Our Watchfulness Takes On Greater Urgency

“Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”​—MATTHEW 24:42.

1, 2. What shows that we are living in the conclusion of the present system of things?

“ABOVE all other things, the twentieth century was shaped by war,” says author Bill Emmott. While admitting that all periods of human history have felt the weight of wars and violence, he adds: “The twentieth century did not differ in kind, it differed in degree. It was the first century to feature a truly world-spanning conflict . . . And, as if to emphasize the point, it featured not just one such worldwide conflict, but two.”

² Wars that involve ‘nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom’ were foretold by Jesus Christ. However, they are just one aspect of ‘the sign of Christ’s presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.’ In this great prophecy, Jesus also mentioned famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. (Matthew 24:3, 7, 8; Luke 21:6, 7, 10, 11) In many respects, such calamities have increased in scope and severity. The badness of man is abundant, as seen in his attitude toward God and fellowman. Moral breakdown and increase in crime and violence are evident. Men have become lovers of money rather than lovers of God, obsessed with pleasure. All this testifies that we are living in “critical times.”​—2 Timothy 3:1-5.

3. How should “the signs of the times” affect us?

³ How do you view the worsening trend in human affairs? Many are indifferent, even callous, to distressing events of the day. The world’s influential and intellectual men do not discern the meaning of “the signs of the times”; neither have religious leaders given proper guidance in this matter. (Matthew 16:1-3) But Jesus admonished his followers: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42) Jesus here encourages us not only to be watchful but to “keep on the watch.” To keep on the watch, we must remain alert and vigilant. This requires more than simply acknowledging that we are living in the last days, more than recognizing that times are hard. We must have firm conviction that “the end of all things has drawn close.” (1 Peter 4:7) Only then will our watchfulness take on a sense of urgency. Hence, the question that we must reflect on is: ‘What will help us to strengthen our conviction that the end is near?’

4, 5. (a) What will strengthen our conviction that the end of this wicked system is near, and why? (b) What is one similarity between Noah’s day and the presence of the Son of man?

⁴ Consider the conditions prevailing during the time preceding a one-of-a-kind event in human history​—the great Deluge of Noah’s day. People were so bad that Jehovah “felt hurt at his heart.” He declared: “I am going to wipe men whom I have created off the surface of the ground.” (Genesis 6:6, 7) And he did just that. Drawing a parallel between then and now, Jesus said: “Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be.”​—Matthew 24:37.

⁵ It is reasonable to assume that Jehovah feels about the present world as he felt about the pre-Flood world. Since he brought an end to the ungodly world of Noah’s day, he will certainly destroy the wicked world of today. Having a clear understanding of the parallel between that time and our day should fortify our conviction that the end of the present world is near. What, then, are the similarities? There are at least five. The first is that a warning of coming destruction is given in no uncertain terms.

Warned of “Things Not Yet Beheld”

6. What did Jehovah determine to do in Noah’s day?

⁶ In Noah’s day, Jehovah declared: “My spirit shall not act toward man indefinitely in that he is also flesh. Accordingly his days shall amount to a hundred and twenty years.” (Genesis 6:3) The issuance of this divine decree in 2490 B.C.E. marked the beginning of the end for that ungodly world. Just think what that meant for those then living! Only 120 years more and Jehovah would bring “the deluge of waters upon the earth to bring to ruin all flesh in which the force of life is active from under the heavens.”​—Genesis 6:17.

7. (a) What was Noah’s response to the warning about the Flood? (b) How should we respond to warnings about the end of this system?

⁷ Noah received the warning of the upcoming catastrophe decades in advance, and he wisely used the time to prepare for survival. “After being given divine warning of things not yet beheld,” says the apostle Paul, “[Noah] showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household.” (Hebrews 11:7) What about us? Some 90 years have passed since the last days of this system of things began in 1914. We are certainly in “the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4) How should we respond to warnings we have been given? “He that does the will of God remains forever,” states the Bible. (1 John 2:17) Now is therefore the time to do Jehovah’s will with a keen sense of urgency.

8, 9. What warnings have been given in modern times, and how are these being declared?

⁸ In modern times, sincere students of the Bible have learned from the inspired Scriptures that this system is doomed to destruction. Do we believe this? Notice what Jesus Christ clearly stated: “There will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Matthew 24:21) Jesus also said that he would come as God’s appointed Judge and would separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Those found unworthy would “depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.”​—Matthew 25:31-33, 46.

⁹ Jehovah has kept these warnings in front of his people by means of timely reminders through the spiritual food provided by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matthew 24:45-47) Moreover, every nation, tribe, tongue, and people are called upon to “fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived.” (Revelation 14:6, 7) An integral part of the Kingdom message preached earth wide by Jehovah’s Witnesses is the warning that God’s Kingdom will soon remove human rulership. (Daniel 2:44) This warning is not to be taken lightly. Almighty God always keeps his word. (Isaiah 55:10, 11) He did in Noah’s day, and he will in our day.​—2 Peter 3:3-7.

Sexual Depravity Becomes Rampant

10. What can be said about sexual depravity in Noah’s day?

¹⁰ Our time corresponds to Noah’s day in another respect. Jehovah had commanded the first man and woman to “fill the earth” with their kind, using their God-given sexual powers honorably within the marriage arrangement. (Genesis 1:28) In Noah’s day, disobedient angels contaminated humanity with unnatural sex. They came down to earth, materialized bodies, and cohabited with beautiful women, producing offspring that were half human, half demon​—the Nephilim. (Genesis 6:2, 4) The sin of these lustful angels is likened to the perversions of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Jude 6, 7) Consequently, sexual depravity was widespread in those days.

11. What moral climate makes our time similar to the days of Noah?

¹¹ What about the moral climate of today? In these final days, the lives of many revolve around sex. Paul graphically describes such ones as “having come to be past all moral sense”; many have given themselves over “to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness.” (Ephesians 4:19) Pornography, premarital sex, sexual abuse of children, and homosexuality are commonplace. Some are already “receiving in themselves the full recompense” in the form of sexually transmitted diseases, breakdown of family life, and other social ills.​—Romans 1:26, 27.

12. Why should we cultivate hatred for what is bad?

¹² In Noah’s day, Jehovah sent the great Deluge and brought an end to that sex-crazed world. We must never lose sight of the fact that these days are truly just as the days of Noah were. The upcoming “great tribulation” will clear the earth of ‘fornicators, adulterers, men kept for unnatural purposes, and men who lie with men.’ (Matthew 24:21; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 21:8) How urgent it is that we cultivate hatred for what is bad and stay clear of circumstances that could lead to immorality!​—Psalm 97:10; 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Earth Becomes “Filled With Violence”

13. In Noah’s day, why was the earth “filled with violence”?

¹³ Pointing to yet another characteristic of Noah’s day, the Bible states: “The earth came to be ruined in the sight of the true God and the earth became filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:11) Violence was not actually new. Adam’s son Cain murdered his righteous brother. (Genesis 4:8) Reflecting the violent spirit of his day, Lamech composed a poem boasting about how he had killed a young man, allegedly in self-defense. (Genesis 4:23, 24) What was new in Noah’s day was the degree of violence. As disobedient angelic sons of God married women on earth and produced progeny​—the Nephilim—​violence increased to a level previously unknown. These violent giants were “the Fellers”​—“those who cause others to fall down.” (Genesis 6:4, footnote) As a result, the earth was “full of violence.” (Genesis 6:13) Imagine the problems Noah must have faced bringing up his family in such an environment! Yet, Noah proved to be ‘righteous before Jehovah among that generation.’​—Genesis 7:1.

14. How has the world today become “filled with violence”?

¹⁴ Violence has been with mankind throughout the ages. But as was true in the days of Noah, our time has also witnessed it on an unprecedented scale. We regularly hear about domestic violence, acts of terrorism, campaigns of genocide, and mass killings by gunmen with little apparent motive. Add to all of this the bloodshed caused by wars. The earth has again become filled with violence. Why? What has contributed to the increase? The answer reveals another similarity to Noah’s day.

15. (a) What has contributed to the increase in violence in the last days? (b) Of what outcome can we be confident?

¹⁵ When God’s Messianic Kingdom was established in heaven in 1914, the enthroned King, Jesus Christ, took epoch-making action. Satan the Devil and his demons were ousted from heaven to the vicinity of the earth. (Revelation 12:9-12) Before the Flood, disobedient angels forsook their heavenly position voluntarily; in modern times, however, they were forcibly evicted. Furthermore, they now lack the ability to materialize human bodies on earth in order to enjoy illicit fleshly pleasures. So in frustration, anger, and fear of impending judgment, they influence men and organizations to perform inhuman acts of crime and violence of even greater magnitude than those of Noah’s day. Jehovah obliterated the pre-Flood world after disobedient angels and their offspring had filled it with badness. Make no mistake about it, he will not do any less in our day! (Psalm 37:10) However, those staying watchful today know that their deliverance is near.

The Message Is Preached

16, 17. What is the fourth similarity between the days of Noah and our day?

¹⁶ The fourth point of similarity between the present day and the pre-Flood world is seen in the work that Noah was commissioned to do. Noah constructed a huge ark. He was also “a preacher.” (2 Peter 2:5) What message did he preach? Noah’s preaching evidently included a call for repentance and a warning of coming destruction. Jesus said that the people of Noah’s day “took no note until the flood came and swept them all away.”​—Matthew 24:38, 39.

¹⁷ Similarly, as Jehovah’s Witnesses diligently fulfill their commission to preach, the message of God’s Kingdom is being declared worldwide. In almost every part of the globe, people can hear and read the Kingdom message in their own language. The Watchtower magazine, announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom, has a circulation of over 25,000,000 and is printed in more than 140 languages. Indeed, the good news of God’s Kingdom is being preached “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” When that work is completed to God’s satisfaction, the end is certain to come.​—Matthew 24:14.

18. How does the response of many to our preaching activity compare with that of most people in Noah’s day?

¹⁸ Given the spiritual and moral bankruptcy of the days preceding the Flood, it is not hard to imagine how Noah’s family became the laughingstock of incredulous neighbors and the object of abuse and ridicule. The end did come though. Similarly, “ridiculers with their ridicule” abound in the last days. “Yet Jehovah’s day will come as a thief,” states the Bible. (2 Peter 3:3, 4, 10) Come it will at the appointed time. It will not be late. (Habakkuk 2:3) How wise we are to keep on the watch!

Only a Few Survive

19, 20. What parallel can we draw between the Flood and the destruction of the present system of things?

¹⁹ The parallel between Noah’s day and our day does not end with the badness of the people and their destruction. As there were Flood survivors, so there will be those who survive the end of the present system of things. The Flood survivors were meek ones who did not live as the people in general did. They heeded the divine warning and kept separate from the wicked world of that time. “Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah,” states the Bible. “[Noah] proved himself faultless among his contemporaries.” (Genesis 6:8, 9) Out of all mankind, one family, “a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.” (1 Peter 3:20) And to them Jehovah God gave a mandate saying: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.”​—Genesis 9:1.

²⁰ God’s Word assures us that “a great crowd” will “come out of the great tribulation.” (Revelation 7:9, 14) How many will there be in the great crowd? Jesus himself said: “Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14) Compared to the billions living on earth now, the survivors of the upcoming great tribulation will be few. But they may well have a privilege similar to that given to the Flood survivors. The survivors may for a time be able to have offspring as a part of the new earthly society.​—Isaiah 65:23.

“Keep on the Watch”

21, 22. (a) How has this consideration of the Flood account benefited you? (b) What is the yeartext for 2004, and why should we heed the advice it gives?

²¹ Although the Flood seems remote from our day, it clearly provides a warning that we must not ignore. (Romans 15:4) The similarities between Noah’s day and our day should make us increasingly aware of the significance of what is happening and alert us to the thieflike coming of Jesus to execute judgment upon the wicked.

²² Today, Jesus Christ is directing a tremendous spiritual building work. For the security and survival of true worshipers, an arklike spiritual paradise exists. (2 Corinthians 12:3, 4) To be preserved through the great tribulation, we must remain in that paradise. Surrounding the domain of the spiritual paradise is Satan’s world, ready to assimilate any who have become spiritually drowsy. It is imperative that we “keep on the watch” and prove ourselves ready for Jehovah’s day.​—Matthew 24:42, 44.

Prove Yourself Ready for Jehovah’s Day

“Prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.”​—MATTHEW 24:44.

1. Why should we be concerned about Jehovah’s day?

IT WILL be a day of battle and fury, of anguish and distress, of darkness and desolation. Jehovah’s “great and fear-inspiring day” is certain to come upon this wicked system of things, even as the Flood drowned the wicked world in Noah’s day. There is no escaping it. Yet, “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe.” (Joel 2:30-32; Amos 5:18-20) God will destroy his enemies and save his people. With a sense of urgency, the prophet Zephaniah declares: “The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near, and there is a hurrying of it very much.” (Zephaniah 1:14) When, though, will this divine judgment be executed?

2, 3. Why is it vital that we prepare ourselves for the day of Jehovah?

² “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father,” said Jesus. (Matthew 24:36) Since we do not know the precise time, it is vital that we take to heart the words of our yeartext for 2004: “Keep on the watch . . . Prove yourselves ready.”​—Matthew 24:42, 44.

³ Indicating how suddenly those who are ready will be gathered to safety while others will be forsaken, Jesus said: “Two men will be in the field: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned; two women will be grinding at the hand mill: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned.” (Matthew 24:40, 41) At that critical stage, what will be our personal situation? Will we be ready, or will that day catch us off guard? Much depends on the measures we take now. To prove ourselves ready for Jehovah’s day requires that we avoid a certain attitude prevalent today, that we resist falling into a particular spiritual state, and that we shun certain life-styles.

Avoid a Complacent Attitude

4. What attitude did the people of Noah’s day have?

⁴ Consider the days of Noah. “By faith Noah, after being given divine warning of things not yet beheld, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household,” states the Bible. (Hebrews 11:7) The ark would be unusual and quite visible. Moreover, Noah was “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Peter 2:5) Neither Noah’s building project nor his preaching moved the people of his day to act. Why? Because they were “eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage.” Those to whom Noah preached were so engrossed in personal affairs and pleasures that “they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away.”​—Matthew 24:38, 39.

5. What was the outlook of the inhabitants of Sodom in Lot’s day?

⁵ It was the same in the days of Lot. The Scriptures tell us: “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.” (Luke 17:28, 29) After angels warned Lot of the impending destruction, he spoke to his sons-in-law about what was coming. In their eyes, though, “he seemed like a man who was joking.”​—Genesis 19:14.

6. What attitude must we avoid?

⁶ As it was in the days of Noah and Lot, “so the presence of the Son of man” would be, said Jesus. (Matthew 24:39; Luke 17:30) Indeed, the prevailing attitude of many today is that of complacency. We must be on guard against being influenced by such an outlook. There is nothing wrong with enjoying good food and drink in moderation. Similarly, marriage is an arrangement of God. However, if such matters have become all-important in our life and spiritual interests have been pushed aside, are we personally ready for the fear-inspiring day of Jehovah?

7. What vital question should we ask before undertaking any pursuit, and why?

⁷ “The time left is reduced,” said the apostle Paul. “Henceforth let those who have wives be as though they had none.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) Only a limited time remains for us to finish our God-given Kingdom-preaching work. (Matthew 24:14) Paul admonished even those who are married not to be so absorbed in their mate that they give Kingdom interests a secondary place in their lives. Clearly, the mental inclination that Paul was recommending is the opposite of complacency. Jesus said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and [God’s] righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) When making any decision or before undertaking any pursuit, the imperative question to ask is, ‘How will this affect my keeping Kingdom interests first in my life?’

8. If day-to-day things of life have become our chief concern, what should we do?

⁸ What if we realize that we are already involved in the normal day-to-day things of life to such an extent that spiritual interests are being crowded out? Is there little difference between our manner of life and that of our neighbors who lack accurate knowledge of the Scriptures and are not Kingdom proclaimers? If that is the case, then we need to make this a matter of prayer. Jehovah can enable us to have the right mental attitude. (Romans 15:5; Philippians 3:15) He can help us to keep Kingdom interests first, to do what is right, and to fulfill our obligation to him.​—Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 13:7.

Resist Spiritual Drowsiness

9. According to Revelation 16:14-16, why is it important to resist spiritual drowsiness?

⁹ The very prophecy that speaks of the oncoming “war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Armageddon warns that some may not keep awake. “Look! I am coming as a thief,” says the Lord Jesus Christ. “Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness.” (Revelation 16:14-16) The outer garments mentioned here refer to what identifies us as Christian Witnesses of Jehovah. This includes our work as Kingdom proclaimers and our Christian conduct. If we slide into sleeplike inactivity, we may be stripped of our Christian identity. That is shameful and dangerous. We must resist falling into a state of spiritual drowsiness or lethargy. How can we resist such an inclination?

10. Why does daily Bible reading help us to remain spiritually alert?

¹⁰ The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the need to keep awake and keep our senses. For example, the Gospel accounts remind us: “Keep on the watch” (Matthew 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37); “prove yourselves ready” (Matthew 24:44); “keep looking, keep awake” (Mark 13:33); “keep ready” (Luke 12:40). After stating that the day of Jehovah is going to come unexpectedly upon this world, the apostle Paul urges fellow believers: “Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) In the last book of the Bible, the glorified Christ Jesus stresses the suddenness of his coming, saying: “I am coming quickly.” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20) Many of the Hebrew prophets also described and warned of the great day of Jehovah’s judgment. (Isaiah 2:12, 17; Jeremiah 30:7; Joel 2:11; Zephaniah 3:8) Reading God’s Word, the Bible, daily and reflecting on what we read is a fine help in remaining spiritually alert.

11. Why is personal Bible study essential to spiritual wakefulness?

¹¹ Yes, what a stimulant to our spiritual wakefulness is diligent personal study of the Scriptures using Bible-based publications provided by “the faithful and discreet slave”! (Matthew 24:45-47) For personal study to produce benefits, however, it must be progressive and consistent. (Hebrews 5:14–6:3) We must take in solid spiritual food regularly. Finding time for it in this day and age may be a challenge. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Still, reading the Bible and Scriptural publications only when it may be convenient is not enough. Regular personal study is essential if we are to stay “healthy in the faith” and keep awake.​—Titus 1:13.

12. How do Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions help us fight spiritual drowsiness?

¹² Christian meetings, assemblies, and conventions also help us to fight spiritual drowsiness. How? By means of the instruction we receive. At these gatherings, are we not regularly reminded of the nearness of the day of Jehovah? Weekly Christian meetings also provide opportunities to ‘incite one another to love and fine works.’ Such inciting, or stirring up, is conducive to spiritual wakefulness. Not surprisingly, we are commanded to gather regularly as we “behold the day drawing near.”​—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

13. How does the Christian ministry help keep us awake spiritually?

¹³ We are also helped to remain awake when we share wholeheartedly in the Christian ministry. What better means is there to keep fresh in mind the signs of the times and their meaning than to talk to others about them? And when we see those with whom we study the Bible make progress and begin to act on what they are learning, our own sense of urgency is heightened. “Brace up your minds for activity,” said the apostle Peter, “keep your senses completely.” (1 Peter 1:13) “Always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord” is a fine remedy for spiritual stupor.​—1 Corinthians 15:58.

Shun Spiritually Damaging Life-Styles

14. As described at Luke 21:34-36, what life-styles does Jesus warn against?

¹⁴ In his great prophecy about the sign of his presence, Jesus gave yet another warning. He said: “Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36) Jesus accurately described the life-styles that people in general pursue: overindulgence in food, drunkenness, and a way of life that brings anxieties.

15. Why should we avoid overindulgence in food and drink?

¹⁵ Overeating and heavy drinking are out of harmony with Bible principles and are to be shunned. “Do not come to be among heavy drinkers of wine, among those who are gluttonous eaters of flesh,” states the Bible. (Proverbs 23:20) For it to be dangerous, though, eating and drinking does not have to reach that level. It can make one drowsy and lazy long before that. “The lazy one is showing himself desirous,” says a Bible proverb, “but his soul has nothing.” (Proverbs 13:4) Such a person may want to do God’s will, but his desire remains unfulfilled because of negligence.

16. How can we avoid being weighed down by anxieties concerning our family?

¹⁶ What are the anxieties of life that Jesus warned about? They involve personal concerns, providing for the family, and the like. How unwise to allow these to weigh us down! “Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?” asked Jesus. He admonished his listeners: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.” Putting Kingdom interests first in our lives and having confidence that Jehovah will provide for us will keep anxieties at bay and help us stay awake.​—Matthew 6:25-34.

17. How can material pursuits bring on anxiety?

¹⁷ Anxiety may also be brought on by materialistic pursuits. For example, some complicate their lives by living beyond their means. Others have been enticed by get-rich-quick schemes and risky financial investments. For others, secular education as a means to attain financial success becomes a snare. Granted, a certain level of schooling may be useful to obtain employment. However, the truth is that in the time-consuming pursuit of obtaining advanced education, some have harmed themselves spiritually. What a dangerous situation to be in as the day of Jehovah nears! The Bible warns: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.”​—1 Timothy 6:9.

18. To avoid being drawn into a materialistic life-style, what ability must we cultivate?

¹⁸ Essential to not being drawn into a materialistic way of life is cultivating the ability to distinguish between right and wrong when making decisions. This ability is developed by regularly partaking of ‘solid spiritual food belonging to mature people’ and by ‘having our perceptive powers trained through use.’ (Hebrews 5:13, 14) Making sure “of the more important things” when setting priorities will also safeguard us from making wrong choices.​—Philippians 1:10.

19. If we discern that we have very little time for spiritual pursuits, what should we do?

¹⁹ A materialistic life-style can blind us, leaving little or no time for spiritual pursuits. How can we examine ourselves and avoid being ensnared by such a life-style? We need to consider prayerfully how and to what extent we can simplify our life. King Solomon of ancient Israel said: “Sweet is the sleep of the one serving, regardless of whether it is little or much that he eats; but the plenty belonging to the rich one is not permitting him to sleep.” (Ecclesiastes 5:12) Does taking care of unnecessary material possessions consume a lot of our time and energy? The more we own, the more we have to maintain, insure, and protect. Could it be to our advantage to simplify our life by freeing ourselves of certain belongings?

By All Means, Prove Yourself Ready

20, 21. (a) What assurance does the apostle Peter give concerning Jehovah’s day? (b) What acts and deeds must we go on performing as we prove ourselves ready for Jehovah’s day?

²⁰ Time ran out for the world of Noah’s day, and it will run out for the present system of things. The apostle Peter assures us: “Jehovah’s 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.” Neither the symbolic heavens​—wicked governments—​nor the symbolic earth​—mankind alienated from God—​will survive the heat of God’s burning anger. Indicating how we can prove ourselves ready for that day, Peter exclaims: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah!”​—2 Peter 3:10-12.

²¹ Our regularly attending Christian meetings and sharing in preaching the good news are included among these acts and deeds of godly devotion. May we perform them with heartfelt devotion to God while we wait patiently for Jehovah’s great day. Let us “do [our] utmost to be found finally by [God] spotless and unblemished and in peace.”​—2 Peter 3:14.