of caste. If we seem to be in a favored position because of the color of our skin, or because of education, Christian maturity, youth, position of responsibility in the Christian congregation, we should make it a point to associate with those less favored in any of these respects, for the sake of building up Christian unity; doing so, not condescendingly, but as equals, appreciating that Jehovah can use them to impart a blessing to us even as he can use us to impart a blessing to them.

On the other hand, we must not, because of being less favored in certain respects, belittle ourselves and acquire an inferiority complex, imagining that more favored brothers do not want to associate with us. Remember, no one who is faithfully carrying out the righteous requirements of Jehovah need ever feel inferior or out of place in the midst of God’s people. Nor should we “play up” to those more advantaged in any respect because of the favors they may be able to bestow, either of a material or of a spiritual nature.

And while not practicing caste distinctions ourselves we must not think it our duty to change the world in this respect. We can no more do that than we can convert the world to Christianity. Some have criticized the apostle Paul for not condemning slavery in his day but counseling slaves to be obedient and content with their lot, but such overlook that it is not the commission of Christians to reform this old world. At best we can only set an example. What Paul had to offer to the slaves in his day was of far greater value than the political and economic freedom agitated by social reformers. He brought them the truth of God’s Word and kingdom, which made them free from bondage to Satan, to Satan’s system of things, to sin, to false religion and to death, giving them the hope of everlasting life; even as Jesus told his followers: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:31, 32, NW.

The same is true today. It is not for Christians to strive to put an end to the injustices of the caste system or to chafe at certain conditions among God’s people that are due to the laws of Caesar and over which Christians have no control. All eat of the same spiritual food, have the same privileges of service and the same hope; and these are the things that matter.

So, briefly reviewing, we have seen that there is no Scriptural basis for any caste system, for any favoritism, class distinctions, sectarianism, cliques or special groups existing among Christians. If we love Jehovah with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, we shall exalt neither ourselves nor others. And by living according to the Christian principle of love not only shall we bring happiness to our brothers as well as ourselves but we shall also be giving a witness to those on the outside, even as Jesus stated: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35, NW.

Filthy Speech

In today’s world one is continually exposed to dirty minds and filthy speech. Some people cannot listen to conversation without thinking of a dirty story; cannot open their mouths without using vile language. Yet, one cannot revel in smut without getting dirty; so Paul’s instruction at Ephesians 5:3, 4 is worth keeping in mind continually: “Let fornication and uncleanness of every kind or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people, neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming, but rather the giving of thanks.” Do you follow this instruction?