What helped Cornelius to get baptized? We read that he “feared God together with all his household.” And Cornelius made supplication to God continually. (Acts 10:2) When Peter declared the good news to Cornelius, he and his family accepted Christ and promptly got baptized. (Acts 10:47, 48) Cornelius was no doubt willing to make whatever adjustments were required of him so that he could worship Jehovah together with his family. (Josh. 24:15; Acts 10:24, 33) Cornelius could have allowed his position to prevent him from becoming a Christian. But he did not allow that to happen. Does accepting the truth require that you make significant changes in your life? If so, Jehovah will be your Helper. He will bless your determination to serve him in harmony with Bible principles. w25.03 5 ¶12-13

If you hear negative stories regarding the organization or the brothers who are taking the lead, remember how God’s enemies treated Jesus and the first-century disciples. Today, Jehovah’s people are being persecuted and maligned exactly as the Bible foretold. (Matt. 5:11, 12) False stories will not mislead us if we recognize their source and take immediate action. What action should we take? Reject false stories. The apostle Paul gave clear instructions on what to do if we are exposed to false stories. He told Timothy to “command certain ones not to . . . pay attention to false stories” and to “reject irreverent false stories.” (1 Tim. 1:3, 4) We reject false stories because we recognize the source of the information. We hold to the “wholesome words” of truth.​—2 Tim. 1:13. w24.04 11 ¶16; 13 ¶17

Remain united with those who are loyal to Jehovah. God wants us to be united in our worship. We will remain united as long as we cling to the truth. Any who deviate from the truth create divisions within the congregation, so God warns us to “avoid them.” Otherwise, we ourselves could be drawn away from the truth. (Rom. 16:17) When we recognize the truth and hold firmly to it, we will stay spiritually safe and healthy. (Eph. 4:15, 16) We will be protected from Satan’s false teachings and propaganda, and we will remain secure in Jehovah’s care during the great tribulation. Keep holding firmly to what is true, “and the God of peace will be with you.”​—Phil. 4:8, 9. w24.07 13 ¶16-17