BASE YOUR DECISIONS ON THE BIBLE

17. How can elders demonstrate deep respect for the Scriptures?

¹⁷ Above all else, elders should demonstrate a deep respect for the Word of God by basing all their counsel on it. (2 Tim. 2:15) This means that they will studiously avoid expressing their own ideas as the authority on matters but, instead, faithfully pass on the teaching they have received from the Scriptures and from Jehovah’s servant class, the “faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16) Their Christian brothers should recognize, too, that elders do not merely talk about the Bible, but are living examples of the power of God’s Word as demonstrated by the application of godly principles in their lives. This will help the entire association of Christians to appreciate the guidance and direction of the elders and to imitate their example of faith.​—Heb. 13:7.

18. Who, besides elders, must keep their senses, and with what assured expectation in view?

¹⁸ Finally it must be remembered that all servants of God need to ‘keep their senses,’ not elders only, because every one of us must face the same dangers from the world. The critical conditions of today are bringing real tests of faith on each Christian. Most assuredly it is a time for sober thinking, a time to develop a clear view of matters in the light of God’s Word, so that each of us will be able to make wise decisions. Only in this way can we all together aid one another to “stay awake and keep our senses” so that Jehovah’s day of judgment does not catch us as a thief. Then, as “sons of light and sons of day,” we will be preserved through the coming world destruction and enter the new order of God’s making to His eternal praise and our everlasting salvation!​—1 Thess. 5:5, 6.

Looking to the Future with Confidence

“Make fast our hold on the confidence we had at the beginning firm to the end.”​—Heb. 3:14.

1. Do all persons have the same viewpoint about the future? Explain.

MOST people will summarily dismiss any attempted description of a future brightened by a righteous “new order” by stating: “That will never be!” Since they lack any confidence in the future, it is not surprising that most become self-centered and choose to live only for “today.” Jehovah’s Christian witnesses, however, do not share this disheartening outlook on the future. Instead, their hearts overflow with confidence as they eagerly anticipate a future that is controlled, not by selfish nations or greedy power blocs, but by the living God, Jehovah. Nevertheless, a person’s view of the future could become blurred. But how?

2. What danger is there to a confident outlook for the future, and how does the apostles Paul warn us in this regard?

² The danger lies in becoming too involved with the present system of things. Yet you may have heard someone defend such an involvement by saying, “Look, you have to be practical, after all.” Were you inclined to agree with him? What may happen, however, if people continue to enlarge their involvement? You may have