Show a Waiting Attitude! I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

MICAH 7:7. MANY things in life can be viewed either positively or negatively, depending on our attitude. When the Israelites were in the wilderness, they were miraculously provided with manna. They should have looked around at the barren landscape and have been deeply grateful to Jehovah for providing their sustenance. That would have reflected a positive attitude. Instead, they remembered the wide variety of food in Egypt and complained that manna was unappetizing. What a negative attitude!Numbers 11:4-6. The attitude of a Christian today can similarly make things appear either bright or gloomy. Without the proper attitude, a Christian could easily lose his joy, and that would be serious because, as Nehemiah said: The joy of Jehovah is [our] stronghold. (Nehemiah 8:10) A positive, joyful attitude helps to keep us strong and promotes peace and unity in the congregation.Romans 15:13; Philippians 1:25. Despite living in difficult times, Jeremiah displayed a positive attitude. Even when he witnessed the horrors of Jerusalems fall in 607 B.C.E., he could see positive things. Jehovah would not forget Israel, and the nation would survive. Jeremiah wrote in the book of Lamentations: It is the acts of loving-kindness of Jehovah that we have not come to our finish, because his mercies will certainly not come to an end. They are new each morning. Your faithfulness is abundant. (Lamentations 3:22, 23) Throughout history, servants of God in the most difficult circumstances have sought to maintain a positive, even joyful, attitude.2 Corinthians 7:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; James 1:2. Six hundred years after Jeremiah, Jesus was helped to endure because of his positive attitude. We read: For the joy that was set before [Jesus] he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the
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throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) Whatever opposition or persecution Jesus had to faceeven the agony of the torture stakehe kept his mind on the joy that was set before him. That joy was the privilege of vindicating Jehovahs sovereignty and sanctifying his name as well as the prospect of bringing great blessings to obedient mankind in the future. Adopt a Waiting Attitude If we cultivate a mental attitude like that of Jesus, we will not lose the joy of Jehovah even if things do not always happen as and when we expect them to. The prophet Micah said: As for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. (Micah 7:7; Lamentations 3:21) We too can show a waiting attitude. How? In many ways. For one thing, we may feel that a brother in authority has acted in error and that an immediate correction is needed. A waiting attitude will allow us to consider, Was he really in error, or am I mistaken? If he was in error, could it be that Jehovah is allowing events to unfold because he feels that the individual will improve and that drastic corrective measures will be unnecessary? A waiting attitude may be needed if we are troubled by a personal problem or are struggling with a weakness. Suppose we ask for Jehovahs help, but the problem persists. What then? We have to keep doing whatever is in our power to solve the problem and then have faith in Jesus words: Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9) Keep praying, and wait upon Jehovah. At an appropriate time and in his own way, Jehovah will answer your prayers. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. As Bible prophecies undergo fulfillment, our understanding of the Scriptures is refined. At times, though, we may think that a certain clarification is overdue. If it is not forthcoming when we would prefer it, are we willing to wait? Remember, Jehovah saw fit to reveal the sacred secret of the Christ a little at a time and over a period of some 4,000 years. (Ephesians 3:3-6) Do we, then, have any reason to be impatient? Do we doubt that a
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faithful and discreet slave has been appointed to give Jehovahs people their food at the proper time? (Matthew 24:45) Why deprive ourselves of godly joy because not everything is completely understood? Remember, Jehovah decides when and how to reveal his confidential matters. Amos 3:7. Some may be discouraged because they feel that after many years of faithful service, they may not live to see the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah. (Joel 2:30, 31) Still, they can be encouraged when they look at the positive aspect. Peter counseled: Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. (2 Peter 3:15) Jehovahs patience has allowed millions of additional righthearted ones to learn the truth. Is that not wonderful? Further, the longer Jehovah exercises patience, the more time we have to keep working out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling.Philippians 2:12; 2 Peter 3:11, 12. A waiting attitude helps us not to be discouraged when opposition, sickness, advancing age, or other problems hinder us in Kingdom service. Jehovah expects us to serve him wholeheartedly. (Romans 12:1) However, Gods Son, who feels sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, does not demand more than we can reasonably offer; neither does Jehovah. (Psalm 72:13) Thus, we are encouraged to do what we can, patiently waiting until circumstances changeeither in this system of things or in that which is to come. Remember: God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering.Hebrews 6:10. A waiting attitude also helps us to avoid presumptuousness. Some who have become apostate were unwilling to wait. They may have felt that there was a need for adjustments, either in Bible understanding or in organizational matters. Yet, they failed to acknowledge that Jehovahs spirit moves the faithful and discreet slave to make adjustments in His due time, not when we may feel that this is needed. And any adjustments must be in harmony with Jehovahs will, not our personal ideas. Apostates allow a presumptuous attitude to
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warp their thinking and stumble them. But if they had adopted the mental attitude of Christ, they could have retained their joy and remained among Jehovahs people.Philippians 2:5-8. Of course, maintaining a waiting attitude does not mean being lazy or inactive. We have things to do. For example, we need to be occupied in personal Bible study and thus show the same keen interest in spiritual things that the faithful prophets and even the angels showed. Speaking of such interest, Peter says: Concerning this very salvation a diligent inquiry and a careful search were made by the prophets . . . Into these very things angels are desiring to peer. (1 Peter 1:10-12) Not only is personal study a must but so are regular meeting attendance and prayer. (James 4:8) Those who show an awareness of their spiritual need by regularly taking in spiritual food and associating with fellow Christians demonstrate that they have adopted Christs mental attitude.Matthew 5:3. Have a Realistic View When God created the first human couple, he reserved to himself the right to set standards of right and wrong. (Genesis 2:16, 17) Adam and Eve wanted independence from Gods guidance, and this resulted in the world we see around us today. The apostle Paul said: Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned. (Romans 5:12) Six thousand years of human history since Adams time have demonstrated the truth of Jeremiahs words: I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step. (Jeremiah 10:23) To acknowledge that Jeremiahs words are true is not defeatist. It is realistic. It explains all those long centuries when man has dominated man to his injury because humans have ruled independently of God.Ecclesiastes 8:9. In view of mankinds situation, Jehovahs Witnesses realize that there are limits to what can be achieved in the present system of things. A positive attitude can help preserve our joy, but it is not the solution to everything. In the early 1950s, an American clergyman published a best-selling book
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called The Power of Positive Thinking. The book suggested that most obstacles can be overcome if they are approached with a positive attitude. Positive thinking is certainly admirable. But experience shows that knowledge, skill, material means, and a host of other factors restrict what we as individuals can accomplish. And on a world scale, the problems are simply too large for humans to solve successfullyhowever positive their thinking! Because of their realistic view of such matters, Jehovahs Witnesses are sometimes accused of having a negative attitude. Rather, they are eager to tell people about the only One who can permanently improve mankinds lot. In this too they imitate the mental attitude of Christ. (Romans 15:2) And they are busy helping people to gain a good relationship with God. They know that in the long run, this will accomplish the most good. Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Timothy 4:16. Jehovahs Witnesses do not ignore the social problems especially the defiling unscriptural practicesaround them. Before an interested person becomes one of Jehovahs Witnesses, he makes changes, often having to conquer addictive vices that are displeasing to God. (1 Corinthians 6:911) Thus Jehovahs Witnesses have helped responsive ones to overcome drunkenness, drug addiction, immorality, and compulsive gambling. Such reformed individuals have learned to provide for their families in a responsible and honest way. (1 Timothy 5:8) When individuals and families are helped in this way, problems in the community are lessenedthere are fewer drug addicts, fewer cases of family violence, and so forth. By being law-abiding citizens themselves and by helping others to change their lives for the better, Jehovahs Witnesses lessen the load of agencies whose work it is to deal with social problems. So, have Jehovahs Witnesses changed the moral climate in the world? Well, in the past decade, the number of active Witnesses increased from slightly fewer than 3,800,000 to almost 6,000,000. That is an increase of about 2,200,000, many of whom gave up unrighteous practices when they became
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Christians. A lot of lives improved! Still, this number is very small when compared with the increase in world population during the same period875,000,000! Jehovahs Witnesses have found it a source of joy to help responsive individuals, though realizing that few from among mankind will take the road to life. (Matthew 7:13, 14) While the Witnesses await the worldwide changes for the better that only God can make, they do not get involved in secular reform movements, which often start with good intentions but end up in disillusionment and even violence.2 Peter 3:13. In taking this course, Jehovahs Witnesses demonstrate the same confidence in Jehovah that Jesus did while on earth. Back in the first century, Jesus performed miracles of healing. (Luke 6:17-19) He even resurrected the dead. (Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-56) But he did not remove the problem of sickness or conquer the enemy death. He knew that it was not yet Gods due time for this. With the elevated abilities of a perfect man, Jesus could likely have done much to solve serious political and social problems. It seems that some of his contemporaries wanted him to take power and act in this way, but Jesus declined. We read: When the men saw the signs he performed, they began to say: This is for a certainty the prophet that was to come into the world. Therefore Jesus, knowing they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain all alone.John 6:14, 15. Jesus refused to become involved in politics or purely social work because he knew that the time for him to assume kingly power and to perform works of healing for everyone everywhere had not yet arrived. Even after his ascension to immortal spirit life in the heavens, he was willing to wait for Jehovahs appointed time before taking action. (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34, 35) However, since his enthronement as King of Gods Kingdom in 1914, he is going forth conquering and to complete his conquest. (Revelation 6:2; 12:10) How grateful we are to submit to his kingship, while others who claim to be Christians choose to remain ignorant of the Bibles teachings concerning the Kingdom!
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WaitingSource of Frustration or of Joy? Solomon knew that waiting can be frustrating. He wrote: Expectation postponed is making the heart sick. (Proverbs 13:12) Certainly, if a person is entertaining unfounded expectations, the heart can be sickened by disappointment. However, waiting for happy eventsperhaps a wedding, the birth of a child, or a reunion with people we lovecan fill us with anticipatory joy long before the day of fulfillment. That joy is intensified if we use the waiting time wisely, making preparations for the coming event. When we have complete confidence that our expectations will be fulfilledeven if we do not know when they will be fulfilledthe waiting period does not have to make the heart sick. Gods faithful worshipers know that Christs Millennial Reign is imminent. They are confident that they will see the end of death and disease. With eager anticipation they joyfully await the time when they will welcome back billions from the dead, including their dead loved ones. (Revelation 20:1-3, 6; 21:3, 4) In these times of ecological crisis, they relish the certain prospect of seeing Paradise established on earth. (Isaiah 35:1, 2, 7) How wise, then, to use the waiting time judiciously, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord! (1 Corinthians 15:58) Keep on taking in spiritual food. Build an ever closer relationship with Jehovah. Seek out others whose hearts move them to serve Jehovah. Encourage fellow believers. Take the fullest advantage of whatever time Jehovah will yet allow. Then, waiting on Jehovah will never make you sick at heart. Instead, it will fill you with joy! Keep Jehovahs Day Close in Mind In the last days there will come ridiculers. 2 PETER 3:3. A FULL-TIME minister for more than 66 years wrote: I have always felt a keen sense of urgency. Armageddon has always been, in my thinking, the day after tomorrow. (Revelation 16:14,
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16) Like my father, and his father before him, I have lived my life as the apostle [Peter] urged, keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah. I have always viewed the promised new world as a reality though not beheld.2 Peter 3:11, 12; Hebrews 11:1; Isaiah 11:6-9; Revelation 21:3, 4. Peters expression keeping close in mind in reference to Jehovahs day means that we do not put it off in our minds. We should not forget that the day when Jehovah will destroy this system of things as a preliminary to establishing his promised new world is very near. It should be so real to us that we see it clearly, as being immediately ahead of us. That was how real it was to Gods prophets of old, and they often spoke of it as being near.Isaiah 13:6; Joel 1:15; 2:1; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14. Why did Peter urge us to view the day of Jehovah as though it could come, so to speak, the day after tomorrow? Because some had evidently begun to ridicule the idea of Christs promised presence during which wrongdoers would be punished. (2 Peter 3:3, 4) So in chapter 3 of his second letter, which we will now consider, Peter answers the charges of these ridiculers. Warm Appeal to Remember Peters affection for his brothers is shown by his repeatedly addressing them in this chapter as beloved ones. Warmly appealing to them not to forget what they had been taught, Peter begins: Beloved ones, . . . I am arousing your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.2 Peter 3:1, 2, 8, 14, 17; Jude 17. What sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets does Peter urge readers to remember? Why, those about the presence of Christ in Kingdom power and about the judgment of the ungodly. Peter had earlier drawn attention to these sayings. (2 Peter 1:16-19; 2:3-10) Jude refers to Enoch, who was the first recorded prophet to warn about the adverse judgment of God
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upon evildoers. (Jude 14, 15) Other prophets followed Enoch, and Peter does not want us to forget what they wrote.Isaiah 66:15, 16; Zephaniah 1:15-18; Zechariah 14:6-9. In addition, Peter tells his readers to remember the commandment of the Lord and Savior. Jesus commandment includes the exhortation: Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down . . . and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is. (Luke 21:3436; Mark 13:33) Peter also urges us to heed the sayings of the apostles. The apostle Paul, for example, wrote: Jehovahs day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. So, then, let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses.1 Thessalonians 5:2, 6. The Desires of Ridiculers As noted before, the reason for Peters admonition is that some had begun to scoff at such warnings, even as Israelites of earlier times had mocked Jehovahs prophets. (2 Chronicles 36:16) Peter explains: For you know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires. (2 Peter 3:3) Jude says that the desires of these ridiculers are for ungodly things. He calls them animalistic men, not having spirituality.Jude 17-19. The false teachers who Peter said go on after flesh with the desire to defile it are likely among these ridiculers who are without spirituality. (2 Peter 2:1, 10, 14) They mockingly ask faithful Christians: Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creations beginning.2 Peter 3:4. Why this ridicule? Why suggest that Christs presence may never occur, that God has never intervened in human affairs and never will? Well, by undermining the sense of urgency that permeates the Word of God, these animalistic ridiculers seek to lull others into a state of spiritual apathy and thus make them easy prey to selfish seductions. What powerful encouragement
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for us today to remain spiritually awake! May we keep close in mind Jehovahs day and always remember that his eyes are upon us! Thus we will be moved to serve Jehovah with zeal and maintain our moral purity.Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 29:15; Ezekiel 8:12; 12:27; Zephaniah 1:12. Willful and Despicable Such ridiculers ignore a vital fact. They deliberately ignore it and try to cause others to forget it. Why? In order more easily to seduce the people. For, according to their wish, Peter writes, this fact escapes their notice. What fact? That there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water. (2 Peter 3:5, 6) Yes, Jehovah did rid the earth of wickedness during the Flood in Noahs day, a fact that Jesus also emphasized. (Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26, 27; 2 Peter 2:5) So, contrary to what ridiculers say, all things have not continued exactly as from creations beginning. Ridiculers may well have mocked faithful Christians because these had as yet unrealized expectations. Shortly before Jesus died, his disciples were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly. Then, after his resurrection they asked whether the Kingdom would be set up right away. Also, about ten years before Peter wrote his second letter, some were excited by a verbal message or a letter, reputedly from the apostle Paul or his companions, to the effect that the day of Jehovah is here. (Luke 19:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 1:6) Such expectations of Jesus disciples, however, were not false, only premature. Jehovahs day would come! Gods Word Is Dependable As noted earlier, pre-Christian prophets often warned that Jehovahs day of vengeance was near. A miniature day of Jehovah came in 607 B.C.E. when Jehovah executed vengeance upon his wayward people. (Zephaniah 1:14-18) Later, other nations, including Babylon and Egypt, suffered such
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a day of Jehovah. (Isaiah 13:6-9; Jeremiah 46:1-10; Obadiah 15) The end of the first-century Jewish system of things was also foretold, and it occurred when Roman armies devastated Judea in 70 C.E. (Luke 19:41-44; 1 Peter 4:7) But Peter points to a future day of Jehovah, one that will dwarf even the global Flood in magnitude! Peter introduces his description of that coming destruction, saying: But by the same word. He had just said that by the word of God, the pre-Flood earth stood out of water and in the midst of water. This situation, described in the Bibles creation account, made possible the Deluge when the waters poured down at Gods direction, or word. Peter continues: By the same word [of God] the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:5-7; Genesis 1:6-8) We have Jehovahs dependable word for it! He will bring an end to the heavens and the earththis system of thingsin the fiery wrath of his great day! (Zephaniah 3:8) But when? Eagerness for the End to Come Jesus disciples wanted to know when the end would come, so they asked him: What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things? They evidently were asking about when the Jewish system would end, but Jesus answer focused primarily on when the present heavens and earth would suffer destruction. Jesus foretold such things as great wars, food shortages, earthquakes, disease, and crime. (Matthew 24:3-14; Luke 21:5-36) Since the year 1914, we have seen the sign being fulfilled that Jesus gave for the conclusion of the system of things as well as the things the apostle Paul mentioned would identify the last days. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Truly, the evidence is overwhelming that we are living in the time of the end of this system of things! Jehovahs Witnesses have been eager to know when the day of Jehovah will occur. In their eagerness they have at times made attempts to estimate when it might come. But by so doing, they have failed, as did Jesus early disciples, to heed their Masters caution that we do not know when the appointed time
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is. (Mark 13:32, 33) Ridiculers have mocked faithful Christians for their premature expectations. (2 Peter 3:3, 4) Nevertheless, Jehovahs day will come, Peter affirms, according to His timetable. Need to Have Jehovahs View We need to have Jehovahs view of time, as Peter now reminds us: However, let this one fact not be escaping your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. How short by comparison is our life span of 70 or 80 years! (2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4, 10) So if the fulfillment of Gods promises seems to delay, we need to accept the admonition of Gods prophet: Even if [the appointed time] should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late. Habakkuk 2:3. Why have the last days of this system continued longer than many expected? For a fine reason, as Peter next explains: Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Jehovah takes into consideration what is in the best interests of all humankind. His concern is with the lives of people, as he says: I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. (Ezekiel 33:11) So we can be confident that the end will come at just the right time to fulfill the purpose of our all-wise, loving Creator! What Will Pass Away? Because Jehovah truly loves those who serve him, he will wipe out all those who cause them distress. (Psalm 37:9-11, 29) Noting, as did Paul earlier, that this destruction would come at an unexpected time, Peter writes: Jehovahs day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered. (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2) The literal heavens and earth did not
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perish in the Deluge, neither will they during Jehovahs day. What, then, will pass away, or be destroyed? Human governments that have dominated mankind like heavens will end and so will the earth, or human ungodly society. The hissing noise perhaps indicates the rapid passage of the heavens. The elements that make up todays decadent human society will be dissolved, or destroyed. And the earth, including the works in it, will be discovered. Jehovah will thoroughly expose the wicked acts of men as he brings an entire world system to its well-deserved end. Keep Focused on Your Hope Since these dramatic events are at hand, Peter says that we ought to be involved in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah. There can be no doubt about it! The heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements being intensely hot will melt! (2 Peter 3:11, 12) The fact that these dramatic events could begin to occur tomorrow should affect everything we do or plan to do. Peter now tells us what will replace the old system, saying: But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17) Ah, what grand relief! Christ and his 144,000 corulers will compose a new governmental heavens, and people who survive the end of this world will make up the new earth.1 John 2:17; Revelation 5:9, 10; 14:1, 3. Maintain Urgency and Moral Purity Hence, beloved ones, Peter continues, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. Waiting with eager anticipation and viewing any seeming delay of Jehovahs day as an expression of divine patience will help us avoid any spiritual spot or blemish. Yet, there is danger! Peter warns that in the writings of our beloved brother Paul . . . are some things hard
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to understand, which the untaught and unsteady are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.2 Peter 3:14-16. False teachers evidently twisted Pauls writings about Gods undeserved kindness, using them as an excuse for loose conduct. Perhaps Peter has this in mind when he writes his parting admonition: You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard that you may not be led away with them by the error of the law-defying people and fall from your own steadfastness. He then concludes his letter, urging: Go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.2 Peter 3:17, 18. Clearly, Peter wants to strengthen his brothers. He desires all to have the attitude expressed by the faithful 82-year-old Witness quoted at the outset: I have lived my life as the apostle urged, keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah. I have always viewed the promised new world as a reality though not beheld. May we all live our life in the same way. APPRECIATE DIVINE PATIENCE While we rightly look forward to new heavens and a new earth, we do not want to become impatient about the fulfillment of the promise. The fact that Jehovahs great day did not come long ago has allowed for our own salvation. The apostle Peter stated: Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given him also wrote you, speaking about these things as he does also in all his letters. In them, however, are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unsteady are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.2 Peter 3:15, 16.
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As persons who appreciate Jehovahs patience, we will want to be careful not to presume on it, justifying a particular course of selfishness on the basis that Gods great day may yet be far away. In the first century C.E., there were believers who apparently did this. The apostle Peter describes them as untaught and unsteady, lacking a clear understanding of Gods Word and being unstable with reference to Christian doctrine and practice. These persons even tried to use statements from the letters of the inspired apostle Paul and other parts of the Scriptures to excuse their wrong conduct. It may be that they pointed to what Paul had written about the exercise of conscience and about being declared righteous by faith and not by works of the Mosaic law as providing latitude for all kinds of actions that were contrary to Gods will. (Compare Romans 3:58; 6:1; 7:4; 8:1, 2; Galatians 3:10.) They may have misused such points as the following: Christ set us free. Therefore stand fast, and do not let yourselves be confined again in a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) All things are lawful for me. (1 Corinthians 6:12) All things are clean to clean persons. (Titus 1:15) However, they ignored that Paul also said: Do not use this freedom as an inducement for the flesh, but through love slave for one another. For the entire Law stands fulfilled in one saying, namely: You must love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:13, 14) Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.1 Corinthians 10:24. Jehovaha God of Love and Patience Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, . . . but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.2 Pet. 3:9.

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IN THE closing part of his second letter Peter warns that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, asking scoffingly: Where is this promised presence of his? As in Malachis prophecy, Peter mentions some pointed truths regarding the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men. From a human viewpoint, Jehovah might seem slow respecting his promise, but make no mistake. Jehovahs day will come as a thief, catching the ungodly ridiculers unaware. Interestingly, Peter links the passing away of the symbolic heavens and earth that are now with the certainty of Gods sure word of promise. Similarly, when Jesus gave his great prophecy, he said: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. We, therefore, should pay the greatest respect to Gods Word and its message for today. Happy is the man that . . . in the seat of ridiculers has not sat. But his delight is in the law of Jehovah.2 Pet. 3:3-10; Luke 21:33; Ps. 1:1, 2. Jehovahs seeming slowness is actually a marvelous proof of his love and patience, because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. Likewise, we should consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. (2 Pet. 3:9, 15) If it had not been for the love and patience of Jehovah and Jesus Christ, we would not be witnessing today the fulfillment of what eventually happened to the prodigal son. Some of that class today have already experienced salvation due to the Lords patience. Is there yet time for others to do so? Can we help in any way? Is there any good reason why we should not be glad and eager to help? Jehovahs love and patience help us to see how, as told in the illustration of the prodigal son, he divided his means of living to the class with the heavenly hope, also to the one with the earthly hope, these classes being pictured by the two sons. (Luke 15:12) Two things are involved, life and time. Life is a gift from God. Peter argued that one could not rightly do so. Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, he continued, as some people
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consider slowness, but he is patient with you. Yes, God allows evildoing to continue because he is patient with people, because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. Can you appreciate that? How are you affected by Gods patience? Do you love him more because of his consideration for those that have not yet learned of his promises? Or do you love him less because you want the fulfillment of his promises in your behalf right away?2 Pet. 3:9. FOLLOW GODS EXAMPLE A mature Christian exercises the godly quality of patience. With all his heart he desires the end of wickedness and the ushering in of Gods promised new world, but just because it does not come as soon as he might wish he does not stamp his foot and threaten to stop serving God. Would that not be childish? A child cannot stand to wait, and out of exasperation at those who may cause him to wait he often engages in evildoing. But Peter says not to be like that: Hence, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.2 Pet. 3:1014. Gods patience is exercised for a good purpose, and Christians should never forget that. Peter goes on to remind us: Furthermore, consider the patience of the Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given him also wrote you. Many years before, Jehovah had explained: I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. To this end Jehovah God holds back the cataclysm of Armageddon. His patience is working toward the salvation of hundreds of thousands of persons, and those taking advantage of it may perhaps yet number into the millions!2 Pet. 3:15; Ezek. 33:11. Are you among those taking advantage of Gods patience? It is vital to do so, for your very life is at stake! Do not deceive yourself into believing that God will not take an accounting, or that he does not observe your actions. His own eyes behold, his own beaming eyes examine the sons of men. Jehovah

himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and all the wicked ones he will annihilate. For nearly two thousand years Christians have been waiting for His execution of judgment on evildoers, and Bible prophecy shows that it is now at hand.Ps. 11:4, 5; 145:20. This, therefore, is the time, not only to take advantage of Gods patience by repentantly turning to his Word for instruction, but to follow His example by also exercising patience. There are so many ways you can do this. Children may not respond to correction and teaching as quickly as you might wish. So remember that they are children, with foolishness bound up in their hearts. Exercise patience with them, even as Jehovah does with you. Then, too, husbands and wives are so often called upon to show patience with one another. Follow Gods example and be patient. Remember how for so many years Jehovah exercised patience toward his wifelike nation of Israel. So exercise patience, all the while doing as Peter instructed: Awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.2 Pet. 3:12. There is every reason to be patient and steadfast in our ministry now that the Gentile times have passed and we are living in the time of Christs second presence. Instead of proceeding in a course of debauchery and loose conduct, following the lead of the nations of this old-world system, a Christian has something better to live for. (1 Pet. 4:3) He wants to work for the advancement of the Kingdom interests. He has the wonderful Kingdom hope and all of its blessings that Jehovah has promised, and he knows that Gods word never returns to him empty. (Isa. 55:11) With the tremendous increase in the New World society, let each one move ahead with it by increasing in spiritual maturity, progressing to maturity of understanding of Gods Word and sharing fully in his service. As for those who say they will wait and see, manifesting lack of faith, they are of the same class as those who waited outside the ark of Noahs day to see what would happen. They had no confidence in Gods Word or purposes, and they drowned because of it. The true faith of a Christian combines
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knowledge and hope. It requires patience and endurance. Writing to the Colossians, the apostle Paul stressed the need for patience in everyday life. He mentioned that he did not cease praying. He wanted to see the Colossians filled with accurate knowledge, and he knew that that would take time and effort. He encouraged them to go on bearing fruit and to increase in accurate knowledge, becoming spiritually strong and powerful, enduring fully all opposition and showing themselves longsuffering. He said that if they did these things they would be walking worthily of Jehovah, fully pleasing him by bearing fruit in every good work, and this is certainly the goal of all true Christians. (Col. 1:9-11) There is every reason for us to be thankful that Jehovah is patient in working out his purposes, for it means an opportunity for us to serve now, and a future of everlasting life in a new world of righteousness.2 Pet. 3:15.

Why Be Impatient? WE LIVE in a world where many people get nervous or fidgety when they have to wait. Perhaps you find yourself pacing back and forth, becoming more and more irritated, when you have to wait a few extra minutes for a train or bus. It may be that you expected your husband home for supper a little earlier, or you may be kept waiting by your wife. When that happens, do you greet the other person with sincere pleasure when he arrives? Or are you upset, and is your greeting sharp? The Bible gives good counsel for our guidance when it says: Better is one who is patient than one who is haughty in spirit. Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended, for the taking of offense is what rests in the bosom of the stupid ones.Eccl. 7:8, 9. In the midst of the fast pace of a production-minded world patience is at a premium and tempers are short. It is also a world where there is much unhappiness. The old world is moved by selfishness, by the spirit of the god of this system of things. As men pursue the desire of the flesh they manifest the works of the flesh, including fits of anger. (1 John 2:16; Gal. 5:19, 20) Those who are thus easily offended by the tardiness of others upset both themselves and those around them. Why punish yourself and others for the shortcomings of someone else? In conversation it readily becomes apparent who has patience. One who does will patiently wait his turn to speak. The one who lacks it is forever trying to interrupt. The apostle Peter tells us to consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. (2 Pet. 3:15) There is no question about it: the patience of God has afforded us the opportunity to gain salvation. By our patience with others we make it easier for them to take hold of that provision. That patience should be shown toward those whom we teach Gods Word; it should certainly be shown toward those in our own family. It is important in the big things of life, and it should not be overlooked in little things.

How appropriate the counsel given to Timothy is for us today! It puts the work that lies ahead of us between now and Armageddon in the right focus. It helps us to avoid feeling that we have done our part simply because we have turned in a report of field service for the month. How we would be missing the purpose of Gods undeserved kindness if we were simply marking time in the ministry, turning in reports merely to keep a record of regularity, with a view to our own salvation! We must consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, not only for ourselves, but for others. (2 Cor. 6:1; 2 Pet. 3:15) Now, during this time of great tribulation that ends in the battle of Armageddon, is the time that Jehovah God has set aside for calling out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues a great crowd that no man can number, persons who will join in publicly ascribing salvation to God and to the Lamb.Rev. 7:9, 14.

Instead of showing irritation and impatience, remember the advice found in Proverbs 16:21: The one that is wise in heart will be called understanding, and he that is sweet in his lips adds persuasiveness.