ARE YOU LOOKING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?

4, 5. (a) What is at stake today? (Compare Deuteronomy 30:15, 16.) (b) How, only, can we gain life?

⁴ In view of what the future holds in God’s new order, how shall we regard the things that the world today looks to for security, such as one’s home, bank account, job or material comforts? Since Jehovah created humans to enjoy material blessings, would it be wrong to have these things now? No, it could not be said that such things are wrong in themselves. Jehovah created us with the mental, emotional and physical capacity to enjoy good things. And he promises the best of material things in his new order. But at this point in human history, the question is not whether we were made to enjoy material blessings. What is at stake today is our very lives.

⁵ The evidence from fulfilled Bible prophecy shows that we are very, very late in the “last days” of this present wicked system of things. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Soon, God will execute his adverse judgment against it, resulting in a time of unparalleled distress for this world. (Dan. 12:1) Yet, God’s Word shows that there will be “a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” who will “come out of the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:9, 14) They will survive because of having God’s approval and protection, not because of any material advantage that they may have. Jesus said: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) Eternal life in God’s new order can come only by knowing Jehovah and having his approval.​—John 17:3.

6. Will any part of this present wicked system afford security? (Ps. 146:3)

⁶ Nothing that this world offers as security will mean anything when God’s anger comes against the present human systems. And all the political, religious, military and economic systems now dominating mankind are to be brought to nothing. Hence, they certainly will not provide any security. (Rev. 6:16, 17) So what may appear strong and protective today will crumble when God’s destructive forces strike. In ancient times, many looked to powerful horses for security and escape in time of trouble. But God’s Word says: “The horse is a deception for salvation, and by the abundance of its vital energy it does not afford escape.” (Ps. 33:17) Similarly today, neither seemingly strong man-made systems nor material advantages will provide any better security or escape. “Salvation belongs to Jehovah,” not to any system or work of men. “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.”​—Ps. 3:8; Prov. 18:10.

7, 8. How would passengers on a sinking ship regard its material benefits?

⁷ The situation of people today can be likened to the situation of passengers on a ship. There is nothing wrong with the material benefits that a ship normally affords: the food it carries can be tasty and nourishing; the cabins, warm and comfortable; other services and benefits, enjoyable. But what happens if the ship strikes an object and begins to sink? Consider what happened, for example, to the famous ship “Titanic” in 1912. “Experts had considered the ship unsinkable,” says an encyclopedia. But how much true security was there on the “Titanic,” with all its material benefits, when it struck an iceberg and sank? No security at all. The ship went down with the loss of about 1,500 lives.

⁸ If you had been on the “Titanic,” what would you have concerned yourself with after it started to sink? While you would not have condemned the previous material benefits of the ship, you certainly would consider them now absolutely unimportant, would you not? The main thing in this new situation would be the preserving of your life. You would consider someone very foolish, even mentally unbalanced, who then spent all his energies trying to get better accommodations, meals, or other material benefits on the ship when, in a few hours, it would plunge beneath the waves!

9, 10. In view of where we stand on the stream of time, what should our attitude be toward material things? (Phil. 3:7, 8)

⁹ Soon this present system of things will plunge into destruction. Hence, there is now no true security in it, for no part of it will survive. God’s heavenly kingdom “will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms” existing today, and only God’s heavenly government “will stand to times indefinite.” (Dan. 2:44) And since Jesus foretold that at this coming time of judgment from God “there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again,” it is obvious that there will be great loss of life as well as of material possessions.​—Matt. 24:21.

¹⁰ In the year 1977 we are now in the sixty-third year of the “time of the end,” counting from autumn of the crucial year of 1914. In fulfillment of Bible prophecy, it is obvious from the events of our times that the present wicked system will soon receive its deathblow. What, then, will our attitude be? It all depends. Upon what? It depends upon what we make our goal. If we make our goal eternal life in God’s new order, then we will do everything in our power to search for Jehovah, learn his will, and do it to the best of our circumstances. The material things of the world will not be our main concern. Instead, “having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.”​—1 Tim. 6:8.

11. (a) Are rich people the only ones who can be materialistic? (b) Why is it shortsighted to make material pursuits our main concern now?

¹¹ When Jesus warned, “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth,” he fully appreciated how temporary and insecure any treasures would be in this present system of things. (Matt. 6:19) Nor was this advice for rich persons only; poor people can be just as intent upon gaining and storing material wealth. People expose their true motives by what they make their objective in life, regardless of their financial standing. “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also,” said Jesus. (Matt. 6:21) If a person constantly reaches out to collect more and more material things, such as a bigger and better home, more money in the bank, a better job, regardless of the consequences, then he betrays himself as really wanting the things of the world. He proves by his works that his mind is primarily on the present system’s benefits. But how shortsighted this is, since “everything in the world​—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—​does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”​—1 John 2:16, 17.

LEARNING FROM THE PAST

12. What was wrong with the people in Noah’s day?

¹² We can imagine the ridicule that wicked people heaped upon Noah and his family, in the days before the flood, because they spent so much of their time doing Jehovah’s will. Of course, they had to work for their daily needs and to maintain a place to live, but they did not center their activities on that. However, the rest of that world did, devoting themselves to “eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark.” (Matt. 24:38) But if excesses are avoided, is there anything wrong with eating, or with drinking, or with marrying? No, for Jehovah himself instituted those things when he created man and woman. What was wrong was that at a time of judgment, when life or death was at issue, those people foolishly centered their lives on such pursuits and did not pay attention to God’s will.

13. Did the material possessions of the people at that time afford them security? Did Noah’s possessions afford him security?

¹³ Of those people, Jesus said: “They took no note until the flood came and swept them all away.” (Matt. 24:39) Yes, they may have thought Noah “odd” for giving up material benefits in order to concentrate on building the ark and preaching. But what good did the people’s pursuit of material things and their “good times” do them? No lasting good whatsoever. They lost not only their possessions but their lives, as that world was destroyed by water. (2 Pet. 2:5) Also, note this carefully: What good did the homes and possessions of Noah, of his sons and their wives do them? They provided no security either. The ark was where security was to be found. And when the time came for them to abandon the homes that they had, they did not hesitate. They had not been trusting in those things for security, and so they were able to leave them behind with no difficulty.​—Gen. 6:22.

14. What loss was suffered by all in Sodom and Gomorrah, but what difference was there in the case of Lot and his daughters? (Luke 9:62)

¹⁴ Centuries later, when Jehovah brought destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah for their gross wickedness, how much was left of the homes and possessions in those cities? Nothing! When Lot and his family abandoned Sodom, they could take very little with them. Their home, furniture and most of their possessions also went into destruction. But Lot and his two daughters appreciated that their lives were much more important. They saw the issue. For their faith and obedience to Jehovah’s instructions, they were spared. But the townspeople and their possessions were not spared. As Jesus said, in the days of Lot “they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. But on the day that Lot came out of Sodom it rained fire and sulphur from heaven and destroyed them all.” Including whom? Sadly, including Lot’s wife. When in flight, she disobeyed and looked back toward the things left behind, and lost her life.​—Gen. 19:26; Luke 17:28, 29.

15. Why did Jesus compare our day with that of Noah and Lot?

¹⁵ Jesus said that as it was in the days of Noah and also of Lot, so it would be at the coming “great tribulation.” The vast majority of earth’s population would be unconcerned about God and his will. As a result, they would lose their lives. And when a person is dead, how many of his material possessions can he enjoy? None of them. But with those who want to keep living, and who turn to God for security, that will not be the case. They will not have let themselves become trapped by material concerns. Indeed, they are ready to abandon any material possession “on that day when the Son of man is to be revealed.” For Jesus said: “On that day let the person that is on the housetop but whose movable things are in the house not come down to pick these up, and the person out in the field, let him likewise not return to the things behind. Remember the wife of Lot.”​—Luke 17:30-32.

16. Did the Christians suffer loss when Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 C.E.?

¹⁶ How extensive will the destruction of material things be at the coming “great tribulation”? Only time will tell. But in the examples of Bible history noted above there was huge material loss, which included much material loss to God’s people. That was also the experience in 70 C.E. when Roman armies devastated Jerusalem. The Christians had to abandon their homes earlier, perhaps taking with them only a few things that they could easily carry. (Luke 21:20, 21) What happened to those who would not leave? They lost, not only their homes and possessions to the Romans, but possibly their lives too. The Christians who fled the city, while also suffering the loss of homes and most possessions, escaped with their lives and kept their freedom. So, too, at the coming tribulation, there could be great loss materially. How would you view such personal loss?

17. Why is it a grievous mistake to look in the wrong direction for security? (Zeph. 1:18)

¹⁷ So think now, in what do you really trust for security? In “gold” or in God? Where is your mind, and heart, centered​—on the things of this system or on God’s new order? Do your actions, your way of life, show where you look for security? What a grievous error it would be to look for security in the wrong direction at this late date! As Job 31:24-28 says: “If I have put gold as my confidence, or to gold I have said, ‘You are my trust!’ If I used to rejoice because my property was much, and because my hand had found a lot of things; . . . that too would be an error for attention by the justices, for I should have denied the true God above.”

18. What thrilling prospect is there in store for those who look in the right direction for security?

¹⁸ In view of the imminent collapse of human systems, and the subsequent vast material loss that could take place, it would be shortsighted indeed not to prepare ourselves for it mentally. If you love life, and want to keep living, do not become attached to any material thing. “Valuable things will be of no benefit on the day of fury, but righteousness itself will deliver from death.” “The one trusting in his riches​—he himself will fall; but just like foliage the righteous ones will flourish.” (Prov. 11:4, 28) Such “righteous ones” will be ushered into God’s new order, there to share in the thrilling work of making the entire earth a Paradise, a lovely home where they will enjoy living forever. Having looked in the right direction, these ones “will actually dwell in security, with no one to make them tremble.”​—Ezek. 34:28.

1. What proper desires will Jehovah satisfy, and how?

ALL normal persons desire security. They want economic security, a nice place to live, satisfying work, freedom from fear, and peace of mind. Jehovah implanted the desire for such proper things when he created man and woman. And in Jehovah’s new order, under the rule of his heavenly kingdom, such security will be the happy lot of mankind. Regarding Jehovah, the inspired psalmist said: “You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.” (Ps. 145:16) In God’s new order the proper desires of humans will be fully satisfied, even beyond their expectations.

2. What loss will take place at the coming “great tribulation”?

² But we are not yet in Jehovah’s new order. We still live in this present wicked system of things. And it is fast approaching its end. Its finish will come shortly when it collides head on with God at the coming “great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:21) Hence, before God’s new order becomes a reality, the old system of political, commercial and religious rule under Satan must be put out of the way. (2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 19:11-21) At that time there will be enormous loss of life as Jehovah puts to death those refusing to do his will. Also, there will undoubtedly be much material loss, as happened when the wicked perished in the flood of Noah’s day, and when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, and also when Jerusalem was devastated in 70 C.E.​—Luke 17:26-29; 2 Chron. 36:19.

3. Because of what the immediate future holds, what should be our attitude?

³ That is why there is now compelling reason to keep in its proper place the normal desire we may have for material security. Paying too much attention to material things can get us sidetracked from the most important thing​—doing Jehovah’s will and gaining his approval. As the apostle Paul wrote: “Let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1) Lack of faith can easily overcome us if we are too involved in the pursuits common to this system of things. Just as a runner strips himself of unnecessary weight to run his race, so we need to do in running for the prize of eternal life. Paul also likens the Christian to a soldier who does not divert his attention by engaging in other pursuits, saying: “As a fine soldier of Christ Jesus take your part in suffering evil. No man serving as a soldier involves himself in the commercial businesses of life, in order that he may gain the approval of the one who enrolled him as a soldier.”​—2 Tim. 2:3, 4.

HAVING A BALANCED VIEW

4. Does God require his people to give up homes, jobs and money?

⁴ From this, should we conclude that, since we are so close to this system’s end, God requires Christians to abandon homes, jobs and money? Do they no longer need to be concerned about making a living, especially in difficult economic times when many people are thrown out of work? No, we should not conclude that, for God’s Word also says: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Tim. 5:8) In order to ‘provide for their own,’ those with family responsibilities usually have to work to make enough money for food, clothing and shelter.

5, 6. What is the real issue regarding material things today?

⁵ The point that the Scriptures make is that while it is important and necessary to make a living, that should not become the center of one’s life. If a person is consumed by the cares of the day, he may feel that he has no time or energy left to search for God, learn his requirements, and do his will. So he must decide who will be his God: Jehovah or material things. “No one can slave for two masters,” said Jesus. “You cannot slave for God and for Riches.” (Matt. 6:24) The person who is too concerned about material things is usually too involved working and caring for them. That is why persons with wealth often have great difficulty in doing God’s will. They are too busy making and keeping their wealth. So Jesus observed: “How difficult a thing it will be for those with money to enter into the kingdom of God!”​—Mark 10:23.

⁶ Sooner or later, whether it is in the time you spend, the attitude you develop, or your heart appreciation, one or the other​—God or material things—​will win out and become the center of your life. What becomes the center will determine your future, as it did for Lot and his wife. “Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7) A farmer cannot sow seeds from plants that are weeds and hope to reap a crop of wheat. Similarly, if he sows wheat, he will not reap a crop of weeds. Thus, if we sow trust in the material benefits that this system now offers, we will reap disappointment when it goes off into destruction. If we sow trust in God, we will reap the rewards he gives, both now and in his new order.

7. How did the apostle Paul display the right attitude?

⁷ The course of practical wisdom today, in view of where we are on the stream of time, is to have the attitude that the apostle Paul had when he said: “I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.” Even if doing the will of God meant the loss of everything, including his life, Paul would not have drawn back. He had the sure hope of the resurrection. In fact, he looked forward “to the earlier resurrection from the dead.” Paul appreciated that what really mattered in life was not the property, wealth, position or standing that he formerly had in the community. He was willing to let go of those things for what really counted​—doing God’s will and gaining his favor and blessing.​—Phil. 3:8, 10, 11.

HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUR HOME?

8, 9. Why is it unwise to become too attached to homes or possessions?

⁸ The wisdom of that attitude can be seen by the sadness, disappointment and aggravation that come to those who become too attached to material things, and who lose them. For instance, you may have a beautiful home today, but what assurance is there that you will have it tomorrow? You may not even live that long. (Luke 12:16-21) Even now, many who have gone heavily in debt for a home find that in economic “hard times” they cannot meet the payments and are forced to give up the house.

⁹ Also, each year thousands of homes are destroyed or damaged by fire, and others by floods or storms. With increasing frequency thieves are breaking into homes and stealing. In some cases insurance has covered the cost of losses, but in many other cases it has not. And what about the emotional cost to those who center their lives on these possessions? As one housewife noted: “It is true. The more you have, the more you have to worry about.” Too, in many parts of the world there have been wars, riots and other acts of violence that have destroyed homes without hope of compensation.

10. By having the right viewpoint, how does the Christian benefit? (Luke 14:33)

¹⁰ A person who keeps his wants to a reasonable minimum, and who is willing to settle for less materially, does not have so much to lose. In addition, it usually enables him to spend more of his time and energy in study and the service of his Creator. He can concentrate on building confidence in Jehovah and his promises. Fire, riots or violence might destroy his home, but they cannot destroy the real security that comes from Jehovah. That is why “the one listening to me,” says Jehovah, “will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity.” (Prov. 1:33) Such a person can rightly say: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you yourself alone, O Jehovah, make me dwell in security.”​—Ps. 4:8.

11. What material loss could occur during the “great tribulation”?

¹¹ Finally, where one’s home and possessions are concerned, will they be left standing during the “great tribulation”? In that time of chaotic conditions, are we to think that one’s possessions will not be affected? (Zech. 14:13) Also, during the “great tribulation” Satan and his hordes will launch an attack on Jehovah’s servants “to get a big spoil and to do much plundering.” (Ezek. 38:12) How far Jehovah will let his enemies go we do not know at this time, but the likelihood of material loss is there.

12. To what can we look forward?

¹² For all these reasons, we can see that it is unwise to become too attached emotionally to things such as homes and furnishings, however enjoyable they may be at present. It is not that Jehovah condemns such, but he knows that attachment to them could prove dangerous, as happened with Lot’s wife. (Luke 17:31, 32) Instead, we should look forward to the time in God’s new order when, in total security, his servants can build suitable homes for habitation.

IS MONEY, OR A JOB, YOUR SECURITY?

13. How secure is money? (Eccl. 7:12)

¹³ It takes money to live in this system of things and to buy the necessities of life. But many people want a substantial bank account, feeling that this will give them security. Yet, recent history shows this not to be so. In the Great Depression thousands of banks closed all over the world, with severe loss to depositors. And an economist recently stated: “The banking system . . . has shown a continued deterioration since the end of World War II.” Also, the value of money has been eaten away by inflation, just as a block of ice melts away in the sun. Truly, the history of money is summed up in one word: insecurity.

14. Why does it make sense to be free from the love of money? (Matt. 19:21)

¹⁴ Thus, while money is needed and is useful now, it is folly to stake one’s trust in it. For no matter what actions authorities may take to patch up today’s economic systems, the fact is that soon they will all totally collapse, and this time forever. The day is fast approaching when, as has happened before, “into the streets they will throw their very silver, and an abhorrent thing their own gold will become. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s fury.” (Ezek. 7:19) In view of this, God’s Word wisely counsels: “Let your manner of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.” Because of not heeding such counsel, and, instead, developing a love for money, “some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.” (Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:10) So, not only does the love of money divert one from the interests of God’s kingdom, but it leads to “many pains” because of all that a person must go through to get it and keep it.

15. Is wealth any advantage in working for eternal life? (Ps. 49:16, 17)

¹⁵ The wealthy may wish that they could “live forever and not see the pit,” and that “their houses may be to time indefinite,” even having “called their landed estates by their names.” (Ps. 49:9, 11) But God is the one who will determine the future. Not money, but Jehovah will decide who and what will be preserved through the coming time of trouble. And in his new order, the earth will not be divided up according to the whim of any wealthy and powerful humans living today. Jehovah, by means of his Kingdom government, will regulate economic affairs so that all of his people will benefit from the bounties of the earth. (Rom. 2:11) Hence, how practical and lifesaving is the Bible’s counsel: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt. 6:20) A good account with God in heaven is what matters, not a big account in some bank.