The Watchtower, September 15, 1980

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The Watchtower — September 15, 1980

Source: jw.org

Contents

Page Two

How Far Would You Go to Save Face?

The Balanced View of Saving Face

Assyrian Annals Shed Light on Hoshea’s Reign

A Precious Bible Treasure in Leningrad

From Strife to Family Peace

Outward Appearances Can Be Deceptive

Insight on the News

Single Parents Coping in Today’s World

Can You Help Widows and Fatherless Children “in Their Tribulation”?

Happy to Serve the God Who Remembers

Questions From Readers

How to Avoid Pitfalls in Everyday Life

It All Began with Prayer

Page Two

Page Two

OUR COVER: In a heartless world, the number of single parents has multiplied. How can these find relief in coping with their many problems? See pages 15 to 26

How Far Would You Go to Save Face?

How Far Would You Go to Save Face?

CAN you see a connection between committing hara-kiri and “keeping up with the Joneses”? Or between going deeply in debt for a lavish religious ceremony, and refusing to admit defeat in an argument? The connection is that each of these things is probably motivated by a desire to save face.

What is saving face? In the Chinese language, the word “face” has the connotation of “honor.” So to save face means to “preserve one’s honor, or self-respect,” especially when threatened with “shame.” Is this wrong? Well, maintaining self-respect is not necessarily wrong. When Jesus commanded us to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves,’ he implied that there would be a certain amount of concern for our own selves. (Matt. 22:39) Having self-respect helps us to keep ourselves clean, reliable and honest. Who wants to be thought of as dirty, unreliable and dishonest?

Saving face goes beyond that, however. It suggests that our reputation or honor is the most important thing. In Japan, for example, according to one observer, “shame has a place of authority . . . that a ‘clear conscience,’ ‘being right with God,’ and avoidance of sin have in Western ethics.” To avoid shame, or to save face, a person would be ready to make sacrifices, just as a Christian would make sacrifices to keep a clear conscience. At one time in Japan, some even committed hara-kiri, a very unpleasant form of suicide, when they were threatened with shame. Would you go as far as that to save face?

WHAT PEOPLE DO FOR “FACE”

In the East, some people still commit suicide when they feel their “face” is threatened, although usually no longer doing so by means of hara-kiri. They make other sacrifices, too. On a Buddhist feast day, in some areas, it is common for families to spend their whole week’s food allowance on one ceremonial meal so as not to lose face before their neighbors. In other places, a man may take a visitor out to the most expensive restaurant in town to entertain him. The man probably cannot afford this, and likely the visitor would rather eat in the home. But the host feels that he has to do this in order to save face.

In one land, it is the custom that when a man’s daughter gets married, he provides a furnished house for the newlyweds. The father gains “face” if he furnishes it very well. Hence, some individuals go deeply in debt to do this. Usually, the bridegroom will give a dowry for his new wife. To gain “face,” the young man may also go in debt to give a large dowry. However, the bride’s father, who is possibly already in debt after having provided the furnished house, will likely give the dowry back. He would not want to lose face by accepting the money.

Would you go that far to save face? Many do. There are other ways, too, that a person can be affected by a desire to save face. In one Oriental country, when a person wishes to become a Christian, he is often accused of losing face for his family by “joining a Western religion.” Of course, Christianity is not a “Western religion,” but that is the way it is viewed there. While not wanting to cause unnecessary offense, obviously it is not wise to refrain from doing what we know is right for considerations of “face.”

A WORLDWIDE TENDENCY

The tendency to want to save face is seen not only in the Orient; it is world wide. Take, for example, what is called “keeping up with the Joneses.” Consider a man who owns an automobile that is perfectly suited to his needs. One day his neighbor buys a new, expensive model. The man, who was quite satisfied with his vehicle before, now becomes dissatisfied. Why? He is ashamed of it. His neighbor’s new one makes his car look old. So he buys a new automobile that he neither needs nor can afford. His motivation, being ashamed in front of his neighbors, is quite similar to that which drove certain Orientals to commit hara-kiri.

Then again, have you ever felt angry when someone offered you counsel or correction? Did you think to yourself: “That’s not fair! Who is he to be criticizing me anyway? He’s not so great himself!” You were justifying yourself. Why? Because your pride, or honor, had been touched.

Sometimes a person may make a big sacrifice in an effort to save face. Perhaps he commits a serious sin. He cannot bring himself to admit this to others and have the matter cleared up. When the wrongdoing comes to light anyway and mature Christians discuss it with him, he denies the whole thing. Because of shame or stubbornness, he is even willing to separate from the Christian congregation, thus endangering his relationship with his Creator and his hope of everlasting life. Would you go that far to save face?

Then, what if someone sins against you? Is it easy for you to extend forgiveness? Or do you demand “justice”? Sometimes a Christian may commit a sin against another. The offended person presents the matter to the congregational elders, and the sinner is reproved and restored. But the one sinned against cannot forget the matter. He thinks the elders were too lenient and feels that his personal injury was not taken seriously enough. Why does he reason this way? Could it be that his sense of injured dignity is more important to him than the restoration of an erring brother? In other words, does his “face,” or honor, demand that the sinner be made to suffer?

Many other examples could be mentioned. Have you ever met someone who refuses to admit that he is wrong, even when the facts are crystal clear to everyone else? Or do you know an individual who dislikes taking suggestions, who acts hurt and offended when he makes a suggestion that is not accepted by others, or who is stubborn and immovable in his opinions? Are you acquainted with someone who is overly proud of his prestigious job or his higher education, or, contrariwise, is ashamed because he does not have such an education? All these characteristics can be manifestations of a concern for “face,” or personal honor.

Hence, a Christian does well to ask himself: “How far would I go to save face? In fact, how should I view the whole matter of saving face?”

The Balanced View of Saving Face

The Balanced View of Saving Face

THE Bible indicates that the desire to save face is just about as old as mankind. In fact, the very first human sin was followed by an attempt to save face.

You may be familiar with the way Adam and Eve, our first parents, sinned against God by eating the forbidden fruit. Eventually, they had to answer for their crime. Their reactions were interesting. When Adam was forced to confess, he tried to blame Eve and even Jehovah God himself. He said: “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree and so I ate.” Eve, too, tried to evade the blame. She said: “The serpent​—it deceived me and so I ate.”​—Gen. 3:8-13.

Have you ever been tempted to act in a similar way? When you have been faced with something you did wrong, have you tried to blame others? Some people will do anything rather than openly say: “I am sorry. I was wrong.” However, trying to save face does not change facts. Adam and Eve were punished for their sins in spite of their excuses.​—Gen. 3:16-19.

Ananias and Sapphira were another married couple overly concerned with “face.” They tried to deceive the early Christian congregation by telling an outright lie, apparently wanting to build up their reputation, their “face,” among their fellow believers. God’s displeasure was shown when he caused their death. (Acts 5:1-11) Would Jehovah not view matters in a similar light today if, for example, a Christian falsely claimed to be doing more than he really was in God’s service? Or, would Jehovah not be displeased if, in any other way, we tried to pretend deceptively that we were different from what we really are?​—Jas. 3:17.

DOES A CHRISTIAN NEED TO SAVE FACE?

Being concerned with “face” Seems to bring mostly bad results. This is because it is based on a wrong premise. It assumes that a person’s reputation is of paramount importance. This is not correct. Also, saving face may be based on pride, or on an exaggerated opinion of one’s own worth. This is not pleasing to Jehovah.​—Prov. 16:18.

True, the Bible does say: “A name is better than good oil.” (Eccl. 7:1) This is referring, however, to the reputation a person earns, particularly in Jehovah’s eyes, over a lifetime of good works. It has nothing to do with the respect that a person demands from others whether he deserves it or not.

It is also true that in order to be a Christian elder a man must have a “fine testimony from people on the outside.” (1 Tim. 3:7) This “fine testimony,” however, is due to his Christian conduct and well-ordered family, not because he has a college degree, a prestigious job, or spends a lot of money on his friends.

Evidently Jesus Christ did not overly value his own “face” before others. When he preached to poor people, tax collectors and sinners instead of consorting with the religious leaders, this seems to have cost him a lot of “face” in the eyes of those proud men. (John 7:45-48) But Jesus was not deflected from doing his heavenly Father’s will because he was not seeking glory for himself. In fact, on one occasion he said: “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing.” (John 8:49-54) He was content to wait for his Father to glorify him. Nevertheless, Jesus’ actions did earn him a fine reputation before God and right-thinking men.

The same is true with us. If we try to glorify ourselves, particularly by hiding things, or by presenting a false front, this is clearly wrong and of no value in the long run. Far better is it to be concerned with the way God views us. Jesus himself said: “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens.”​—Matt. 5:11, 12.

Jesus had this experience, particularly after he was arrested. The religious leaders took him for trial and tried to besmirch his reputation by means of false witnesses. Afterward he was laughed at and ridiculed. A crown of thorns was forced onto his head, and a purple robe was put on him in derision of the fact that he was a King. (Mark 14:55-65; 15:17-20) Then, while Jesus was dying, the gloating rulers stood around the torture stake mocking him. Even the way he died was viewed by the Jews as very shameful. (Luke 23:32-38; Gal. 3:13) In all of this, did Jesus try to defend his reputation or save face? No. Rather, the Scriptures tell us that he ‘despised shame.’ (Heb. 12:2) Far more important in his eyes was the glorifying of his Father’s name. (John 17:4, 11) And for this fine course of conduct, Christ’s reward was indeed great in the heavens. What an outstanding example for us today!​—1 Pet. 2:21, 22.

HOW TO HANDLE THE “FACE” PROBLEM

How, then, should a Christian handle the problem of saving face? Really, there are two aspects of the matter to consider: our dealing with others, and our view of ourselves.

In dealing with others, a Christian should try to avoid putting them in situations wherein they may feel forced to try to save face. (Matt. 7:12) Hence, love and empathy will make an overseer giving counsel or correction do this in a kind, considerate way​—with a “spirit of mildness.” (Gal. 6:1) A Christian preaching the “good news” to a nonbeliever will do so tactfully, “with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Pet. 3:15) In this way he will not hurt or embarrass the nonbeliever when that individual says things that are not accurate or finds that his cherished beliefs are false. Additionally, a Christian should not damage someone else’s reputation by spreading harmful gossip about him.​—Prov. 16:28.

When we view ourselves, we have to recognize that it requires Christian maturity to avoid the trap of saving face. Even Job fell into it. Admittedly, he was under great pressure. His sufferings included a horrible disease, the loss of his family and discouragement from his wife. Then three so-called friends came along and accused him of sinning secretly. That was when Job burst out in vigorous self-justification. He declared “his own soul righteous rather than God.” (Job 32:2) But when Job heard the wise reasoning of Elihu and especially the reminders of Jehovah himself, his thinking was restored to proper balance. Job then gave glory to God rather than resorting to face-saving and trying to justify himself. As a result, he was richly blessed.​—Job 42:1-6, 12, 13.

Hence, a Christian needs to check himself carefully. Often it is difficult to recognize that saving face is really the problem. It may be that in trying to deceive others, we have also succeeded in deceiving ourselves. The heart is treacherous and can do that to us. (Jer. 17:9) Especially is this true when we are under emotional pressure or are suddenly put on the spot. Prayerful analysis of our thinking, however, will help us to see the true situation. (Ps. 139:23, 24) And once we recognize it, we can, like Job, be helped to have our balance restored by God’s Word and by our Christian brothers.

Often it is not the opinion of opposers that worries us, but that of people close to us. For the sake of the “good news,” a mature Christian may endure ridicule in his community. But he may find it hard to admit a mistake or to confess a sin within the congregation and, as he thinks, run the risk of losing the respect his fellow Christians have for him. He may be highly embarrassed if his children do something wrong, and may try to hush it up.

This might even happen to a Christian overseer. Really, though, an elder in this situation who openly confesses his problem is working for the benefit of the congregation and is setting an example for others. Right-thinking people will respect him for his honesty. On the other hand, trying to avoid blame, or covering up what he or his family has done, is cowardice. It can also lead to lying. Both are detestable to God.​—Rev. 21:8.

THREE VALUABLE CHRISTIAN QUALITIES

Hence we need to cultivate qualities that will help us to overcome the desire to save face. What are they? Well, honesty is one. (Heb. 13:18) If we value honesty, we will not want to put on a false front, such as saving face nearly always involves. This may be difficult. That is why we may also need humility and courage to help us to stay honest, both with ourselves and with others. (Prov. 15:33; 1 Cor. 16:13) Additionally, humility will overcome the false pride that makes us want to save face in the first place.

Yes, courage, honesty and humility will help us to avoid the trap of saving face. Paul said that some viewed him as a fool. (1 Cor. 4:10) Do you mind if people view you as a fool if you know in your heart that you are doing God’s will? Or does fear of other people’s opinions prevent you from doing what is right? Teen-agers particularly need courage, honesty and humility to stand for right principles instead of resorting to face-saving and following the crowd.​—1 Pet. 4:4.

Jesus compared those serving God to “good-for-nothing slaves.” (Luke 17:10) Do you view yourself in that way? Or do you think you are quite important? Paul encouraged us ‘not to think more of ourselves than it is necessary to think.’ (Rom. 12:3) He also encouraged us to do “nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior” to us.​—Phil. 2:3.

The Scriptures clearly indicate that there is no room in the Christian congregation for saving face, or for getting honor for ourselves. Those important Christian qualities of humility, courage and honesty are completely opposed to face-saving. It may not be easy to think this way, especially if we have grown up in a culture that values saving face above all. But, with the help of God’s holy spirit, Christians are able to make changes in the way they act. Even ‘the force actuating their mind’ can change, if they really want it to. (Eph. 4:23) So be alert to the dangers of saving face. Realize that it is a trap of the fallen flesh, and, by all means, avoid it!

Assyrian Annals Shed Light on Hoshea’s Reign

Assyrian Annals Shed Light on Hoshea’s Reign

THE Bible reports that Hoshea formed a conspiracy against King Pekah and “began to reign in place of him in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.” (2 Ki. 15:30) The 20th year is manifestly to be understood as designating the period that had passed since Jotham had become king. The actual reign of Jotham amounted to 16 years.​—2 Ki. 15:32, 33.

Although beginning his rule in the fourth year of Jotham’s successor Ahaz, Hoshea seemingly was not fully recognized as king over Israel until some years later. According to 2 Kings 17:1, Hoshea became king in the 12th year of Ahaz. The annals of Tiglath-pileser III shed light on the possible reason for this. A fragmentary inscription from the reign of this monarch reads: “All its inhabitants (and) their possessions I led to Assyria. They [the Israelites] overthrew their king Pekah . . . and I placed Hoshea . . . as king over them.” (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by James B. Pritchard, 1955, p. 284) So it may well be that it was with Assyrian backing that Hoshea established full control over Israel from the capital city Samaria.

A Precious Bible Treasure in Leningrad

A Precious Bible Treasure in Leningrad

IT BEGAN as an ordinary sight-seeing tour from Finland. While in Leningrad, the visitor and his wife had no great hopes of experiencing anything special in regard to the Bible, for the travel bureau’s instruction booklet stated: “Bringing religious literature into the country is forbidden.” Yet it was in this city that he had the greatest thrill of his life regarding the Bible as a book.

There are many church buildings in Leningrad, but only a handful of them serve the purpose for which they were built. Many of them have been turned into museums. This includes the towering St. Isaac’s Cathedral that reminds one of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The most enlightening presentation of the official attitude toward religion is to be found at the Kazan Cathedral on Leningrad’s main avenue, Nevski Prospekt. This stately cathedral has been converted into the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism. In the basement the display of religious history advances in chronological order down to the present day. A person can see the instruments of torture used during the time of the Inquisition. Especially impressive is the scene of an Inquisition court trial, with life-size wax models. The unhappy victim is chained and is on his knees before his accusers and monks dressed in black robes. The executioner stands by, ready for action.

Opposite the Kazan Cathedral, on the other side of Nevski Prospekt, is the largest bookstore in the city. On the second floor, the Finnish visitors saw many pictures and slogans that seemingly were designed to encourage the reader to reject religion. One poster depicted fish in the shape of old women with scarves on their heads. These fish were being lured by the “ticket to the Kingdom of heaven” that was attached to a hook labeled “Sects.”

Continuing down Nevski Prospekt to the east and turning to the right just before the statue of Catherine the Great, the visitors found themselves in front of the famous Saltykov-Shchedrin State Public Library. This library is the second largest in the Soviet Union and one of the biggest in the world, containing more than 17 million items. When the visitor inquired about the manuscript, a library official raised a series of polite, searching questions. Then this official disappeared, shortly to return with a reddish-brown box. He set it on the table and opened the lid. There it was​—the Leningrad Codex from the year 1008 (or, 1009). But what is this manuscript, and why is it so valuable?

THE LENINGRAD CODEX

Would you be interested in seeing a manuscript of the Hebrew Scriptures that serves as a basic text for Bible translations? This is what the Leningrad Codex is all about.

But you may wonder: Were not the Hebrew Scriptures completed before Christ? How could this text be from as late as the year 1008? To understand this matter better, we need to know a little about the Masoretes.

The Masoretes (in Hebrew, Baalei Hamasorah, “Lords of Tradition”) lived in the centuries after Christ and were extremely accurate copyists of the Hebrew Scriptures. They made no alterations in the text but, instead, noted the changes made by earlier scribes and called attention to these in the margin of the Hebrew text. They also invented a system of vowel points and accent marks to aid the reader in arriving at the correct pronunciation. In view of the meticulous care of the Masoretes, their text is indeed suitable for translating the Bible, even though it is more than 1,000 years removed from the original text. A comparison with far earlier texts, such as the Dead Sea Scroll of Isaiah, confirms the accuracy of the Masoretic text.

However, no individual manuscript is completely reliable, because copyists did make errors. That is why Hebrew editions began to be made, based on a comparison of different manuscripts. In 1906, for example, the German scholar Rudolf Kittel published his famous Biblia Hebraica, or, Hebrew Bible. As a basis, he used Jacob ben Chayyim’s Masoretic text. Additionally, in his footnotes he compared the readings of many other manuscripts.

Ben Chayyim’s text was from as late as 1524-25 C.E. Kittel, together with his successor, German professor Paul Kahle, zealously sought to get hold of older Masoretic texts. There was an excellent Masoretic text in the synagogue of the Sephardim in Aleppo, Syria. It was compiled by the famous Ben Asher family and was prepared about the year 930 C.E. But this manuscript could not be used because, as Professor Kahle said, “the owners of the codex would not hear of a photographic copy,” for fear of its being desecrated and their being cursed.

Still, there was another Masoretic text based on the work of the Ben Asher family. It contained the entire Hebrew Scriptures, and, in fact, the decision had been made to use it as the basis for the third edition of the Biblia Hebraica. It had been copied in Old Cairo in 1008 (or, 1009) from the corrected clear books prepared by the master Aaron ben Moshe ben Asher, as the copyist Samuel ben Jacob himself mentions. Its owners did not ‘fear being cursed’ for having the Bible copied, as did the owners of the Aleppo Codex. They loaned their manuscript to Kittel and Kahle for two years. This manuscript is the very Codex B 19-A that is now preserved in the Leningrad Public Library.

MAY I PHOTOGRAPH IT?

The Leningrad Codex, a manuscript in book form, is now in loose sheets. Because it had been microfilmed, the binding is now undone. The sheets are approximately of quarto size, only wider, and feel like very thick paper, almost like thin cardboard. The edges of some of the pages are worn, but the text itself, written in three columns, is sharp and clear.

“May I photograph this manuscript?” asked the visitor. The library official disappeared again into an inner room and returned with an affirmative reply. The visitor piled a few sturdy volumes from the nearby bookshelf in front of the nearest window, placed his pocket tripod with the camera on top and selected the second sheet from the manuscript pile for the photograph.

The visitor found it of interest to note that God’s name, the Tetragrammaton (Jehovah, or, Yahweh) appeared several times on this sheet, starting from what is now referred to as Genesis 2:4. The divine name appears 6,960 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. This certainly does not speak well of those Bible translators who substitute for it the word “Lord.”

At the end of the tour the library official showed the visitors several rare manuscripts in glass cases. Included was the famous Ostromir Gospel, the oldest surviving dated manuscript in Russian (Old Bulgarian), from the year 1056.

It is certainly a pleasant surprise that such a precious manuscript as the Leningrad Codex is carefully preserved in a country that prohibits the free importation of Bibles. The manuscript involved is not just one of many but the very one that has furnished the basis for many modern translations of the Hebrew Scriptures, including the New World Translation published by the Watch Tower Society.

From Strife to Family Peace

From Strife to Family Peace

MANUEL, his wife and their young son and daughter live in Spain. Today they are a happy family. But it was not always that way.

When they got married, Manuel and his bride did not know each other well. Soon they began to argue and fight. Manuel was a jealous person and a heavy drinker. He often came home drunk and in a fighting mood. Why, eventually things got so bad that they had a battle every three or four days! After some years, Manuel began having an affair with another woman. His wife was so desperate that she considered committing suicide or poisoning him.

Then a new influence entered their home. Manuel’s wife started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, but he did not want to know anything about it. However, some months later he was in a nearby room while a study was being conducted with his wife, and he overheard these words: “The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10) That struck him. At work he had stolen food, understanding from his religion that the poor could steal from the rich. Soon he, too, was studying the Bible.

In three months, Manuel put an end to his heavy drinking, his smoking and his immoral relationship. Then the usual family fights also ceased. He was especially touched by the Bible’s counsel that a man was to ‘love his wife as his own body.’ (Eph. 5:25, 28) Gradually, Manuel became a much better husband.

This change from strife to peace and happiness in the family was so great that it also affected Manuel’s father. He, too, was moved to study the Bible and apply it in his life. Today, Manuel, his wife and his father are dedicated witnesses of Jehovah God.

Outward Appearances Can Be Deceptive

God’s Word Is Alive

Outward Appearances Can Be Deceptive

Abraham and his nephew Lot had a problem. Both men had accumulated such large flocks and herds that quarrels erupted between their herdsmen. To keep peace, Abraham suggested that he and Lot separate. He gave Lot the first choice. ‘If you go to the left,’ Abraham said, ‘I will go to the right. But if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.’

Lot looked out from their vantage point, and, pointing to the beautiful well-watered region near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, he chose it. The area appeared good. But was it really? The inhabitants of the area were morally degraded, and this led to trouble.​—Gen. 13:5-13.

In time, Lot and his family moved right into Sodom. This put them in a dangerous situation. King Chedorlaomer and his allies defeated the king of Sodom, and, as you can see, took away captive Lot and his family. Soon afterward, however, Abraham and his forces rescued them all, recovering all losses. Lot and his family returned to Sodom to live.​—Gen. 14:4-16.

Lot’s wife may have found certain things about Sodom very attractive. But the appearance was truly deceptive. Actually, sexual perversion and a total disregard for moral decency were characteristic of both Sodom and Gomorrah. Finally, Jehovah God decided to destroy the cities because of their wickedness. But in his mercy God sent two angels who took Lot, his wife and his two daughters by the hand and led them out of the city. Then one of the angels said: ‘Run for your lives. And don’t look back.’

Lot and his daughters obeyed. They ran away from Sodom without looking back. But Lot’s wife disregarded the angelic direction, looked back, perhaps longingly for the material things she had left behind in Sodom, and became a pillar of salt.​—Gen. 19:1-26; 2 Pet. 2:7, 8.

There is a lesson here for us. Like Sodom, the old system of things on earth today may appear attractive. But that appearance is deceptive. Actually, that system is morally corrupt, and its destruction is just as certain to come as God’s fiery judgment came on ancient Sodom.​—Luke 17:28-30.

Insight on the News

Insight on the News

Suicide to Gain Afterlife

● A preoccupation with the idea of life after death and reincarnation recently resulted in the suicide of a 16-year-old boy and serious injury to his 15-year-old girl friend. Friends related how the two had “jokingly” discussed suicide plans with other youths in Washington State after reading a book that dealt with the subject of afterlife. The youths devised a “fantasy” plan in which two of them would die by crashing a sports car into their school, thus moving on to a “higher plane of existence.”

Of course, such a reaction to the idea of life after death is extreme. But it illustrates the mental bondage of millions who unquestioningly accept such teachings because they are part of their religious background, rather than because they are founded on Scriptural teaching. On the other hand, Jesus said that adherence to the Word of truth would ‘set men free.’ He taught his disciples the same truth that was expressed in God’s Word centuries before: “The dead . . . are conscious of nothing at all.” Knowing this might have spared the youths this tragedy.​—John 8:32; Eccl. 9:5; compare John 11:11-14.

Whose Side Is God On?

● Recently, the newspaper “Brazil Herald” commented on how the Atlético soccer team of Belo Horizonte noisily celebrated their victory over the Fluminense team of Rio de Janeiro. But the “Herald” noted that four of the Atlético team, “recently converted to Protestantism, maintained themselves separate, opening Bibles and thanking the Lord for helping them defeat the Fluminense.”

Does it make sense to ask for or give thanks to God for such a victory? Whose request should be granted when sincere persons on both sides pray for victory? Observing this, the “Brazil Herald” carried the question one step further: “This revives a question often asked by people not much intoxicated by patriotism during wars: What does the Lord have against the other side​—in this case, against Rio’s Fluminense team, to side unilaterally with the Atlético team? Maybe these pious people overrate somewhat the interest the Lord might take in the result of a soccer game​—of perhaps even a war between nations, at that.”

Certainly God cannot be held responsible for the success or failure of one side in sports events or blood-shedding wars fought by religious persons against one another. The answer to such persons who pray for God’s help for their side is the same one he gave ancient apostate Israel: “And when you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled.” Rather than taking sides in men’s wars, true Christians will remain neutral, praying only for God’s kingdom.​—Isa. 1:15, 16; 2:4; Matt. 6:9, 10.

Puzzle of Papal Politics

● Pope John Paul II’s recent directive that Catholic clergy world wide cease secular political activities has caused some confusion. Jesuit priest and U.S. congressman Robert Drinan has said that he will not run for office again. On the other hand, nun Carolyn Farrell, mayor of Dubuque, Iowa, said she will not quit, as women “have never been in the category of clergy.”

Meanwhile, almost simultaneously, the pope was urging African church members to participate in politics: “An important challenge for the Christian is that of the political life,” he told a giant audience in Nairobi, Kenya. “In the state citizens have a right and duty to share in the political life.” The pope added that “it would be a mistake to think that the individual Christian should not be involved in these areas of life.”

Commenting on the seeming contradiction in principle between the pope’s directive to the clergy and his own exercise of politics in Poland and in the church, a New York “Times” editorial observed: “It would seem to be not politics that the Pope wants priests to abandon, but only elective office.” In view of Jesus’ declaration that his disciples “are not of the world; as I also am not of the world,” can we imagine him issuing such contradictory expressions?​—John 17:14; 18:36, Catholic “Douay Version.”

Single Parents Coping in Today’s World

Single Parents Coping in Today’s World

“The woman who is actually a widow and left destitute has put her hope in God and persists in supplications and prayers night and day.”​—1 Tim. 5:5.

1-3. (a) What did one widow write? (b) Has there been an increase in single-parent families, and what are some of the problems these face?

“I AM a 28-year-old widow with two children. I am very depressed for I don’t want to raise my children without a father. It seems like no one even cares about me. My children see me cry often and it affects them. I know I can’t go on feeling like this, but what should I do?” This letter expresses a common plea from some who are facing many problems​—single parents.

2 Worldwide reports show a rapid increase in single-parent families. In 10 years the number has almost doubled in the United States, and has more than doubled in Canada. They make up about one tenth of all families in Australia and Great Britain. It is estimated that two out of every five children now living in the United States will spend some of their life in a single-parent family.

3 There are many reasons for this increase. Wars and car accidents have robbed many homes of a father. As family life decays, desertion, divorce and separation have become commonplace. Some unwed mothers, rather than having an abortion or giving up their child for adoption, have chosen to rear the child instead. A single parent must cope with many problems. Loneliness, rearing children, making a living, sexual desires and managing a household are just a few.

CHRISTIANITY BRINGS RELIEF

4. What conditions during the first century produced many single-parent families?

4 In the first century, during the infancy of Christianity, the ravages of war, sickness and moral decay likewise produced countless widows and fatherless children. Divorce or abandonment was often the rule. Usually children of tender years were left with the mother who now had to bring them up alone. The world of the Roman Empire was a heartless society that despised the weak. So widows were subjected to harsh abuses. Some even turned to prostitution for support.

5. In what two ways did Christianity help?

5 Christianity brought a real change. It showed compassion to the less fortunate. But even beyond this, by its teachings, single parents were infused with the moral strength to break free from the vices of the time. Instead of producing shameless women, Christianity produced women who were self-controlled, chaste, who loved their families. Even non-Christians recognized the difference, as one of these exclaimed: “What women the Christians have!”

6. What Christian principles can help single parents, as well as all Christians, to cope with today’s pressures?

6 What Christian principles helped? The apostle Paul, in offering counsel about widows, said that the exemplary widow “has put her hope in God and persists in supplications and prayers night and day.” He indicated that a widow not less than 60 years old could be placed on the list for assistance if, among other things, “she diligently followed every good work.” (1 Tim. 5:5, 9, 10) Here, at least three principles stand out: (1) Trust God now and anticipate the hope of eternal life that he has promised; (2) maintain a close personal relationship with God; (3) keep involved in beneficial work. We shall see how these three principles, if applied, genuinely help not only single parents but all Christians to cope with today’s pressures.

COPING WITH LONELINESS

7. (a) Why is loneliness especially difficult for some single parents? (b) How does the principle suggested at 1 Timothy 5:10 help?

7 One single parent sighed: “When I come home and see those four walls, and especially after the children are in bed, loneliness really comes over me.” Yes, loneliness is often the biggest problem a single parent faces. Though becoming closer to the children helps, many yearn for adult companionship. Keeping involved in “every good work” is one time-tested remedy. First-century Christian widows ‘entertained strangers, washed the feet of the holy ones [through personal acts of service] and relieved those in tribulation.’ (1 Tim. 5:10) Noting this, one 68-year-old modern-day Christian widow took to visiting other nearby widows and rest homes whenever she got lonely. She said: “I find that by making these visits, keeping up my housework and taking care of my spirituality I don’t have time to be lonely.”

8. (a) Why does Kingdom preaching help us fight loneliness and depression? (b) Does it really work?

8 Kingdom preaching is a “good work” commanded by Jesus, a work that can relieve loneliness and depression. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) One lonely and depressed single parent who had become withdrawn was urged by her friends to get started in the house-to-house witnessing. She did. At her first door she was invited in by a badly crippled, yet unusually cheerful, woman. How could she be so happy? “It is because I have my life, my dear. I am alive,” was her jovial reply. This was a turning point for the Witness, who reasoned: “I have my health, the love of the congregation, two fine children and, above all, Jehovah. Why should I be unhappy?” Helping others spiritually can prevent our becoming self-centered and giving in to self-pity. Teaching others keeps our own hope alive and fresh; so we continue to “put [our] hope in God.”​—1 Tim. 5:5.

9. Will loneliness always go away with hard work? What also helps?

9 Yet one widower stated realistically: “Loneliness does not go away with just hard work. Often you have to live with it. It must simply be endured with the help and strength from Jehovah.” Such strength comes when one “persists in supplications and prayers night and day.” (1 Tim. 5:5) Prayerfully recounting our activities throughout the day, and knowing that Jehovah is always there listening and that he cares about the details of our life is truly comforting. Pouring out our heart to him “night and day” helps​—especially at night when, as many report, the problem of loneliness can become serious.

COPING WITH SEXUAL DESIRES

10. (a) When can sexual desires become a serious problem? (b) How does one ‘go in for sensual gratification,’ and to what can this lead?

10 Many single parents ache for the warm companionship of marriage and the intimacies of the marital bed. Certainly such feelings are not wrong in themselves. The desire to remarry is natural. The problem comes when a person decides to satisfy these “sexual impulses” regardless of the cost. This happened in the apostle Paul’s day. Some younger widows allowed “their sexual impulses [to] come between them and the Christ.” (1 Tim. 5:11, 12) This was serious because, in effect, such an individual was saying: ‘My sexual needs are just too great. I have to do something to give my body relief!’ These bodily or sensual desires gradually became the big thing in life, even bigger than spiritual interests. These desires could build up to the point where one would ‘go in for sensual gratification’ and thus become “dead though she is living.” (1 Tim. 5:6) That person’s interest in spiritual matters would die. The same thing can happen to any Christian (male or female) today. One can commit ‘spiritual suicide’ by ignoring Bible standards of morality, because of being so absorbed in satisfying “sexual impulses.”

11. How can a person ‘deaden his sexual appetite’?

11 Therefore, the Bible urges: ‘Deaden your body members as respects sexual appetite.’ (Col. 3:5) But how? By guarding your mind and heart. If you were trying to diet and control your appetite for food, would you read magazines containing pictures of delicious foods, or would you watch TV shows about cooking? Would you associate with people who constantly talked about food? Hardly! It is the same with “sexual appetite.” One widow frankly stated: “We are in a world that just never stops talking about sex. So I am quite careful about my choices of entertainment and with whom I socialize. A diabetic would surely not want to press his nose to the window of a candy store.”

12, 13. (a) To cultivate a personal relationship with Jehovah, what is needed? (b) Why are “supplications” so important, and how can one work in harmony with these?

12 However, to keep overcoming these desires, day after day, an individual must develop a close personal relationship with God. Besides personal study and meditation, this requires persistence in “supplications.” (1 Tim. 5:5) Paul not only mentions prayers in general, but says “supplications.” These are petitions to God conveying an intense need. They are earnest pleas, yes, a begging for help, perhaps with “strong outcries and tears.”​—Heb. 5:7.

13 Are your prayers for self-control and strength as intense as that? Do you persist in them? Do you pray at the very moment these desires become strong? Are you specific, perhaps revealing to our Father things that you would not confide to another human? Also, do you work in harmony with your prayers? One Christian woman said: “Don’t ask for Jehovah’s help to overcome sexual desires and then constantly think about sex. True, certain times during the month your sexual urges may be very great. Activate your mind by doing something else. Go visit someone. Go for a walk or do anything that will change the subject. Keep as busy as you can during this part of the month.” Another who also saw the value of keeping busy in “every good work” agreed, saying: “Scrub your windows. Scrub your floor. Dig in the dirt. I’ve done it. It works!” When you see Jehovah helping you with this problem​—no, not by performing a miracle, but at least by giving you the strength to cope with it each day—​you will be drawn closer to him.

14. (a) What can happen if a person fails to have a close relationship with Jehovah? (b) What can single parents do while waiting for a Christian mate?

14 Without this precious “intimacy with Jehovah” a person could begin seeking a marriage mate regardless of the cost, perhaps even dating worldly persons. (Ps. 25:14) One who did this admitted: “The real problem was my not being close to Jehovah. When I had a chance to get married, it sounded so good. I forgot the moral standards I’d been taught. Then one day I realized that the man was only interested in himself and not marriage. Then I had to live with a guilty conscience.” True, being single can be hard, but as one divorced Christian woman warned: “There is one thing much worse than being single. It’s being married to the wrong person!” There is always the possibility of finding a mate among devoted Christians, someone “in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) Some have waited for many years for such a mate. Meanwhile, they have not become bitter or been overwhelmed by their circumstances. They wisely have used the time to develop the qualities that would make them better mates. As one single parent said: “I ask myself, ‘Am I the spiritual woman someone would choose?’ If I’m miserable while I’m single, then I probably would make someone a miserable mate.”

MANAGING A HOUSEHOLD AND REARING CHILDREN

15. (a) What have some single parents done to manage a household successfully? (b) Do you have any additional suggestions?

15 Though it is a taxing job, many single parents have imitated the capable woman described in Proverbs 31. Although married, she had the general supervision of the household. She saved money by shopping carefully, making her own goods from raw materials and not wasting food, for she prepared a “prescribed portion.” (Pr 31 Vss. 13-15, 19) She started early and worked late. (Pr 31 Vss. 15, 18) She made items and sold them. (Pr 31 Vs. 24) She used “her own hands” to care for chores. (Pr 31 Vss. 17, 19) Today, to learn to use their “own hands” skillfully, some single parents have read how-to-do-it books and have consulted professionals for advice. (Often, after explaining their status, they have received free expert instructions.) Others have told their needs to fellow witnesses of Jehovah who had certain “know-how,” and, when available, these have kindly given assistance. All of this keeps expenses down.

16. Why is it vital to trust in God, and whose example illustrates this need?

16 Yet, despite all that a widow can do, with times becoming harder, she must trust in God for daily provisions. A good example of one who “put her hope in God” was the single parent who lived in the city of Zarephath in the days of God’s prophet Elijah. By Jehovah’s direction, Elijah asked for her last bit of food, promising her that God would provide. What would you have done? She had enough for one last meal. At least that one meal was something she could count on. Yet, because of her faith, she gave up what was certain for the uncertain. God’s word through the prophet came true. She and her son never lacked food. Similarly today, single parents, along with all Christians, must put confidence in God by seeking his kingdom first and by complying with his righteous standards. Then they will see that he will provide.​—1 Ki. 17:8-16; Luke 4:25, 26; Matt. 6:31-33.

17. What must single parents never forget if they are to rear their children successfully, and why?

17 The difficult task of being both “mother” and “father” to the children and rearing them properly can be accomplished only if the parent never forgets what should be of highest importance in the home. Note the Bible answer:

“Better is a little in the fear of Jehovah than an abundant supply and confusion along with it. Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.” (Prov. 15:16, 17)

The true value of a meal is not what is on the table, but what is in the heart of those who eat together. Love and a wholesome fear of God are what really count.

18. (a) What have some single parents done to have money and yet have the time to care for their children? (b) What else do you feel can be done?

18 To have the time to help their children to develop an awe for God and yet have needed money, some single parents, often with their children’s help, have sold their own homemade goods or have performed services at home.a Others have taken advantage of any government assistance to which they have a legal and moral right. A number have lowered their living standard to get by on part-time work, like one Christian woman with four children. She said: “I wanted to be with the children as much as possible. It was bad enough their not having a father without depriving them of a mother too.” Of course, not all may be able to find such convenient work. But by confiding in the children, explaining why secular work is necessary and by spending as much time as possible with them, these parents can maintain a warm atmosphere of love in the home.

19. (a) What does ‘loving their children’ mean for parents? (b) Why is this not always easy for a single parent?

19 ‘Loving their children,’ which includes giving needed discipline, is essential. (Titus 2:4; Prov. 13:24) It helps to prevent the children, who have already lost one parent, from feeling insecure. Because some women tend to be sentimental, it may require real effort to give discipline. But remember, discipline, which may include punishment, tells the child that you love him enough not to let him get into trouble.

20. (a) What have some done to keep close to their children? (b) What twofold blessing comes from staying close to one’s children and rearing them properly?

20 Single parents who have stayed close to their children suggest:

“Set a special time aside to be with the children and don’t let anything interfere with it. The housework will always be there; the children won’t. Concentrate on building the children up spiritually.” “My discipline had to be tempered with understanding because of the shock of losing their mother. I talk to them at every opportunity, no matter what time of the day or night. We have ‘cosy moments’ when we prepare dinner. It is then that they really confide in me.”

Such love comes through. Children can see and feel it. Though all of this effort in rearing children is exacting, the parent has the rich satisfaction of seeing them grow up to become responsible praisers of Jehovah. Also, such work is a moral protection for the parent.​—1 Tim. 2:15.

THE COMPLETE ANSWER​—THE NEW ORDER

21. (a) Are the problems of a single parent easily solved? (b) What does a faithful course accomplish?

21 “I share in the preaching work almost every day. I study and pray constantly,” said one widow, who confessed: “Yet I still cry myself to sleep every night.” Yes, the problems that a single parent must cope with are hard to solve. Often it is a daily battle. Yet, each day that a Christian displays endurance is another slap in the face of Satan who charged that persons would stop serving God when circumstances became difficult. (Job 1:9-11; Prov. 27:11) Realize that no one has a perfect lot in life now. “The entire association of your brothers” is suffering. (1 Pet. 5:9) Someone else’s problems may be different from yours, but they are just as intense to that person. Regardless of your problems, conditions could be worse. So try to dwell on the positive aspects of your life as much as you can.

22. (a) What should we keep our eyes on, and why? (b) What will be considered in the following article?

22 Above all, we must keep our eyes fixed on the living hope of a coming system that will bring perfect satisfaction. As the apostle Paul says: “We keep our eyes, not on the things seen [the tribulations that can perplex us and throw us down], but on the things unseen [the hope of eternal life]. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.” Yes, the pressures of today’s frustrating system will eventually end. The blessings of the New Order, so near at had, will be endless. Keep these in clear focus and you will “not give up.” (2 Cor. 4:8, 9, 16-18) But what can others do to help those who are single parents? This will be discussed in the following article.

[Footnotes]

For suggestions, see Awake! of August 22, 1975, pages 9-11, and September 22, 1975, pages 9-12.

[Box on page 20]

HOW TO COPE

□ Trust God now and anticipate the hope of eternal life that he has promised

□ Maintain a close personal relationship with God

□ Keep involved in beneficial work

[Picture on page 17]

Single parents can train their children to help care for household duties

[Picture on page 18]

“Set a special time aside to be with children . . . Talk to them at every opportunity”

Can You Help Widows and Fatherless Children “in Their Tribulation”?

Can You Help Widows and Fatherless Children “in Their Tribulation”?

1, 2. (a) What is the difference between “looking upon” someone in distress and “looking after” that one? (b) According to James 1:27, what responsibility does true worship bring?

THERE is a vast difference between looking upon someone in distress and looking after that one. True worship should change persons from uninterested observers into caring helpers of fellow believers, because “the form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.”​—Jas. 1:27.

2 At James 1:27 the original Greek word that is translated “to look after” is defined as ‘having a care for, providing for.’ It conveys the idea of visiting someone to bring needed help. This help is deeply appreciated.

CHILDREN CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE HELP

3, 4. (a) According to 1 Timothy 5:4, who should be concerned about helping widows? (b) In what ways can children of single parents help, and what is the finest support these children can give?

3 The apostle Paul shows who should be concerned about helping widows by saying: “If any widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to practice godly devotion in their own household and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents, for this is acceptable in God’s sight.” (1 Tim. 5:4) Though this statement involves grown children, even minors can learn to show their devotion to God by paying “a due compensation” to their parents, who have done so much for them. But how? Some youngsters help out financially, as one did who offered his entire savings from his part-time job to pay an unexpected bill. “This kind of generosity from a 14-year-old son,” said his mother beamingly, “encourages me beyond words.”

4 Even if children are not able to contribute money, they can give much more important things​—appreciation and obedience. (Prov. 23:22; Eph. 6:1-3) Most single parents ask themselves, “Am I doing a good job in bringing up my child?” Imagine the joy of one single parent when his little child made a card, saying: “I love you very much and I know you try hard.” Well, if you are the child of a single parent, have you recently told that one how much you appreciate his or her sacrifices for you? Are you quick to obey? Do you know what it means to wash the dishes obediently, carry out the garbage, do your homework, come home on time, clean up and, above all, to study your Bible lessons regularly? Such willing obedience is the finest support you can give your parent.

HOW THE CONGREGATION CAN HELP

5. (a) What does showing “fellow feeling” mean, and why is this so important? (b) In what ways could our congregation display such “fellow feeling” toward single parents?

5 “It’s been hard and sometimes I get weighed down,” said a single parent with six children, including a set of 17-month-old twins. “However, once in a while one of the brothers or sisters [in the congregation] will say to me: ‘Joan, you’re doing a good job. It’s going to be worth it.’ Just to know that others are thinking of you and that they care is so helpful.” This shows how all can help. “All of you,” urges the apostle Peter, “be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate.” (1 Pet. 3:8) Put yourself in the other person’s place. A kind word, a smile right from the heart, can mean so much. Be tenderhearted rather than critical.

6. Why would an individual acting like the one described at 1 John 3:17 truly be reprehensible before God?

6 Real love includes more than kind words. Just before urging Christians to put their love into action through deeds, the apostle John wrote: “But whoever has this world’s means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17) The original word for “beholds” means not just a casual glance but a deliberate gaze. It is used of a general inspecting an army. Certainly, this one looks with interest for details. So imagine the scene John paints: Someone who has the means to help, after a careful look at his brother perceives a need, then shuts and locks the door of his heart. He refuses to help. How cold! Thankfully, such negative responses are rare exceptions among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Countless reports show their generosity toward those “having need.”

7. When needy single-parent families are neglected, what usually is the problem, and how can this be overcome?

7 However, there have been instances of neglect. Usually this has occurred because there has been a failure to “behold” the need. ‘Careful observation,’ with interest regarding those in need, was lacking. So what about the situation in your congregation? Are you really conscious of the circumstances of the widows and the orphans? When was the last time you did more than casually greet them? Have you ever invited some over for a meal or a social gathering to get to know them better? Such questions help us to see if we are really ‘beholding’ the condition of our single-parent families.

8. How have some in the congregation helped needy single-parent families?

8 It does not take great wealth to help. Many, seeing a real need, have shared extra food or have passed on clothing that their own children have outgrown. Some have even taught single parents certain skills, such as sewing, so that these could manage better. An old proverb says: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” One single parent wrote: “A sister gave me a sewing machine, two lengths of material and sewing lessons. I have saved hundreds of dollars since that time.”

9. What balanced outlook should single-parent families have regarding help from others?

9 However, should single parents normally expect a “flood” of help and become discouraged if such is not forthcoming? One must keep a balanced outlook. While grateful for any assistance offered, one should ask, “Am I doing all I can to handle the situation?” As one single parent put it: “No one can really take on an extra family. If you don’t help yourself, you are not accepting your total responsibility. You have to learn to stand on your own two feet.” There are Bible examples of faithful widows who gave of themselves, rather than expecting service from others. (Luke 2:36-38; Mark 12:42-44) One financially poor single parent who struggled for many years to rear two children had a plaque on her wall that read: “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” For 12 years, as a full-time evangelizer, she has done just that. She has given of herself, and now, at 73 years of age, still gives to help others. As a result, she has never been in want.​—Prov. 11:25.

10. What evidence is there that mature sisters played a large role in helping widows and orphans in the first century?

10 Mature women undoubtedly played a large role in helping widows and orphans in the first century. Some widows are described as ‘relieving those in tribulation,’ perhaps including single-parent families. (1 Tim. 5:10) In his letter to the Christians in Rome, one fourth of those greeted by the apostle Paul were women who had served faithfully with or in behalf of the congregation. Some were specifically spoken of as working hard or performing labors “in the Lord.” (Rom. 16:3-15) The woman Phoebe, a “minister of the congregation” (evidently she served in an unofficial way caring for the personal needs of others), is described as a “defender of many.” Doubtless, she took the initiative in helping “many,” which strengthened the congregation. Today, like Phoebe, mature Christian women give loving encouragement and help, including their material resources to help “those in tribulation.”​—Rom. 16:1, 2.

11. (a) What type of help can mature sisters give single parents? (b) What example can you give, and do you know of other instances?

11 Many aged Christian women provide spiritual and emotional help by being “teachers of what is good,” so that “they may recall the young women to their senses” by offering them understanding counsel. (Titus 2:3-5) As an example, one single mother was in tears after hearing a Bible lecture about marriage. An older Christian woman asked what was wrong. “I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself,” was the tearful reply. The older woman began to talk with her. She knew how the depressed one felt, because she herself had been abandoned by her husband 20 years earlier. The younger woman remarked: “She was my biggest help. She talked to me a lot and invited me to share with her in the preaching work. She’s been very dear to me.” Many mature Christian women have reached out to such ones and offered them a “shoulder to cry on,” even discussing very personal problems that a Christian man, by himself, could not appropriately handle.

…