The Watchtower, May 15, 1974

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The Watchtower — May 15, 1974

Source: jw.org

Contents

Would You Want to Be There?

Insight on the News

The Purpose of the Transfiguration

Pride Is Dangerous

The Music You Choose

A Good Relationship Leads to Good Communication

Practicing Bible Principles in the Home

Applying Bible Principles Saved a Marriage

Do You Remember?

Questions From Readers

A Thousand Years of Peace!

Would You Want to Be There?

Would You Want to Be There?

WOULD you like to live in a place where you did not have to fight the commercial world to eke out a living? Where you were free from worry about rising prices, shortages, loss of employment or income?

Would you like to get away from governmental corruption, inequalities in rights and opportunities and slackness in the administration of justice?

Do you wish that you could live where there would be no need for lawyers, doctors, hospitals or cemeteries?

You may reply, ‘You’re talking about heaven.’

No. We are talking about the earth. You likely have wished for this very condition. Have you prayed: “Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth”? This prayer is not a request to go to heaven. It asks for the righteous, favorable conditions of God’s heaven to be brought to earth.​—Matt. 6:10.

Could such a condition be possible? It can and will be. When? How?

In the very near future, by God’s own hand. Surely you see that this present system as run by men is decadent. There is evidence, however, that there are also unseen forces that exercise vast influence. The Bible identifies these forces as demons, wicked spirits controlled by a master demon, Satan the Devil. Invisibly, he is “misleading the entire inhabited earth.”​—Rev. 12:9; 2 Cor. 4:4.

Consequently, there is a wicked invisible rulership, which the Bible calls a “heaven,” and a wicked visible human society called “earth.” Of these, the Bible says, prophetically: “The earth and the heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.” (Rev. 20:11) This is foretelling that God will do away with the corrupt system that holds mankind in the viselike grip of fear, corruption, war, disease and death.​—2 Pet. 3:7, 13.

A RIGHTEOUS EARTH

The “new heaven” of Jesus Christ and his 144,000 associate kings and priests will then rule invisibly. (Rev. 21:1; 14:1; 20:4-6) Of their qualifications as rulers and judges, The Watchtower has spoken in previous issues. But what about human society under them? It will constitute a “new earth.” In order to make an intelligent decision​—to want to be there—​one needs to understand its operation.

Who will be the visible administrators of righteousness in the “new earth”? Psalm 45 tells us. It is addressed prophetically to David’s kingly heir, the Lord Jesus Christ. After describing the heavenly “marriage” of Jesus Christ and his “bridal” congregation, the psalm says: “In place of your forefathers there will come to be your sons, whom you will appoint as princes in all the earth.”​—Ps 45 Vs. 16.

Who are the “princes” that will help in carrying out justice in the “new earth”? Some of them will be chosen from among Jesus’ ancestors. They, though forefathers of Jesus in a fleshly sense, will be dependent on him for life. These men he will resurrect from the dead, Jesus becoming their “Father,” and they his “sons.” Others will also serve as “princes” from among the survivors of this system’s destruction and from among faithful men of old not in Jesus’ ancestry.

The primary factor qualifying these princes is integrity. Jesus Christ will follow God’s own principle in selecting these men, as stated at Exodus 18:21: You should select “capable men, fearing God, trustworthy men, hating unjust profit.” These princes will not be corruptible, as rulers are today. They will be courageous and protective of what is right, like the princes described in Isaiah 32:1, 2:

“Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” All, regardless of race, color or former nationality, will receive justice. There will be no need of lawyers fighting for civil rights. Justice will not be meted out on the basis of any economic, social or ethnic status.

Under such righteous heavenly and earthly administration, the selfishness that hampers production of food and equitable distribution to all will be eliminated. God’s loving promise will then be a tangible, enjoyable reality: “Jehovah of armies will certainly make for all the peoples, in this mountain [kingdom], a banquet . . . of well-oiled dishes filled with marrow, of wine kept on the dregs, filtered. . . . He will actually swallow up death forever.”​—Isa. 25:6-8.

THE THOUSAND-YEAR JUDGMENT

Under Jesus Christ and his 144,000 associate heavenly judges the princes will function. They will have a thousand years to assist the human race to learn obedience to God’s laws and to achieve life. With sparkling, invigorating life, there will be no sickness requiring doctors and hospitals, as are now necessary to alleviate, to some extent, the terrible suffering it causes. God gave the apostle John a vision that provides a fine picture of this judgment day. John writes:

“And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Hades gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds.”​—Rev. 20:12, 13.

This vision clearly depicts the resurrection of the dead, whether from an earthly grave or a watery one​—all the redeemed ones, for whom God accepts the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ. This will constitute the majority of mankind who have ever lived.

In addition to the resurrected ones there will be the survivors of the “great tribulation” that destroys this wicked earthly system of things. (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:9-17) These will need the help of the heavenly judges and priests in order to be lifted up to perfection, even though some may serve as “princes.” Likewise, the resurrected men appointed as “princes” will need such heavenly help.

All of these must stand before Jehovah’s judgment throne. God has delegated judgment authority during the thousand years to Jesus Christ. (John 5:22) Is the judgment based on the past record of those being judged? No. The judgment is not based on whether their name is in the book of life when they come before the throne. The vision shows that other scrolls were opened and that “the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds.” Thus, determination is made as to whether they get the opportunity to have their names in the book of life or not.

The scrolls set forth Jehovah’s laws for living and working in the “new earth.” The people are not judged en masse, but “individually according to their deeds” of obedience or disobedience to these laws administered by the heavenly judges. The earthly princes will assist the people to learn and obey them.

Under these conditions, can we expect the majority of earth’s population then to turn out wicked, disobedient? This does not seem reasonable. At the present time many circumstances cause people to be disobedient to law. One of these is the slow, dragging process of justice in today’s courts, as well as the bribery and favoritism that produce injustice. The situation in this world has encouraged criminality. It has occurred as the Bible says: “Because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad.”​—Eccl. 8:11.

No such situation will exist during Christ’s thousand-year reign. Throughout this time, as the result of the dripping and trickling down of righteousness from the “new heavens,” the human soil of the “new earth” will respond and become fruitful in a corresponding way. The Bible expresses it beautifully: “Let the earth open up, and let it be fruitful with salvation, and let it cause righteousness itself to spring up at the same time. I myself, Jehovah, have created it.”​—Isa. 45:8.

Consequently, the path of the righthearted person will not be such rough going as now, but will be smoothed out. God’s prophet Isaiah wrote: “The path of the righteous one is uprightness. You being upright, you will smooth out the very course of a righteous one. Yes, for the path of your judgments, O Jehovah, we have hoped in you. . . . because, when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn.”​—Isa. 26:7-9.

Conditions will be the reverse of what they have been under the satanic “god of this system of things” with corrupt political domination and the influence of false religion to keep the people in subjection. The “scrolls” of God’s instructions for handling earth’s affairs will be taught without interference from false ideologies and the materialistic philosophies of selfish men. Greedy commercialism will no longer govern the lives of people by manipulation of earth’s resources so as to cause spiraling prices, inflation, shortages and consequent suffering, along with dissatisfaction, unhappiness and unrest. That which is right and good will be exalted, and no more will it be true that “sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily.”

WHAT ABOUT THOSE NOT OBEDIENT?

Of course, there will undoubtedly be some who are not obedient to the “things written in the scrolls” for the direction of mankind in God’s way. The prophet Isaiah goes on to say: “Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah.”​—Isa. 26:10.

The millennial “land of straightforwardness,” of straightforward dealing with the people and among the people, will be a place where great favor is shown to all mankind in their inborn human imperfection. But some members of the human family have gone down more deeply into sinful degradation than others and have been hardened in an unjust personality. Their accustomed bent is toward injustice, even though all around them there is straightforwardness. They will not want to recognize the eminence of Jehovah as the rightful Lawgiver nor the rightness of his standards for living.

Persons who, in the “land of straightforwardness,” receive the “favor” of God in vain, missing its loving purpose, and who prove unreformable, need not necessarily be preserved to the end of the thousand years before being executed as unfit for eternal life in the Paradise restored to earth. Without any injustice to such who prove to be beyond correction, they may be executed by the one whom God has appointed to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness. (Rev. 20:14, 15; Acts 17:31) How wise and prudent it is, then, to be obedient now to the “good news of God” and to cultivate a love of righteousness in view of that coming Judgment Day!​—1 Pet. 4:17, 18.

After the end of the thousand-year rule of Christ, there are greater things to come. These will be discussed in the next issue of The Watchtower.

Do you want to be in a world like this? Would you be happier than now if you possessed perfection of health and could welcome back in the resurrection your loved ones and friends? This happy condition will be right here on earth. If you truly want to live in such a world, your heart and conscience will motivate you to look further into God’s Word the Bible. God’s very reason for having this book written was to provide instructions for us during this time. It shows us how to conduct ourselves in order to get onto the way to life in that “new earth.”​—Rom. 15:4.

“O God, give your own judicial decisions to the king, and your righteousness to the son of the king. May he plead the cause of your people with righteousness and of your afflicted ones with judicial decision. Let the mountains carry peace to the people, also the hills, through righteousness. Let him judge the afflicted ones of the people, let him save the sons of the poor one, and let him crush the defrauder. In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more.”​—Ps. 72:1-4, 7.

Insight on the News

Insight on the News

Holy Year Preparations

● Nineteen seventy-five was designated as a “Holy Year” by Pope Paul VI, and the city of Rome is already preparing for an expected six and a half million pilgrims.

Under the headline “A Rain of Billions on the Holy Year,” the Italian newspaper “Corriere della Sera” predicts an influx of from 600 to 700 billion lira ($960,000,000 to $1,120,000,000) from the pilgrims and native Italians visiting Rome. A question now discussed is, Who will share in these profits? The newspaper reports that a small “war of the sanctuaries” began to flare​—due to so many sanctuaries wanting to give the special indulgences to the Holy Year pilgrims. Finally, the Italian Episcopal Conference allowed only four places outside Rome (Loreto, Pompeii, Assisi and Padova) to share in granting these indulgences.

Hotel owners, shopkeepers and restaurants all stand to benefit, but even among these there are reports of discontent. Why? “Corriere della Sera” estimates that religious institutions acting as hotels will house half the visitors and will take in about one tenth of all the billions of lira spent. Small shopkeepers dealing in religious items​—rosaries, medallions, Madonnas, Christs and saints—​face similar church competition. Sighed one prominent merchant: “They take the food from our mouths . . . There isn’t a vestry, ecclesiastical home or church that doesn’t have its rooms for renting, its selling booths full of religious articles and souvenirs. They can sell everything cheaper . . . they don’t have our expenses: rent, taxes, employees’ wages and insurance.”

So the papal announcement of a “Holy Year” in 1975 apparently involves more than spiritual upbuilding of the millions of pilgrims that Rome expects. We are reminded of circumstances in a different “holy city” nineteen centuries ago. Jesus observed that men were selling doves and changing money (for a profit) in Jerusalem’s temple. Read what he said about their practice, at Matthew 21:12, 13. The merchandise may be different today. But the situation is the same.

Costly Curiosity

● Somewhat over a year ago the Apollo space project, with its six manned flights to the moon, ended. The cost: twenty-four billion dollars. What has mankind really learned? Scientists have learned that many theories were wrong​—for one thing the moon’s chemical makeup is quite different from the earth’s. But the major question it was hoped the project would solve still remains: By what process did the moon take shape? Because the findings fail to fit so many of the theories held, a “Wall Street Journal” report humorously summed up things by saying: “The moon isn’t where it’s supposed to be​—or, if it is, it’s made of the wrong stuff.”​—March 25, 1974.

The same week that that statement was made, World Bank president Robert McNamara drew attention to another matter that deserves consideration. He was quoted as saying that, of two billion people living in one hundred “developing” countries, “800,000,000 of them live on, in [U.S.] terms, 30 cents a day, and the people are barely on the margin of life.”​—New York “Post,” March 27, 1974.

Scientific curiosity has led to some useful discoveries. But, weighing priorities against the background of world conditions, is it not questionable whether mankind should now be allowing itself the luxury of such costly curiosity? With good reason 1 Corinthians 3:19 says: “The wisdom of this world is folly in God’s sight.”​—“New English Bible.”

New Model for Women’s Lib?

● The ‘women’s liberation’ movement supposedly has a new model and supporter, according to “Marialis Cultus,” a recent papal document. Who is the model? Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus. The “apostolic exhortation” depicts Mary as a forceful woman whose example supports the “liberating energies” now astir in modern society.

There is no doubt that Jesus’ mother Mary was not a bashful, backward, withdrawn individual. (Compare Luke 1:46-55; 2:41-49; John 2:1-5.) On the other hand, she was undoubtedly in agreement with the apostle Peter’s exhortation to wives to “be in subjection to your own husbands,” and to be adorned with “the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.” (1 Pet. 3:1-4) Would you say that this is the view of most modern feminist leaders?

The Purpose of the Transfiguration

The Purpose of the Transfiguration

DO YOU believe that Christ will actually rule the earth as King? If so, will he rule from an earthly throne or a heavenly one? Or do you think that he was merely an outstanding man, a teacher?

It was to provide a sure, reliable answer to these questions, and to have eyewitnesses with accurate and unshakable testimony to the reality of his heavenly rulership, that the transfiguration vision was given to three of the apostles, and the account thereof preserved in writing.

To understand the purpose of the transfiguration, we need to go back to a conversation that Jesus had with his disciples only a few days previously. They were present when the Pharisees and Sadducees unbelievingly demanded a sign​—likely that Jesus come visibly on the clouds of heaven. But Jesus told those selfish, wicked men that they would receive only an earthly sign​—the sign of the prophet Jonah.​—Matt. 16:4.

A little later Jesus asked his disciples about the opinion of the people in general: “Who are men saying the Son of man is?” They replied: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”​—Matt. 16:13, 14.

Having ascertained the opinion of the people, Jesus asked: “You, though, who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the living God.” God had revealed this to the apostles because of their faith; but they yet needed to know much more about the Messiah, what he had to do and the glory he would be given by God. Accordingly, Jesus began explaining that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things and be killed. Peter tried to dissuade him, saying: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all.” Peter’s response showed that he did not fully grasp that Jesus had to die a sacrificial death, and that he would be resurrected to heavenly life. Neither did Peter see that the Kingdom would rule from heaven, beginning long after the apostles’ death, at the time of Christ’s parousia, or invisible presence in glory and power. Jesus immediately corrected Peter, saying: “You think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.”​—Matt. 16:15-23.

Jesus realized that his apostles viewed his kingdom from a human viewpoint, thinking he would rule from an earthly throne. But it was essential for these men, who would be pillars in the Christian congregation, to be witnesses to the truth of his future heavenly presence in Kingdom power. (Gal. 2:9) Not at that time, but after his death and resurrection, they would have to establish this great truth, this important doctrine, firmly in the congregation. So he made this remarkable statement to them:

“The Son of man is destined to come in the glory of his Father with his angels . . . Truly I say to you that there are some of those standing here that will not taste death at all until first they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.”​—Matt. 16:24-28.

THE TRANSFIGURATION

A few days later Christ’s words were fulfilled. He took Peter, James and John into a lofty mountain. He did not need to take all his apostles. Three witnesses were sufficient, as the Law required. (Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1) Luke’s account of the transfiguration scene reads:

“As [Jesus] was praying the appearance of his face became different and his apparel became glitteringly white. Also, look! two men were conversing with him, who were Moses and Elijah. These appeared with glory and began talking about his departure [Greek, exodos] that he was destined to fulfill at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those with him were weighed down with sleep; but when they got fully awake they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. And as these were being separated from him, Peter said to Jesus: ‘Instructor, it is fine for us to be here, so let us erect three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah,’ he not realizing what he was saying. But as he was saying these things a cloud formed and began to overshadow them. As they entered into the cloud, they became fearful. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: ‘This is my Son, the one that has been chosen. Listen to him.’ And as the voice occurred Jesus was found alone.”​—Luke 9:29-36.

The vision must have occurred at night, for they were sleepy, and they did not come down from the mountain until the next day. But they were awake when they saw the transfiguration. Imagine the apostles’ amazement as they saw Jesus’ face shining as the sun, and his clothing glitteringly white! Long previously Moses, after returning from the mountain where God spoke with him, could hide the brilliance of his face by a veil, but the far greater glory of Christ made even his entire apparel brilliant, glistening.​—Ex. 34:29-35; compare 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.

EVIDENCE OF CHRIST’S COMING GLORY

Here, before the apostles’ eyes, was evidence that Jesus’ presence in Kingdom power would be a glorious heavenly one. Also, the conversation of the visionary Moses and Elijah about Jesus’ exodus was proof that his humiliating death was not something to avoid, as Peter had desired. In this tableau, Moses, who was used by God to give the Law to Israel, represented that Law covenant. Elijah represented the other prophets. Both the Law and the prophets had foretold Christ, his life, his suffering, his sacrifice, his glory. All pointed to Christ. As the apostle Paul said: “The Law has become our tutor leading to Christ.” (Gal. 3:24; Rom. 10:4) And, as to the other prophets, an angel later told the apostle John: “The bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.”​—Rev. 19:10.

Also, Christ is a Leader and Deliverer, as was Moses. He is Mediator of the new covenant, as Moses was of the Law covenant. (Gal. 3:19; Heb. 9:15) Jehovah had said to Moses: “A prophet I shall raise up for them from the midst of their brothers, like you; and I shall indeed put my words in his mouth, and he will certainly speak to them all that I shall command him. And it must occur that the man who will not listen to my words that he will speak in my name, I shall myself require an account from him.”​—Deut. 18:18, 19; Acts 3:22, 23, 26.

Christ would conduct a work like Elijah. The prophet Malachi had recorded Jehovah’s promise: “Look! I am sending to you people Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah.” Elijah had done a great work toward restoring pure worship. (1 Ki. 18:25-29, 40) John the Baptist did this toward Israel. (Luke 1:17; Matt. 17:12, 13) But, at the time of the transfiguration, this John was dead. Elijah appearing in the vision would therefore indicate that Christ would conduct a greater work, restoring pure worship permanently. This had to take place “before the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah,” that will take place when God executes judgment on false worshipers and this present wicked system of things.​—Mal. 4:5, 6.

The vision was so real that Peter began to participate in the scene, evidently overwhelmed with awe and appreciation. When he observed the two visionary men “being separated from [Jesus],” he apparently did not want them to leave. So he spoke about erecting tents, “not realizing what he was saying.”

However, the occurrence was a vision, Moses and Elijah being only visionary. (Matt. 17:9) For Moses had died and was still in his grave. (Deut. 34:5, 6; compare Acts 2:29.) Elijah was carried up in a fiery chariot into the sky, but not into the heaven of God. Actually, he was transferred or transported to another assignment on earth. In fact, years afterward Elijah, still alive, wrote a prophetic letter to Jehoram, king of Judah. (2 Chron. 21:12) Later Elijah died, just as do all mankind. Neither he nor Moses was resurrected to everlasting life ahead of Christ, who is “the firstborn from the dead.” Jesus himself, while on earth, said: “No man has ascended into heaven.”​—Rev. 1:5; John 3:13.

While Peter was speaking, a cloud formed and overshadowed them. This was a symbol of Jehovah’s invisible presence. (Ex. 16:10; 1 Ki. 8:10) Then, in one of the three instances where Jehovah’s own voice was heard, He gave his own testimony to Jesus’ Messiahship, saying: “This is my Son, the one that has been chosen. Listen to him.”​—Luke 9:35.

“THE PROPHETIC WORD MADE MORE SURE”

What conclusive and awe-inspiring proof was given to these three apostles on that occasion! How powerful and convincing their witness to Christ’s Messiahship would now be! They had, indeed, ‘not tasted death’ before seeing this dramatic demonstration of Christ’s future presence in Kingdom glory. More than thirty years afterward the apostle Peter wrote:

“No, it was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we acquainted you with the power and presence [parousia, the invisible presence in Kingdom power] of our Lord Jesus Christ, but it was by having become eyewitnesses of his magnificence. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when words such as these were borne to him by the magnificent glory: ‘This is my son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.’ Yes, these words we heard borne from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain. Consequently we have the prophetic word made more sure; and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in your hearts.”​—2 Pet. 1:16-19

The apostle John, about sixty-six years after the transfiguration vision, apparently had this scene still vividly in mind when he wrote: “The Word became flesh and resided among us, and we had a view of his glory, a glory such as belongs to an only-begotten son from a father; and he was full of undeserved kindness and truth.”​—John 1:14.

Today the “daystar” that Peter spoke of has risen. Jesus Christ has been enthroned in Kingdom glory at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 C.E.! If we have ‘paid attention, in our hearts, to the prophecy,’ we have the prophetic word yet more strongly confirmed than it was to the apostles. Christ has fulfilled what was written prophetically about him in the Law and in the Prophets. He is now leading his people as did Moses, with a righteous paradise earth just ahead for those now accepting him and following his leading. Do you take seriously the prophetic word and the word of the truthful eyewitnesses of his majesty? Do you discern his invisible presence in Kingdom power? If so, you are highly favored now, and have a wonderful prospect yet before you.

Pride Is Dangerous

Pride Is Dangerous

ARE you drawn to people who give the appearance of always being right? Rather, are you not repelled by those who continually boast about their abilities, achievements, wealth or position? Does it annoy you that some people are very quick to point out the mistakes of others but refuse to acknowledge their own, even taking offense when some failing is called to their attention?

Yes, such expressions of pride repel and irritate. There can be no question that pride has a bad effect on others, tearing down rather than building up. It can give rise to hard feelings and may eventually ruin good relationships with fellowmen.

Just what is pride? It is inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable feeling of superiority as to one’s talents, wisdom, beauty, wealth and rank. It usually displays itself outwardly by a haughty, conceited, self-important bearing.

As pride is a common fault among imperfect men, we do well to control it and thereby avoid its damaging effects. This requires that we develop or maintain a heartfelt recognition of the fact that pride has no sound basis. Regardless of race, nationality, education, abilities, achievements or economic circumstances, all humans are sinners and the offspring of sinners. That is no cause for boasting, is it?

Yet someone might say, ‘I have worked hard for the position or prominence that I now enjoy.’ But does that give him any basis for being proud? Well, did he give himself the capacity to develop some talent or ability? If he had been born with great mental or physical limitations, would his best efforts have enabled him even to come near to his present achievements? An argument recorded in the Holy Scriptures gives the right balance on this. We read: “Who makes you to differ from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, now, you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?”​—1 Cor. 4:7.

Besides a proper evaluation of self, respect for the dignity of fellow humans is vital in controlling pride. The Bible’s counsel is: “[Do] nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you.”​—Phil. 2:3.

It is good for the Christian to recognize that other fellow believers may have certain qualities superior to his own. They may be exemplary in showing love, kindness, sympathy or consideration. Years of Scriptural study may have given some an excellent grasp of Bible principles and their application to daily living. While others may not be particularly outstanding in knowledge, they may have had much valuable experience in life. Something can be learned from them, too, even if it is just a matter of coming to recognize that there may be more than one way of looking at matters. This will prevent one from making the mistake of trying to fit everyone into the same mold and being overbearing in making decisions or in turning down suggestions.

For a man to make another feel low or inferior because of considering himself superior in knowledge, abilities or experience is dangerous. In the Christian congregation, for example, a ministerial servant might approach an elder with a suggestion. Now, what might be the result if the elder brushed him off without giving due consideration to his suggestion, implying that the ministerial servant was talking out of turn? Would not the ministerial servant feel hurt and be saddened about having been misunderstood? At the same time the display of pride, though minor, may lower the ministerial servant’s view of the elder. In having had his motivations questioned for no valid reason, the ministerial servant might conclude consciously or subconsciously that the elder’s judgment as a whole may not be the best. Being hurt over what has happened, he may pour out his heart to a close friend and that friend’s view may likewise be adversely affected for a time.

The example of Jesus Christ is certainly one worthy of imitation. He did not let ‘knowledge puff him up.’ (1 Cor. 8:1) Though he had all the correct answers, he did not alienate others by calling attention to his superior ability, knowledge, experience and wisdom. He did not make his disciples think that after his leaving them they would never be able to do the work to the extent that he had done it. To the contrary, he expressed confidence in them and accorded them honor, saying to his disciples: “Most truly I say to you, He that exercises faith in me, that one also will do the works that I do; and he will do works greater than these, because I am going my way to the Father.” (John 14:12) And as a body, the disciples of Jesus Christ did do works on a greater scale than he had done and for a longer period of time.​—Compare Matthew 5:14.

Now, if Jesus as a perfect man could voice such confidence regarding believers, why should any imperfect man conclude that others simply cannot do what he can? The man who reflects such proud thinking makes things harder for himself and others. He discourages others from wanting to work with him because they are made to feel inferior and undeserving of confidence. As a result, they are robbed of a measure of personal interest.

Especially dangerous, however, is a dominantly proud “spirit.” It causes those possessing it to resent valid criticism, correction or discipline, in fact, to reject the counsel of God’s Word. This leads them into following a way of life that is bound to bring ruin to themselves. The Bible proverb aptly puts it: “A man repeatedly reproved but making his neck hard will suddenly be broken, and that without healing.” (Prov. 29:1) This is so because the dominantly proud person places himself in opposition to God and what He looks for in those whom He accepts as His servants. As the Bible says: “All of you gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”​—1 Pet. 5:5.

It is vital, therefore, that Christians work hard in keeping pride under control. Not only can the proud person harm others, but he may also lose out on God’s approval and life. Truly pride is dangerous.

The Music You Choose

The Music You Choose

Helpful facts that young people want to know

MUSIC is a natural part of human life. Among the earliest sounds many of us heard was music, in a mother’s lullaby.

Man’s Creator, in fact, built music into human surroundings. Not just the clear, flowing tones that spring from the throats of birds, but the gurgle of brooks, the whisper or wail of the wind in the trees, the chirp of crickets, the croak of frogs and the calls, cries and whistles of many others of earth’s creatures​—all of these have a musical sound to them. Not surprisingly, then, the development of musical instruments dates all the way back to the dawn of human history.​—Gen. 4:21.

Does that mean that all music is necessarily good? Or do you need to be selective as to the music you listen to? What can help us to determine? How much does it really matter?

One thing is sure​—there is tremendous variety. Aside from so-called “serious” or classical music and operas, there is a wide range of semiclassical music, and every land has its own folk music, country songs and marches. Music for dancing goes from graceful waltzes to lively polkas; there are Latin-American congas, rumbas, and Brazilian sambas, also merengues, beguines and bossa novas, many of these having an African background. Particularly since World War I, highly syncopated instrumental and vocal music​—jazz, blues, swing and rock have become popular. In some music, melody and harmony stand out; other kinds emphasize beat and rhythm.

So there is much to choose from. What do you prefer? Is there need for care?

THE NEED FOR CARE IN CHOOSING

Care and thought are necessary. Why? Because music has power. And like any other power it can serve for good or for harm.

Where does music’s power come from? From its ability to induce a certain feeling, mood or spirit in people. Music can relax and soothe, or refresh and enliven. (Note the effect that David’s music had on King Saul. [1 Sam. 16:23]) You can almost “feel” the difference between a vigorous march and a soft serenade. Music can stir every human emotion​—love, tenderness, reverence, sadness, anger, hatred and passion. Throughout history men have recognized music’s power and have used it to move people in certain ways.

In the Bible the heart is closely associated with emotions and motivation. The Bible shows that the key to our conduct is found in the heart. (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 15:18, 19) Since music’s emotional power is a fact, our guarding our hearts requires being selective about the music we choose.

Music is a gift from God for our enjoyment, true, but it is the way a gift is used that determines its value to the user, as well as his appreciation to the giver. Speech, too, is a gift from God, and people can use their voices to speak in a pleasant, melodious way that makes life more enjoyable for those around them, saying things that are helpful and beneficial. But what if they use their voices for loud screaming and shrieking, for raucous shouting and bellowing? Or, even if they make their voices soft and sweet, what if they use them for lying or for encouraging others to commit wrongs? Do you enjoy voices that are used in that way? Would you like as your neighbors people who use their voices that way? Well, have you ever heard music that has similar effects?

Yes, a fact we should face is that music is a form of communication, between the composer or performer and the listener. Not just feelings are communicated; ideas are also. After all, songs are simply speech set to music, the music often helping the words (or lyrics) to penetrate more readily into the mind and heart. Some may say they pay no attention to the words of a song, that they just enjoy the music. But even without conscious attention the words are nonetheless heard, and their effect, though slow or subtle, still is there. People who set radio and television commercials to music know this, and you probably have found the words and music of some of these commercials running through your mind long after you heard them. So, the question is, What does the music you choose communicate to you?

Music is often the medium or vehicle for spreading philosophies, political ideologies, nationalism, religious beliefs and a host of other things. Part of the triumph of the French Revolution is frequently attributed to what one writer calls “the blood-curdling call to arms” of the song La Marseillaise. Colleges and schools usually have their “fight songs” used before athletic contests. The heavy, mystic tone in the music of certain religions fits their doctrines.

True, music’s moving effect is only temporary. But it is often long enough to give a decided push in a certain direction, or to lower resistance to a certain attraction or temptation. If you studied chemistry in school you learned about “catalysts.” You learned that the combining of two or more chemicals can often be achieved only by using some other ingredient that, in effect, brings the chemicals together. That ingredient is a “catalyst.” Now, we all have certain weaknesses and wrong inclinations, and so we feel tempted at times to do certain things that are wrong. Suppose circumstances come up that encourage you to do a wrong act. Music can be the “catalyst” that will cause desire and circumstances to combine​—resulting in something you may afterward seriously regret. On the basis of her studies, one researcher for a government commission studying pornography said:

“Music, by playing on girls’ emotions to arouse love and affection, frequently serves as a catalyst for love and thereby a stimulus for sexual arousal in the adolescent female. . . . The music surfaces this feeling.”​—Denver Post, July 23, 1971.

Yes, the impulse that music supplies, though temporary, may be all that is needed to trigger you into a course or way of life that is itself long lasting or that produces results that are. So, is it not worth your while to use discernment where music is involved?

THE PROBLEM OF DECIDING

Actually, no one can provide you with a list that immediately identifies what music is good and what is bad. The reason is that among all the kinds of music mentioned there is none that can be stamped as “all good” or “all bad.” You have to use your mind and heart for discerning their individual value, guided by principles such as those already considered. And your choice tells others something of the kind of person you are.

“Does not the ear itself test out words as the palate tastes food?” asked Job long ago. (Job 12:11) So, too, your ear can test out music. Even without the words, you can often tell what kind of mood or spirit a piece is designed to produce, what kind of conduct it encourages. That was the case with the music that Moses heard on coming down from Mount Sinai and approaching the Israelite camp. As he said to Joshua: “It is not the sound of the singing over mighty performance [a victory song], and it is not the sound of the singing of defeat [a mournful singing]; it is the sound of other singing that I am hearing.” The singing actually reflected wild and idolatrous immoral activity.​—Ex. 32:15-19, 25.

Consider more recent examples. Classical music, for instance, generally has a dignified, sometimes majestic sound. But while much of it may have a rather noble effect on one’s thoughts, some of it deals with and even glorifies the sordid or selfish side of life. It is worth remembering that many famous classical composers lived immoral, even dissolute, lives. And though they generally wrote for an audience that supposedly appreciated the ‘finer things of life,’ it is almost unavoidable that some of their warped outlook and warped emotions would filter into their music, with or without words. So, if we want to guard the health of our minds and hearts, even so-called “serious” music cannot be taken too seriously or be accepted without question.

At the other end of the musical spectrum from classical compositions we find the syncopated jazz and rock music. Even here one finds some music that is melodic and moderate. But much of it is wild and strident. That is why musicians themselves distinguish between jazz and rock music that is “soft” and that which is “hot,” “hard” or “acid.” You should be able to tell what kind of conduct the music is promoting​—your ear, your mind and heart should tell you. The words or the tone of certain music is sometimes so obvious that people easily associate it with certain types of conduct or kinds of persons. The Bible, for example, speaks of the “songs of drinkers” and the “song of a prostitute.” (Ps. 69:12; Isa. 23:15, 16) What about today?

If, for example, you read in the newspaper about a music concert or festival and the report tells of people screaming, girls fainting, the use of drugs and of the police having to be brought in to keep the theater from being wrecked​—what kind of music would you think was involved in the performance? If you hear of a popular young singer or musician dying of an overdose of drugs​—what kind of music would you think he or she specialized in?

As the book The Psychology of Music points out, ‘any monotonous, lengthy rhythmic sound produces various stages of trance.’ Much rock music is distinctive by its dull, steady, heavy, throbbing or pulsating sound. It has a mind-deadening beat. Its relentless, steady pounding reminds one of a person who keeps repeating something insistently over and over again until he convinces others to do what he wants, driving other thoughts out of their minds. Some “ultramodern” classical music specializes in strange, often discordant sounds that have a similar effect. High Fidelity Magazine quotes a divisional head of Columbia Records as saying: “The kind of receptivity needed for the new rock and the new classical are exactly the same. . . . You have to give yourself up to it and let them take your mind.”

But can you safely let your mind be ‘taken’ in that way? The World Book Encyclopedia says that, for many, “rock music symbolizes a distinct way of life.” You probably know that without being told by an encyclopedia. And you know that many young people are drawn to rock music because they believe that its lyrics “describe the realities and problems of the world around them.” Perhaps more than any other form of popular music, rock music tries to put across a message: on the problems of growing up, the generation gap, drugs, sex, civil rights, dissent, poverty, war and similar topics. It tries to express many “young people’s ideas for a better world and youthful discontent with social injustices.” But what is its effect?

Stop and ask yourself: In the nearly twenty years since rock music came prominently on the scene (in the early 1950’s), what has it done for young people? What real solutions have its philosophies brought them? Do its messages really present any clear, unified solution, or are they as confused and mixed up as are the world’s religious sects, some songs advocating violence and others the opposite? Do the personal lives of its composers and performers show that​—aside from making money—​they themselves have found the solution to life’s problems? Does it really present something new, or are not such things as sexual looseness, disrespect for authority, flight from responsibility, the use of drugs, things that have a very old history​—a history that is never one of success but, sooner or later, of failure?

If such music is designed to bring realities into focus, why is so much of it drug oriented​—some lyrics being understandable only to those who take drugs? Rather than help young people to understand life, is it not perhaps an appeal to childish tendencies to seek to escape responsibility?

So, your choice of music is no light matter. You can let others decide for you simply by going along with the crowd, choosing what is popular, what has mass appeal. Or you can think for yourself and use care in selecting, guided by the enduring and superior wisdom found in God’s Word. (Prov. 14:15) Ecclesiastes 7:5 says: “Better is it to hear the rebuke of someone wise than to be the man hearing the song of the stupid ones.” The “stupidity” the Bible talks about is not mere mental dumbness but means moral stupidity, following a course that can only bring future trouble. Your choice of music is a question, then, of whether you are simply interested in a “good time” or in a good life, an everlasting one in God’s favor.

Consider, too, that your choice has an effect on others. You may feel that you can listen to music containing some words that go contrary to what is true and right or that has a sensual, wild sound to it, and still not be affected. But what kind of influence are you to others? Do you feel as the apostle Paul, who said that he was willing to forgo even such proper things as eating meat if thereby he could avoid becoming a stumbling block to others? (1 Cor. 8:9-13; Rom. 14:13, 21; 15:2) With what kind of persons does the music you choose identify you?

There are songs that form part of the true worship of the Source of the gift of music, Jehovah God. True, we are not required to sing or to listen only to such music. Yet we need to remember always that the day is coming when the only ones living on earth will be those who sing Jehovah God’s praise. (Ps. 148:12, 13; 150:1-6) Wisely, then, choose music that will not lead your mind or heart away from that goal.

A Good Relationship Leads to Good Communication

A Good Relationship Leads to Good Communication

“Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us.”​—1 Thess. 2:8.

1. What question confronts a husband and wife, and where do we look for a reliable answer?

AS HUSBAND AND WIFE, are you as married persons able to communicate with each other fully and freely? You should do so. Or do you find there are certain limitations, if not barriers, giving rise to a measure of frustration, or perhaps even to hostility at times? The story of communication, how it originated and was established on a fine foundation, is intensely interesting. For our guidance and instruction on this subject, we do not turn to myth or legend, but to God’s Word, the one and only source of reliable information.

2. What does it mean to communicate, leading to what conclusion?

2 First, you might ask, what does it mean to communicate? It means to convey or impart information from one to the other. This results in a sharing, having something in common with each other. This may be just on a mental level, imparting knowledge and understanding, but between husband and wife it can and should involve your heart, your feelings and desires, your loving interest in each other. The simple and direct way of doing this is by word of mouth. You converse or commune with each other. In other words, there is a communion established between you, a mutual understanding or meeting of the minds. Besides what is said, there is the way in which it is said. Even a look can communicate a world of meaning and feeling, as you doubtless recall from your early courting days. Is that not so? Do you not realize from this that the primary essential to good communication is a good relationship between you?

3. (a) How is the Bible a means of communication? (b) In this regard, what do we learn from Matthew 15:1-9?

3 However, another means of communication is by the written word, as evidenced by what you are now reading. The printed page is conveying something to you. The best example, of course, is the Holy Bible. True, the majority today, even in Christendom, do not accept the Bible as being of divine authorship, though it is still used in their church services. Do not let that surprise you or put you off. The situation is similar to what it was in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees and scribes stoutly claimed to stand for the Law, but, as Jesus pointed out, they were first and foremost sticklers for the traditions of their fathers, thereby causing them to “overstep the commandment of God.” Did the fault lie with God’s written Word, the Hebrew Scriptures? No. Rather, they failed in the first essential, a good relationship of devotion to Jehovah. As Jesus said of them, quoting from Isaiah’s prophecy: “This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.”​—Matt. 15:1-9.

4. How can we prove to be receptive and responsive, and with what result?

4 Like the clergy of Christendom today who have the complete Bible, those men knew well enough what the written Word said, but they were blind and deaf to both the message and the spirit that it was intended to convey. However, there were exceptions then, and you can be among the exceptions today. As Jesus said on an earlier occasion to his disciples: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted. . . . ‘For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them.’ However, happy are your eyes because they behold, and your ears because they hear.”​—Matt. 13:11-16.

5. What was outstanding about man’s creation as compared with other acts of earthly creation?

5 Counting you among the happy exceptions, let us look back at the story of communication and see how it got started, and what we can learn from it. In the Genesis account of creation, Ge chapter one, we note that on each day, up to the sixth day, the action is introduced by the form of the Hebrew verb that means that something should take place. Yes, God was communicating his instructions, but no person is mentioned as responding thereto. However, when it comes to the crowning act of earthly creation, we note a marked change when we read: “And God went on to say: ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’” Though in a position to issue a directive as to a subordinate, the Creator was now inviting cooperation. A friendly, kindly tone is implied; a good relationship, a happy partnership. This is how it should be between married partners. If you are a husband, is that how you talk to your wife, saying: “Come on, let us . . .”?​—Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 14, 20, 24, 26.

6. In this respect, what guidance is given to elders in the congregation?

6 While at this time we are discussing particularly the marital relationship, the same principle applies to other relationships, including those between you who are elders or overseers and others in the congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses. Though you as elders have a special responsibility, carrying with it a certain degree of authority, the general attitude and manner of communication should be by way of inviting cooperation, rather than giving orders. In helping someone with a problem, such as may be encountered when witnessing in certain territories, rather than just saying what must be done, it is far better to say: “Let us go and tackle this problem together.” The warm spirit of unselfish and loving devotion should be conveyed, not only in what we say, but by our tone of voice and course of action. Notice how this is clearly and beautifully expressed by the apostle Paul when writing to the Thessalonian congregation: “Having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us.” What a fine example of a good relationship leading to good communication both in word and deed!​—1 Thess. 2:8.

EXEMPLARY PATTERN OF GOOD COMMUNICATION

7. How does John identify the one to whom God spoke as recorded at Genesis 1:26?

7 Returning to our story, do we know the one with whom Jehovah was communicating at the time of the creation of man? The answer will help us to appreciate the depth of meaning as to man’s being made in God’s image and likeness. John, introducing his Gospel account of Jesus, identifies him as “the Word,” who was “in the beginning with God. All things came into existence through him,” including man. Further, John says: “The Word became flesh . . . and we had a view of his glory . . . full of undeserved kindness and truth,” and that he, being “in the bosom position with the Father is the one that has explained him.” Surely this delightful description of Jesus breathes the very spirit of a fine relationship and a ready communication.​—John 1:1-3, 14, 18; see also Proverbs 8:22, 30, 31.

8. What is the significance of the title “the Word,” and how does this apply to Christ Jesus?

8 This is further seen in the significance of the title “the Word.” It has the meaning of message bearer or spokesman, like the officer in former times who stood in front of a curtained window and conveyed aloud to others the message of the king, who was unseen inside. That officer was entitled Kal Hatze, meaning “the voice or word of the king.” As for God’s Son, he was the Mouth or Spokesman for his Father, Jehovah. He was the trustworthy means of communicating to others whatever the Creator wished to convey. He faithfully served in the same way during his earthly ministry. He said on one occasion: “I have not spoken out of my own impulse, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to tell and what to speak. . . . Therefore the things I speak, just as the Father has told me them, so I speak them.” He again speaks and acts in the same capacity when he leads the heavenly armies in the execution of God’s righteous judgments at the battle of Har–Magedon, being called “the Word of God.”​—John 12:49, 50; 14:10; Rev. 19:13.

9. What fine pattern is set for us at Genesis 1:26, and is it still possible to conform to this?

9 With these things in mind, how deeply impressed we should be to think that man was created in the image and likeness of the great Creator and his beloved Son! The fact that we can appreciate and talk to one another about this in itself shows that this is true. Furthermore, Jehovah has kindly conveyed to us in his written Word the pattern of good relationship and communication, and even after six thousand years of sin and imperfection, it is still possible to conform to that pattern. Hundreds of thousands of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are endeavoring to do just that, with divine help. Are you couples, as husband and wife?

10. How and why do those who rely on human wisdom fail to deal adequately with marital problems?

10 Let us look more closely into this pattern and see the essential features that have to be copied, also features to be avoided and, if it is necessary, eradicated. This is, in fact, the only effective way of tackling and overcoming the difficulties and problems encountered, especially in the field of marital relationships. True, there are many and varied schools of thought promulgated by social organizations that interest themselves in such problems and are ready to give advice and treatment. Without our stopping to question their motives, it must be said that at best their efforts represent the sum of human wisdom in the field of psychology. In effect, they say that marriage is a human relationship and must be treated on that level. They fail and refuse to give the Creator his rightful place as the Originator of this relationship, or as being the personal Author of the Holy Bible, with its counsel and instruction on every human relationship. Whoever heard of a psychiatrist referring his patient or client to the Holy Scriptures as the final authority for guidance? For that matter, how many priests or clergymen would advise such a course to any of their flock in dealing with such problems?

11. (a) How is it evident that man did not evolve? (b) What is revealed by Adam’s first recorded words at Genesis 2:23?

11 We, however, will shun worldly wisdom and will consult the Book provided by the Great Physician, seeking his help in confident anticipation, “not doubting at all.” (Jas. 1:6) As we read on from Genesis 1:26, how evident it is that man did not evolve, as taught by the worldly-wise. What happened when “Jehovah God proceeded to build the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man”? The man was not lost for words. He did not greet her with a bark of approval or with a growl of disapproval. Instead, he at once communicated aloud his reaction to this most wondrous and welcome gift, this ideal helper and complement. Rather than just standing there, looking at her, it seems more likely from what he said that he held her close to him as he spoke those words so rich in meaning and feeling:

“This is at last bone of my bones

And flesh of my flesh.

This one will be called Woman,

Because from man this one was taken.”

Ah! that was real poetry, true in form and economy of words, each phrase nicely matching the next, with progression of thought and perfect balance. This would doubtless be more noticeable in its original tongue. Man was indeed made in God’s image, with the fine ability to communicate.​—Gen. 2:22, 23.

12. How does God’s word conclude in an inviting vein?

12 Thus in its opening pages God’s Word gives an interesting and encouraging account of communication between individuals, both in heaven and on earth. Invitingly, God’s Word also ends, not with a grand resounding climax, but on a friendly note of a personal conversation between two who obviously enjoyed a happy relationship. “He [Christ Jesus] that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” Then we hear the aged beloved John, with shining eyes, earnestly responding: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” Yes, the sooner the better. That is the tone of it.​—Rev. 22:20.

A BARRIER OVERCOME

13. How were the line and level of communication affected by man’s transgression?

13 While a good relationship was maintained by Adam and his wife with their Creator and each other, there was no problem. But as soon as that relationship was severed by willful transgression, a barrier was immediately raised across the line of communication. “The man and his wife went into hiding from the face of Jehovah God” when they heard his voice in the garden, because, as Adam said, “I was afraid.” They could not face their God and were fearful of what he would say to them. As for the level of communication between the man and his wife, it could not have been very cordial. Though no detail is given, this is indicated by Adam’s self-excusing explanation offered to Jehovah: “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me . . . from the tree and so I ate.” Additionally, Eve was told: “Your craving will be for your husband, and he will dominate you.” As we will discuss later, that word “dominate” surely points to one of the chief causes of difficulty as regards communication, especially if it is on the part of the wife.​—Gen. 3:8-16.

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