As an example, try meditating on the apostle Paul’s words found at 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Therefore, since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.” Get the sense of these words. Ask yourself, ‘Just what are “these promises” to which Paul refers?’ By reading the context, you will observe that the previous verses say: “‘“Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,” says Jehovah, “and quit touching the unclean thing”’; ‘“and I will take you in.”’ ‘“And I shall be a father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me,” says Jehovah the Almighty.’”—2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.

Paul’s command to ‘cleanse ourselves of defilement’ now has added force! As a powerful incentive to doing so, God promises to ‘take us in,’ that is, put us under his protective care. ‘Would I enjoy a close relationship with him—like that of a son or a daughter with a father?’ you might ask yourself. Is not the thought of being ‘taken in’ or loved by a wise, loving God very appealing? If that thought seems foreign to you, observe the way loving fathers express love and affection to their children. Now imagine such a bond existing between you and Jehovah! The more you meditate on it, the more the desire for such a relationship grows.

But note: Closeness with God is possible only if you “quit touching the unclean thing.” Ask yourself: ‘Is not addiction to tobacco among the “unclean things” that God condemns? Would using it be a “defilement of flesh,” exposing myself to all sorts of health dangers? Since Jehovah is a clean, or “holy,” God, could he approve of my deliberately defiling myself in this way?’ (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Observe that Paul also warns against ‘defilement of one’s spirit,’ or mental inclination. Ask yourself: ‘Does this addiction dominate my thinking? Will I go to great lengths to satisfy my craving, perhaps at the expense of my health, my family, or even my standing with God? To what extent have I allowed my addiction to tobacco to damage my life?’ Facing these painful questions may very well give you the courage to quit!

Prior to learning the truth, the Lins had planted 1,300 betel nut palms on their property. Although it would take five years for the trees to become profitable, once they were in full production, the Lins could expect to make $77,000 per year. As the first harvesttime drew near, the Lins had to make an important decision. They had learned through their study of the Bible that Christians must cleanse themselves “of every defilement of flesh and spirit” by avoiding the use of, or the promotion of, such unclean habits as smoking tobacco, abusing drugs, and chewing betel nut. (2 Corinthians 7:1) What would they do?

Under pressure from a troubled conscience, Mr. Lin decided to quit his study. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lin sold the betel nuts from some of their older palms and made a profit of over $3,000. This was just a foretaste of what would soon come if they kept their trees. However, Mr. Lin’s conscience continued to smite him.

He struggled with the issue until one day he asked the local Witnesses to cut down his betel palms for him. The Witnesses explained that it was his decision to make; therefore, he would have to ‘bear his own load’ and cut down the trees himself. (Galatians 6:4, 5) They encouraged him to remember the promise at 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says: “No temptation has taken you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” The Witnesses also reasoned with him, saying: “If we cut down your trees for you, you might regret it and blame us for the loss.” A short time later, Mrs. Lin awoke to the sound of a chain saw. Her husband and children were cutting down the betel palms!

Mr. Lin found that Jehovah is true to His promise. He obtained work that left him with a clear conscience, enabling him to become a praiser of Jehovah. He was baptized at a circuit assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses in April 1996.