesus, who is spoken of as the husband and head of his congregation. It makes direct statements, such as: “Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, because a husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation, he being a savior of this body. In fact, as the congregation is in subjection to the Christ, so let wives also be to their husbands in everything.”—Eph. 5:22-24.

5 In the succeeding verses 25-33 of Ephesians chapter five the loving relationship of the family head is further considered, establishing the husband’s responsibilities of headship in the fact that the wife is here viewed as the helper and complement of the husband and as the beloved property of the husbandly owner. (Gen. 2:18-24) What responsibilities this brings to the husband!

6. What is the import of Galatians 4:1, 2 in respect to a father’s responsibilities?

6 Another point to have in mind is the fact that in Galatians 4:1, 2 children are compared to slaves. Yes, slaves, but beloved ones for whom the father has responsibility and toward whom he has an obligation that he must recognize and assume. The scripture expresses it this way: “Now I say that as long as the heir is a babe he does not differ at all from a slave, lord of all things though he is, but he is under men in charge and under stewards until the day his father appointed beforehand.” A babe is no more in position to care for himself than is a slave, because “he does not differ at all from a slave.” His father, his mother’s husband, has all the responsibility a master would have toward his slave to care for him in every respect.

7. Can a husband properly ignore the foregoing?

7 What attitude, then, must a Christian husband take in respect to these responsibilities? Does the Christian husband believe the Bible is God’s Word and is true and that in it God does not lie? He must believe the Holy Scriptures; he must assume his headship. His faith and faithfulness in this matter will be shown by his doing so. By his profession of Christianity he says he is in union with his own head, Christ Jesus, and accordingly, to quote 1 John 2:6, “he that says he remains in union with him is under obligation himself also to go on walking just as that one walked.”

WHAT HEADSHIP MEANS

8. Why a definition at this point?

8 If, then, a husband desires to assume his responsibilities of headship, what is he assuming? What does headship involve? The qualifications for overseers show that such a person must preside over his own household and have children in subjection. (1 Tim. 3:2-4) What does this mean? What does headship mean? It is good that we see a definition of “headship.”

9, 10. Define Christian headship (a) as to the husband’s decisions, (b) as to the husband’s directions.

9 The word “headship” is a noun. Of course, it means the state of being head; the condition, quality, position and office of the head of something. Our interest is in being head of a wife, of children, of a family. The head has the deciding voice in the family, but that is not all there is to it. The deciding voice must give a right decision; the decision must be right. How fine it is for wife and children when the deciding voice is from “one [who knows] wisdom and discipline, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive the discipline that gives insight, righteousness and judgment and uprightness, to give to the inexperienced ones shrewdness, to a young man knowledge and thinking ability.”—Prov. 1:2-4.

10 Headship means to give direction, but more than that, because the direction given must be good and must be the best for all concerned. A pattern is given in Deuteronomy 4:5, 6: “I have taught you regulations and judicial decisions, just as Jehovah my God has commanded me, for you to do that way in the midst of the land to which you are going to take possession of it. And you must keep and do them, because this is wisdom on your part and understanding on your part before the eyes of the peoples who will hear of all these regulations, and they will certainly say, ‘This great nation is undoubtedly a wise and understanding people.’”

11, 12. What follows in respect to the husband’s need for a guide?

11 How, then, can a husband be certain of his decisions for his wife and family and of his direction in the guidance of his life and theirs? You, who are a husband, how can you be certain of the course to take in assuming and discharging the responsibilities of headship? You know from the Bible that the responsibilities exist and should be assumed. You know what headship means. How, then, can you be sure of yourself in your meeting your wonderful God-given responsibilities?

12 Can we answer that question? Yes, we can. Someone might say, “Oh, the answer is going to be that the Bible is the guide. We know that.”

13. What conviction is needed? By whom?

13 Yes, the Bible is the guide in exercising headship as a husband. However, there is more to it than just knowing this fact. You husbands must be convinced of it. You must be convinced that without the Bible you will have what many husbands in general have, perplexity. With God’s Word you do have sure guidance; of this you must be convinced without any doubt. You as a husband must “safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability, and they will prove to be life to your soul and charm to your throat. In that case you will walk in security on your way, and even your foot will not strike against anything. Whenever you lie down you will feel no dread; and you will certainly lie down, and your sleep must be pleasurable. For Jehovah himself will prove to be, in effect, your confidence.”—Prov. 3:21-24, 26.

14. (a) In the light of Genesis 18:19, what must the family head do? (b) What is here recommended for each family as a basic essential?

14 If you are in agreement (and you certainly are if you are dedicated to Jehovah and love his Word) you then can appreciate a basic essential that you may or may not as yet have established in your household. It is called to your attention now as the basis in taking full advantage of the Bible as your guide in exercising your headship. Remember Jehovah’s words of approval concerning Abraham: “I have become acquainted with [Abraham] in order that he may command his sons and his household after him so that they shall keep Jehovah’s way to do righteousness and judgment.” (Gen. 18:19) This is what the family head needs to do. He needs to command his sons and his household so that they shall keep Jehovah’s ways to do righteousness and judgment. This means that it is not sufficient for the husband himself to know the things that are in the Bible and to have a mental understanding of principles of the Scriptures. There is something else to be done. Are you doing it? Are you willing to do it? What? This: first of all, establish and hold a weekly family Bible study.

15, 16. Outline the points of procedure respecting the family Bible study?

15 Study the Word of God with your wife and your children. In this way all in the family will learn the place and the obligation of each one of the family in relationship to the family, to the congregation of God’s people, to the ministry and to his fellowmen. This can be done by your family studying the Bible together. “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) You, your wife and your children need this from the Scriptures and to obtain it as a unit in group study.

16 Hold your family study at a definite time, regularly, and at each study consider certain material, selected beforetime and known to all the family so that all will receive the greatest benefit possible from the study. Proceed in a formal way, the husband leading in opening with prayer and closing with prayer. A prayer to this end is in Psalm 119:66: “Teach me goodness, sensibleness and knowledge themselves, for in your commandments I have exercised faith.” Christ Jesus, the head of the husband, stated: “If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” So in the family study the family head has the certain support of the word and spirit of Jehovah God.—Luke 11:13.

17. What can the family Bible study include?

17 Such study can be a preparation for the congregation’s Watchtower study, Theocratic Ministry School, Bible reading or some other congregational activity. It could utilize the publications on the congregation’s current program or the Watchtower main article, secondary articles, articles of special interest or of family application in Awake! or in Kingdom Ministry. In your study mark the publications and have the family do so for congregation participation. This will result in an hour or two spent most profitably weekly. “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”—Deut. 6:6, 7.

18. What need of the family head is here stressed?

18 The family head has a great need for kindness and must exercise this quality fully. “Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” “Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it.” “In this way husbands ought to be loving their wives.” “Fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and authoritative advice of Jehovah.”—Eph. 4:32; 5:25, 28; 6:4.

19. For wisdom, on what must the husband rely?

19 The loving lead and direction of the head are needed, and very often the deciding voice must speak. However, in doing so reliance upon worldly wisdom is unwise. Ancient and Christian Scriptures demonstrate this. “And Manoah began to entreat Jehovah and say: ‘Excuse me, Jehovah. The man of the true God that you just sent, let him, please, come again to us and instruct us as to what we ought to do to the child that will be born.’” “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”—Judg. 13:8; 1 Cor. 3:19.

USING THE FAMILY BIBLE STUDY FULLY

20. What matters may be handled through the family Bible study?

20 A husband can use the Scriptures in dealing with matters that come up in the home and in the congregation. There are things to be done; problems come up; family matters must be handled; congregation responsibilities and obligations are to be cared for. How can the husband use the Bible in dealing with these matters, solving problems, answering questions, discharging his responsibilities and helping the other members of his family to care for theirs? Briefly, some concrete examples of this:

21. In what do Abraham and Jehovah God himself serve as fine examples?

21 The sacrifice of Bible principle in dealing with a child is not really an expression of love. It would be a mistake to sacrifice principle in order to gain or hold the affection of the child. We have this demonstrated in the Scriptures. Read Genesis 22:1-10 and note how Abraham did not sacrifice principle in an effort to gain or hold the affection of Isaac. But, rather, Abraham “put out his hand and took the slaughtering knife to kill his son,” and then Jehovah’s angel intervened. (Heb. 11:17-19) Consider Jehovah God himself, who did not spare his own Son. His Son Christ Jesus responded, not with childish affection but with unbreakable love.

22. Wrong desires present what danger and also what opportunity for use of the family Bible study?

22 The Christian head must avoid wrong desires on the part of himself and his family. Wrong desires constantly need attention because they recur and they must always be dealt with. They are basic in respect to conduct. Explaining the matter, Jesus said: “The things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man.” (Matt. 15:18-20) The husband must detect wrong desires on the part of himself and his family and apply the Scriptures, to show how these wrong desires must be put aside. “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” (Jas. 1:14, 15) So these scriptures and related ones can be used by the family head in the family Bible study to straighten the family out in the matter of wrong desires. All the family can help each individual in this respect and each individual can help all the family as all rely upon the Bible.

23, 24. Show how wrong attitudes can be handled through the family Bible study.

23 Not only wrong desires but wrong attitudes must be given attention by the Christian head, so that these will be eliminated from himself, his wife and his children. Do you detect anywhere in the family the attitude of anxiety? Why not study together the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34 and Mark 4:19, along with 1 Peter 5:7, which states: “Throw all your anxiety upon [God], because he cares for you.” It could be that the attitude of disrespect is seen in some members of the family. This may be expressed toward the marriage mate, toward the parents, toward the congregation or its servants, even toward the Bible and the ministry. Now the family head needs to take action. The husband should, together with the family, turn to the scriptures that deal especially with the problem at hand so that the wrong attitude can be viewed in its proper light and be eliminated. In the case of disrespect you have the scriptures at 3 John 9, 10; Psalm 74:10; Jude 8-10; Proverbs 11:2; 13:10; 16:5, 18; 21:4, 24; James 4:16: 1 Samuel 15:23, and others.

24 If you as a family head would take action whenever you see the wrong attitude of belligerence, contentiousness, cowardice, egotism, envy, covetousness, fear of men, greediness, hardheartedness, hatred, hypocrisy, jealousy, laziness, love of money, love of material things, malicious bitterness, uncontrolled anger, unreasonableness or wicked suspicions or other wrong attitudes in your own heart and in your wife or your children, then study the Scriptures on these things. If you wish assistance in finding the scriptures, take “Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What Is Fine” and turn to page 99, from which page on you will find the Scripture references and citations. Use them while studying whatever attitude is under consideration for all your family so that your family’s attitude will be that of the Bible.

25, 26. (a) Who are in danger of carrying on wrong practices? (b) What action is to be taken by the family head?

25 Wrong attitudes are not the only matters that may come up in the home and in the congregation that must be dealt with by the family head, but also wrong practices on the part of himself, his wife and his children must be eliminated Scripturally. What are some wrong practices? How about complaining? It shows a bad attitude and perhaps the wrong desire and lack of love. Complaining is a practice to be avoided. So when it exists, eliminate it. How? Go into the matter with your family members, all of them, using the scriptures and context of Jude 16; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Numbers 11:1 and Colossians 3:13, the latter of which states: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another.” Complaining kills joy, cooperation, appreciation and leads to other wrong conduct and possibly thereby the loss of life. So, again, the Christian family head needs to turn to God’s Word with his family so all will know the Bible reasons for taking the proper course of action and what course should be taken to make the necessary changes.

26 The same procedure can be followed in order to prevent or to remove the wrong practices of bragging, drunkenness, gluttony, obscene speech, immodest dress, immoral tendencies, quarreling, stealing, screaming and such things. Here again husbands can get help from “Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What Is Fine,” particularly page 102 on, including the scriptures concerning godly fruitage to be cultivated.

27. The entire family needs what?

27 If a family will study together to obtain the Bible’s solution to any problem they have, they will be benefited. The entire family needs constant application to the study of these matters so that wrong thinking, desires, attitudes and wrong conduct will be avoided. In this way there will not be the more difficult problem of eliminating something that has already developed. “Cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.” This is the good advice of Ephesians 5:17.

28. Comment on the benefits (a) to the wife, (b) to the children.

28 By assuming the headship responsibilities that the Scriptures place on him the Christian husband benefits all concerned. His wife has security and she has self-respect. The children have security, which they so very much need, and self-respect, which they also need, both of which are sought for in so many ways by young persons of the world and which search is in vain and leads them into all manner of excess. The loving father can protect his children in this regard if he will use the Word of God.

29. What advantages come from the standpoint of fulfilling one’s dedication?

29 The proper assuming of husbandly headship likewise upholds the dedication of the husband and assists those of his family in respect to their faithful, dedicated course. The ministry is advanced and the family is guided in setting their hearts and affections upon the ministry, planning ahead for it, thereby avoiding being turned aside to materialism and the devotion of a life to just material pursuits, instead of to the ministry.

30. What may be said regarding (a) the preservation of the family, and (b) improvement of our worship?

30 Certainly, when family heads find in their own hearts or in the hearts and attitudes of their wives and their children love for money they need to take steps to correct this. The ministry needs to be advanced and ministers need to advance. Also, by discharging headship responsibilities the husband can preserve the family, because without such the family may disintegrate. By his discharging headship it should improve the family’s worshiping of Jehovah. It certainly will reflect itself as far as the family and the individuals in the family are concerned. This is good and is the desirable objective. The fact that all these things are attainable should be a great encouragement to husbands and a great strengthening to them in assuming their responsibilities of headship. Such will bring them great joy for the present, assurance for the future, and, for themselves and their families, a certain hope of everlasting life in Jehovah’s righteous new system of things.

Working What Is Good Toward Those in the Faith

“Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.”—Gal. 6:10.

1. Is the doing of good restricted to the family circle?

THE preceding article deals especially with husbands, their headship responsibilities and the great good that they can bring to their wives, their children and also to themselves through following the guide of the Word of God in the affairs of their families. Only things that are good are suitable and appropriate to a Christian. Persons who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, the Head and Founder of Christianity, can extend their doing of good beyond the bounds of the family circle. There are many things extending beyond the immediate family that must be considered by Jehovah’s witnesses and that deserve to be put into practice by these Christians.

2. (a) As shown by Galatians chapter 6, how extensive is the opportunity for doing good? (b) For Christians, what is suitable and essential?

2 Particularly does the sixth chapter of Ga the Bible book Galatians show unlimited opportunity for doing good to other persons generally, and especially to those who have the same faith, who are fellow Christians, Jehovah’s witnesses and their associates. This chapter 6 of Galatians deals considerably with the helpful, loving relationship that exists between Christians and the opportunities that this brings for manifesting that which is good. “Good” is, therefore, that which is appropriate and suitable to the Christian faith and, in fact, essential as evidence of one’s actually conforming to the requirements of God’s Word and the example of Christ Jesus.

3. (a) Due to what important fact do servants of Jehovah have special responsibility now? (b) In what way is motive involved?

3 The first six verses 1-6 of Galatians chapter six speak of helping one another in mildness, in humility and by unselfishly sharing. Then beginning with Ga 6 verse seven: “Do not be misled: God is not to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.” (Gal. 6:7, 8) Christians, therefore, definitely do have opportunities to “sow” by performing good works. These opportunities expand and increase constantly today because a great crowd of persons are receiving of God’s goodwill and are being brought into association with the Christian congregation. To servants of Jehovah this brings much responsibility, including the responsibility of sowing well, because, as we have read, “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” For works to be truly good they must be done with the right motive, because, as is stated in Ga 6 verse eight, there can be “sowing with a view to his flesh” or “sowing with a view to the spirit.” Sowing with the good, Scriptural objective, the right motive, enables the Christian thereby to “reap everlasting life from the spirit.”

4. (a) How do the times promote doing of good “toward all”? (b) To what further extent does ’working what is good’ go?

4 Events and developments in the religious world today make this of all times the opportune time for sowing good works. This is the favorable time, now when we have association with many fellow Christians. We have opportunities to preach, ‘working what is good toward all’; but especially now, when we are not separated from our brothers but are with them, associated with them, we have the opportunity to aid our fellow Christians. So, “really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Gal. 6:10) Christians, then, have the opportunities to sow good by works of preaching; but ‘working what is good’ goes farther than that, as the above text from Galatians states in emphasizing “those related to us in the faith.”

5. State the purpose of mentioning some specific ways in which we can work what is good?

5 Let us notice now some specific ways in which we can work what is good toward those in the faith. Not that we here pretend to mention all the ways in which this can be done. The list here is certainly not complete, but mentioning some of these good works as space permits may aid us all in seeing that the requirement of Galatians 6:10 in respect to “those related to us in the faith” can be met in many ways.

6. Explain the common objective of Jehovah’s witnesses.

6 As Jehovah’s witnesses we are serving with those related to us in the faith, working together with them in the ministry in the interests of the Christian congregation and in the interests of other persons to whom the message of God’s Word is carried by ourselves and our Christian associates. We all have the same objective, namely, to sow with a view to the spirit and faithfully to serve and worship our God Jehovah and to make certain of our hope for life in his righteous new system of things. In the attaining of this objective we help one another, and much of this assistance is by counsel or suggestion that we receive and that we give, all based upon the Word of God and in line with the efforts of his theocratic organization.

WHEN IS COUNSEL BENEFICIAL?

7. (a) When is counsel beneficial? (b) Give obvious examples. (c) This leads to what conclusion about counsel we may give?

7 You have received during your lifetime counsel and suggestions. When did you benefit from them? Was it not when you took the counsel and conformed to it, following the suggestions that were made for your good and improvement? If you did not respond in this manner, obviously the counsel and suggestions would not have benefited you. That is the way the theocratic suggestions and counsel operate too. So from this fact we can see how important it is that, when we are serving with those who are related to us in the faith, we do so responsively and tactfully, so that we will benefit from counsel and suggestions and so that other persons will benefit from those suggestions that they receive from us. Suggestions and counsel are beneficial to one only if such are accepted, and they are not of benefit when they are rejected. Is this not obvious in regard to such counsel as that given in the Theocratic Ministry School, where kindly, loving suggestions are made for the improvement of those speaking from the platform, preparing to qualify for giving public Bible lectures? Suggestions are made, and the improvement comes when the suggestions are taken and followed. Our Kingdom Ministry contains suggestions and counsel. Overseers in congregations give such counsel and suggestions. The Word of God is abundant in good advice. So, then, in our serving with those related to us in the faith, tactfulness will aid us to be effective and helpful with our counsel.

8. 1 Timothy 5:1, 2 gives us what appropriate counsel?

8 Be tactful when counseling or giving suggestions, even though the person to whom such is given may be a mature Christian and, for that reason, should not have to be told. Even though it may seem that “he should know better,” nevertheless, our consideration, courtesy and tactfulness require us to deal lovingly with our brothers in the congregation, just as we would deal lovingly with family members. “Do not severely criticize an older man. To the contrary, entreat him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness.” (1 Tim. 5:1, 2) This is Bible counsel to us so we will have respect for the feelings of our brothers. We need to use tact in our dealings with them so as not to defeat our purpose, which is to do them good, to benefit them and, in the case of counsel and suggestions, to have them receive our counsel and respond to our suggestions. All of this is for their welfare and the advancement of Jehovah’s worship.

9. (a) Why is encouragment often needed? (b) Give an example of ‘comforting and building up.’

9 Should we look for opportunities to offer tactful encouragement to our brothers? Yes, we should. Christians have the privilege to encourage and comfort one another. Encouragement is often needed because discouragement is not uncommon, even among those who are servants of Jehovah God. Our mutual privileges in this respect are pointed out in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore keep comforting one another and building one another up, just as you are in fact doing.” Compliance with this results in personal joy and in more activity for both involved, the one giving and the one receiving comfort and upbuilding help. Continuance in this is admonished. An overseer or other Christian may notice that a brother is depressed and he may make an opportunity to talk with him about it. A private conversation between the depressed Christian and the brother seeking to encourage him might go something like this:

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The Watchtower, February 15, 1968