The Watchtower, May 1, 1977

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The Watchtower — May 1, 1977

Source: jw.org

Contents

You Can Deal with Depression

Insight on the News

Singleness Can Be Rewarding

From Lofty Andes to Virgin Jungles—Meeting a Spiritual Challenge in Bolivia

God’s Holiness—as Magnified in Leviticus

“Make Disciples . . . Teaching Them”

Happiness That Comes from a “Willing Spirit”

What Did the Wise Man Mean?

Welcome to the “Joyful Workers” District Assembly!

Do You Remember?

“The Caper Berry Bursts”

Questions From Readers

Can You Find Bible Verses?

You Can Deal with Depression

You Can Deal with Depression

DEPRESSION is an experience common to all humans. When it occurs only occasionally it is no cause for alarm. Rather, it is a signal to do something constructive to dispel the depression. These brief periods in which we may feel very “low” are not normally the true depression. Calamities such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job, financial reverses, accidents, and so forth, are generally overcome by most persons in a relatively short period of time. But they trigger real depression in a few people.

An article on depression in Science World of December 16, 1975, cites Dr. Nathan S. Kline, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University in New York city, as saying that the most common symptom of true depression is not depression itself, but anhedonia (from the Greek), which he defines as the “absence of joy and pleasure. The inability to appreciate things which really make life worth living.”

The article goes on to say that the loss of interest in eating, resulting in weight loss, is one symptom of depression. The person finds it difficult to sleep, and even if getting a good night’s sleep, he still feels tired. He or she cannot concentrate and loses the ability to work. On the other hand, some oversleep, spending most of their time in bed. For them, sleep becomes an escape from life.

In order to fight depression, first try to analyze the reasons for your condition, and examine your own inmost feelings and motives. See if your situation is really “all that bad,” if circumstances warrant your depressed feeling. Also, since depression can have a physical cause, check to see if you have some metabolic disturbance, low blood sugar, anemia, mononucleosis, diabetes, or some other disease that might contribute to weakness and discouragement. Discern how much of your depression lies in your own mental attitude, and what influences bear upon you to produce that “down” feeling. You may even find that you are manifesting an “escapism” reaction or that, in a morbid way, you even “enjoy” your depressed state​—a sort of self-pity.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

What can you do, especially if you find no medical basis for your depressed condition? While psychiatry may be able to give help in some cases, the very best and the really lasting help can be obtained from the Bible and from the Christian congregation. Why? Because God created the human body and mind and he knows the human makeup. The psalmist says: “O Lord, you have probed me and you know me; you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.” (Ps. 139:1-3, The New American Bible) God’s counsel is, therefore, the best mental therapy.

The foremost need for the depressed one, then, is prayer to Jehovah God. God’s servant David was more than once in a greatly depressed state, sometimes because of his own errors, and again because his enemies were about to close in with the intent to kill him. In these situations he always prayed fervently. On one occasion he expressed his dejection in his appeal to God:

“Show me favor, O Jehovah, for I am fading away. Heal me, O Jehovah, for my bones have been disturbed. Yes, my own soul has been very much disturbed; and you, O Jehovah​—how long? Do return, O Jehovah, do rescue my soul; save me for the sake of your loving-kindness. For in death there is no mention of you; in Sheol who will laud you? I have grown weary with my sighing; all night long I make my couch swim; with my tears I make my own divan overflow.”​—Ps. 6:2-6.

We know from the Bible record that God answered David’s prayers and strengthened him to go ahead and accomplish something worth while. Even if we feel that no human understands, we know that God does. He says of himself: “There is no searching out of his understanding. He is giving to the tired one power; and to the one without dynamic energy he makes full might abound. . . . Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out.”​—Isa. 40:28-31.

The apostle Paul counsels: “Be persevering in prayer, remaining awake in it with thanksgiving.” (Col. 4:2) But you may feel overwhelmed, everything seeming to be closing in on you. If so, recall Jonah sinking down into the sea, with seaweed wrapping around his head. His ‘soul was fainting away.’ But he prayed. Later, he was greatly angered and dejected through his own wrong attitude. He felt that dying would be better than living. Nevertheless, he prayed. In both cases he was delivered.​—Jonah 2:5-7; 4:1-8.

But you may get so depressed that you feel that you cannot pray to God. You may feel that you do not qualify to approach God. For our comfort in this situation, the apostle John wrote:

“By this we shall know that we originate with the truth, and we shall assure our hearts before him as regards whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. Beloved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have freeness of speech toward God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we are observing his commandments and are doing the things that are pleasing in his eyes. Indeed, this is his commandment, that we have faith in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and be loving one another, just as he gave us commandment.”​—1 John 3:19-23.

John here tells us that when our own heart seems to condemn us, when we feel unfit or unworthy to pray to God, God does not feel that way toward us. God can see and understand the dark state of feeling that we are in. He knows that we do not want to be that way. If we realize this, we will overcome our doubts or fears and will approach God and pour out our distresses to him. He will hear with sympathy and he will act to set our minds again in the proper balance.​—1 John 4:17, 18; 1 Pet. 3:12.

However, if you just cannot bring yourself to pray, you can receive help by calling on the elders of the Christian congregation. Jesus’ half brother James tells us: “Is there anyone sick among you [in a spiritual way]? Let him call the older men of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, greasing him with oil in the name of Jehovah. And the prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.”​—Jas. 5:14, 15.

In addition to prayer, get the good, balancing wisdom and comfort from God’s Word by reading and meditating upon it daily. If you do not feel like reading, get someone to read to you. Discussion of what is being read will help greatly to lift up your spirits.​—Josh. 1:8; Ps. 63:6, 7; 77:12.

EFFORT REQUIRED

In all of this you must also have the attitude of wanting to recover from your depression. Even with the help and prayers of others, you must make some effort in harmony with faith. Jesus said to Peter, in foretelling Peter’s future denial of him and the extremely depressed state that Peter experienced afterward: “I have made supplication for you that your faith may not give out; and you, when once you have returned, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32; compare Luke 22:54-62.) Peter had to have feelings also for his Christian brothers, who, after Jesus’ death, needed encouragement and help, and he had to have the desire to help them. Interest in others is one of the greatest helps in overcoming depression. Think of those near you, consider their needs and your responsibility toward them. To some extent they also suffer as you do because of your depression. Consider how happy they will be when you recover from your dejected state.

You should never feel that your case is different from everyone else’s, and that your burden, whatever it may be, is more than you can bear. Do not feel that it is impossible to face the situation with hope for a victorious outcome. The apostle Paul described a situation that depressed him deeply. “In the district of Asia,” he says, “we were under extreme pressure beyond our strength, so that we were very uncertain even of our lives. In fact, we felt within ourselves that we had received the sentence of death. This was that we might have our trust, not in ourselves, but in the God who raises up the dead.” (2 Cor. 1:8, 9) Paul assured the Corinthian Christians, who also endured sufferings, that their tribulation was not impossible to survive: “No temptation has taken you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13) There is no situation from which God cannot recover us if we express faith.

Even if you should feel that no one understands your situation​—if you feel forsaken by everyone, take comfort from David’s words: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.” (Ps. 27:10) Of course, your brothers in the Christian congregation are not going to forsake you. True, their counsel may sometimes appear to you to be missing the mark​—to lack understanding of how you feel. In trying to stir you to make some efforts to help yourself, they may sound too firm. But remember, they are trying to help you, and in your depressed state you are prone to be more easily offended. Listen to what they say, appreciate their interest and do what you can as they offer suggestions.

In addition, make every effort to associate with fellow Christians. They have God’s spirit and can incite you to love and fine works. Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom​—freedom from bondage of depression. (Heb. 10:24; 2 Cor. 3:17) Avoid isolating yourself. (Prov. 18:1) Invite your friends to call on you. Attend Christian meetings.​—Heb. 10:25.

Since depression is a state in which there is lack of joy, the depressed person must try to have joy in the good things he has and experiences. Dwell on the things for which you should be grateful and joyful; dismiss negative, morbid thoughts. (Phil. 4:8) This will help you to avoid the illnesses that depression can bring, or, if you are depressed because of illness, such wholesome thinking can alleviate your suffering. It may help you to spend a few days or weeks in different surroundings​—some pleasant place where you are not constantly reminded of the things associated with your trouble. It is acknowledged in medical circles that “a heart that is joyful does good as a curer, but a spirit that is stricken makes the bones dry.” It is also true that “a joyful heart has a good effect on the countenance, but because of the pain of the heart there is a stricken spirit.”​—Prov. 17:22; 15:13.

OTHERS MUST BE LONG-SUFFERING TOWARD DEPRESSED ONES

On the part of relatives and friends, they must remember that it is difficult for the depressed person to help himself or herself. It is also important to be patient, not feeling that the depressed one is trying to be cantankerous or irritating to others. Always speak with kindness and love. There are times, however, when you may need to speak firmly to convince the depressed one of the need to exert himself.

Those in the Christian congregation should do all that they can to comfort and help the dejected individual. Use good sense as to when and how often to call, but do not get discouraged if your efforts do not immediately bear fruit. Do not give the person up as being beyond help. There were depressed ones in the early Christian congregation, prompting the apostle Paul to write: “We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all,” and, “Straighten up the hands that hang down and the enfeebled knees.”​—1 Thess. 5:14; Heb. 12:12.

Everyone, in his own heart, wants to be happy. If we recognize this fact, we will be sympathetic with the one that is unhappy, realizing that an obstacle very real to that person is blocking the way. With a deep desire to help, we will try to find out, if possible, what the obstacle is, and do what we can to restore happiness. On the other hand, the unhappy, depressed person must strive for a happy state of mind, accepting help in the spirit in which it is offered and making an effort toward recovery, first through prayer and then by doing what is found to be necessary.

[Blurb on page 261]

“You should never feel that your case is different from everyone else’s, and that your burden, whatever it may be, is more than you can bear.”

[Blurb on page 262]

“There is no situation from which God cannot recover us if we express faith.”

Insight on the News

Insight on the News

Soviet Military Growth

● In Bible prophecies contained in the book of Daniel, chapter 11, the struggle for supremacy between the “king of the north” and the “king of the south” is outlined. The prophecy notes that the “king of the north” worships “the god of fortresses,” that is, military might based on scientific technology.​—Dan. 11:36-43.

The current struggle for supremacy between the Communist forces led by the Soviet Union and the democratic forces led by the United States parallels that prophecy. And in recent months many have suggested that the Soviet Union is in the process of surpassing the United States in a number of vital military categories.

“Parade” magazine’s “Intelligence Report” makes this comment: “The new addition of ‘Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft,’ published in London, claims the Soviet Union is vastly superior to America in military aviation. . . . J. W. R. Taylor, respected editor of ‘Jane’s,’ says there is great doubt that the U.S. can match the Soviet Union in conventional warfare at this time.”

Regardless of the relative military position of these two “kings,” it is apparent that the prophecy of Daniel is undergoing a fulfillment at this time. It accurately foretold that the Communist “king of the north” would be determined to develop its military potential as a means of influencing world affairs. It remains to be seen to what extent this “king” will be successful in doing so before God brings the entire system of things to its end.​—Dan. 2:44; 11:44, 45.

Family Breaking Down

● In many countries of the world, the family unit is undergoing a rapid breakdown. For example, in the United States there are now over one million divorces each year. Hence, for every two marriages there is now one divorce. That is the highest divorce rate in the entire history of the nation.

Also, more and more couples are living together without benefit of marriage, an estimated 660,000 couples doing so in 1976. This was an increase of more than 100 percent since 1970. Too, the moral breakdown is reflected in the huge rise of illegitimate births, the rate more than tripling in the past quarter century.

When family bonds and loyalties break down, it is a sure indication that other bonds and loyalties are breaking down too. The disintegration of the family usually parallels the disintegration of society in general. Indeed, throughout history family breakdown has been characteristic of the decay and eventual fall of powerful nations.

Since God created the marriage arrangement, disrespect for it is another evidence of the general lack of regard for his laws and purposes. The extent of this disregard in our time is another evidence that this world is deep into its “last days.”​—Gen. 2:22-24; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

Divided Spanish Church

● The Roman Catholic Church in Spain is badly divided. The New York “Times” observes: “A number of rightist bishops and priests defend Franco’s heritage. A broad conservative and centrist bloc inclines to various strains of Christian democracy in the Italian mold. And on the left independent-minded priests are active in Socialist and Communist parties.” The Catholic people are similarly divided.

Priest Bernandino Hernando, editor of the influential Catholic weekly “Vida Nueva,” acknowledges: “The big problem of the church in Spain is the strong division among Catholics themselves. If you look at the divisions of the political parties, it is the same as in the Catholic Church.”

The “Times” also states: “So divided is the Spanish church today that it sometimes gives the impression of being several churches.” In many other countries, the situation is the same. And one result has been that many persons and clergy are abandoning the Church in disgust.

Jesus Christ warned: “If a house becomes divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Just such a division exists in the Roman Catholic Church. It is one consequence of the clergy ignoring the counsel of Jesus when he commanded his followers to be “no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”​—Mark 3:25; John 17:14, 16.

Singleness Can Be Rewarding

Singleness Can Be Rewarding

“There are eunuchs that have made themselves eunuchs on account of the kingdom of the heavens. Let him that can make room for it make room for it.”​—Matt. 19:12.

1. Compared with singleness, how did Jehovah’s servants of ancient times view marriage and parenthood?

MANY people find it hard to understand how singleness could be a desirable way of life. Since Jehovah God united the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, in marriage, the majority of the human family have chosen, in due course, to marry rather than to remain single. Among God’s servants of ancient times, too, it was the exception to remain single. When, in fulfillment of her father’s vow, Jephthah’s daughter had to forfeit the right to marry, this initially resulted in sadness. With her father’s permission, she and her girl companions went away to the mountains for two months, there to ‘weep over her virginity.’ (Judg. 11:38) Yes, not singleness, but marriage and parenthood were viewed as the superior blessings.​—Ruth 4:13-17; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 5:18; 18:22; 31:10; Eccl. 9:9.

2. What changes in the viewpoint regarding the binding nature of marriage resulted from Jesus’ coming to the earth?

2 Not until some 4,000 years after the first marriage was singleness pointed to as something better for certain men and women. At that time a new era, the Christian era, had its start. The changes that this brought about also affected the view of singleness and marriage that had long existed among the Israelites under the old Law-covenant arrangement. The founder of Christianity, Jesus, in answering a question on divorce, made it clear that, among his disciples, God’s original standard for marriage would be restored. Polygamy and divorce on grounds other than marital unfaithfulness would be a thing of the past.​—Matt. 19:4-9.

3. (a) How did Jesus’ disciples react to his statement about the binding nature of the marriage tie? (b) Were the disciples correct in their conclusions about singleness? (c) What did Jesus say as to why certain men are eunuchs?

3 How did Jesus’ disciples react to his statement about the binding nature of marriage? “If such is the situation of a man with his wife,” they said, “it is not advisable to marry.” (Matt. 19:10) They felt that it would be better to forgo marriage than to risk getting into an undesirable relationship that could not be terminated at will. Fear of an undesirable marital situation or an unwillingness to give of oneself unselfishly for a mate, however, are not good reasons for a person’s trying to maintain singleness at all costs. This is evident from what the Son of God next told his disciples: “Not all men make room for the saying [as regards remaining single], but only those who have the gift. For there are eunuchs that were born such from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs that were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs that have made themselves eunuchs on account of the kingdom of the heavens. Let him that can make room for it make room for it.”​—Matt. 19:11, 12.

A SPIRITUAL REASON

4. What is the noblest reason for remaining single, and why?

4 Accordingly, the noblest reason for remaining single is a spiritual one. No grander purpose in life could any man or woman have than to devote himself or herself to Kingdom work, helping fellow humans to seize the marvelous reward of eternal life and to keep fast hold on it. Free from the cares and anxieties involved in having a marriage mate and children, the single person can serve God more fully. How desirable and rewarding this can make singleness!

5. Can all men make room for singleness, and how is this evident from the instructions regarding men who qualify to be ministerial servants and elders?

5 However, such singleness by choice is only for those who “can make room for it.” Among first-century Christians only a minority were able to do so. This is evident from the instructions given about men who would qualify as ministerial servants and elders. The manner in which they presided over their families was to be considered, showing that men old enough to be appointed would customarily be married men with children.​—1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6.

6, 7. How can a person be sure that he can make room for singleness?

6 Since the majority of God’s servants throughout the centuries have in due course married, it may be asked, How can a person be sure that he is one of the few that can make room for singleness? The apostle Paul provides an inspired answer: “If anyone stands settled in his heart, having no necessity, but has authority over his own will and has made this decision in his own heart, to keep his own virginity, he will do well.”​—1 Cor. 7:37.

7 The person with the “gift” of singleness, therefore, should be able to see, on his own, that maintaining singleness for spiritual reasons, in his case, is the better course. It is not a matter of simply suppressing a nagging heart’s desire for marriage and family life. No, a person should be fully convinced at heart that maintaining singleness is right for him, and he should be willing to put forth whatever effort is necessary to maintain it in chastity. There should be nothing in his disposition or inclination that would be unduly disturbed were he to continue in the single state indefinitely.

8. (a) Does singleness make one a superior person? (b) According to Romans 12:3-8, what is the balanced view of “gifts,” and how should they be used?

8 Of course, the one who can remain single for the Kingdom’s sake should not look down on married Christians. From God’s standpoint, he is not a superior person by reason of his singleness. He should appreciate that he is what he is by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. The balanced view regarding any “gifts” that Christians may have individually is set forth by the apostle Paul at Romans 12:3-8:

“I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has distributed to him a measure of faith. For just as we have in one body many members, but the members do not all have the same function, so we, although many, are one body in union with Christ, but members belonging individually to one another. Since, then, we have gifts differing according to the undeserved kindness given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the faith proportioned to us; or a ministry, let us be at this ministry; or he that teaches, let him be at his teaching; or he that exhorts, let him be at his exhortation; he that distributes, let him do it with liberality; he that presides, let him do it in real earnest; he that shows mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.”

Accordingly, gifts should be used, not to elevate ourselves, but to benefit the congregation, building up its members.

THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE “GIFT”

9. In the case of adults who cannot make room for singleness, why can waiting a number of years before getting married be beneficial?

9 But what of a Christian who really desires marriage? While he may not have the gift of singleness, this does not mean that he has to rush into marriage. Especially when a person is still in his twenties, much remains to be learned about life and there is experience to be gained in the field of human relations through association with single people, married couples and children of all ages. A number of years spent in living as a single adult may give one the experience and insight needed to use good discernment in choosing a lifelong mate and to care well for marriage responsibilities.

10. How do such texts at Deuteronomy 7:3, 4 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 show that Jehovah is interested in the marriages of his servants?

10 A Christian should never forget that the Most High is interested in the marriages of his faithful servants. He knows full well how spiritually disastrous a poor marriage can be and, therefore, commanded the Israelites not to enter into marriage covenants with worshipers of other gods. (Deut. 7:3, 4) Likewise, the apostle Paul pointed out that a Christian widow “is free to be married to whom she wants, only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) Hence, if Jehovah God sees that one of his servants truly needs a mate, is it not reasonable to conclude that he will answer that one’s prayers about finding a good marriage partner? Most assuredly, if the need is really there!

11. (a) What should Christians do who really need to marry but who have not as yet found a suitable mate? Why? (b) What Biblical examples show that Jehovah can provide even a marriage mate for those who truly need such?

11 This does not mean that marriages are made in heaven and that for each Christian there is but one ideal mate among the many adult servants of Jehovah. No, it simply means that Jehovah can see to it that his devoted servants have what they need, including a marriage mate in the event that maintaining singleness with chastity becomes very trying. (Prov. 19:14) The Most High provided a fine wife for Isaac and a good husband for Ruth. In both cases rich blessings resulted because the prime concern was the doing of Jehovah’s will. (Gen. 24:2-4, 12-27, 50, 51, 67; Ruth 1:16, 17; 3:10; 4:13-17) Therefore, Christians who need to marry should pray about this and then wait patiently upon Jehovah, confident that he is interested in their happiness and welfare.

CONSIDER FINE EXAMPLES OF SINGLENESS

12. Why can we benefit from considering the example of those who made a success of singleness?

12 Whether an unmarried adult has the gift of singleness or not, he can profit from considering Bible examples of those who made a success of singleness. It can make his own life as a single person more meaningful and rewarding. Even married couples can benefit, as time and circumstance can deprive a person of a mate and thus confront that one with a decision as to what to do about remarriage.

13. As a single man, what was Jesus Christ fully absorbed in doing, and what was his attitude toward his service?

13 As a single man, Jesus Christ is certainly the outstanding example. He was totally absorbed in doing his Father’s will. “My food,” said he, “is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34) The Son of God would rise early in the morning and serve on into the night, teaching the people, healing the sick and liberating those under demonic control. (Mark 1:32; Luke 21:37, 38) His was willing service. This is illustrated by his reply to the leper who said, “Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean.” The Bible reports: “Stretching out his hand, he touched him, saying: ‘I want to. Be made clean.’”​—Luke 5:12, 13.

14. What shows that Jesus enjoyed association with men, women and children?

14 Noteworthy, too, is the fact that Jesus Christ was at ease in the company of all​—men, women and children. He would accept invitations to meals and even banquets, using the opportunities that presented themselves there to impart vital spiritual instruction. (Luke 5:29-32; 14:1-24) Married men were among his closest associates. (1 Cor. 9:5) He had special affection for Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha, in whose home at Bethany he may have been a frequent guest. (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1, 5) Jesus also enjoyed children. There was the time when the disciples tried to discourage parents from bringing their little ones to him that he might touch them and pray over them. “At seeing this,” the Scriptures tell us, “Jesus was indignant and said to [the disciples]: ‘Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them . . .’ And he took the children into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them.”​—Mark 10:13-16.

15. What lessons can we draw from the example of Jesus Christ as to what contributes toward a happy contented life as a single person?

15 The example of Jesus Christ reveals that those who would enjoy their singleness must be totally involved in giving whole-heartedly of their time, energies and abilities to help fellow humans. They must have a genuine interest in people, finding pleasure in the company of men, women and children. They should also be able to get wholesome enjoyment from life, and this without practicing extreme self-denial, which is of “no value in combating the satisfying of the flesh.”​—Col. 2:23.

16. (a) What shows that Paul’s singleness was a real blessing to others? (b) In view of the apostles’s words at 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, would it have been possible for him to accomplish what he did as a married man?

16 As an imitator of Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul was one who derived real satisfaction from his sacred service as a single man. By Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, he was able to labor in excess of all the other apostles, traveling thousands of miles on sea and land and establishing many congregations in Europe and in Asia Minor. (1 Cor. 15:9, 10) Obviously, with a wife and children, he could never have undertaken such an extensive evangelizing work that repeatedly brought him into dangerous situations because of the then-existing circumstances. About the year 55 C.E., he could speak of himself as having been “in labors more plentifully, in prisons more plentifully, in blows to an excess, in near-deaths often.” (2 Cor. 11:23) Through his unselfish, whole-souled service, Paul experienced the superlative happiness that comes from giving. This also endeared him to his fellow believers.​—Acts 20:24-27, 31-38.

17. Just what kind of life is involved in being single for the Kingdom’s sake?

17 Clearly, when Paul, under inspiration, recommended singleness, he was not encouraging a life of self-interest, ease or self-indulgence. No, he was recommending a course of life that would mean “constant attendance upon the Lord without distraction.” Free from the cares and anxieties for a mate and children, the single adult can be at the complete disposal of the Lord Jesus Christ, serving in behalf of others. (1 Cor. 7:32-35) Based on his own experience, Paul was convinced that continued singleness for those who had the gift would mean a happier life if it was spent in giving. (1 Cor. 7:40) He wrote: “I wish all men were as I myself am. Nevertheless, each one has his own gift from God, one in this way, another in that way.”​—1 Cor. 7:7.

18. (a) How did Anna and Dorcas use their time to good advantage? (b) Based on Matthew 28:19, 20, 1 Timothy 5:10 and Titus 2:3-5, how can women use their singleness for the blessing of others?

18 Women, too, have found great joy in remaining single. A fine example was Anna. After being married just seven years her husband died, and she continued in the single state for the rest of her life. How did she fill her days? Spiritual things came first. Even at the age of eighty-four she “was never missing from the temple, rendering sacred service night and day with fastings and supplications.” (Luke 2:36, 37) Later, in the Christian congregation, there were unmarried women who proved themselves to be a real blessing to others. Dorcasa must have been one of these. “She abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy.” She would make inner and outer garments for needy widows in the congregation. (Acts 9:36, 39) Her good deeds must have included hospitably receiving Christian strangers into her home and giving comfort and help to those in any kind of need. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:10.) As a disciple of Jesus Christ, doubtless she was eager to tell others about the Kingdom.​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

19. Why should Christians who have made room for singleness be appreciated?

19 Today, as in the first century C.E., there are single men and women who are proving themselves to be an asset to the Christian congregation. Their greatest joy comes from spending themselves completely for others, both inside and outside the congregation. Their singleness is rewarding because they are serving, not their own interests, but those of the Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. And should not their gift be appreciated by all others in the congregation, because of the fine service that it has enabled so many of them to perform?

20. Why do devoted single Christians enjoy a satisfying life, and what encouragement can they draw from Isaiah 56:5?

20 In their having forgone marriage and parenthood, their life is surely not a waste but continues to be meaningful and satisfying. Though having no families of their own, they have in the Christian congregation found those who love them as deeply as natural mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, yes, and as sons and daughters. (Mark 10:30) They are thrilled about Jehovah’s assurance: “I will even give to them in my house and within my walls a monument and a name, something better than sons and daughters. A name to time indefinite I shall give them, one that will not be cut off.”​—Isa. 56:5.

[Footnotes]

In connection with the death of Dorcas, no mention is made of mourning on the part of a husband. This suggests that she was single at that time.

[Picture on page 267]

Jesus Christ, who was at ease in the company of all​—men, women and children—​is the outstanding example of one who made a success of singleness

[Picture on page 268]

The apostle Paul, who recommended singleness for those with the gift, set a fine example in appealing to the consciences of others

From Lofty Andes to Virgin Jungles—Meeting a Spiritual Challenge in Bolivia

From Lofty Andes to Virgin Jungles​—Meeting a Spiritual Challenge in Bolivia

IT WAS on October 25, 1945, that two missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses, graduates of the third class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, stepped off a DC-3 plane in La Paz. Their names were Edward Michalec and Harold Morris. It was from that time that the work of making known God’s kingdom started in real earnest in Bolivia. These missionaries were all alone in a vast and challenging land, ranging from the lofty Andes mountains and the bleak and barren Altiplano, to remote tropical valleys, virgin jungles and frontier lowlands. This was the land of the giant condor and prideful llama.

Now, more than thirty years later, a peak of 2,476 proclaimers of the Kingdom are active in 58 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout Bolivia. They rejoice that the spiritual challenge has been met, and that all kinds of people in this land of variety have been gathered into Jehovah’s spiritual paradise.

Due to problems of terrain, travel and communication, Jehovah’s Witnesses have found it necessary to serve fourteen separate areas with semiannual circuit assemblies. In early days, some of these assemblies were very small. At an assembly in Camiri in 1966, only nineteen persons were in attendance. And there was the humorous situation that all nineteen were called on to share in one program on the platform, leaving no one in the audience! However, the spiritual benefit was felt by all. Today, circuit assemblies usually have attendances three times the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area.

ON THE WIND-SWEPT ALTIPLANO

Even before the mighty Inca Empire came on the scene, Bolivia had a deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage. Later, the Spanish conquerors brought Catholicism, mixing it in with pagan customs. As a result, the Virgin Mary and various Catholic “saints” came to be revered alongside Pacha Mama, the goddess of the earth​—who is honored by sacrifices of dried fetuses of llamas or sheep, along with plenty of beer, chicha (corn liquor) or cane alcohol, to the accompaniment of superstitious rites and drunken parties. For both the Aymara and Quechua peoples of Bolivia, Pacha Mama presides over all the affairs of life, including birth, marriage, the drinking of liquor and the chewing of coca.

However, despite this superstitious Altiplano environment, Jehovah’s work is flourishing among nearly twenty congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The grandeur of the high, bleak, barren, windswept Altiplano is thus augmented by the presence of warmhearted Aymara messengers of good news, busy at work building up the spiritual paradise.

AMONG ANDES MINERS

The magnificent Andes chain is rich in material treasures of tin, antimony, lead, wolfram, zinc and silver. Mining is a principal industry of Bolivia, and humble miners are to be found grouped in mining camps throughout the Andes. Here, too, superstitions from Christendom have been mingled with pagan customs. It is said that the tío (uncle) of the mine represents the Devil, the ruler of the underworld. The tío idol is placed in his niche at the mine entrance, and each miner, before entering, is expected to appease the tío by offering it alcohol, cigarettes or confetti. Thus, the tío will not be angry and make the mine cave in.

As Jehovah’s Witnesses got busy in the various mining areas of Bolivia, truth swept superstition aside. Congregations of God’s people have now been established in sixteen of the major mining districts. In these places, Jehovah’s Witnesses have gained a fine reputation for clean morals. Often they have been recommended for responsible positions, such as handling the main elevator, working in accounting or in the commissary, because they have high esteem for human life and general honesty.

IN THE LOFTY HEIGHTS OF POTOSÍ

Potosí is the largest city in the world of over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) elevation​—a cold, rather desolate mining complex not far from the Altiplano’s eastern edge. It was here that the Spanish conquistadores discovered silver in 1545, and, as a result, this huge town sprang up beneath the famous cerro rico, the rich mountain of silver. It became one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the world of that time, boasting 160,000 inhabitants in 1650. Today, the mining industry sustains a population of only 90,000 people.

At the height of Potosí’s glory, no less than eighty churches flourished among the populace. Today these ornate structures, still filled with artistic treasures of another age, are open for only a few hours each day. This is because of the scarcity of priests and the necessity of having someone in attendance when the church is open in order to protect the artistic valuables from “Christian” thieves. But here in Potosí, a thriving, happy congregation of more than sixty witnesses of Jehovah is busy inviting honest-hearted potosinos to put on the “new personality” that marks true Christians.​—Eph. 4:20-24.

In Oruro, another major mining center on the treeless Altiplano, the famous diablada (devil dance) has given rise to a whole craft industry of costumes and hideous devil masks for the dancers. In recent years the festival has become a great tourist attraction, corresponding to Christendom’s Carnival celebration. The entire ceremony is directed to the virgen del socavón (virgin of the mines). The dance of the devils contains rites that are carried out at the Church of the Socavón, where homage is paid to Mary by means of special Masses. But in this same city more than a hundred witnesses of Jehovah are bent on cultivating the fruitage of God’s spirit in their lives. They have just completed building the largest Kingdom Hall structure in Bolivia.

CONQUERING THE COCA VICE

Since early times, the Altiplano people have chewed the leaves of the coca plant. The Catholic Spanish conquerors found it to their advantage to encourage this vice, for it deadened the hunger pangs and cold of their native slaves. Often slave laborers were paid their wages in coca leaves. Today, the yatiri, or magic men, practice fortune-telling by reading the coca leaves, thus linking demon influence with the use of the coca drug. After speaking with the spirits, they place the leaves on a cloth and then observe and interpret the design and direction of the leaves. Another method of divining is to chew the coca leaves and then place them in the open hand, looking for interpretations in the shape of the masticated wad. In this way the yatiri are supposed to foretell the future.

The Bolivian government is aware of the vice of drug addiction and is now investigating the cultivation of the coca leaf. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses have long refrained from vices such as chewing coca leaves and taking cocaine, which is derived from the coca plant, because God’s law forbids such defilement of flesh and spirit. (2 Cor. 7:1) And they are helping many of their Bible students to free themselves from enslavement to these drugs.

IN THE EASTERN LOWLANDS

Deep in the heart of South America is the vast eastern and northern section of Bolivia, the Beni and Santa Cruz lowlands, including Amazonian swampland, grasslands and the rain-forest tract. Although the religion of Christendom has held sway here for centuries, immorality is rampant. In his own words, an honest-hearted beniano testifies as to how true religion improves a person’s lot in life:

“I was a devout Catholic. I believed in God, and my religious custom was to incline myself before images, thinking that by means of them I would be drawn closer to God. I remember one occasion when, believing that it would be an excellent work, I helped clean, dress and comb an image that had been made with a full head of hair, to prepare her for the yearly procession of this virgin. But in spite of being a devout religious person, our religious ‘guides’ never taught me that venerating images was idolatry and a grave offense against God. I was zealous for my religion, but this was in vain, because I could not see the bad and degrading things that I was practicing in my life. For a full twenty years I had lived in concubinage. Frequently I was embroiled in wild partying, drinking to excess and in fighting with my friends and the woman with whom I lived. I was deeply involved, too, as a member of a popular political party. All of this changed when one of Jehovah’s Witnesses visited me and I started studying the Bible. I am now a baptized Witness and am deeply grateful for my truly close relationship with God.”

More than ten congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses are established now in this hot, steamy tropical section of Bolivia.

Among the older native people, illiteracy is often a problem. In congregations where this hinders spiritual growth, literacy classes of Jehovah’s Witnesses are held, and with fine results. Even newly interested persons join these classes so that they may study the Bible, and later when they become Witnesses themselves and go from door to door, they have encouraged others likewise to combine Bible instruction with learning to read and write. Thus a chain reaction continues.

Nearly one fifth of all Kingdom proclaimers in Bolivia are enjoying full-time witness activity. Many young people enter the ranks of the “pioneer” Witnesses immediately after completing the required public schooling, and this despite an environment that strongly encourages young people to study for a career in the professional world.

A fine potential for continued growth of Jehovah’s work in Bolivia is shown by the excellent attendance of 8,619 persons at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper on April 14, 1976. But, though splendid progress has been made over the years, about twenty-six provinces, or 13 percent of the entire population, has yet to be reached with the message of God’s kingdom. In family groups and in “pioneer” groups, traveling by airplane, truck, bus, canoe or on foot, Jehovah’s Witnesses are endeavoring to make known the good news to all the warmhearted people of this land while there is yet time. Thus it is hoped that many, many more of these will yet come to “consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.”​—2 Pet. 3:15.

God’s Holiness—as Magnified in Leviticus

God’s Holiness​—as Magnified in Leviticus

“YOU should prove yourselves holy, because I Jehovah your God am holy.” That command of the Creator, repeatedly given to his people Israel in the wilderness, clearly sets forth the theme for the Bible book of Leviticus. (Lev. 19:2) In fact, the term “holy” appears upward of a hundred times in this book, more often than in any other Bible book.

The name “Leviticus” is quite fitting, for the book largely deals with the formal worship of Jehovah God as cared for by the priests of the tribe of Levi and their role in keeping Israel a holy nation.

Who wrote Leviticus? In some languages, such as German, the book is simply termed “3rd book of Moses.” That name fits the facts, for time and again in the Christian Greek Scriptures, references from Leviticus are attributed to Moses.a Moreover, it is a part of the Pentateuch, meaning “five rolls” or “fivefold volume.” Thus all the references in the Christian Greek Scriptures that credit other parts of the Pentateuch to Moses serve to support his being the writer also of Leviticus. The very fact that Leviticus begins with the word “And” ties it closely to the previous book of Exodus.

When was Leviticus written? In view of the foregoing, the logical conclusion is that Moses wrote Leviticus while in the wilderness during the very time of the events that are therein recorded. This is supported by the fact that certain of its commands have application only to wilderness conditions. And, really, the book breathes the very atmosphere of wilderness camp life.

What time period does the book cover? Exodus, the previous book, tells of events taking place on the first day of the first month of the second year. (Ex. 40:17) And the opening verse of the succeeding book, Numbers, tells of events taking place on the first day of the second month of the same year. It therefore follows that the time period covered by Leviticus could not have been more than one lunar month. And it could not have been less than eight days, for that is the time taken for the installation of the priesthood described therein.​—Lev. 9:1.

Why was Leviticus written? Of what value was it to the Israelites in ancient times? For one thing, the book provides set regulations covering features that had already been a part of true worship. As an example of this, it regulated animal sacrifices, which had been offered to Jehovah before then by Abel, Noah, Abraham and Jacob. (Gen. 4:4; 8:20, 21; 22:13; 31:54) Leviticus also tells of the installing of Aaron and his sons (and their male descendants) as a special priesthood to oversee the formal worship and everyday lives of the Israelites. Before this the heads of families had served as priests in offering sacrifices.​—Gen. 46:1; Job 1:5.

By means of the commands found in the book of Leviticus, Jehovah God impressed upon the minds of the Israelites the need for them to be a holy people and also how they might be such religiously and morally. Through its contents God also advised the Israelites of his will regarding their annual festivals, their weekly and yearly sabbaths, proper and improper sex relationships, diet and other matters. Among its most prominent prohibitions was that forbidding them to eat blood. And God summed up how they should treat one another by the command: “You must love your fellow as yourself.” (Lev. 17:10-14; 19:18) Truly, Leviticus spelled out for the Israelites how they might be a holy people to Jehovah God.

As for Christians today, the value of what Leviticus contains is made clear particularly in the book of Hebrews. From it we learn that the Levitical priesthood and its sacrifices pictured things far grander​—the priesthood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as well as other good things that result therefrom. It is faith strengthening for Christians to note the divine wisdom displayed in the laws bearing on physical health, which laws reveal a knowledge of facts not appreciated by worldly men of medicine until thousands of years later. It is also faith strengthening to note the fulfillment of certain prophecies found in Leviticus, such as those dealing with Israel’s apostasy and their return to God’s favor.​—Lev. 26:29, 41-44; Lam. 4:10; Neh. 9:31.

SACRIFICES​—VOLUNTARY AND OBLIGATORY

Chapters one through seven, and sixteen, of Leviticus deal with various kinds of sacrifices that the Israelites could offer, or were required to offer, in the interests of holiness. The burnt offering and the communion offering were voluntary sacrifices. As a burnt offering, the entire animal or bird, save its hide or feathers, was consumed on the altar. In the communion sacrifice a certain part was offered on the altar, it representing God’s sharing in the sacrifice; a part was eaten by the priest and a part by the offerer himself.​—Lev. 1:1-17; 3:1-17; 5:8; 7:11-36.

The sin offering and the guilt offering were compulsory sacrifices. The former was to atone for sins committed unintentionally or by mistake. Here the kind of animal offered depended upon whose sin was to be atoned for, whether that of a high priest or a chieftain, the people as a whole or an individual among the common people.​—Lev. 4:1-35; 6:24-30.

The sins requiring a guilt offering were more serious. These were to cover personal guilt due to unfaithfulness, deception or robbery, indicating a measure of willfulness. Three things were required of a thief: an animal sacrifice, restoration of the thing stolen and, in certain cases, a fine of 20 percent. The regulations governing these sacrifices reveal Jehovah God’s fine sense of justice. One’s position, one’s means and the degree of one’s guilt were all given consideration. (Lev. 5:1–6:7; 7:1-7) In connection with such sacrifices, the Israelites were twice reminded not to eat the blood.​—Lev. 3:17; 7:26, 27.

Chapter 16 records the most important set of sacrifices of the Law, those offered on the day of atonement. On that day sacrifices for the sins of the people and burnt offerings were made. Included was the pronouncing of the sins of the people over a live goat, which was then sent away into the wilderness. The importance of this day was highlighted by the fact that the Israelites were not to do any work on this day and were to ‘afflict their souls,’ evidently meaning that they fasted.​—Ps. 35:13.

In addition to animal sacrifices there were also certain bloodless offerings that could be offered. These consisted of either whole roasted grain or course-ground grain or fine flour, which was baked on a griddle or fried in deep fat.​—Lev. 2:1-16.

PRIESTLY REGULATIONS

So that Aaron could serve as High Priest and his four sons as underpriests, God commanded Moses to conduct an installation ceremony. This involved the offering of certain animals, parts of which were “waved” before Jehovah by Aaron and his sons. The entire ceremony lasted eight days. Giving proof of the fact that all of this was done at God’s command and had his approval, “Jehovah’s glory appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before Jehovah and began consuming the burnt offering. . . . When all the people got to see it, they broke out into shouting and went falling upon their faces.”​—Leviticus, chapters 8 and 9.

Jehovah God considered the role that the priests played a most serious matter. Time and again he warned that failure to comply with all the requirements would incur the death penalty. When two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, took undue liberties with tabernacle worship “fire came out from before Jehovah and consumed them.” It could well be that these two acted under the influence of alcohol, for right afterward Jehovah God forbade priests to drink wine or liquor while serving at the tabernacle. They simply could not do justice to their duties while under the influence of liquor any more than responsible servants of God could today.​—Lev. 10:1-10.

For one of the male descendants of Aaron to serve as a priest he had to be holy in the sense of being free from physical defects. He could not be lame, blind, hunchbacked or have a skin disease. A priest also was restricted in his mourning for the dead and as to whom he could marry. For the high priest the restrictions were even more exacting. There were also restrictions regarding who of a priest’s family might eat of the holy things offered at the tabernacle.​—Leviticus, chapters 21 and 22.

LAWS GOVERNING WHAT IS CLEAN AND UNCLEAN

So that the Israelites might be a holy people, Jehovah God gave them laws regarding what he considered to be clean and unclean. Forbidden on pain of death were such morally unclean practices as incest, adultery and bestiality. It was because of such degraded practices that Jehovah decreed the extermination of the inhabitants of Canaan. Meriting similar punishment were apostasy, any practice of false religion, anything connected with spiritism, any blasphemy of the holy name of Jehovah God.​—Chapters 18 and 20.

According to Leviticus, the Israelites could not eat the flesh of certain animals, both domestic and wild. These prohibitions served two purposes. On the one hand, they forbade various kinds of flesh, among which were those most likely to be infected by harmful organisms. And on the other hand, these prohibitions helped to strengthen the barrier between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. By thus being separated as a people holy to Jehovah God, they would be less likely to associate with other peoples and learn their bad ways. (Compare 1 Corinthians 15:33.) Then again, touching a dead body, whether of man or of beast, made humans and even a cooking vessel unclean. The wisdom of these restrictions was appreciated in the medical world only millenniums later, when men learned about germs. The laws governing uncleanness due to leprosy, involving quarantining, were quite detailed. There were also laws governing such matters as uncleanness due to genital discharges and childbirth.​—Chapters 11-15.

In connection with these laws not only were the Israelites commanded to ‘love their neighbor as themselves,’ but they were told also what was included in that command. They were obligated to reprove the sinner and to show consideration to the blind, the lame, the deaf and also the poor, whom they were not allowed to charge interest. They were not to slander, nor to cheat in weighing and measuring. Anyone willfully harming his fellow was to receive just retribution.​—Lev. 19:9-18, 26, 32-37.

SABBATHS AND FESTIVALS

Basically, the Israelites were enjoined to observe three kinds of sabbaths. First, there was the weekly sabbath, not on Sunday, the first day of the week, but on the seventh day. Secondly, the first day of each month was to be observed. Thirdly, there was a sabbath year when nothing was planted or harvested for a whole year and the land was allowed to rest. To enable the Israelites to observe the year-long sabbath, Jehovah promised that their crops in the sixth year would be sufficient to last them until the eighth year, when they would start to enjoy the harvest of that year’s planting. The great Jubilee, the fiftieth year, came after seven sabbath years. In this year every man would have restored to him whatever property he lost during the previous forty-nine years due to sickness, circumstances or even poor management. Hence, there would never be any families who would indefinitely get richer and richer, while others got poorer and poorer.​—Chapters 23 and 25.

Leviticus also gives Jehovah’s requirements for the celebration of three annual festivals. These served as occasions of ‘rejoicing before Jehovah,’ and helped to strengthen the Israelites’ relationship with God as they unitedly worshiped Him. (Lev. 23:40) First, in early spring came the Passover, with its week-long festival of unleavened bread. This was followed in late spring by the festival of weeks, or Pentecost, lasting but one day. The third festival came in the fall after the completion of the harvest. It was called the festival of ingathering, or of booths, for during it the Israelites were required to dwell the full week in booths, reminding them of the time that they dwelt in booths while in the wilderness.

The book of Leviticus might be said to reach its climax in chapter 26, which tells of the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Jehovah informed the Israelites, “If you continue walking in my statutes,” then what? They would have prosperity, abundant crops and peace, would defeat their enemies and become very numerous. However, ‘if they would reject God’s statutes,’ they would have famine, pestilence, defeat in battle and would even be carried away to a foreign land. But the chapter ends hopefully with a promise of restoration, which indeed did come to pass when the Israelites returned from Babylon in 537 B.C.E. Finally, chapter 27 deals with the making of certain vows and presents the conclusion.

The book of Leviticus is truly of great value to God’s servants today, even as it was to his servants in ancient times. Among other things, it stresses the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the need for an atoning sacrifice, the sanctity of blood and the importance of justice and love. But above all, it brings home to us a realization of the importance of Jehovah’s sovereignty as the great Lawgiver, with emphasis on his name and his holiness.

[Footnotes]

Compare Romans 10:5 with Leviticus 18:5; John 7:22 with Leviticus 12:3 and Luke 2:22 with Leviticus 12:2.

“Make Disciples . . . Teaching Them”

“Make Disciples . . . Teaching Them”

“Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

1. Why should the command to ‘make disciples, teaching them,’ be viewed very seriously?

THE command to make disciples originated neither with men nor with angels. It was given by the resurrected Son of God who could say with reference to himself: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” (Matt. 28:18) As “King of kings and Lord of lords,” he has been empowered by his Father to bring to nothing “all government and all authority and power,” visible and invisible, that stand in opposition to righteous principles. (1 Cor. 15:24-26; Rev. 19:16) The authority of Jesus Christ is not limited to the living. He is the Judge also of the dead and, by reason of his resurrection power, can summon before him all those in gravedom. (John 5:26-28; Acts 10:42) Surely the command of one vested with such awesome authority should be treated as of highest importance by those to whom it applies.

2. What words of Jesus Christ show that the command to “make disciples” continues in force?

2 Already more than nineteen centuries have passed since Jesus Christ said: “Make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” Might the passing of so many years mean that this command no longer applies? Not in the least. After stating it, Jesus Christ added the assurance: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Since the foretold end has not yet come, the command to make disciples continues in force.

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