all those who recognize they have been brought into the “one flock”, under the “one shepherd” (though not all of the same fold), to unite in feeding together in the rich “green pastures”. Be refreshed by the living “waters of rest”, guided “in the paths of righteousness” to a mature understanding “for his name’s sake”, realizing we can render acceptable and genuine worship only if we are filled with his spirit and with his truth.—John 10:16, NW; Ps. 23:2, 3, AS, margin.

A Mature View of Dedication

1. If maturity is essential for all, what next calls for discussion?

PREVIOUSLY we expressed our intention to discuss the preliminary steps essential to setting our feet properly on the way to gain “the wisdom from above”. In this regard, too, God’s spirit is essential to maturity with respect to a Scriptural understanding in the matter of our dedication to God.

2. What is the first preliminary step, and does it apply in all cases?

² The first necessary step toward dedicating ourselves is that there must be a “turning to Jehovah”. (2 Cor. 3:16, NW) That applies in the case of one who has formerly been a member of a religious system of Christendom, modern Babylon, like the Jews in the days of the early church who were bound to their system of Judaism. It applies also in the case of one who, like the Athenians, has made no profession of having belonged to God’s covenant people. The apostle Paul dealt with both cases, from which much can be learned.

3. How does Paul point to the root of the Jews’ trouble, and what important part does faith play in this regard?

³ Respecting the Jews, he explained that they were greatly favored in listening to Jehovah’s word contained in the writings of Moses, in that “old covenant” made with him. Yet as a nation they made no progress toward wisdom and understanding. Instead, as Paul says: “Their mental perceptions were dulled” and “a veil lies upon their hearts”. Ah, that was the root of their trouble. It was not that they lacked the mental ability, but they had not the proper heart desire, which would be manifested by a spirit of faith and humility. Elsewhere, the same apostle puts his finger on the root cause of the wrong heart attitude when warning his Hebrew brothers about “a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God”. So we cannot begin to make progress in the right direction unless we turn to Jehovah in faith. The rule stated by the apostle holds good for every person, without exception: “Without faith it is impossible to win his good pleasure, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”—2 Cor. 3:14-16; Heb. 3:12; 11:6, NW.

4. Are there great blessings and privileges in prospect for those who sincerely turn to Jehovah?

⁴ Now observe the glorious prospect that opens up to one who turns to Jehovah in sincerity and truth and, as we see the direction his pathway takes, you will recognize the familiar landmarks noted in what we have just studied. For in 2 Corinthians 3:16 to 4:6 (NW) the apostle goes on to explain that when the veil is removed we are freed from the darkness and bondage of error and come into that place (the Lord’s organization, Zion) and into that relationship “where the spirit of Jehovah is”, where there is freedom to search the deep things and be “transformed” by having our minds made over, so that we can reflect and radiate the glory of Jehovah, all of which is ‘exactly as done by Jehovah’s spirit’. All those thus favored in Zion have a glorious “ministry” to “let the light shine out of darkness” that other prisoners may yet be released from bondage to “the god of this system of things” by our “making the truth manifest . . . to every human conscience”.—Isa. 59:21; 60:1, AS.

5. Is a similar course prescribed for those who previously made no profession, and is there encouragement for all to seek Jehovah?

⁵ As for those who previously have made no profession of serving Jehovah God, observe that Paul, in substance, prescribed the same course for those men of Athens. They, too, must “seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although [for our encouragement], in fact, he is not far off from each one of us”, and though “God has overlooked the times of such ignorance, yet now he is telling mankind that they should all everywhere repent”. (Acts 17:27, 30, NW) Literally the Greek word for “repent” has the thought of a change of mind, “a turning to Jehovah.” There is every encouragement in God’s Word for all, whatever their previous course may have been, to take this initial step of repenting and come into the right heart attitude. Consider, for example, the following gracious expressions: “Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” For “to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word”.—Isa. 55:6, 7; 66:2, AS.

6. On first coming to a knowledge of the truth, what two important things are usually first realized?

⁶ Now what next? Let us take, for illustration, the case of one who has but recently come in touch with Jehovah’s witnesses and who, by their help, has come to an appreciation of the knowledge of the truth of Jehovah’s glorious purpose and gracious provision. He has turned away from his previous course and has turned to Jehovah, for he realizes he has been brought out of darkness into light. He now sees the paramount issue of God’s universal sovereignty and he knows according to God’s Word it will shortly be settled before all creation, once and for all time, at Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” He knows it will be the triumph of God’s kingdom with its righteous armies fighting under Jehovah’s anointed “King of kings”, and that the foretold victory is absolutely certain because, ever since A.D. 1914, Jehovah has been taunting his enemies and laughing at them in derision, saying: “Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” He is thrilled with this enlightened vision, and he also sees in God’s Word that at this “time of the end” an urgent work of great importance must be done; God’s “strange work”, a work of bearing witness, delivering a message of warning, also a message of comfort and instruction to all who will heed.—Rev. 16:14; 19:11-16, NW; Ps. 2, AS.

7. Appreciation of the issue and of the Lord’s work leads to what line of reasoning and course of action?

⁷ ‘Yes,’ he says to himself, ‘I clearly see the issue and I appreciate that Jehovah’s witnesses are indeed doing the Lord’s work. And I determine, by God’s grace, to take my stand on the right side of the issue, in support of the righteous cause of God’s kingdom. Further, I see it is my privilege and responsibility to take an active part in the witness work to the fullest extent possible, putting it first in my life. Having taken my stand and having dedicated myself wholly to God’s service as carried forward under the direction of his theocratic organization, I realize that, according to the Scriptures, the next thing is to submit myself to water immersion as a symbol of my complete dedication and of the stand I have taken.’ He does so, believing there lies ahead of him a clear-cut course which, if maintained, will lead to lasting life and happiness on earth under God’s Kingdom rule and blessing.

8. Does the clear-cut course always work out as planned, or do various reasons crop up which make it appear impossible?

⁸ So far, so good. Or is it? That clear-cut course does not always work out that way, does it? Doubtless you have heard of instances, or been in personal touch with such, or perhaps are even undergoing such an experience yourself right now, where it seems as if it is going to be impossible to maintain the course on which you have started out. It may be one reason, or another. It may be that the rigors of the witness work itself are far more trying in actual experience than what you had imagined, based on the optimism and enthusiasm of your fellow witnesses. Not much actual opposition, perhaps, but a lot of apathy in the territory where you are working, and you feel it is wearing you down. Or, perhaps, nothing directly related to the Lord’s work, but some severe domestic problem which has arisen because of the stand you have taken, causing great mental strain and unhappiness; seemingly more than you can bear. Or, maybe, something quite the reverse; something, or someone, has come into your life with an appeal so strong that you feel you just cannot resist it. You know from all that you have heard, besides from examples in the Bible, such as Hebrews 11, that these experiences are common to all God’s people and that they hold on faithfully under such tests and temptations; but, in your case, you simply feel you have been thrown right off your balance and that you have taken on more than you can manage. The promises of God’s Word do not seem to apply in your case. You feel you cannot face the brothers, and you turn to old indulgences, or fly to new ones, in an attempt to drown your sorrows.

9. Is disappointment sometimes experienced with newly interested ones, and should we quickly conclude nothing more can be done to help them?

⁹ Perhaps, dear reader, you have never had such an experience, but you may have had the joy of helping some others to see the truth and you have seen them come along in the way described, and then, just when you thought they were safe within the fold, having taken their stand and been immersed, they commenced to waver and stumble somewhat as suggested. What has gone wrong? You recall how good their progress seemed to be while you were having a home Bible study with them. Yet now, though you are anxious to help them in any way possible, seeking divine guidance in the matter, they will not let you and perhaps even refuse to see you. You regretfully conclude nothing more can be done and that you had better turn your attention elsewhere to try to find and help fresh interest, comforting yourself with the reflection that these things were foretold in that illustration given by Jesus about the seed sown where there was no depth of soil, or where it was speedily choked by thorns. However, it was clearly pointed out in the Watchtower study on that parable (December 1, 1950) that these conditions causing nonfruitage are not necessarily automatic, something that cannot be altered; but, whether it is a question of helping ourselves, or someone else, we have a big responsibility. So let us look