Practical Guidance That Works

MANY honest-hearted people today recognize that they need help in dealing with their problems. A prominent Florida medical doctor who also is a psychiatrist said: “A high percentage of people are suffering from emotional disturbance as a result of the modern life-style. They think they can deal with drugs, sexual promiscuity, pressures from living beyond their means, changing moral values and the breakdown in family life. But they can’t handle it.” Where, then, can people find the guidance that they so much need?

Noting the practicality of the Bible, statesman Bernard Baruch once observed: “The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount are still our best guides.” Why did he say that? Let us consider briefly some principles stated in the famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus there said of man’s needs: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things. . . . So, never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Sufficient for each day is its own badness.” Later, he noted: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.”​—Matt. 6:31-34; Luke 12:15.

Here is stressed man’s normal concern for the need of food, clothing and shelter. However, the materialistic world often emphasizes, not the needs, but the wants of man. Commercialism keeps whipping up the desire for luxuries, so that a person can never be satisfied with what he has. Contentment, therefore, does not come to those whose means are great, but to those whose desires are few. Mankind should put in proper perspective what their needs really are and appreciate the practical guidance required to achieve them.

Bible Guidance Practical Today

Although the Bible was written centuries ago, its guidance is still practical today. Time has changed many things, but human nature has not changed. Humans continue to be confronted with the same problems as their predecessors, except that today these problems are much greater, more far-reaching. As The World Book Encyclopedia notes: “In spite of his scientific and technological progress, man has not been so successful in dealing with human problems.” The only reliable solution to them is found in the Bible. “Who is wise? He will both observe these things and show himself attentive toward Jehovah’s acts of loving-kindness.”​—Ps. 107:43.

A Simplified Life a Desirable Thing

Simplicity of life is what God recommends. “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” (Mic. 6:8) When a person lives as a human should, as he was created to live, in accordance with these practical guidelines, he can be relatively happy even in this wicked system. When he goes beyond these fundamental recommendations, his life-style may become complicated by many really unessential and unimportant things. These will work to his harm.

Heavy debts, desire for unnecessary things, competition for prestige or position, struggling for social status, trying to live by moral standards that violate the conscience​—all these things are contributing to a “mixed-up” society that is suffering from unhappiness, frustration, strife and even suicide. Many people are seeking help from doctors or psychiatrists and are resorting to drugs to relieve tension and to counsel that many times makes the situation worse.

If there were no other proofs of its authenticity and practicality available, the Bible’s righteous principles and moral standards would alone set it apart as a product of the divine mind. Its practicality extends to every phase of daily living. No other book gives us such a rational view of the origin of all things, particularly the origin of mankind, and of the Creator’s purpose toward earth and man. Note how its counsel, if applied, would be effective.

Today, there are great difficulties because of racism and nationalism. The Bible supports no such ideologies, but clearly states that God “made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” (Acts 17:26) Recognition of this fact would eliminate many serious problems.

Morality

The Bible refers to sexual relations without the benefit of marriage as “fornication.” The practical guidance is to “flee from fornication,” for “no fornicator . . . has any inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and of God.” (1 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 5:5) Also the Bible says that none who “are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion . . . will possess the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9, 10, New English Bible) And how much unhappiness, hatred and disease could be eliminated by heeding this Bible advice!​—Rom. 1:24-27.

Marriage and Family Life

On counsel relating to marriage, God’s Word recommends: “Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord.” “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies.” “Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous.”​—Eph. 5:22, 28; 6:1.

The importance of the united family cannot be overstressed. The Bible devotes much space to counsel on the aspects of husband-wife relations, child training and discipline and family happiness. How practical is such counsel? Dr. Charles W. Socarides, writing in an article “Homosexuality Is a Disorder, Not a Way of Life,” refers to a book written by Dr. Irving Bieber entitled “Homosexuality: A Psychoanalytic Study of Male Homosexuals.” In a report on 106 male homosexuals and 100 male heterosexuals, it was observed that parents of homosexuals frequently were a close-binding, overly intimate mother and a hostile, detached father.

Dr. Socarides goes on to say: “It is my conviction that homosexuality is caused by the failure of a human being to complete the separation-individuation phase of early childhood, normally achieved by age three, which is decisive for gender identity. Such failure results in a deficit in masculinity for boys, with a corresponding intensification and continuation of the primary feminine identification with the mother. Thus begins the course of homosexual development.”

Homosexuality is only one of the many bad fruits partially resulting from refusal to recognize the proper places of husband and wife, father and mother, and children in the family unit. How can there be proper child guidance where family unity, trust, confidence and happiness have disappeared? Broken homes, or homes where there is no communication or loving relationship, where order and discipline are lacking, are a factor producing all forms of crime. Can anyone truly say that the ignoring of Bible instructions on family life has produced good results?

Bad Associations

Though in many cases bad tendencies find their beginning in the family background, there are, of course, other factors that cause the spread of moral perversions. Reading pornographic literature is a form of mental association with the authors of these publications. Also actual association with others of low morals draws those not initially inclined in that direction, bringing them into the low sink of debauchery. (1 Pet. 4:4) The Bible counsels to think on good things and warns that “bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33; Phil. 4:8) We cannot avoid bad practices if we make our “friends” those who engage in bad practices and dealings. In very straightforward terms the Bible says: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Prov. 13:20) Is this not good, sound, practical advice?

Business Dealings

The Bible gives counsel even in the field of business dealings. It states the principle: “Two sorts of weights and two sorts of ephah measures [one for buying and one for selling]​—they are both of them together something detestable to Jehovah,” and, “Do not rob the lowly one because he is lowly.” (Prov. 20:10; 22:22) Furthermore, it condemns the attitude of those who, because they do not want to work, adopt the slogan, “Soak the rich.” The Bible principle is that impartiality should be practiced toward rich and poor alike: “You must not treat the lowly with partiality, and you must not prefer the person of a great one.”​—Lev. 19:15.

The practical instruction of the entire Bible on human relations can be summed up in Jesus’ words: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them; this, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.” (Matt. 7:12) If this principle were followed, think what it would mean to the world! How much happier all would be!

Guidance Essential for Happiness

It is obvious that the Bible’s counsel has not been applied by the majority of people, though many possess Bibles and some read them. Merely this, or even having a religion, is not sufficient. Bible principles must be applied if a person wants happiness. And, though some may be skeptical, the Bible’s counsel can be applied successfully despite the fact that we are living in a corrupt system of things. By doing so now, a person can be assured of improvement in the quality of his life, as the Scriptures say: “Godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8) This is not mere theory, but fact, as abundant proof in the lives of people thoroughly and also convincingly demonstrates.

[Picture on page 17]

Honesty in business dealings makes happy customers

Proof in the Lives of People

IN THIS mixed-up world it is difficult for a person to simplify his life and to find peace of mind and happiness. Do the Bible’s principles and counsel, if put into practice, actually accomplish these things? Certainly if a good thing is really practiced it should produce concrete results that are satisfying. Does proof exist that the Bible can move people to make the changes necessary for a happy life? Can it help people no matter what their position in life and their circumstances may be?

Yes, it can. There are now at least two million people in the world who really study the Bible and who do their best to apply its counsel in every phase of their lives. They have found that making the Bible their sole guide has led them into useful, productive lives. These people are known as Jehovah’s witnesses. The majority among them are people who have lived normal, law-abiding lives, though some in the past lived lawlessly and immorally. There are former churchgoers and those who were not religious, people from families both united and broken. But they all had one thing in common: They felt the need of emotional security and desired to accomplish something worth while and permanent in their lives. God has regard for any who long for a happy life, want to do what is right, to learn of him and serve him. This is proved by the following experiences.

Psychologist Sees Bible Help a Family

The Bible can accomplish much to help people, even whole families. Observing this truth in action surprised and convinced a man in the psychology field. He says:

“Encouraged by my father, I pursued a college career. Upon completing my education as a psychology major, I began working in the correctional field. This brought me a sense of fulfillment, as I felt that I was really helping people.

“After a number of years, however, I began to see that the methods used did not change youths very much. True, there were surface changes. But there was little lasting personal or social change. This disturbed me greatly. The application of what I had spent years in learning did not really have much of an impact for good.”

In his capacity as supervisor of juvenile delinquents on parole, he handled one case that really caused him to think. This involved a family with three children, all of whom were in difficulty. There was a nine-month break in his caring for the case, which he considered to be hopeless. But when he again saw this family, he noted a remarkable change. The home that had been very dirty and disorderly was now neat and clean. The children were dressed presentably and seemed more secure. What had been responsible for this amazing change? The mother had begun studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses and was applying its principles to family life. Seeing this remarkable transformation caused him to wonder whether there was not something that could bring better results than he could with his training.

Another factor that became of great concern to him was the deterioration in world conditions and the inability of the agency with which he was working to cope with social problems. He notes:

“The agency tried various means to bring about good results. Case loads were reduced, new methods were tried. Past techniques were revived and given new labels. But all these efforts seemed fruitless.”

As a consequence, this man began to look for something better. He tried reading the Bible but did not gain much understanding. His mother, who had become one of Jehovah’s witnesses when he started his college training, had tried to explain things to him previously, but he did not take a real interest in what she said. Finally, though, he went to a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and then began a serious study of the Bible. He also noted young people, among them some former drug users and delinquents who had changed their outlook and personality and had become responsible, moral individuals. Since that time he has come to appreciate, even in his own case, that application of Bible principles can produce real personality changes, not just surface changes.

Prisoner Changes from Violent Life

A similar case was reported in the South Middlesex (Massachusetts) News of May 11, 1975. Under the heading “Inmate Pays Religious Debt” the report is given of a middle-aged prisoner.

This man was placed in a cell with a prisoner who had become one of Jehovah’s witnesses. As a Catholic, the man relates: ‘Everything that the Witness was saying was against whatever I’d been taught, but eventually I began to recognize that Jehovah’s witnesses answer all the contradictions.’ Now this former criminal says that he has been given a solid foundation and goals, “which I never had before in my life.” Out on a work-release program, he has been helping the Witnesses to build a Kingdom Hall in Framingham, Massachusetts. His Bible knowledge, he says, has helped him to reverse “a whole trend of violence” in his family.

His psychologist backs him up, saying that his patient has shifted from an “amoral, destructive person, to one with a conscience.” “I attribute this solely to his experience with the Witnesses, that he’s made these changes. They’ve been responsible for a social re-education of tremendous power and impact, over the last two and a half years. There’s absolutely no way this guy could have carried himself this far through therapy. I’ve seen him shift away from an amoral, destructive attitude to a solid sense of responsibility, which is pretty difficult.”

The psychologist remarked that though people “may very well wonder if this will last,” especially with a person of this man’s background for whom “this is a tremendously potent type thing,” he is quite sure this is a permanent change. He added: ‘Of course, there is no document on this, and no guarantee, but I believe he has found a whole social reference group that has altered his life.’

Truly the Bible’s admonition, when applied, can have a wholesome impact on the life of an individual regardless of his background. Even persons who have lived a good moral life and who get a measure of satisfaction from their work find that only the Bible with its better hope and high principles can give a full, happy life.

Bible Education Even Better than Public Health Education

Consider the experience of a woman in New York city. She had pursued a life of devotion to public health education, with a view to helping her fellowman. This was a commendable pursuit, and she still follows the nursing profession. Eventually, however, the time came when she began to recognize that more than her career was needed to enjoy full happiness and real satisfaction. But there were some obstacles standing in the way of her accepting the Bible as the key to finding what was missing in her life. She relates the following:

“I was not a religious person. In fact, I had serious questions about the existence of God. I just could not understand why babies died, whereas old people suffering from crippling diseases, and helpless paralytics, continued living. Still, my profession, public health nursing and education, brought me some satisfaction.

“My work required some activity in community affairs. I recall that on one occasion I visited a public school and noted the dangerous, rickety condition of the wooden steps. I represented the Public Health Nursing Service on a committee composed of business people, doctors, lawyers and teachers, organized to help the community deal with its problems. This committee drew up a letter to the Board of Education recommending that something be done to remedy this dangerous condition of the dilapidated school. Three years passed, but nothing was done. Our committee wrote three letters during this time, in each instance receiving acknowledgment and commendation for our interest in the community. Nevertheless, the dangerous situation remained.

“I was also disgusted with the status system, based on cultural biases. When I mentioned these matters to my brother, who was one of Jehovah’s witnesses, he pointed out that even the hands of officials are tied. ‘The system,’ he said, ‘keeps them from following through on their better motives.’ This got me to thinking.

“My brother gave me some Bible literature. Though I had no real interest, I began to look into it, only to find fault. At times I became upset about what I read. Then I would check the statements with my Bible and would find them to be true. So I decided that it would be better to read the Bible first before arguing.

“In time I came to appreciate that the Bible is dependable and is inspired of God. What impressed me particularly was Bible prophecy. It amazed me to see that what God had said even centuries in advance was fulfilled. Also, the meaning of the word ‘sin’ helped me to see just where I stood. I never thought of myself as a wicked person. I wasn’t a liar, a thief or an adulteress. The label ‘sinner’ seemed fanatical to me. But when I learned that ‘sin’ in the original languages of the Bible means ‘to miss the mark,’ I could understand. Because, like everyone else, I knew that I had shortcomings.

“Then when I learned that we are living in the last days of this old system and that our heavenly Father purposes to restore the human family to perfect health on a cleansed earth, beginning in the near future​—my, this would be the best welfare program ever! Now, while still helping others physically, I can also help them spiritually.”

Happiness in Marriage

The contrast between life with and without Biblical guidance and the corresponding effect on family life are well illustrated in the case of a young man who served in the United States Air Force.

While in the Air Force this man began living a life of immorality and in time felt forced to get married to a girl who was pregnant with his child. Even then he did not accept his responsibility as husband and father but sent his wife back home to her mother and did not remain faithful to her. Eventually the first marriage ended in divorce and his former wife remarried.

Upon his discharge from the military, this man returned home to live with his father, mother and brother. At the time they were studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses. So he, too, began to study and to progress in living by the Bible. Eventually he remarried, as he was Scripturally free to do. Contrasting the present with the past, he relates:

“In the past I lacked respect for women. By the way I lived, I brought much unhappiness to myself and others, especially to my first wife. After starting to live by the Bible, I could see that applying its principles was the best way to live. By treating my second wife in a Christian way, loving her as I do myself, I have found real happiness in marriage. Our marriage of ten years has been comparatively without problems. When consulted by others about marital problems, I direct them to what the Bible says. I know from personal experience that applying its counsel really works. On the other hand, those who disregard it, knowingly or unknowingly, experience much unhappiness and heartache.”

Saved from Suicide

The guidance provided by the Bible can even save a person from a state of utter despair and give him a life of purpose. This was the experience of a youth in the western part of the United States.

At the age of twelve this boy lost his father in death. His mother was an alcoholic and therefore unable to give him much parental guidance. This left him feeling very insecure. His association with other teen-agers led to his starting to drink heavily, to smoke marijuana and eventually to take barbiturates. All of this contributed to increased depression. He developed an inferiority complex and found life very difficult.

Then, at the age of seventeen, he began seeking help through religion. During the vacation period he would go to the Catholic church morning, noon and night, spending several hours there each day. He prayed extensively and started reading the Bible. He found the Psalms and the book of Proverbs very helpful and refreshing. Nevertheless, despite his earnest efforts and prayer, he felt that he was making little headway.

One night when he was walking home from church, he was extremely depressed. He prayed and then, at about 11:30 p.m., called his sister-in-law, telling her that he was so depressed that he was ready to take his life. Not knowing just what to say, his sister-in-law told him to wait and she would call back. She quickly phoned a fellow worker, one of Jehovah’s witnesses, who had been very helpful to her in coping with problems.

This Witness then called him up and arrangements were made that very night to get together with him at the home of his sister-in-law. About 11:45 p.m. the Witness and her teen-age son arrived to pick him up by car. The apparent closeness of the mother and son as well as their conduct impressed him very much. For three hours thereafter they discussed such questions as, Where are the dead? and, Why has God permitted wickedness? The youth was encouraged to learn that, according to Bible prophecy, the present system is in its “last days” and will soon be replaced by a righteous new system. He was thrilled to know that there was a possibility of his not having to wait to grow old and die before being reunited with his father. He might actually have the opportunity of surviving the end of this system and being able to welcome back his father from the dead.

Asked whether he would like to study the Bible, he thought for a moment. What he had heard had really helped him. So he agreed, feeling that even greater good would result from a regular Bible study. That indeed proved to be the case. Study of the Scriptures and applying them gave him a goal in life and a solid hope for the future. He was able to change his whole way of thinking. His spirit changed from that of sadness and depression to deep-seated joy. Today he uses his time wisely in aiding others to learn about the excellent guidance the Bible contains.

As in the above experiences, Jehovah’s witnesses in all parts of the earth have found that, to the extent that they have followed the Bible, their lives have been happy. There are problems, of course, not all perfectly solvable. But the Bible’s counsel enables one to cope with the problems so that one’s life is not upset.