in a material way in the new system of things. If such things were important, Jehovah would have had them recorded in his Word. We know that it is not the material things or even an abundance of luxuries that make people happy today. The happiest people on earth are Jehovah’s people and they are chiefly among the poor as concerns the things that the world prizes highly. We can be assured that in the new system of things we will not lack anything in a material way. And most important of all we will have an abundance of spiritual blessings and the riches of friendships and companionships of fellow worshipers of the one true God Jehovah, all of whom will be displaying the fruitage of his spirit.​—Ps. 133:1; Gal. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 6:17.

22. How, and in what areas, can we individually move forward with Jehovah?

²² Until that time we have fine opportunities to keep moving forward in deepening our relationship with Jehovah, growing in love for those related to us in the faith and bringing our lives into ever greater conformity with God’s will. Our personal study and prayer, attendance at congregation meetings and diligent application of the things we learn play a vital part in our spiritual progress. By availing ourselves of Jehovah’s provisions for continued spiritual growth, we will not only keep our hope strong but be impelled to make good use of our opportunities to help others to make God-given hope their own and to live in harmony with it. The progress we make now will be giving us an advance start in cultivating the attitude needed for growing to perfection during the thousand-year reign of Christ and his bride. So may we continue to move ahead.

23. What assurance did Paul give at Hebrews 6:10, 11, because of what facts?

²³ What Jehovah has purposed and promised he will accomplish. His word will not return to him without results. Of this there can be no doubt. As the apostle Paul assures us, God is not unjust and so will not forget all that we “did for love of his name.” So let us keep on showing “the same eager concern, until [our] hope is finally realized.”​—Heb. 6:10, 11, New English Bible.

Is There a Time to Judge?

“STOP judging that you may not be judged,” said Jesus Christ to a crowd of listeners. (Matt. 7:1) Did he mean thereby to rule out judgments of all kinds? Or, are there times when it is altogether proper to pass judgment without coming under adverse judgment from God?

The Bible definitely indicates that within the congregation of God’s devoted people situations arise that require passing judgment. For example, elders may be called upon to judge fellow believers who become involved in serious wrongdoing. (1 Cor. 6:1-6) They must determine whether such wrongdoers are truly repentant and desirous of living in harmony with Bible principles. In the case of unrepentant ones, elders must follow through on the Scriptural command: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”​—1 Cor. 5:13.

It may be noted, however, that, in judging a person as an unrepentant wrongdoer,