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United Worshipers of the Only True GodThe Watchtower—1984 | February 1
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United Worshipers of the Only True God
“O Jehovah, . . . you are God, you alone.”—Psalm 86:9, 10.
1. (a) What has Jehovah put into operation to bring about unity of worship? (b) What soon resulted from that “administration”?
UNITY of worship—how appealing that is! But the majority of mankind have never experienced it. Nevertheless, unity of worship is not just a dream. It is God’s purpose. Nineteen centuries ago Jehovah put into operation an “administration,” the objective of which is unity—unity similar to what one would find in a close-knit, loving household. The unity that this “administration” produced soon caused Christian Jews to worship in loving association with Samaritans; then uncircumcised Gentiles were welcomed into the congregation. More importantly, all of them were brought into unity with Jehovah God on the basis of their faith in the sin-atoning value of Jesus’ sacrifice. They came to enjoy with him the relationship of sons with a loving Father.
2. (a) What is the “administration,” and when did it go into operation? (b) What is meant by the gathering of “the things in the heavens”?
2 Ephesians 1:9, 10 draws attention to this “administration,” saying: “It is according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself for an administration [or, a procedure for managing affairs of the household] at the full limit of the appointed times [from Pentecost of 33 C.E. onward], namely, to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and [later on] the things on the earth.” The gathering of “the things in the heavens,” that is, individuals who would be with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom, was first from among the Jews, next the Samaritans and then the Gentiles.
3. What has the gathering of “the things on the earth” produced?
3 In our day, especially since 1935, we see the gathering of “the things on the earth,” that is, people who would be favored with life on a Paradise earth. Already millions of persons have responded to this second phase of God’s loving “administration.” They are coming from all nations and language groups. The unity that they are finding is not simply a physical gathering of people who continue to hold to former beliefs and practices. Instead, as foretold at Isaiah 2:3, they are learning Jehovah’s ways so that they can “walk in his paths.”
4. (a) To what extent will unity of worship be attained, and how does the Bible describe this? (b) After the final test, what relationship with Jehovah will perfected humans enjoy?
4 What we are seeing today, however, is not the full extent to which unity will be attained. God’s purpose makes it certain that all intelligent creation will be united in true worship. The apostle John was given a preview of the marvelous situation that will exist at the end of Christ’s Millennial Reign, and he describes it at Revelation 5:13, saying: “Every creature that is in heaven and on earth and underneath the earth and on the sea, and all the things in them, I heard saying: ‘To the One sitting on the throne [that is, Jehovah] and to the Lamb [Jesus Christ] be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.’” John there saw everyone united under Jesus Christ in worship of Jehovah. Thereafter, when the final test is past and all those then rebelling have been destroyed, Jehovah will lovingly adopt as his sons through Christ all perfected humans who have proved loyal. They will become a part of God’s united universal family, to all of whom Jehovah will forever be the only God, the Universal Sovereign and loving Father. What a heartwarming prospect that is! Is it your earnest desire to be included in that happy family of worshipers?—Romans 8:20, 21.
“You Are God, You Alone”
5, 6. In Psalm 86, what did David write about the One who is the object of our worship?
5 An examination of Psalm 86 can help us to discern what we need to do in order to share in that blessing. David, the writer of this inspired psalm, already had a record of devotion in matters of true worship. But he realized that he personally needed to keep progressing spiritually, and this is reflected in what he wrote.
6 In Ps 86 verses 8-10 he focuses attention on the One who was the object of his worship, saying: “There is none like you among the gods, O Jehovah, neither are there any works like yours. All the nations whom you have made will themselves come, and they will bow down before you, O Jehovah, and will give glory to your name. For you are great and are doing wondrous things; you are God, you alone.”
7. Why is recognition that Jehovah alone is God so important?
7 In David’s day, as today, the nations had many gods. But with genuine appreciation David said to Jehovah: “You are God, you alone.” Jesus Christ emphasized the same truth. On the night before his death he prayed to his Father, addressing him as “the only true God.” (John 17:3) However, Christendom worships a Trinity, millions bow before idols; others have made gods of prominent people, of money, of self and of sex. So, what about you? Do you personally share the conviction that “there is none like . . . Jehovah,” that he is “the only true God”?
8. As indicated at Psalm 86:11, what is required on the part of all who want to worship Jehovah?
8 Looking to the future from his day, David envisioned people out of all nations coming to serve Jehovah. David no doubt realized that when such people came to worship Jehovah, there would be much for them to learn. They would have to make changes in their lives. But David was also realistic in acknowledging that he, too, needed instruction and that further adjustments would be required on his own part. In Psalm 86:11 he said: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth. Unify my heart to fear your name.” Is that also our desire?
9. Why are we a united people, and what responsibility do we have in this regard?
9 The unity that already exists among Jehovah’s Witnesses is truly outstanding. This is because, as a group, we sincerely feel as David did—we seek Jehovah’s direction and act in harmony with it. We should also desire to contribute to that unity personally by our attitude and conduct. Additionally, we can safeguard our unity and help others to share in it by endeavoring to cultivate in newly interested ones an appreciation of the various things that unite us.
Powerful Unifying Factors
10. What is the first of the factors that unite us?
10 First is the fact that all of us worship Jehovah and acknowledge his right to set the standard as to what is good and what is bad. (Revelation 14:6, 7; Genesis 2:16, 17) What a marvelous effect that has had on Jehovah’s people worldwide! Jehovah is, as the Bible states, “the High and Lofty One, who is residing forever and whose name is holy.” (Isaiah 57:15) When we worship him and conform to his standards, this has an uplifting effect on us. And since those standards apply in all parts of the earth, our conforming to them has drawn us together as one people.
11. How can we help newer ones to share in this unity?
11 But at times individuals who have associated with us get involved in seriously wrong conduct. Why? When questioned about their relationship with God, some have said, ‘God wasn’t real to me.’ So they did not take his requirements seriously either. Can we help those with whom we study so that Jehovah will be real to them? We ought to emphasize to them that true worship is not simply a matter of accepting certain doctrines, going to the Kingdom Hall and perhaps spending a few hours in field service from time to time. Those who want to serve Jehovah need a close personal relationship with him. They should learn to pray to him regularly and personally, seeking his direction in everything that they do. (Philippians 4:6; Proverbs 3:5, 6) Then they will begin to share in the grand unity that we enjoy.
12, 13. (a) How does the second factor listed here have a unifying effect on us? (b) To benefit fully from this, what should a person do?
12 Second is this: We are united because, wherever we are in the world, we have God’s Word, the Bible, to guide us. We recognize the Bible to be inspired, and one of the things that attracted many of us to Jehovah’s Witnesses is the fact that the Witnesses genuinely adhere to the Bible.—2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
13 Those with whom we study may agree with us when we say that the Bible is God’s Word. But how much of the Bible have they read? It would be beneficial to encourage each one to read all of it, and as they do so to see how the Bible should affect decisions they make in daily life. Jesus knew his Father’s will so well and had it so deeply impressed on his mind and heart that he could say, “I always do the things pleasing to him.” (John 8:29) What a fine goal that is for all of us!
14. Why is the third factor mentioned here vital, and what might we do to build up appreciation for this in newer ones?
14 A third factor that unites us is that all of us benefit from the same spiritual feeding program. We recognize “the faithful and discreet slave” as the agency that Jehovah is using to provide spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47) There is no question in our mind that this “slave” is made up of spirit-anointed heirs of the heavenly Kingdom who are found today only among Jehovah’s Witnesses. We appreciate what that “slave” and its Governing Body are doing to care for our spiritual needs. And we thank God for the abundance of fine spiritual provisions we have. (Isaiah 65:13, 14) Are we also taking sufficient time to instill appreciation for this arrangement in persons newly associating with the congregation?
15, 16. (a) To whom do we look as our Leader? (b) How does appreciation of Jesus’ role in our worship affect our attitude toward one another?
15 A fourth unifying factor, indeed a vital one, is that Jesus Christ, and no human, is our Leader and the one through whom we all approach Jehovah in worship. During the final week of his life as a human, Jesus emphasized the importance of this. At Matthew 23:8, 10 he said: “Do not you be called . . . ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.” Today, no matter where a person might be in the world, if he were to ask one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, ‘Who is your leader?’ he would get the same answer: ‘It is the Lord Jesus Christ.’
16 It is only through Jesus that we can acceptably approach Jehovah in worship. Why? Because we were all born in sin, under condemnation to death. None of us are different from others in this respect. The only way that any of us were accepted as servants of God was on the basis of our faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and it is only through him that any of us can now approach Jehovah in prayer. Heartfelt appreciation of this is a vital factor in true worship.—Romans 3:23; John 14:6.
17. How has our attitude toward God’s Kingdom made us distinct from Christendom but drawn us together as Jehovah’s Witnesses?
17 The fifth factor that draws us together is that no matter where we live, we look to God’s Kingdom as the only hope for humankind. (Matthew 6:9, 10; Daniel 2:44) The clergy of Christendom have not done this. As a result, they are involved in the political affairs of the world and its wars. In sharp contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses in all lands have taken to heart the fact that Jesus Christ said that his disciples would be “no part of the world.” (John 17:15, 16) In harmony with God’s Word, we have beaten our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning shears. We do not lift up carnal weapons against our fellowman, neither do we learn war anymore. (Micah 4:3) We are firmly convinced that the only solution to the problems of mankind is God’s Kingdom. As a result, we are united with fellow Witnesses worldwide in true international brotherhood.
18. How does the fruitage of God’s spirit unite us? Give examples.
18 As a sixth factor in our unity we point to the fruitage that God’s holy spirit produces in the lives of worshipers of Jehovah. And what appealing fruitage it is—the kind that makes it pleasant for us to be together! Regardless of areas where we personally need to improve, it is true as Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35; Galatians 5:22, 23.
19. With whom do we become united by sharing in the Christian ministry?
19 Added to all the foregoing is this seventh point: All of us as Jehovah’s Witnesses have the responsibility to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom. This is a responsibility, but it is also a privilege. As the apostle Paul explained, by sharing in the Christian ministry we become fellow workers with God. While one of us may plant and another water, Jehovah is the One who causes the growth that produces new disciples.—Matthew 24:14; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9.
Firmly on the Side of True Worship
20. (a) Why do some who may come to the Kingdom Hall not fully enjoy the blessings of such united worship? (b) Why is it urgent for them to take a positive stand on Jehovah’s side now?
20 As those newly associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses personally embrace these truths that draw us together and work in harmony with them, they, too, can experience the joy of sharing in united worship of the only true God. Some, however, content themselves with a superficial knowledge of the truth. They learn something about the blessings of God’s Kingdom, but they do not let the truth take root in their heart. They enjoy being with us, but they do not want to say that they are going to do things Jehovah’s way all the time. In some respects they are like certain people in the days of the prophet Elijah, those to whom Elijah forcefully said: “How long will you be limping upon two different opinions? If Jehovah is the true God, go following him; but if Baal is, go following him.” (1 Kings 18:21) When Jehovah’s appointed time comes to destroy the present wicked system, he will not delay. He is not going to postpone that time or change his standards so as to accommodate those who are still trying to cling to the world, those who are only halfhearted about learning God’s will and doing it. How important it is, therefore, for all who show interest in the truth to take positive action now to establish a real and lasting relationship with Jehovah!
21. We should help our Bible students to make what spiritual progress?
21 Our desire is not merely to study elementary truths with those who are progressing toward baptism but to help them to press on to Christian maturity. This includes cultivating an appetite for solid spiritual food. They need to learn how to enjoy such, drawing strength from it and discerning how it can help them to make sound personal decisions.—Hebrews 5:12-14.
22. Why is our ministry a truly grand privilege?
22 What a grand privilege is ours to benefit from and work in harmony with Jehovah’s arrangement for the unifying of people of all nations with himself through Jesus Christ! The only true God has given us the marvelous privilege of being witnesses to his holy name Jehovah. His own beloved Son, who now rules as King, was and is our exemplar in worship that enables us to enjoy a warm, intimate relationship with Jehovah and unity with one another. So let us share to the full in magnifying Jehovah’s name and in helping others to appreciate how they too can enjoy the blessings that belong exclusively to persons who are united in worship of the only true God.
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‘Oneness of Spirit’ in a Rapidly Growing FlockThe Watchtower—1984 | February 1
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‘Oneness of Spirit’ in a Rapidly Growing Flock
1. (a) At Ephesians 4:1-6, what appropriate counsel on unity did Paul write? (b) Why is that counsel also fitting in our day?
WHEN the apostle Paul wrote to Christians of the congregation in Ephesus he emphasized unity, urging them to be humble, to put up with one another in love and earnestly “observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) Paul had spent over two years in Ephesus and he knew the varied backgrounds of the brothers there. He also knew that the unifying influences that Jehovah had put into effect among his people could overcome such differences, and Paul urged them to appreciate and cooperate with these influences. It is no less important to do so in our day. Why? Because individuals “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” are being gathered into Jehovah’s organization in great numbers.—Revelation 7:9, 10.
2. How does Jehovah safeguard the unity of his visible organization?
2 In harmony with his purpose, Jehovah has unified his servants “like a flock in the pen.” (Micah 2:12) He provides them with needed direction in order to safeguard that unity. How? He personally appointed his own Son, Jesus Christ, as head of the Christian congregation. In the Bible, Jehovah had details about his purpose recorded, and through his visible organization he directs the efforts of his servants into channels that are in harmony with that purpose. It is faith strengthening to consider evidence of this divine direction in modern times, since 1919.
Prepared to Give a Global Witness
3. What activity on behalf of the Kingdom heirs did the Bible foretell for the conclusion of the system of things?
3 In discussing the conclusion of the system of things, the Scriptures foretold a regathering of scattered “chosen ones” into organizational unity, as well as a harvesting of the final members of the Kingdom class. (Matthew 24:31; 13:37-43, 47-50) How has this been brought about?
4. (a) What tangible means did Christ and the angels use to bring about that regathering and harvesting of the remnant? (b) So what two means was Jehovah here using to unify his servants?
4 The Scriptures say that Christ would send his angels to accomplish it. No one on earth is able to see those spirit creatures at work, but the effects of their activity in Jehovah’s visible organization are clearly evident. After the harsh persecution experienced during World War I, renewed strength was infused into Jehovah’s servants by means of Watch Tower articles entitled “Blessed Are the Fearless,” published in 1919. Jehovah had more work for them to do. At their Cedar Point, Ohio, convention that year, in the discourse “Announcing the Kingdom,” notice was given of a new publication, The Golden Age (now known as Awake!), for widespread public distribution to point people to “the Golden Age of the glorious reign of the Messiah.” All the “chosen ones” were encouraged to share in this activity. In 1922, at another convention in Cedar Point, powerful exhortation was given to “Advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.” In 1925, understanding the significance of the postwar activity of Jehovah’s servants in the light of Revelation chapter 12 gave another powerful impetus to the work. Then in 1931, by resolution adopted at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, and at 50 extension conventions worldwide thereafter, the name Jehovah’s Witnesses was embraced, setting these Christians apart from all the sects of Christendom and emphasizing their God-given work. (Isaiah 43:10-12) Thus Jehovah was unifying his servants (1) by progressive understanding of the Scriptures and (2) by motivating them to zealous activity as his witnesses.
5. By 1935 what was thus accomplished by united action under Jehovah’s guidance?
5 Although their numbers were few, their unified action under Jehovah’s guidance caused the Kingdom message to reach to the ends of the earth. From 1921 to 1935 they placed 205,217,917 bound books and booklets in scores of languages. Hundreds of millions of tracts were also distributed and extensive use was made of the radio. As a result, thousands more dedicated themselves to Jehovah, got baptized and were anointed with holy spirit as the gathering of the Kingdom class drew to a close. However, their public ministry was not finished. Jehovah had been preparing them for what lay ahead.
Strengthened to Face Opposition
6. For what else was Jehovah then preparing his anointed servants?
6 During World War I, the anointed had been dispersed by the enemy. Further vicious efforts to crush their work were to come. But Jehovah fortified them so that they would never again become a dispersed flock. How was this done?
7. At the time of the rebuilding of the temple, how did Jehovah enable his people to move ahead unitedly in the face of opposition?
7 When opposition hindered the rebuilding of Jehovah’s temple after the exiles returned from Babylon, Jehovah strengthened his people by raising up prophets, visible spokesmen, and causing them to deliver timely messages from him. Furthermore, Jehovah’s own spirit overcame mountainlike obstacles and enabled his servants to function as a united organization.—Haggai 1:1-8; Zechariah 4:1-14.
8. In what way did Jehovah strengthen the brothers in the first century?
8 When true worshipers came under enemy fire in the first century, Jehovah caused the apostles to write letters providing direction and exhortation. In these the chief instigator of opposition was clearly identified as being Satan the Devil, whose aim is to silence the preaching of the good news, doing so by violent persecution or by disrupting the unity of the congregations through the influence of false brothers. Thus all were helped to see clearly the issues involved. (Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15; 1 Peter 5:5-8) Lovingly they were encouraged to ‘stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving side by side for the faith of the good news, in no respect being frightened by their opponents.’—Philippians 1:27, 28.
9. (a) How, in modern times, has Jehovah provided such help? (b) Give examples of this.
9 In modern times, Jehovah has continued to provide needed help for his servants, doing so through “the faithful and discreet slave,” the remnant on earth today, of which Jesus is the appointed head, and this help comes at just the right time. (Matthew 24:45-47) Thus in 1925 the “slave” class, by means of The Watch Tower, helped its readers to appreciate that God’s Kingdom had been in operation in the heavens since 1914 and that, in reality, there are just two organizations—Jehovah’s and Satan’s. In 1929 the Christian obligation always to obey God’s law as superior to man’s was strongly emphasized. Progressively, organizational adjustments were made until, in 1938, all appointing of overseers in the congregations was done theocratically, instead of by congregational voting. All of this unified and strengthened Jehovah’s servants, and how timely it proved to be!
10. (a) How did that help prove to be most timely? (b) As the persecution developed, what further help did Jehovah give them?
10 During the 1930’s and right on through World War II, Jehovah’s Witnesses in many lands came under severe persecution. Thousands were taken to court. In scores of lands their work came under government ban. Many were detained for years in totalitarian concentration camps. As this persecution began to rear its head, Jehovah further fortified his servants. In Watch Tower studies in 1931, they discussed how the Jews in the days of Queen Esther not only fought for their lives but took the offensive against their enemies, and consideration was given to how this applies today in spiritual warfare. Articles on “The Crucible,” in 1934, used the account of the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace to infuse Jehovah’s Witnesses with determination to stand firm with full confidence in Jehovah. (Daniel 3:17, 18, 28) Jehovah yet had a great work to be done, and satanic opposition was not going to be permitted to thwart it.
Gathering of a “Great Crowd” for Survival
11. (a) For what even more extensive preaching work had Jehovah been preparing his servants? (b) Outline some of the steps in this divinely maneuvered program of preparation.
11 As the gathering of the “little flock” of Kingdom heirs neared completion, Jehovah directed attention to an even larger work, the educating of a “great crowd” who would survive the “great tribulation” to live on earth in a restored Paradise. Thus in 1918 the president of the Watch Tower Society delivered a talk in Los Angeles, California, on a subject later to be repeated by hundreds more speakers, under the title “The World Has Ended, Millions Now Living May Never Die.” Then in 1923, The Watch Tower pointed out that the “other sheep” of John 10:16 are the same as the “sheep” of Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, and that they were already beginning to show themselves. In 1931 these were shown to be foreshadowed at Ezekiel 9:1-11 as ones marked in their foreheads for survival. In 1932 it was revealed that this same class was prefigured by Jonadab, who recognized how vital it is that exclusive devotion be given to Jehovah. This divinely maneuvered program of preparation was climaxed in 1935 when, at a convention in Washington, D.C., the “great multitude,” or “great crowd,” of Revelation 7:9-17 was also shown to be that earthly class, and hundreds in the audience identified themselves as belonging to that group. Under the direction of Jehovah’s spirit, the gathering of this group now moved ahead rapidly.
12. (a) Why has the gathering of persons with an earthly hope into association with those having a heavenly hope not resulted in disunity? (b) What, with Jehovah’s blessing, has been the result to date of their united efforts?
12 Has this gathering of an earthly class into association with those having a heavenly hope resulted in disunity in the organization? Certainly not. As Jesus foretold, they have become “one flock” with him as their “one shepherd.” (John 10:16) They realize that their having either hope is evidence of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, that they all have the privilege and responsibility to be witnesses to Jehovah’s name and Kingdom, and that the same Christian standard of faithfulness applies to all of them. They are truly a united people. Together they have applied themselves to the giving of the Kingdom witness in all the inhabited earth, this resulting in a great ingathering. After World War I there were just a few thousand who shared in publicly announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. Not until 1941 did upwards of 100,000 participate in this work worldwide. Today those who are united as public proclaimers of the Kingdom message total 2,652,323. It has proved to be as Jehovah foretold by means of the prophet Isaiah: “The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.”—Isaiah 60:22.
United Efforts to Provide Needed Facilities
13. What effect has this growth had on the printing operations of the Watch Tower Society, and how has the need been met?
13 This vast increase in the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses has required expanded facilities. During the 1920’s most of the printing of Bible literature used by the Witnesses was done in Brooklyn, New York. Now such printing is also being done in some 30 other countries. Voluntary contributions provide the needed funds, and where there has been a lack in one land this has been offset by generous help from others.—Compare 2 Corinthians 8:14.
14. Since 1935 how have the required new Kingdom Halls been provided?
14 In the same year that the “great crowd” was properly identified as an earthly class, J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, gave the name Kingdom Hall to a meeting place of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hawaii. From that time on, this name has regularly been used by Jehovah’s Witnesses for their meeting halls. From 1940 to the present, the number of congregations has grown from 5,118 to well over 46,000. To care for the worldwide increase, thousands of new Kingdom Halls as well as larger assembly halls have been built. This has required united effort, both with respect to financing and with respect to the construction work itself. Jehovah’s united people have given their wholehearted support!
15. Why is it important for us to have adequate facilities in which to meet?
15 Today the number of persons flocking to the Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses is greater than ever before and is rapidly growing. We welcome all who truly want to be instructed about Jehovah’s ways so they can walk in his paths. (Isaiah 2:2, 3; Hebrews 10:23-25) We also want to be sure that there are adequate facilities to care for those who are showing appreciation for this provision made by Jehovah. How can this be done?
16. (a) If a new Kingdom Hall is needed for our growing congregation, how should we feel about the work and expense involved, whether we personally will use the new hall or not? (b) When there is good increase in areas where property costs are very high, how might new Kingdom Halls be provided?
16 Although we meet in many local congregations, we are just “one flock,” one united people. Interest in the expansion of pure worship and love for our brothers will move us to assist in any way we are able, regardless of where the need may be. Does the increase in number of congregations using a certain Kingdom Hall require that a new one be built? How fine it would be for those who continue to use the older facilities to provide whatever help is possible toward the building of a hall for the congregation that needs to be relocated! In some areas, brothers have made themselves available to help with the construction of other Kingdom Halls whenever these are needed. With careful planning and united effort, many fine new Kingdom Halls have been built in two days or less. In certain countries, however, the skyrocketing cost of property in urban areas has made it impossible for individual congregations to finance needed facilities. But what cannot be accomplished by one congregation can be achieved by united effort. When we are informed of opportunities to assist, how will we respond?
17. What Bible principles are appropriate for meeting this need?
17 When the Israelites were given opportunity to contribute toward construction of Jehovah’s sacred tabernacle, willing hearts impelled them to provide more than enough. (Exodus 35:5-9; 36:5-7) Large contributions to support true worship are not the only ones that are valued. Jesus commended the generosity represented by the very small contribution of a widow of little means. (Luke 21:1-4) Regarding provisions to help fellow servants of God in material ways, the apostle Paul wrote: “If the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have. . . . By means of an equalizing your surplus just now might offset their deficiency . . . Just as it is written: ‘The person with much did not have too much, and the person with little did not have too little.’” (2 Corinthians 8:12-15) That principle can well guide us in cooperating to provide new or enlarged Kingdom Halls wherever they may be needed, whether we personally live in the area or not.
18. (a) What motivated our Declaration of Unity at the recent district conventions? (b) What is the meaning of the first point in that Declaration? (c) the second? (d) the third? (e) With what prayer did that Declaration fittingly conclude?
18 ‘Oneness of spirit’ characterizes Jehovah’s organization, and we personally have the privilege of giving living expression to it. At our recent conventions worldwide, we made a timely declaration regarding this. It is reproduced on page 23. We encourage you to review that Declaration now, thus giving yourself opportunity to consider again ways in which you personally can apply it in the days to come.
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‘Oneness of Spirit’ in a Rapidly Growing FlockThe Watchtower—1984 | February 1
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[Box on page 23]
DECLARATION OF UNITY
We, Jehovah’s Witnesses, assembled at our “Kingdom Unity” District Convention, wish to express our deep appreciation for all that Jehovah has done for us. We are truly grateful for the sacrifice of his beloved Son and for his selection of us as a people for his Name.
Therefore, WE DECLARE our determination, first, to maintain the grand unity into which Jehovah has gathered us like a flock in his pen, trusting implicitly in his direction and in the guidance of his holy spirit; secondly, to seek at all times to maintain our conduct fine among the nations while we zealously proclaim the Kingdom hope to all who will listen; and, thirdly, to guard against any deflection from Jehovah’s cause regardless of who may seek to influence us in a wrong way.
And WE PRAY that we may continue worthy of the love that Jehovah has expressed toward us, always appreciating the privilege we have of bearing his Name and of publishing the good news of his Kingdom under Christ.
[Picture on page 25]
Providing enough Kingdom Halls requires united effort, both with respect to financing and construction work
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