*** g93 2/22 pp. 25-27 Can Music Really Hurt Me? *** Young People Ask . . .

Can Music Really Hurt Me? TOM was a normal 14-year-olda top-notch student who liked to do favors for his neighbors. But after purchasing an expensive stereo system, he began listening to heavy-metal music. Tom became a virtual recluse in his room. Recalls his father: I would say, You cant stay up there all the time and listen to your stereo. But Tom kept on listening. Then, one winter day, he stabbed his mother to death and committed suicide. Tell parents to watch what music their children listen to, warns Toms anguished father. Days before the killings, Tom had repeatedly sung a song about blood and killing your mother. An extreme case? Certainly. And while other factors no doubt played a part in this tragedy, it does give evidence of something that many youths tend to minimize: Music can influence you! You may not be a heavy-metal fan, nor are you likely to go on a violent rampage. Still, music can affect you in ways you may not even realize. The Power of Music Music has power. Indeed, it can play on the gamut of human emotionsfrom sadness and pathos to love and joy. Music can lull one into calmness and incite one to rage. It can inspire devotion and promote decadence. Little wonder, then, that from ancient times, music has been a potent tool of the god of this system of things, Satan the Devil.2 Corinthians 4:4. To illustrate: Shortly after the Israelites were rescued from slavery in Egypt, they abandoned the worship of Jehovah for that of a golden calf. What accompanied their disgraceful behavior? Wild and depraved music! (Exodus 32:1-6, 17, 18) And when egotistical King Nebuchadnezzar ordered his subjects to worship a pagan image, how did he seek to arouse his peoples patriotic and religious fervor? By using stirring music!Daniel 3:1-7. We should, therefore, expect Satan to use music to mislead people today. He is the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 2:2) Much of todays music reflects Satans spirit of rebellion. And no wonder, since it is for the most part written by those whom the Bible says are walking in the unprofitableness of their minds, and who are in darkness mentally, a nd alienated from the life that belongs to God. Indeed, judging by their life-styles, many popular singers, musicians, and composers have come to be past all moral sense. Ephesians 4:17-19. Listening to their music can thus pose some real dangers for Christian youths. Not that all popular music is bad or that rock music is the only music you need to be cautious about. Unwholesome music can be found among classical compositions and operas as well. But whereas in times past some music hinted at or suggested immorality, much of todays music promotes depravity with unprecedented boldness. Unfit for Ears and Eyes Take heavy-metal musica particularly noxious form of hard rock that is usually played at ear-splitting volume. Heavy-metal bands typically sport names like Poison, Skid Row, Guns N Roses, and Slayer. Time magazine said: The band names alone conjure up images of mayhem, torture and death. The same can be said of the horrifying artwork that adorns the album covers and that often depicts satanic symbols. But what about the music itself? It features such titles as Flesh and Blood and Appetite for Destruction and has lyrics that g lorify sadomasochism, rape, and murder. So it is not surprising that the heavy-metal music guide Stairway to Hell calls heavy metal a triumph of vulgarity, velocity, verbal directness, violent apathy. Heavy-metal music has also repeatedly been linked to drug abuse, Satanism, and suicide among its listeners. Yet, according to media reports, heavy metal is winning a growing mainstream audience. Much of rap music (or, hip-hop) likewise goes to wild extremes. Says Time magazine: Rap poets . . . call for the fire of war against police or the brimstone of explicit . . . sex. Frankly, the lyrics of many popular rap songs are too obscene to quote here. Referring to one such song, a teenage girl said: The first word came onand I was shocked! However, much of even mainstream rock is unfit for a Christians ears. While most Top 40 songs are seldom as brazen as rap or heavy metal, many still subtlyor openlypromote sexual immorality and other unchristian practices. Music videos, enormously popular among youths, increase the impact of the music by adding powerful visual images. In one study of music videos, 57 percent were found to contain violence, and 75 percent contained scenes of sexual intimacy. Provocative dress and sensual dancing were also found to be common fare in music videos. Can It Harm You? Rather than being uplifting and wholesome, much of the music being promoted today is clearly earthly, animal, demonic. (James 3:15) Curiously, though, not all Christian youths see any problem with listening to such songs or watching the videos. You dont have to worr y about the lyrics in rap music, argues one young girl. You cant understand them anyway! Anyone who has tried to decipher rap lyrics may agree that there is some truth to this. Youths do not always catch the hidden meanings of popular songs. In one study, teenagers were told to describe the contents of some popular songs. Most youths simply did not discern the subtle themes of sex, violence, drugs, and Satanism that permeated their music. The Journal of the American Medical Association thus concluded: There is no evidence that this music has any *harmful+ effect on the behavior of adolescents. The Bible indicates otherwise, though. For one thing, it tells us that bad associations spoil useful habits. (1 Corinthians 15:33) Now, would you spend hours associating with or listening to someone who used grossly obscene speech, who urged you to use drugs, who advocated the worship of Satan, or who described perverted sex in graphic terms? Of course not! Then why is such speech any less harmful simply because it is set to music or spoken to a beat? When such degrading themes are played over and over again, they cannot help but affect you! Can a man rake together fire into his bosom and yet his very garments not be burned? asks Proverbs 6:27.

For this reason the Bible exhorts us not even to mention immoral things, let alone repeat them over and over again. (Ephesians 5:3-5; Philippians 4:8) One who ignores this principle is sure to reap corruption. (Galatians 6:8) The songs get you thinking, admits a youth named Jodie. When wrong desires come up, they give your mind fuel for the fire. After listening to a rap song that graphically described perverted sex, one youth confessed: I just couldnt get it out of my mind. And what about listening to heavy-metal songs that preach death, drugs, or Satanism? One Christian youth began listening to heavy metal and soon became obsessed with death. Only with the determined efforts of his parents and a mature Christian friend was he able to escape spiritual and physical ruin. At times, thoughts turn into action. (James 1:14, 15) And much of todays music is carefully crafted to fill your mind with wicked thoughts. True, if you have been raised according to Bible standards, you are not likely to commit murder or sexual immorality simply because you heard about it in a song. But there are other ways you can be wrongfully influenced. Some Christian youths have taken to wearing the outlandish clothes and haircuts flaunted by rock and rap artists. The speech, gestures, and attitude of such youths clearly show that they are being influenced by what they hear. Youths say music doesnt affect them, says one South African boy. But it gives Satan a way into your lifeto control it. He knows this from personal experience, as he explains: The music I listened to was about spiritism, drugs, and sex. How did he break free from the harmful effects of debasing music? I threw away all my music. It was a drastic change to sit in a quiet room. But it has made me a much better person. Do you need to take similar stepsnot necessarily throwing out all your music, but at least ridding yourself of records that are clearly degrading?Compare Acts 19:19. This means, not swearing off music, but learning to be selective! How to do so will be the subject of a future article. [Footnotes] The term rock music is used herein for any of the various styles of music popular among young people. See Young People Ask . . . Whats Wrong With My Music? in the February 8, 1993, issue. [Picture on page 26] Will filling your head with messages of death, destruction, and sexual degradation help you or hurt you?

*** g93 6/8 pp. 4-7 Harmless Fun or Mental Poison? *** Harmless Fun or Mental Poison? At a live rock concert, one of the performers placed a woman in a box and proceeded to chop into the box with an ax. Fake blood spurted up into the performers mouth, which he spit into the audience. In 1984 a 19-year-old boy shot himself. His parents claim that his suicide was spurred by the lyrics of a rock song called Suicide Solution. A teen magazine published accounts of the perverted sex carried on by a band in their dressing room as well as in the studio during the recording of music. A rock album contained an obscene poster of male and female genitals. VIOLENCE, suicide, and sadistic sexthese are only some of the unwholesome topics featured in rock records, in videos, and at live concerts. When issues about these degrading programs are raised and even go to court, artists and recording companies try to explain away these objectionable features. For example, an obscene painting is now said to be support for a statement about the mental corruption in American Society and how it is ultimately destroying us. Similarly, in some music, words that are clearly metaphors for the male sex organ (such as guns or knives) are now claimed to be literal. Artists and recording companies may escape judicial penalties, but are people really fooled? Are you? Can you deny that violence, sex, and the occult are vital ingredients in the hard rock music that sells today? Heavy Metal and Rap Down through the years, many categories of rock have developed. Two styles, heavy metal and rap, have recently come under attack for shocking indecency. Heavy metal is generally energetic, highly amplified electronic music with a pounding beat. According to Time magazine, metal musicians play to the alienated fantasies of a mostly white, young and male audience by portraying themselves as disillusioned outsiders who have turned their backs on a corrupt civilization. Much of heavy metal is designed to shock. Some of its lyrics are unprintable. A medical journal in Texas observed that many of the expressions in heavy metal glorify unconventional attitudes concerning sex, violence, hate, and the occult. The violence associated with heavy metal is another concern. For example, when one show had to be stopped because the singer became ill, the audience rioted and even set fire to the arena. At another concert three youths were smothered to death when thousands of fans surged toward the stage, knocking down people in front and then trampling them. In rap music, also known as hip-hop, a vocalist (or vocalists) chants rhymes over a rhythmic background, often provided by a computerized technique known as sampling. Most rap music is created by black musicians but marketed to audiences both black and white. A few rap messages are positive, taking a stand against such things as child abuse and the misuse of drugs. Nevertheless, most rap centers on rebellion against authority, violence, hatred of women, and racism. Many pieces contain profanity and lewd descriptions of sexual activity.

Violence has been a problem at some rap concerts. At one concert, 300 gang members attacked the audience, which struck back with metal chairs until the police came and broke up the concert. Forty-five persons were injured. Last year, the New York State Sheriffs Association called for a boycott of all firms owned by Time Warner, Inc., until the company removed the rap song Cop Killer from store shelves. The head of the sheriffs group, Peter Kehoe, said: This recording spews hate and encourages and glorifies the killing of police officers. As a direct result of this song, cops will be killed. Eventually, it was removed from the market. Are There Effects? When musicians sing about evil or even act it out on stage, what effect does this have on listeners and viewers? Consider the following observations and experiences. Dr. Carl Taylor, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University, asserts that rock stars are promoting a life-style. . . . The band members do influence the kids, very much so. One boy who survived a suicide attempt said that the music lulled him and his friend (whose suicide was successful) into thinking that the answer to life is death. In 1988 three teenagers killed a friend just for the fun of it. One of them claimed that the fascination with death began with heavy metal music. Following one rap concert, teenagers went on a window-smashing rampage. The public safety commissioner of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said: There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that rap music spurs violence. A study of youths and satanic cults revealed that many of those involved in Devil worship are heavy drug users and listen to heavy metal music, which glorifies drug use and encourages sexual immorality. As a result, vulnerable young people are attracted to satanic cults. Of course, when youths are moved to drug abuse, crime, or suicide, there is likely more behind such behavior than music. Breakdown of family life and of human society in general doubtless plays a major part. But the music can serve as a catalyst, a means of encouraging vulnerable young people to do things they might not otherwise even contemplate. Do people already disheartened by lifes troubles need music that enc ourages them to give in to destructive inclinations? The point is that bad music can serve as mental poison to its listeners. Remember, the messages in such music are all the more powerful because they come from stars, heroes, who are virtually worshiped by their fans. What About You? What music do you listen to? Perhaps you are already cautious about the music you choose, and that is commendable. On the other hand, if you are among those who listen to music of a degrading or even questionable nature, have you been adversely affected? Even if your behavior has not changed, can you honestly say that your attitude has not been affected for the worse? After all, repeated exposure to unwholesome topics can desensitize you, causing you to feel that the subjects are not so bad. Consider the example of a young man who tried to blend his life as a Christian with a steady diet of heavy metal and rap. He was not driven to such actions as murder, suicide, or Devil worship. But note how his attitude was affected. He declared: This music is extremely animalistic. It allowed me to operate in a calm and collected way while giving vent to the most degraded and violent leanings. . . . I lived in a fantasy world of hate. No day went by without my seriously contemplating suicide. He decided to make a complete change in his listening habits. When he did, his attitude showed great improvement. Defenders of degrading music will argue to justify the dark side of rock music. But what are your conclusions? Can you close your eyes and ears to the extreme degradation of its subject matter? Could you attend concerts such as those described earlier with no fear for your safety? And what about the connection between such music and the shameful activity of its performers and listeners? If you care about your health, you likely shun foods that might hurt you even if they are tasty. Unwholesome music, whether rock or any other style, is a threat to your mental health. Would you want to expose yourself to mind-poisoning entertainment? Of course not. So, what can you do to have a sane, balanced view of this matter? Please consider the points presented in the next article. [Box/Picture on page 6] What Is Devil Worship? Devil worship, encouraged by some heavy metal lyrics, is not harmless fun. Texas Medicine/The Journal explained that such worship includes practices ranging from benign ritualistic activities to drinking blood from self-mutilation and animal sacrifices. Satanic cults proclaim an allegiance to the devil. Specific rituals are used to channel power from Satan to the followers. . . . The dogma of freedom of choice and will means doing whatever you want with no God, no guilt, and no conscience. As a result, some engage in criminal activities without shame. [Picture on page 5]You wouldnt put garbage in your stomach. Why put it in your mind? [Picture on page 7]Should you feel comfortable attending such an event? *** g92 1/22 pp. 3-5 The Moral Breakdown Is Widespread ***It Infects Every Facet of Society SOCIETY today is in a values vacuum. It is fragmented by many life-styles. The reasoning of many runs like this: Each life-style is an acceptable alternative. You be tolerant of mine, Ill be tolerant of yours. You do your thing, Ill do mine. To each his own. There are many ways to go, and each way is right; nothing is wrong. There is no sin anymore. Stand up for your rights. Peaceful protest is a whisper; turn up the volume with violence. Violence is a form of free speech. Sex is open to expression with whomever you choose and in any way you want. Obscenity is art. Live and let live. Or is it die and let die? Well into the 20th century, people had very precise ideas about what is right and what is wrong, what is moral and what is immoral, what is honorable and what is dishonorableand many still do. But for others a change began during the 1950s and escalated thereafter. The entire inventory of ideas about virtue, morality, honor, and ethics was made to seem illogical, inhumane, and unacceptable. The ideas that

became dominant exalted individuality. They asserted the view of each person to live according to self-determined goals. Now the acceptable mores were to be tolerance, diversity, and nonjudgmentalism. In this new philosophy, it is forbidden to forbid. The disastrous consequences of this philosophy continued to mount until in the 1980s they were at flood stage, and they are still rising in the 90s. Here are just a few reports on the disastrous consequences, beginning with a speech on values that was given in New Yo rk City by a corporation vice-chairman before a conference on business ethics: Politicians cheat on their constituents. Brokers rip off their clients. S&L executives drive their institutions into the gro und and leave taxpayers footing the bill. Preachers and would-be presidents cheat on their wives. Kids cheat on exams, and millions destroy themselves and others through the ravages of drugs and crime. . . . Fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. Twenty-two percent of all children born today are born out of wedlock, and one-third of all children will live with step-parents before they are 18. Clearly, the disintegration of family is massive. If you assume that the molding of values starts at homeearly in lifethen the reasons for a breakdown in ethics are obvious.Vital Speeches of the Day, September 1, 1990. Every day newspapers, magazines, newscasts, movies, and television programs reflect the decline of traditional values. In a speech at the University of Chicago, chairman of the Chase Manhattan Corporation said: Whether you flip first to the sports pages, the Washington report, or the business section, the evidence is the same. The sports pages bristle with the latest scandals of ball players shaving points, college teams on probation for recruiting violations, and professional athletes on drugs. The news from Washington is of perjury trials, federal judges indicted, influence peddling, and the latest lawmaker under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. You turn to the business section and find exposs of insider trading and the like.Vital Speeches of the Day, August 1, 1990. The barrage is so steady and unrelenting that people become numb to it. They are no longer scandalized by these scandals. The lecturer just quoted commented on this: Many Americans are no longer outraged by news of yet another ethical lapse. Convicted felons are no longer outcasts. They are celebrities. They are invited to elite parties. They write best-sellers. Wall Streets Ivan Boesky ended a speech to students at a business school by raising his arms overhead in a V-for-victory pose and said, So heres to greed! Later his greed led him into insider trading, and he was tried, convicted, fined, and jailed. His fine was $100 million, but he got to keep over half a billion dollars. Michael Milken, another Wall Street manipulator, was fined $600 million for his junk-bond dealingshe made almost that much in one year! He was able to retain one and a half billion dollars. Industry Week magazine published an article whose title raised the question, Forget Ethicsand Succeed? A consultant from Utah thought corporate ethics had worsened and said: My observations suggest that the more successful the businessman, the more unethical the behavior. A manager from Michigan said: We have a policy regarding ethics, but middle management ignores the rules by rationalizing, Thats not unethical, its just smart business. A supervisor from Miami laments: Ethics is fast losing the battle; profit is No. 1 at any expense. Other businessmen were more blunt: Anything goes, one said. Another added this: Our policy is if you can get away with it, do it. It is not just businessmen who contribute to the tumbling moral standards. The values virus has spread into every facet of society. Too many lawyers are acting more like shysters than respecters of the law. Too many scientists are stooping to misconduct and fraud to get grants from the government. Too many doctors are earning reputations as being more interested in fat fees than in patientsand too many of their patients are scheming up ways to launch malpractice suits. Neighborhoods reel under the impact of drugs, crime, and gang wars. Marital infidelity ruins families. Small children become victims of sexual abuse, including child porn. Teenage sex brings on pregnancies, abortions, and neglected babies. Drug pushers invade school yards. Schoolchildren carry knives and guns, and reading scores continue to tumble. The best remedial training for this is parents who read to their children, but often parents are too busy making a living or too involved in their own self-fulfillment goals. The music industry contributes to the moral breakdown, outstandingly so through some of the far-out, heavy-metal rock bands. A corporation counselor commented: Rock music turned out to be the perfect medium for proclaiming and spreading the idea of casual and unlimited sexual acts and for celebrating the use of illegal drugs. Rock music was also a powerful force in generating contempt for parents, for older generations and social institutions which opposed the unzippered, drug-using lifestyle. One of their goals is to offend and shock and grab attention with lyrics that are outpourings of crude, coarse, vile, and loathsome gutter filth, which are crammed full of brutal abuse of women. Oral and anal sex described in scores of ways, sexual abuse urged, gloatings over rape so violent that female sex organs are rupturedno limit to the gross obscenities glorified. When one group was tried in court for obscenity, a Duke University professor praised them as literary geniuses and defended their rank obscenities as having artistic value. The jury agreed, concluding that the lyrics were not obscenities but art. A similar evidence of the decay of values in society is the fact that last year one of the most grotesquely obscene rap albums sold so many copies (more than 1 million) in its three weeks of release that it sailed to the No. 1 position. That means it was the biggest thing in the music business at the moment. Names chosen for these rock groups match the lyrics: There are at least 13 bands named after the male genitals, 6 after female genitals, 4 after sperm, 8 after abortion and one after a vaginal infection.U.S.News & World Report. A professor at Boston University commented on the Mapplethorpe exhibit: I saw it at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. There, as elsewhere, the works were arranged in sections, so to speak. The hard core photos were . . . as disturbingly pornographic as one can imagine. I do not know if they were homo-erotic, but they were photographs which depicted acts I would not on my own think were possible, let alone pleasurable. The issue of the exhibits obscenity was tried in court, and a jury judged its obscenity to be art. Hardly art, certainly not morally responsible, and evidence of a further erosion of true values on the part of artists and viewers. We need limits. We need stabilizing guidelines. We need ideals to work toward. We need a return to the original source of true values. [Blurb on page 4]People are no longer scandalized by scandals [Blurb on page 5] Juries declare gross obscenities to be art

*** w82 7/15 p. 17 pars. 4-7 How Do You Guide Your Life? *** Conscience is not a mere social development, for the Bible shows that God implanted it in the original human pair. (Genesis 3:7, 8) Discussing the accountability of Jews and Gentiles, Paul wrote: For whenever people of the nations *Gentiles+ that do not have law do by na ture the things of the law, these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves. They are the very ones who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts, while their conscience is bearing witness with them and, between their own thoughts, they are being accused or even excused. (Romans 2:14, 15) Yes, even peoples without a written law from God have viewed as wrong things such as murder, stealing and incest. We can see also from these verses that conscience is an interplay of the heart and the mind (thoughts). The function of conscience that we likely are most familiar with is its judging our conduct after the fact, after the wrong deed. When we conclude that we have done wrong or acted dishonorably, our conscience accuses and condemns us. (Compare 2 Samuel 24:10; 1 John 3:20.) If we respond to it, this role of conscience can help us by moving us to avoid repeating a wrong. And it might cause us to repent, apologize or even undo the damage if we can.Psalm 32:3, 5; Matthew 5:23, 24; Luke 19:1-8. Our conscience can serve in another way. Though some say that a good conscience is a silent one, when we face a decision or problem, our conscience should speak up and prod us to do what is right. We find a good example in Josephs refusing the advances of Potiphars wife. Though God had not yet given a written law against adultery, Josephs conscience moved him to reject immorality. (Genesis 39:1-9) If, prior to acting, we listen to our conscience, we may avoid the anguish of a troubled conscience. The question remains: How influential should conscience be? Do you believe that most moral and personal issues should be decided on the basis of conscience? Or are rules preferable? We need to know. Also, are there dangers of which we need to be aware? What is indica ted by Gods Word, which states that it is beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness?2 Timothy 3:16.
7 6 5 4

*** w82 7/15 p. 26 par. 18 Benefiting From Your God-given Conscience *** Whether because of being identified with a firm handling pornography or because of what he is being asked to do, he may find that he must quit in order to remain irreprehensible, which would be of special concern to persons having or seeking privileges in the congregat ion. In searching for other work, he may confidently look for Jehovahs blessing. (1 Timothy 3:2, 8-10; Romans 13:5) Doubtless there are many Christians who have left such jobs rather than let uncleanness undermine them. (Compare Matthew 5:28.) Hence, when we face a decision of conscience, we should ask: If I do this thing or refuse to do it, how will it affect me? We certainly should not ignore our conscience, searing it and thus making it easier to do what is bad in the future.1 Timothy 4:2; Jude 10; Ephesians 4:18, 19.

*** w91 3/1 pp. 21-25 Seek Peace and Pursue It *** What can interrupt our pursuit of peace? Paul mentions one thing when he says: The minding of the flesh means death, but the minding of the spirit means life and peace; because the minding of the flesh means enmity with God. (Romans 8:6, 7) By flesh, Paul refers to our fallen condition as imperfect humans with inherited sinful tendencies. Giving in to the inclinations of the fallen flesh will destroy our peace. If a Christian unrepentantly commits immorality, lies, steals, takes drugs, or in some other way breaks the divine law, he disrupts the peace with Jehovah that he once enjoyed. (Proverbs 15:8, 29; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 21:8) Moreover, if he allows material things to become more important to him than spiritual things, his peace with God is gravely threatened.Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15-17. On the other hand, Paul said: The minding of the spirit means life and peace. Peace is part of the fruitage of the spirit, and if we train our heart to appreciate spiritual things, praying for Gods spirit to help us in this, then we will avoid the minding of the flesh. (Galatians 5:22-24) At 1 Peter 3:10-12, peace is linked with righteousness. (Romans 5:1) Peter says that the pursuing of peace includes turning away from what i s bad and doing what is good. Gods spirit can help us to pursue righteousness and thus preserve our peace with God.1 Timothy 6:11, 12. The pursuit of peace is of major concern to the elders in the congregation. For example, if someone tries to introduce polluting practices, the elders are responsible to protect the congregation by trying to reprove the sinner. If he accepts the reproof, he will regain his peace. (Hebrews 12:11) If not, he may have to be cast out so that the peaceful relationship of the congregation with Jehovah may be preserved. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. Peace With Our Brothers Minding the flesh can destroy not only our peace with God but also our good relationship with other Christians. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: You are yet fleshly. For whereas there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do? (1 Corinthians 3:3) Jealousy and strife are the very opposite of peace. Disturbing the peace of the congregation by causing jealousy and strife is very serious. Speaking of a quality related to peace as a fruit of the spirit, the apostle John warned: If anyone makes the statement: I love God, and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20) In a similar way, if an individual causes jealousy or strife among brothers, can he really be at peace with God? Surely not! We are urged: Continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be c omforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Yes, if we continue to live peaceably with one another, then the God of love and peace will be with us. This does not mean that there will never be misunderstandings between Christians. In the weeks following Pentecost, there was a disagreement in the young Christian congregation about the daily food distribution. (Acts 6:1) On one occasion a disagreement b etween Paul and Barnabas led to a sharp burst of anger. (Acts 15:39) Paul had to counsel Euodia and Syntyche, doubtless fine, zealous sisters, to be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2) No wonder Jesus gave detailed advice on how to solve disturbances of the peace between Christians and highlighted the urgency of handling such problems promptly! (Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-17) He would not have given this counsel if he did not anticipate difficulties among his followers.
9 8 7 6 5 4

Today, then, it is quite possible that someone may be offended by a tactless word or a perceived slight from a fellow Christian. A characteristic in one person may intensely irritate another. Personalities may clash. Someone may strongly disagree with a decision of the elders. On the body of elders itself, one elder may be very strong-minded and try to override the other elders. Despite the fact that such things happen, we still have to seek peace and pursue it. The challenge is to handle these problems in a Christian way so as to preserve the uniting bond of peace.Ephesians 4:3. The Bible says: Let Jehovah be magnified, who takes delight in the peace of his servant. (Psalm 35:27) Yes, Jehovah wants u s to be at peace. Hence, he has made two outstanding provisions to help us preserve peace among ourselves and with him. One is holy spirit, of which peace is a fruit, along with related peaceable qualities, such as long-suffering, kindness, mildness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) The other is divine wisdom, of which we read: The wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits.James 3:17, 18. Therefore, when our peace with others is disturbed, we should pray for wisdom from above to show us how to act, and we should ask for holy spirit to strengthen us to do what is right. (Luke 11:13; James 1:5; 1 John 3:22) In harmony with our prayer, we can then look into the source of divine wisdom, the Bible, for guidance, as well as check available Bible literature for counsel on how to apply the Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16) We may also wish to seek advice from elders in the congregation. A final step would be to follow the guidance received. Isaiah 54:13 says : All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant. This implies that our peace depends on our putting into practice the things Jehovah teaches us. Happy Are the Peaceable Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, said: Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) Peaceable here does not refer to someone who is simply placid by nature. The original Greek word means peacemakers. A peacemaker is skilled at restoring peace when it is disturbed. More important, though, a peacemaker strives to avoid disturbing the peace in the first place. Peace controls in his heart. (Colossians 3:15) If Gods servants strive to be peacemakers, then problems among them will be kept to a minimum. Becoming a peacemaker involves recognizing our own weaknesses. For example, a Christian may have a hot temper or be sensitive and easily offended. When under pressure, his emotions may make him forget Bible principles. This is not unexpected in imperfect humans. (Romans 7:21-23) Nevertheless, enmities, strife, and fits of anger are listed as works of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19-21) If we find such tendencies in ourselvesor if they are brought to our attention by otherswe should pray earnestly and continually for Jehovahs spirit to develop in us self-control and mildness. Indeed, everyone should strive to cultivate such qualities as part of his new personality.Ephesians 4:23, 24; Colossians 3:10, 15. On occasion, a congregation or a body of elders is disturbed by someone who is stubborn, always insisting on his own way. True, when it comes to divine law, a Christian should be strong-minded, even inflexible. And if we feel we have a good idea that could benefit others, there is nothing wrong with expressing ourselves forthrightly, as long as we explain our reasons. But we do not want to be like those in the world who are not open to any agreement. (2 Timothy 3:1-4) The wisdom from above is peaceable, reasonable. Those whose actions form a pattern of stubborn inflexibility should heed Pauls counsel to the Philippians to do nothing out of egotism.Philippians 2:3. In that same letter, Paul urges that we should, with lowliness of mind, sincerely consider that the others are superior to us. This is the very opposite of egotism. A mature Christian does not think first of forcing his own ideas, saving face, or protecting his own position and authority. This would be contrary to Pauls exhortation to keep an eye, not in personal interest upon just his own matters, but also in pers onal interest upon those of the others.Philippians 2:4; 1 Peter 5:2, 3, 6. Peaceable Words The one pursuing peace is especially careful in his use of the tongue. James warns: The tongue is a little member and yet ma kes great brags. Look! How little a fire it takes to set so great a woodland on fire! (James 3:5) Mischievous gossip, criticism of others behind their back, unkind and harsh words, murmuring and complaining, as well as dishonest flattery for the sake of personal advantageall of these are works of the flesh that disturb the peace of Gods people.1 Corinthians 10:10; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 5:13; Jude 16. True, James said: The tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed. (James 3:8) Even mature Christians sometimes say things they sincerely regret afterward. All of us hope that others will forgive us such mistakes just as we forgive them. (Matthew 6:12) Sometimes a sharp burst of anger may produce hurtful words. Then, a peacemaker will remember that an answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a w ord causing pain makes anger to come up. (Proverbs 15:1) Often, he will just have to take a deep breath and refuse to respond to angry words with more angry words. Afterward, when tempers have cooled, a largehearted peacemaker knows how to overlook things said in the heat of the moment. And a humble Christian will know how to apologize and try to heal any wounds he has caused. It is a sign of moral strength to be able honestly to say, I am sorry. The tongue may have to be used to counsel others. Paul publicly reprimanded Peter when the latter acted incorrectly in Antioch. And Jesus gave strong counsel in his messages to the seven congregations. (Galatians 2:11-14; Revelation, chapters 2, 3) If we study these examples, we learn that counsel should not be so mild that its point is lost. Nevertheless, Jesus and Paul were not harsh or cruel. Their counsel was not an outlet for their own frustrations. They were genuinely trying to help their brothers. If the one giving counsel senses that he is not in full control of his tongue, he may choose to pause and cool down a little before saying anything. Otherwise, he may speak harsh words and cause a worse problem than the one he is trying to handle.Proverbs 12:18. As mentioned already, peace and love are closely related as fruits of the spirit. If what we say to our brothersor about themis always a reflection of our love for them, then it will contribute to the peace of the congregation. (John 15:12, 13) Our utterances must be with graciousness, seasoned with salt. (Colossians 4:6) They should be tasty, as it were, appealing to the heart. Jesus counseled: Have salt in yourselves , and keep peace between one another.Mark 9:50.
20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11

10

Do Your Utmost The psalmist wrote: Look! How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1) Truly, we delight to be with our brothers, especially at our weekly meetings and during assemblies and the larger conventions. At such times our peace is evident even to outsiders. Soon the nations will think they are achieving peace without Jehovah. But while they are saying, Peace and security! sudden destruction wi ll come on all who are not at peace with God. (1 Thessalonians 5:3) After that, the great Prince of Peace will proceed with the healing of mankind from the calamitous results of mans original loss of peace with God. (Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 22:1, 2) Then, Gods covenant of peace will result in a worldwide tranquillity. Even the beasts of the field will experience a rest from hostility.Psalm 37:10, 11; 72:3-7; Isaiah 11:1-9; Revelation 21:3, 4. What a glorious time that will be! Do you eagerly look forward to it? If so, pursue peace with all people. Seek peace now w ith your brothers, and especially with Jehovah. Yes, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14.
23 22 21

*** w89 2/15 pp. 18-20 Is Your Personal Opinion Paramount? *** Is Your Personal Opinion Paramount? NEW Church Split Over Gay Priests, said the headline. The news report went on to expose deep divisions in the Church of England over the question of homosexual priests. There is a place in the church for homosexuals, claimed the minister in charge of recruiting church clergy. In his view, a homosexual who is honest and responsible in his relationship with another man has a right to be ordained. Practising homosexual clergy are sinful and must resign was the opposing belief of a church rector. He felt that clergymen should be exemplary in all their moral behavior.The Sunday Times, London, November 8, 1987. No doubt each of these men was convinced that his opinion was right. But should personal opinion be the final authority in matters of vital concern? Perhaps you will say yes, maintaining that everyone is entitled to his own opinion. Yet, consider these two inspired comments in the Bible: So, then, let us pursue the things making for peace and the things t hat are upbuilding to one another. Now I exhort you, brothers, . . . that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind.Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 1:10. So, what if you, as a Christian, found it difficult to agree with the Christian congregation on some important matter? How would you deal with that so that the vital peace and unity of the congregation could be maintained?Matthew 5:9; 1 Peter 3:11. Consider a situation that developed in the first-century Christian congregation when some viewed their personal opinion as paramount. See what this eventually led to and ask yourself: What would I have done if I had been there? Questions Over Circumcision In 36 C.E. uncircumcised Gentiles were first accepted into the Christian congregation. Though God had prepared the apostle Peter for this dramatic event, Peter and those with him were amazed to see holy spirit poured out on uncircumcised people. (Acts 10:1-16, 34-48) Many other Jewish Christians found this hard to take. In fact, some Jewish Christians, supporters of circumcision, criticized Peter for associating with uncircumcised people.Acts 11:2, 3. Why were these critics disturbed? Because for almost 2,000 years, circumcision had been a sign of a special relationship with God. When Jehovah God commanded Abraham to have all the males in his household circumcised, He said: It must serve as a sign of the covenant between me and you . . . to time indefinite. (Genesis 17:10-13) Many centuries later, circumcision was still very important to the Jews. Many of them felt that uncircumcision meant uncleanness. (Isaiah 52:1) They felt that Gods holy people should have no dealings with unclean, uncircumcised Gentiles. In 49 C.E. the apostle Paul was confronted in Syrian Antioch by some of these supporters of circumcision. At the end of his first missionary trip, he reported to the congregation there how God had opened to the *uncircumcised+ nations the door to faith. It seemed clear to him that there was no need for these people of the nations to be circumcised. Certain men from Judea, however, had a different opinion. Unless you get circumcised according to the custom of Moses, they asserted, you cannot be saved. They felt that circumcision was essential for salvat ion and that all Gentile converts to Christianity had to get circumcised.Acts 14:2615:1. Strong feelings were involved. No doubt they mustered persuasive arguments to support their opinion. How was the peace and unity of the congregation to be maintained? After there had been much discussion of the subject, the congregation in Ant ioch arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and older men in Jerusalem regarding this dispute. (Acts 15:2) There was no suggestion that in a matter of such gravity, each one was entitled to his own opinion. These Christians had enough humility and loyalty to theocratic order to seek an authoritative decision from their central teaching body.1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; James 3:17, 18; 1 Peter 5:5, 6. A Decision Made The apostles and older men in Jerusalem (obviously recognized as a governing body in the early Christian congregation) carefully examined the spirit-inspired Scriptures and reviewed how holy spirit had directed things over the previous 13 years. Their decision? For Gentile converts, circumcision was not a prerequisite for salvation. (Acts 15:6-29) Here was a clear directive to take the place of personal opinion. The congregations that heeded this guidance continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day. (Acts 16:4, 5) Some persons, though, did not accept the governing bodys decision. They were still convinced that their opinion was correct and that complying with

the Mosaic Law was essential for salvation. What would you have done? They became a dangerous, divisive influence among Christians. Take a look at the counsel given by the apostle Paul over the next 15 years as he tried to protect faithful Christians from the influence of such stubbornly opinionated ones. Galatia, Asia Minor, c. 50-52 C.E. The freedom gained by Christians through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was endangered. Fear of persecution by Jewish enemies made some Christians want to impose precepts from the Mosaic Law on fellow Christians. (Galatians 6:12, 13) The apostle Paul reminded the disciples that to take up such Jewish practices as circumcision would be to let themselves be confined again in a yoke of slavery. Since they were sinners, none of them could keep the Law perfectly, so they would be condemned by the Law, just as the Jews were. O nly Jesus sacrifice could make them clean and save them. If you become circumcised *and thus become obligated to perform the whole Law+, Paul said, Christ will be of no benefit to you.Galatians 5:1-4; Acts 15:8-11. Corinth, Greece, c. 55 C.E. Arguments over circumcision were dividing the congregation. Paul knew that circumcision in itself was not sinful. It had been part of Gods perfect Law. (Psalm 19:7; Romans 7:12) Paul himself had even arranged for his young companion Timothy (whose mo ther was Jewish) to get circumcised. Paul did so, not because it was obligatory, but because he did not want to give the Jews any cause for stumbling over the good news. (Acts 16:3) He encouraged Christians to refrain from getting embroiled in disruptive arguments. Was any man called circumcised? he asked. Let him not become uncircumcised. Has any man been called in uncircumcision? Let him not get circumcised [thinking that this was vital for salvation+. The important thing was to obey Gods clear commands, including those coming through the Christian congregation.1 Corinthians 7:1820; Hebrews 13:17. Philippi, Greece, c. 60-61 C.E. Those who felt that Christians were still bound by Jewish law continued to ignore the clear evidence that Jehovah was blessing the Christian congregation, which now included many uncircumcised believers. Those advocating circumcision were causing spiritual injury to others by pushing their personal opinions. Therefore, the apostle Pauls language is now stronger: Look out for the dogs *co nsidered ceremonially unclean by the Jews], look out for the workers of injury, look out for those who mutilate the f lesh.Philippians 3:2. Crete, c. 61-64 C.E. The apostle Paul had left Titus to oversee the work of Christians in Crete. Interestingly, the non-Jew Titus had not been compelled to get circumcised. (Galatians 2:3) Now Paul directed Titus to deal firmly with enemies of the truth, which is what these promoters of circumcision had become. They should even be expelled from the congregation if they persisted in publicizing their divisive personal opinions. He spoke of unruly men, profitless talkers, and deceivers of the mind, especially those men who adhere to the circumcision, and continued: It is necessary to shut the mouths of these, as these very men keep on subverting entire households by teaching things they ought n ot.Titus 1:10, 11; 3:10, 11; 1 Timothy 1:3, 7. What sad consequences! These men were so proud of their personal opinions that they rejected the direction of the Christian congregation, subverted the faith of others, and destroyed their good relationship with God.Compare Numbers 16:1-3, 12-14, 31-35. What Will You Do? Can we avoid making the same mistake today? Yes, if first we make sure that our personal opinion does not conflict with the clear teaching of the Bible. On the matter of homosexuality, for example, the Bible says: Neither the sexually immoral . . . nor homosexual offenders . . . will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, New International Version) However, when the Scriptural direction may seem to us to be open to different opinions, we need to demonstrate the humble responsiveness that was shown by the early Christians and accept decisions and directions from Gods congregation. Finally, even in areas in which a matter is Scripturally neither right nor wrong but is left to personal decision, we should highly esteem peace with others, thus being open to yielding frequently. Are you willing to manifest that spirit? If so, you are showing a fine sense of balance, recognizing that peace and unity are more precious than your own personal opinion.

*** w82 7/15 p. 27 pars. 20-22 Benefiting From Your God-given Conscience *** It is commendable when a persons faith and desire for a good conscience move him to make adjustments so that his steps will not wobble and so that he can give more time and attention to spreading all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:26, 27) How, though, should we view others whose circumstances appear to allow them to do more preaching but who do not do so? They might have a large income from their jobs or businesses and seem already to have finances ample for a comfortable life in this system. Yet, instead of rejoicing in disciple making full time as pioneers, they keep working on expanding their businesses, homes and comforts. (Compare Mark 10:17-22; Luke 12:16-21.) It is not for us to judge others in such an area, for each of us will render an account for himself to God. Rather, let our faith unhypocritically move us to serve God to the full so that we can enjoy a clean conscience.Romans 14:1-4, 10-12. Guided by a Good Conscience A properly educated and sensitive Christian conscience will guide us to do what is good. It did so in the case of Paul. He was so interested in his brothers, fellow Jews, that he wrote: My conscience bears witness with me in holy spirit, that I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart. (Romans 9:1-3) Yes, he did all he possibly could to share the good news of Christianity with them. It should be the same with us. If we appreciate the value of our God-given conscience, we will not be inclined to think just in terms of rules. Rules might set out minimum requirements, or goals. But a conscience stimulated by love and faith likely will make even greater demands on us, moving us to greater sacrifices and unselfishness. In that way we certainly will benefit from our conscience. It will keep us from the things that might result in Gods disapproval, and it will aid us in doing things that he definitely approves. Particularly is that so as our c onscience guides us toward having a larger share in proclaiming the good news. What greater benefit could there be than what Paul mentioned to Timothy? He said: Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.1 Timothy 4:16.
22 21 20