Throughout the ages, the message from God has strengthened his servants when they had a difficult task to complete. Take, for example, the prophet Jeremiah. He was hesitant when Jehovah gave him the assignment to preach. Jeremiah said: “I do not know how to speak, for I am just a boy.” (Jer. 1:6) How did he overcome his lack of confidence? He drew strength from God’s word. He said: “It became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was tired of holding it in.” (Jer. 20:8, 9) Although Jeremiah had a difficult territory, the message he was assigned to proclaim gave him the strength he needed to do the work. Christians draw strength from the message in God’s Word. The apostle Paul said that taking in accurate knowledge would motivate his brothers “to walk worthily of Jehovah” as they continued “bearing fruit in every good work.”​—Col. 1:9, 10. w24.04 14-15 ¶2-4

Zadok remained loyal to Jehovah despite High Priest Abiathar’s choice to support David’s son Adonijah, who planned to seize the throne. David never doubted Zadok’s loyalty. When Adonijah’s scheme was revealed, David turned to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to anoint Solomon as king. (1 Ki. 1:32-34) Being with loyal worshippers of Jehovah, such as Nathan and other supporters of King David, must have strengthened and encouraged Zadok. When Solomon became king, he “appointed Zadok the priest in place of Abiathar.” (1 Ki. 2:35) How can you imitate Zadok? If someone close to you chooses to leave Jehovah, make your choice clear. (Josh. 24:15) Jehovah will give you the strength and the courage you need. Rely on him through prayer and by staying close to fellow loyal worshippers. Jehovah treasures your loyalty, and he will reward you for it.​—2 Sam. 22:26. w24.07 6-7 ¶16-17

At Psalm 15:2, a friend of God is described as “the one who is walking faultlessly, practicing what is right.” The terms “walking” and “practicing” imply action that is both constant and progressive. But can we really ‘walk faultlessly’? Yes. While no human is perfect, Jehovah will view us as “walking faultlessly” if we do our best to obey him. When we dedicate ourselves to God and get baptized, we are just starting on our journey with God. Note that in Bible times, merely belonging to the nation of Israel would not automatically qualify a person to be a guest of Jehovah. Some called on him but not “in truth and righteousness.” (Isa. 48:1) Sincere Israelites had to learn about Jehovah’s requirements and follow them. Similarly, to enjoy God’s approval today, more is required of us than getting baptized and associating with the Christian congregation. We must keep “practicing what is right.” w24.06 9 ¶4; 10 ¶6