SECTION 9

Your Spiritual Growth

Which of the following do you find to be most challenging?

□ Studying the Bible

□ Praying regularly to Jehovah God

□ Talking to others (especially my peers) about my faith

□ Understanding the wisdom of Bible standards

On the line below, write down what goal you would like to set regarding the activity that is most challenging for you.

․․․․․

Chapters 34-38 will help you see how you can strengthen your spirituality, live by Bible standards, and set goals that will give your life direction and purpose.

CHAPTER 34

Why Live by Bible Standards?

You’re in the cafeteria eating lunch with two girls at school when the new boy walks in.

“You know, Brett really likes you,” the first girl says to you. “I can tell by the way he stares at you. His eyes are all over you!”

“And guess what?” the second girl whispers as she leans toward you. “He’s available!”

You already suspected all of that. After all, just the other day Brett invited you to his house for a party. You declined, of course, although you secretly wondered what it would have been like.

The first girl interrupts your thoughts.

“Too bad I’m not available,” she says. “I’d go out with Brett in a heartbeat.”

Then she looks at you, puzzled. You know what’s coming.

“Hey, how come you don’t have a boyfriend?” she asks.

You dread that question! The fact is, you’d like to have a boyfriend. But you’ve been told that it’s best to wait until you’re ready for marriage before you start dating. If only it weren’t for . . .

“Your religion, right?” the second girl says.

‘Was she reading my mind?’ you think to yourself.

“With you it’s always Bible, Bible, Bible,” she taunts. “Why can’t you have a little fun sometimes?”

HAVE you ever been ridiculed because of trying to live by Bible standards? If so, perhaps you wondered if you were missing out on something. A youth named Deborah felt that way. “Bible standards felt restrictive,” she recalls. “My school friends’ uninhibited lifestyle appealed to me.”

A Reality Check

Experience is not always the best teacher. In fact, it’s both wise and Scriptural to learn from the mistakes of others, as did the psalmist Asaph. For a time, he felt that God’s standards were too restrictive. But examining the course of those who had abandoned God’s ways gave him a reality check. Asaph later concluded that they were on “slippery ground.”​—Psalm 73:18.

With that in mind, consider the following comments from youths who, for a time, abandoned Bible standards and became involved in premarital sex.

● What factors influenced your thinking and actions?

Deborah: “I went through school seeing everyone else having boyfriends and girlfriends, and they seemed to be happy. When I hung out with them and saw them kissing and embracing, I felt jealous and lonely. I often allowed myself to spend hours fantasizing about a certain boy I liked. This heightened my desire to be with him.”

Mike: “I read material and watched programs that glorified sex. Talking about sex with my friends heightened my curiosity. Then, when I was alone with a girl, I’d think that I could be physically intimate with her without having sex, that I could stop anytime.”

Andrew: “I habitually viewed pornography on the Internet. I started drinking a lot of alcohol. And I attended parties with youths who had little respect for the Bible’s moral standards.”

Tracy: “I knew in my mind that premarital sex was wrong, but I didn’t hate it. I didn’t intend to start a sexual relationship before marriage, but my emotions overrode my thinking. For a while, my conscience was numb to any feelings of guilt.”

● Did your lifestyle make you happy?

Deborah: “At first, I felt a rush of freedom and was happy that I finally fit in with my peers. But those feelings didn’t last. I started to feel dirty, robbed of innocence, empty. I felt a deep sense of regret that I’d thrown away my virginity.”

Andrew: “It became easier and easier to act on wrong desires. But at the same time, I was consumed with feelings of guilt and was disappointed with myself.”

Tracy: “Immorality ruined my youth. I thought that my boyfriend and I would have such fun. We didn’t. We ended up causing each other pain, misery, and heartache. I spent night after night sobbing in bed, wishing I’d done things Jehovah’s way.”

Mike: “I started to feel like part of me had died. I tried to disregard the effect my actions were having on others, but I couldn’t. It pained me to realize that in seeking my own pleasure, I was hurting others.”

● What advice would you give to youths who wonder if the Bible’s moral standards are too restrictive?

Tracy: “Live by Jehovah’s standards, and associate with people who do the same. You will be happier that way.”

Deborah: “It’s not just about you and what you want. Your actions will affect others. And if you ignore God’s advice, you will damage yourself.”

Andrew: “When you’re inexperienced, you think your peers’ lifestyle is exciting. Their attitudes will rub off on you. So choose your friends wisely. Trust Jehovah, and you’ll save yourself a lot of regrets.”

Mike: “Among the most valuable possessions Jehovah gives you are your dignity and innocence. To throw those gifts away because you can’t control yourself is to sell yourself cheap. Talk to your parents and other mature people about your problems. If you make a mistake, be quick to speak up and correct the situation. If you do things Jehovah’s way, you will gain a real sense of peace.”

Bible Standards​—Straitjacket or Seat Belt?

Jehovah is “the happy God,” and he wants you to be happy too. (1 Timothy 1:11; Ecclesiastes 11:9) The standards recorded in the Bible are for your benefit. True, you could view them as a straitjacket that limits your freedom. In reality, though, the Bible’s moral code is more like a seat belt that helps protect you from harm.

Certainly, you can trust the Bible. If you choose to live by its standards, you’ll not only make Jehovah happy but also benefit yourself.​—Isaiah 48:17.

KEY SCRIPTURE

“I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself.”​—Isaiah 48:17.

TIP

Think of how you would defend the wisdom of Bible standards to a younger sibling. Speaking about your beliefs is a powerful way to solidify them in your heart.

DID YOU KNOW . . . ?

It takes only moments to damage your relationship with Jehovah, but it could take years to repair it.

ACTION PLAN!

To help me understand the wisdom of Bible standards, I will ․․․․․

If I start to envy those who live by the world’s standards, I will ․․․․․

What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

● When it comes to the consequences of disobeying God’s laws, why is personal experience not the best teacher?

● What do you learn from the comments of Deborah, Mike, Andrew, and Tracy?

● Why might some people view Bible standards as a straitjacket, but why is that view shortsighted?

[Blurb on page 285]

“The despair of being disciplined for wrongdoing isn’t as bad as the pain of trying to hide it.”​—Donna

[Pictures on page 288]

Bible standards don’t restrict your happiness; they protect you

Role Model​—Asaph

Asaph is going through a difficult time in his life. All around him he sees people breaking God’s laws and seemingly getting away with it! As a result, Asaph wonders if it’s worth putting forth the effort to please God. “Surely it is in vain that I have cleansed my heart and that I wash my hands in innocence itself,” he says. After giving the matter deep thought, though, Asaph changes his mind. He realizes that any enjoyment the wicked experience is only temporary. Asaph’s conclusion? “Besides you,” he tells Jehovah in song, “I do have no other delight on the earth.”​—Psalm 73:3, 13, 16, 25, 27.

Perhaps at times you have questioned the value of living by God’s standards. But be like Asaph, and look beneath the surface. Consider the situation of those who have disregarded Jehovah’s laws. Are they really at peace? Have they found some secret to happiness that those who are faithful to God have missed? After thinking the matter through, you’ll no doubt be moved to echo the words of Asaph: “The drawing near to God is good for me.”​—Psalm 73:28.

CHAPTER 35

How Can I Become God’s Friend?

Through personal tragedy Jeremy came to appreciate the value of having a friendship with God. “When I was 12, my father left our family,” he explains. “One night I was praying in bed, begging Jehovah to make my father come back.”

In his despair, Jeremy began reading his Bible. When he came upon Psalm 10:14, he was profoundly moved. That verse says of Jehovah: “To you the unfortunate one, the fatherless boy, commits himself. You yourself have become his helper.” Jeremy says: “I felt that Jehovah was talking to me and letting me know that he was my helper; he was my Father. What better father could I have than him?”

WHETHER you’re in a situation similar to that of Jeremy or not, the Bible indicates that Jehovah wants you to be his friend. In fact, the Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (James 4:8) Think about what those words mean: Even though you can’t see him​—and he’s certainly not your peer in any sense of the word—​Jehovah God is inviting you to be his friend!

But friendship with God will require effort on your part. To illustrate: If you have a houseplant, you know that it doesn’t grow on its own. For it to thrive, you have to water it regularly and keep it in an environment that’s suitable for growth. The same is true of friendship with God. How can you help such a friendship to grow?

The Importance of Study

Friendship involves two-way communication​—both listening and talking. That’s also true of friendship with God. Reading and studying the Bible is the way we listen to what God has to say to us.​—Psalm 1:2, 3.

Granted, study may not be your favorite activity. Many youths would rather watch TV, play a game, or just hang out with friends. But if you want to cultivate friendship with God, there’s no shortcut. You’ll need to listen to him by studying his Word.

Don’t worry, though. Bible study doesn’t have to be a chore. You can learn to enjoy it​—even if you don’t consider yourself the studying type. The first thing you need to do is set aside time for Bible study. “I have a schedule,” says a girl named Lais. “I read one chapter of the Bible first thing each morning.” Maria, 15, has a different routine. “I read a little of the Bible each night before I go to sleep,” she says.

To get started on your own study program, look at the box on page 292. Then, below, write down a time when you could spend just 30 minutes or so studying God’s Word.

․․․․․

Scheduling time is just the start. Once you actually begin studying, you might be hit with the reality that the Bible isn’t always easy reading. You may agree with 11-year-old Jezreel, who candidly states, “Some parts of the Bible are heavy going and not very entertaining.” If you feel that way, don’t give up. Always approach study of the Bible with the view that you’re taking time to listen to Jehovah God, your friend. In the end, Bible study will be as exciting and rewarding as you choose to make it!

Prayer Is Vital

Prayer is the way we talk to God. Think of what an amazing gift prayer is! You can call on Jehovah God at any time of the day or night. He’s always available. More than that, he wants to hear what you have to say. That’s why the Bible urges you: “In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.”​—Philippians 4:6.

As that scripture indicates, there are many things you can talk to Jehovah about. These might include your problems and anxieties. They could also include things that you’re grateful for. After all, don’t you find yourself thanking your friends for the good things they have done for you? You can do the same with Jehovah, who has done more for you than any other friend ever could.​—Psalm 106:1.

Below, list some things for which you are thankful to Jehovah.

․․․․․

No doubt there are fears and anxieties that weigh on your mind from time to time. Psalm 55:22 says: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.”

On the following lines, list any personal concerns that you would like to make a matter of prayer.

․․․․․

Personal Experience

There’s another aspect of your friendship with God that you shouldn’t ignore. The psalmist David wrote: “Taste and see that Jehovah is good.” (Psalm 34:8) When David composed the 34th Psalm, he had just been through a frightening experience. He was on the run from murderous King Saul​—a harrowing ordeal in itself. But then he had to take refuge among his enemies the Philistines. Faced with what seemed to be certain death, David cleverly disguised his sanity and was able to get away.​—1 Samuel 21:10-15.

David didn’t attribute his narrow escape to his own ingenuity. Instead, he gave credit to Jehovah. Earlier in the psalm mentioned above, he wrote: “I inquired of Jehovah, and he answered me, and out of all my frights he delivered me.” (Psalm 34:4) It was from personal experience, then, that David could urge others to “taste and see that Jehovah is good.”a

Can you think of an experience in your life that gives evidence of Jehovah’s care? If so, write about it below. Hint: The experience need not be highly dramatic. Try to reflect on simple everyday blessings, some of which may easily be taken for granted.

․․․․․

Perhaps your parents have taught you about the Bible. If so, that’s a blessing. Still, you need to develop a personal friendship with God. If you haven’t done that, you can use the material in this chapter to help you get started. Jehovah will bless your efforts. The Bible says: “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find.”​—Matthew 7:7.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC IN VOLUME 1, CHAPTERS 38 AND 39

[Footnote]

KEY SCRIPTURE

“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.”​—Matthew 5:3.

TIP

Read just four pages of the Bible each day, and you’ll complete it in about a year.

DID YOU KNOW . . . ?

The fact that you’re reading this book and responding to its Bible-based counsel indicates that Jehovah is taking a personal interest in you.​—John 6:44.

ACTION PLAN!

To get more out of personal Bible study, I will ․․․․․

To become more regular in my prayers, I will ․․․․․

What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

● How can you make personal study of the Bible more enjoyable?

● Why does Jehovah want to listen to the prayers of imperfect humans?

● How can you improve the quality of your prayers?

[Blurb on page 291]

“When I was younger, my prayers were repetitious. Now I try to pray about the good and the bad points of each particular day. Since no two days are exactly alike, this keeps me from saying the same things over and over.”​—Eve

[Box/​Picture on page 292]

Explore Your Bible

1. Select a Bible account that you would like to read. Pray for wisdom to understand the material.

2. Read the account carefully. Take your time. As you read, use your imagination. Engage as many of your senses as you can: Try to see the action, hear the voices of the characters, smell the air, taste the food, and so forth. Make the account come to life in your mind!

3. Think about what you just read. Ask yourself questions, such as the following:

● Why did Jehovah include this account in his Word?

● Which characters are worthy of imitation, and which ones serve as warning examples?

● What practical lessons can I take away from this reading?

● What does the account teach me about Jehovah and the way he does things?

4. Say a brief prayer to Jehovah. Tell him what you learned from your Bible study and how you plan to apply the material in your life. Always thank Jehovah for the gift he has given you​—his Word, the Holy Bible!

[Picture]

“Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway.”​—Psalm 119:105.

[Box/​Picture on page 294]

First Things First

Too busy to pray? No time for Bible study? Often, it comes down to how you set your priorities.

Try this experiment: Take a bucket, and place several large rocks inside it. Now fill the bucket with sand​—all the way to the top. You now have a bucket full of rocks and sand.

Now empty the bucket, but keep the same sand and rocks. Try the process in reverse: Fill the bucket with sand, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That’s because this time you put the sand in the bucket first.

The point? The Bible says: “Make sure of the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10) If you put small things like recreation in first place, you’ll never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things​—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition, you’ll find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation. It’s all a matter of what you put in your bucket first!

[Picture on page 290]

Like a houseplant, friendship with God requires nurturing if it is to grow

CHAPTER 36

How Can I Defend My Belief in God?

What would most likely hold you back from talking to a classmate about your faith?

□ Lack of Bible knowledge

□ Fear of ridicule

□ Not knowing how to start a conversation

Which method of talking about your faith would you find easiest?

□ Talking one-on-one to a student

□ Speaking before the entire class

□ Writing about my Bible-based beliefs in a report

Name a schoolmate who you think might be receptive to a Bible discussion if you knew how to bring up the subject. ․․․․․

GOD probably isn’t the most popular topic of conversation among your schoolmates. Bring up almost anything else​—sports, clothes, or the opposite sex—​and you’ll trigger a lively discussion. But mention God, and an awkward silence may quickly descend.

Not that your peers don’t believe in God; many youths do. But some are embarrassed to discuss the subject. ‘It’s just not cool,’ they might think.

What About You?

If you’re reluctant to talk to your schoolmates about God, it’s understandable. No one enjoys being rejected, and being made fun of is even worse! Could that happen if you talked about your faith? It could. On the other hand, your peers might surprise you. Many of them are searching for answers to such questions as: Where is this world heading? and Why is it so full of trouble? Your peers would likely rather talk about those subjects with someone their own age than with an adult.

Still, talking to your peers about religion may seem like a daunting challenge. Really, though, you don’t have to come across as a fanatic, nor do you have to worry about saying exactly the right thing. Talking about your faith can be a little like playing a musical instrument. Challenging at first? Probably. But with practice it becomes easier, and your efforts will pay off. How, though, do you get a conversation started?

Usually, you can find a comfortable opening. For instance, perhaps when a current event is being discussed at school, you can add your Scriptural perspective. Or you could try speaking to just one classmate. Easier still, some Christian youths have simply placed a Bible-based publication on their desk to see if it attracts a classmate’s attention. Frequently, it does and a conversation follows!

Which of the above methods could you try? ․․․․․

Can you think of another way you could talk about your faith with a classmate? If so, write it below.

․․․․․

Sometimes a school project lends itself to giving a witness about your faith. For example, what might you do when the subject of evolution arises? How can you defend your belief in creation?

Defending Creation

“When evolution was brought up in the classroom, it challenged everything I had been taught,” says a youth named Ryan. “It was presented as a fact, and I found that to be intimidating.” A girl named Raquel expresses herself similarly. “I was terrified when my social studies teacher said that evolution would be our next lesson,” she says. “I knew that I’d have to explain in class where I stood on this controversial issue.”

How do you feel when the subject of evolution comes up in class? You believe that God “created all things.” (Revelation 4:11) You see evidence of intelligent design all around you. But the textbooks say that life evolved, and so does your teacher. Who are you to argue with the “experts”?

Rest assured, you’re not alone in your feelings about the evolution theory. The fact is, even a number of scientists don’t accept it. Neither do many teachers and students.

Still, to defend your belief in creation, you need to know what the Bible really teaches on the subject. There’s no need to make an issue over things that the Bible doesn’t directly comment on. Consider a few examples.

My science textbook says that the earth and the solar system have been in existence for billions of years. The Bible says that the earth and the rest of the universe were in existence before the first creative day. Thus, the earth and the solar system may well be billions of years old.​—Genesis 1:1.

My teacher says that the earth could not have been created in just six days. The Bible doesn’t state that the six creative days were literal 24-hour periods.

Our class discussed several examples of changes in animals and humans that took place over time. The Bible says that God created living things “according to their kinds.” (Genesis 1:20, 21) It does not support the idea that life arose from nonliving matter or that God started off the process of evolution with a single cell. Still, each “kind” has the potential for great variety. So the Bible allows for change to take place within each “kind.”

In view of what has been considered in this chapter, how would you respond if a teacher or a classmate said:

“Science has proved that we are the product of evolution.” ․․․․․

“I don’t believe in God because I can’t see him.” ․․․․․

Be Confident of Your Beliefs!

If you’re being raised by Christian parents, you might believe in creation simply because that’s what you’ve been taught. Now that you’re growing older, though, you want to worship God “with your power of reason,” having a solid foundation for your beliefs. (Romans 12:1) In view of that, ask yourself, ‘What convinces me that there is a Creator?’ Sam, 14, looks at the human body. “It’s so detailed and complex,” he says, “and all of its parts work so well together. The human body couldn’t have evolved!” Holly, 16, agrees. “Since being diagnosed with diabetes,” she says, “I have learned a lot about how the body works. It’s amazing, for example, how the pancreas​—a little organ that hides behind the stomach—​does such a huge job in keeping blood and the other organs working.”

Below, list three things that convince you that there is a Creator.

1. ․․․․․

2. ․․․․․

3. ․․․․․

There’s no reason to feel awkward or ashamed because you believe in God and in creation. Considering the evidence, it’s entirely reasonable to believe that we humans are the product of intelligent design.

In the end, it’s really evolution, not creation, that requires a huge leap of faith​—in effect, belief in miracles without a miracle maker! Once you’ve thought this matter through using your power of reason, you will feel more confident about defending your belief in God.

KEY SCRIPTURE

“I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith.”​—Romans 1:16.

TIP

Be aware of your demeanor when you talk about your beliefs. If you appear ashamed, you may invite ridicule from your peers. But if you speak with confidence​—just as your schoolmates would speak about their views—​you’re more likely to win their respect.

DID YOU KNOW . . . ?

Sometimes when teachers are asked to prove evolution, they find that they cannot do so and they come to realize that they accept the theory simply because it’s what they have been taught.

ACTION PLAN!

To strike up a conversation about the Bible with a classmate, I could ․․․․․

If I am asked why I believe in a Creator, I will say ․․․․․

What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

● Why is it important to talk to others about what you believe?

● What are some ways you can comfortably express your belief in creation at school?

● How can you show your appreciation for the One who created all things?​—Acts 17:26, 27.

[Blurb on page 299]

“School is a preaching territory that only we can reach.”​—Iraida

[Picture on page 298]

Much like playing a musical instrument, talking about your faith requires skill​—with practice, you will become proficient

[Picture on page 300, 301]

You can conquer your fear of defending your beliefs

CHAPTER 37

Should I Get Baptized?

Mark the following statements true or false:

Baptism is a requirement for Christians.

□ True

□ False

The main purpose of baptism is to protect you from giving in to sin.

□ True

□ False

Baptism puts you in line for salvation.

□ True

□ False

If you’re not baptized, you’re not accountable to God for your actions.

□ True

□ False

If your friends are getting baptized, that means you’re ready for baptism too.

□ True

□ False

IF YOU’RE living up to God’s standards, cultivating a friendship with God, and talking to others about your faith, it’s only natural for you to be thinking about baptism. But how do you know if you’re ready for that step? To help answer that question, let’s consider the true-or-false statements above.

● Baptism is a requirement for Christians.

True. Jesus directed that his disciples be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) In fact, Jesus himself submitted to baptism. To follow Christ, you need to be baptized when you’re mature enough to make that decision and have a genuine desire to do so.

● The main purpose of baptism is to protect you from giving in to sin.

False. Baptism is a public symbol of your dedication to Jehovah. Your dedication isn’t a cold contract that restrains you from doing things that you would secretly like to do. Rather, you dedicate your life to Jehovah because you want to live by his standards.

● Baptism puts you in line for salvation.

True. The Bible says that baptism is an important step to gaining salvation. (1 Peter 3:21) This doesn’t mean, though, that baptism is like an insurance policy that you buy to protect yourself in case disaster should strike. You get baptized because you love Jehovah and want to serve him forever with your whole heart.​—Mark 12:29, 30.

● If you’re not baptized, you’re not accountable to God for your actions.

False. James 4:17 states: “If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him”​—baptized or not. So if you know what’s right and you’re mature enough to take a serious look at your life, perhaps this is the time to talk matters over with a parent or another mature Christian. In that way, you can learn how to progress toward baptism.

● If your friends are getting baptized, that means you’re ready for baptism too.

False. The decision to be baptized needs to come from your own willing heart. (Psalm 110:3) You should be baptized only when you’re fully aware of what being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses involves and when you’re sure that you’re ready to take on this responsibility.​—Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5.

A Life-Altering Step

Baptism is a life-altering step that leads to many blessings. At the same time, it entails a serious responsibility​—that of living up to a personal dedication you’ve made to Jehovah.

Are you nearing that point? If so, you have good reason to be happy. What lies before you is the greatest privilege of all​—that of serving Jehovah wholeheartedly and living in a way that shows that you’re truly dedicated to him.​—Matthew 22:36, 37.

KEY SCRIPTURE

“Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.”​—Romans 12:1.

TIP

With your parents’ help, find someone in the congregation who can assist you to make spiritual progress.​—Acts 16:1-3.

DID YOU KNOW . . . ?

The act of baptism is a vital part of “the mark” that identifies you for salvation.​—Ezekiel 9:4-6.

ACTION PLAN!

To progress toward baptism, I will increase my understanding of the following Bible teachings: ․․․․․

What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

● Why is baptism such a serious step?

● What might cause a young person to take the step of baptism too soon?

● For what reason might a young person unwisely hold back from dedication and baptism?

[Blurb on page 306]

“Knowing that I was baptized helped me to make wise decisions and not to go down certain paths that could have led to bad consequences.”​—Holly

[Box/​Picture on page 307]

Questions Often Asked About Baptism

What does baptism symbolize? Being immersed and raised up means that you have died to a self-seeking course and are now made alive to do Jehovah’s will.

What does it mean to dedicate your life to Jehovah? It means to give up ownership of yourself, promising to put the doing of God’s will ahead of all else. (Matthew 16:24) It’s fitting that you make a formal dedication in prayer to Jehovah sometime before your baptism.

What should you be doing with your life before baptism? You should be living in harmony with God’s Word and talking to others about your faith. You should be cultivating a friendship with God through prayer and study of his Word. You should be serving Jehovah because you choose to do so​—not because others are pressuring you.

Is there a certain age by which you should be baptized? Age is not the primary factor. Still, you should be old enough​—and mature enough—​to understand the meaning of dedication.

What if you want to get baptized but your parents say you should wait? Perhaps they’d like you to gain more experience in Christian living. Value their advice, and use this time to grow in your friendship with Jehovah.​—1 Samuel 2:26.

[Box on page 308, 309]

Worksheet

Are You Thinking of Getting Baptized?

Check your progress by considering the questions and statements below. Be sure to look up the cited scriptures before writing your answers.

In what ways are you currently showing confidence in Jehovah?​—Psalm 71:5. ․․․․․

How have you demonstrated that your perceptive powers are trained to distinguish right from wrong?​—Hebrews 5:14. ․․․․․

How often do you pray? ․․․․․

How specific are your prayers, and what do they reveal about your love for Jehovah?​—Psalm 17:6. ․․․․․

List below any goals you would like to set with regard to your prayers. ․․․․․

How regular is your personal study of the Bible?​—Joshua 1:8. ․․․․․

What do you include in your personal study? ․․․․․

List below any goals you would like to set with regard to your personal study. ․․․․․

Is your ministry meaningful? (Examples: Can you explain basic Bible teachings to others? Do you call back on interested ones? Are you working toward conducting a home Bible study?)

□ Yes □ No

Do you engage in the ministry even if your parents do not?​—Acts 5:42.

□ Yes □ No

List below any goals you would like to set with regard to your ministry.​—2 Timothy 2:15. ․․․․․

Would you describe your attendance at Christian meetings as regular or sporadic?​—Hebrews 10:25. ․․․․․

In what ways do you participate at meetings? ․․․․․

Do you attend when your parents cannot (if you have their permission to do so)?

□ Yes □ No

Can you say that you truly delight to do God’s will?​—Psalm 40:8.

□ Yes □ No

Can you list specific instances in which you have resisted peer pressure?​—Romans 12:2. ․․․․․

How do you plan to keep your love for Jehovah strong?​—Jude 20, 21. ․․․․․

Would you serve Jehovah even if your parents and friends stopped doing so?​—Matthew 10:36, 37.

□ Yes □ No

[Picture on page 310]

Like marriage, baptism is a life-altering step​—it shouldn’t be taken lightly

CHAPTER 38

What Will I Do With My Life?

“At first, I didn’t worry about the future. But as I got closer to graduating from school, I realized that I was going out into the real world, with real jobs. And real bills.”​—Alex.

IMAGINE that you’re planning a journey that will take you many miles from home. Probably you’d first consult a map to determine the best route. It’s similar with planning your future. “You have a wide variety of options,” says Michael, a young man who now serves at one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How do you sort through the vast array of choices? “It’s all about goals,” Michael says.

Think of a goal as a target destination. You’re not likely to reach it by wandering about aimlessly. It’s far better to pull out a map and plot your course, so to speak. In this way you’ll be following the admonition of Proverbs 4:26: “Smooth out the course of your foot.” The Contemporary English Version renders that phrase: “Know where you are headed.”

In the coming years, you’ll make many important decisions regarding worship, employment, marriage, family, and other vital matters. Wise choices will be easier to make if you first know where you’re headed. And as you plot your course in life, there’s one factor that you really must not ignore.

“Remember Your Creator”

To be truly happy, you must take to heart the words of wise King Solomon: “Remember your Creator while you are still young.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, Today’s English Version) In other words, the choices you make in life should be governed by your desire to please God.

Why is having this priority important? The Bible says at Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” All creatures in heaven and on earth owe a debt of gratitude to the Creator. Are you thankful that he has given you “life and breath and all things”? (Acts 17:25) Don’t you feel compelled to give something back to Jehovah God in appreciation for all that he has given you?

Keeping their Creator close in mind, many youths among Jehovah’s Witnesses have pursued the full-time ministry. Consider some of the thrilling avenues of service that may be open to you.

Pioneering. Regular pioneers spend an increased amount of time in the ministry. Through training and experience, they sharpen their skills as Bible teachers.

Serving where there is a greater need. Some move to an area where there are few Kingdom proclaimers. Others learn a new language and serve with a nearby foreign-language congregation or even move to a foreign land.a

Missionary service. Qualified pioneers who have health and stamina are trained for service in foreign lands. Missionaries lead exciting, fulfilling lives.

Bethel service. Bethel family members serve in branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In some lands this involves the production and shipping of Bible literature.

International service. International servants travel to other lands to aid in the construction of Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities.

Ministerial Training School. Qualified unmarried elders and ministerial servants are trained in organizational matters and in public speaking. Some graduates take on a foreign assignment.

Plotting Your Course

The full-time ministry is a noble goal, and it brings countless blessings. Forethought, though, will be needed. For example, ask yourself, ‘What abilities and skills do I have that I could use to support myself?’

Kelly had a clear goal of becoming a pioneer, so she plotted her course when it came to employment. “I had to choose something that would allow me to support myself in my ministry,” she says.

Kelly enrolled in a vocational program in high school. This helped her to achieve her primary goal. “The full-time ministry was what I wanted to do,” Kelly says. “Everything else was secondary.” Kelly is happy with her choice. “I feel my decision was the best one that I could have made,” she says.

Ask for Directions

If you were traveling in an unfamiliar area, at some point you would likely need to ask for directions. You can do the same when planning your future. Get the input of others. Proverbs 20:18 says: “By counsel plans themselves are firmly established.”

Your parents are one vital resource. But you can also seek the advice of other mature Christians whose life reflects godly wisdom. “Look at those who are good examples as adults in your congregation or nearby areas,” recommends Roberto, a Bethel family member in his 20’s.

More than anyone else, Jehovah God wants to help you make choices in life that will give you the greatest happiness. So ask him to help you ‘go on perceiving what his will is’ regarding your future. (Ephesians 5:17) In every aspect of your life, follow the admonition of Proverbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.”

For more information, watch the DVD “Young People Ask​—What Will I Do With My Life?” It is available in more than 30 languages

[Footnote]

KEY SCRIPTURE

“‘Test me out . . . ,’ Jehovah of armies has said, ‘whether I shall not open to you people the floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon you a blessing until there is no more want.’”​—Malachi 3:10.

TIP

Talk to some who have been in the full-time ministry for many years. Find out why they chose such a career and how they feel they have been blessed.

DID YOU KNOW . . . ?

An electric current can make an appliance run. Similarly, God’s holy spirit can move you to accomplish much in his service.​—Acts 1:8.

ACTION PLAN!

To help me get more joy in the ministry, I will talk to ․․․․․

What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

● What abilities and skills do you have?

● In what ways can you use your abilities to praise Jehovah?

● Which particular form of full-time service mentioned in this chapter appeals to you most?

[Blurb on page 313]

“I have great admiration for my parents. Their enduring zeal in the ministry, the way they have faced economic hardships, and the encouragement they gave me to share in the full-time ministry, all had a good effect on me.”​—Jarrod

[Box on page 314]

Worksheet

My Goals

Check off which goals you would like to set. Use the spaces provided to customize those goals or to create new ones.

Ministry Goals

□ Increase my time in the ministry to ․․․․․ hours per month

□ Place ․․․․․ pieces of literature each month

□ Use the Bible when talking about my faith

□ Make ․․․․․ return visits each month

□ Start a Bible study

Other goals: ․․․․․

Study Goals

□ Read ․․․․․ pages of the Bible each day

□ Prepare for the weekly meetings

□ Research the following Bible topics: ․․․․․

Congregation Goals

□ Offer at least one comment during each meeting

□ Strike up a conversation with an older person I’d like to get to know better

□ Visit an elderly or infirm member of the congregation

Other goals: ․․․․․

Today’s Date ․․․․․

Check back in six months, and see how you’ve done in reaching your goals. Adjust them or add to them as needed.

[Picture on page 312]

Having goals will prevent you from expending your energy and getting nowhere

SECTION 9

My Journal​—Your Spiritual Growth

What obstacles might hinder you from reaching your spiritual goals?

․․․․․

What specific steps can you take to deal with those obstacles?

․․․․․