3. How important are the changes that a person must make in his life if he wants to live in God’s New Order?

³ The Bible sets out certain standards that must be met by those whom God will accept as part of his righteous New Order. These standards require changes now in the life of everyone who wants to live then. True, from a human standpoint, not everyone’s present way of life is considered to be bad. Nevertheless, the change to Bible standards involves a completely new outlook on life. That is why Romans 12:2 says: “Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

4. If we are really going to ‘walk in the way of the truth,’ on what basis must we determine what is right and what is wrong?

⁴ Such a transformation will affect how we determine right and wrong. In the past we may have relied on the opinions of others or set our own standards. But now we realize that it was this very outlook that caused Adam and Eve to reject God as their Ruler, with disastrous consequences. If we want God’s approval, we must look to him for true standards of what is right and what is wrong. Those standards are readily available in God’s Word, the Bible. As Psalm 119:151 says: ‘All his commandments are truth.’ Therefore, conforming to them means ‘walking in the way of the truth.’ (Psalm 86:11) Is that not what you want to do?

“Speak Truthfully With One Another”

9. (a) When it comes to speaking the truth, what is accepted as normal in the world? Why? (b) So, if a person is going to “quit being fashioned after this system of things,” what change is required?

⁹ Though not claiming to follow the Bible strictly, most people today do not consider themselves dishonest. But how many are there who consistently speak the truth? Many persons commonly conceal truth or speak only what they believe will further their own ends. Though this is viewed as normal in the world, that does not make it right. The world of mankind alienated from God “is lying in the power of the wicked one.” That “wicked one,” Satan the Devil, is “the father of the lie.” Lying originated with him. (1 John 5:19; John 8:44) So it should not surprise a person to find that he needs to make quite a change in the matter of truthfulness if he is going to “quit being fashioned after this system of things.”

15. What did Jesus say about God’s interest in our obtaining material things to sustain life?

¹⁵ The appeal of true worship is not one of materialistic gain. However, Jesus did teach his followers that it is proper to pray to God for His blessing on their efforts to obtain the “bread for the day.” (Luke 11:2, 3) Acknowledging their need for life’s necessities, he assured his disciples: “Your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.” But he urged them: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:25-34) Do you believe that? If so, you will not be tempted to discard God’s righteous standards just because other people do. Instead, you will appreciate the wisdom of what is recorded at 1 Timothy 6:6-8, which says: “To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-​sufficiency. For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.”

16. How can our applying these Scriptural principles safeguard us?

¹⁶ Following this admonition requires a viewpoint quite different from what is common in the world today. This, then, is also involved in ‘making our minds over.’ Contentment with life’s necessities prevents us from making the pursuit of money and material things the main objective in life and from being tempted to take advantage of other persons to get these. (Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Those who make riches their goal may think that these represent security and happiness. But instead it is as the Bible says, a “lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) Those who have much want more. Often they sacrifice their health and their family life to obtain it. Instead of feeling secure, they live in fear of losing what they have.