remember the book, chapter and verse, or give the citation and see who can quote it. Describe particulars of a known person in the Bible and see who can identify him by name; the same can be done with places or historical events. Relate experiences, refute objections, discuss new or interesting points from The Watchtower or other publications, or news items of world events that fulfill prophecy or acquaint one better with conditions in general for interesting subject discussions. Jehovah’s servants are not one-sided. They can benefit from discussing many other subjects, even as they can enjoy expressions of good humor. But remember, let all things come in under the rule, ‘things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.’

18. What are other things one should be careful about in working for the upbuilding of all in the congregation?

¹⁸ This rule will help one in determining not only what to do for social recreation, but also how often. It will also prevent the developing of cliques socially in a congregation, as such are not upbuilding. The advice to associate with theocratically minded, spiritually mature persons and share their thoughts does not mean to ignore the newer or weaker ones in the congregation. To the contrary, all mature persons will put forth an effort to associate with weaker or less mature ones and those who are backward or bashful, both at meetings and when welcoming these in their homes for a meal, an evening snack or social evening together so as to get better acquainted with such ones, to help them get better acquainted with others and to work for their upbuilding. With the principle of seeking those things that are upbuilding, none should show exclusive preference for association with the worldly prominent ones or those better off financially, thus creating ‘class distinctions.’ Associate with all without partiality, working to build up the poor as well as the rich, the weak as well as the strong. Brothers who are prominent in this world and have more material means must exercise care in their hospitality, not seeking association exclusively with prominent overseers in the organization, as if they could gain a form of spiritual prominence by association. Of course, it is Scriptural to show ‘older men who preside in a right way and who work hard in speaking and teaching double honor,’ and one who shows hospitality to such has an excellent opportunity to get built up spiritually through edifying conversation on God’s Word. But here the motive should be spiritual upbuilding by association and not prominence by association.—Rom. 14:1; 15:1, 2; 1 Cor. 14:12; 1 Thess. 5:14; Jas. 2:2-5, 9; 1 Tim. 5:17, 18.

19. In what other ways will one be careful to avoid wrong associations and seek right ones, and why?

¹⁹ Finally we come to the very important feature of association through what one reads, looks at, listens to or thinks about. Here also one shares the thoughts of others, and when one is alone and concentrating on reading material, the mind is very impressionable. If one does not want to associate in company with godless scoffers of God’s Word or with immoral, depraved persons, then one should not in private share their thoughts and actions by reading of them. If ‘fornication and uncleanness should not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people,’ then such should not be listened to. (Eph. 5:3, 12) If such things are ‘shameful to relate,’ they are shameful to write about or read about. To read such accounts in newspapers, magazines, books or see such immorality suggested in movies is to have fellowship with the immoral persons whose actions are described or the one making up the story. One doing this could never keep his mind and desires in accord with the Holy One. Therefore, when one reads, listens to the radio or looks at television or a movie, he should see to it that he is in good company, seeking good associations. Perhaps the information is educational and informative, or perhaps humorous, but it should always be upbuilding. The mind cannot contain both God’s thoughts as revealed in his Word while at the same time sharing the thoughts of godless, fleshly-minded, immoral persons.—1 Pet. 1:13-16; Jas. 3:11; 4:8.

20. What is the hope for those who associate with the upright?

²⁰ Yes, the way of wisdom is to avoid wrong associations and to seek right associations. “When wisdom enters into your heart . . . thinking ability itself will keep guard over you . . . to deliver you from the bad way, from the man speaking perverse things, from those leaving the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who are rejoicing in doing bad, who are joyful in the perverse things of badness; those whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their general course . . . The purpose is that you may walk in the way of good people and that the paths of the righteous ones you may keep. For the upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it.” (Prov. 2:10-22) The thinking of this world means death. The thoughts of God mean life. “The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) Seek wrong associations and such will last only a short time. Right associations will continue forever. Seek right associations and enjoy them forever.

Pursuing My Purpose in Life

As told by Harold A. Morris

AT THE age of eighteen a boy is full of ambitions he expects to fulfill someday. Life is before him. Old age, weakness and death are far removed from his thoughts. He very often considers himself much wiser than he really is. It is very unlikely that he will give consideration to the counsel of wise King Solomon unless he is conscious of his spiritual need. “Remember, now, your grand Creator in the days of your young manhood,” Solomon said. Well, I was one that gave no thought to this counsel. True, I was reared in what was considered to be a Christian home, yet I lacked much in a spiritual way.

While my classmates were graduating from high school, I was in the hospital undergoing an emergency appendix operation. This kept me in the hospital for a month, and another month was spent recuperating at home. Since it was not possible for me to attend college that fall, I went to work in another town. This was where I made acquaintance with one of Jehovah’s witnesses and began to learn about Jehovah’s wonderful purposes to restore paradise to earth. I made repeated calls upon him to drink in more knowledge about the wonderful truths of God’s Word. It was this knowledge that gave me a worth-while purpose in life.

One night the Witness invited me to go