16. Choose to Worship God

1 AVOID FALSE WORSHIP

“Get out from among them, and separate yourselves, . . . and quit touching the unclean thing.”​—2 Corinthians 6:17

Why are image and ancestor worship wrong?

• Exodus 20:4, 5; 1 John 5:21

  Jehovah does not want us to use images in our worship.

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12

  Those who communicate with the dead are actually communicating with the demons.

2 NOT ALL CELEBRATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD

“Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.”​—Ephesians 5:10

How can you decide if you should participate in a celebration?

• Ezekiel 44:23; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15

  Find out if it has pagan origins.

• Exodus 32:2-10

  Even if those initiating a celebration have good intentions, the celebration may not be approved by God.

• Daniel 3:1-27

  Avoid celebrations that exalt humans, human organizations, or national symbols.

• 1 Timothy 1:18, 19

  Use common sense, but be sure to maintain a good conscience before Jehovah.

3 BE KIND WHEN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR BELIEFS TO OTHERS

“Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person.”​—Colossians 4:6

How should you explain your beliefs to others?

• Matthew 7:12

  Respect others’ choices just as you want them to respect yours.

• 2 Timothy 2:24

  Always be kind, and do not fight with others over your beliefs.

• 1 Peter 3:15

  Defend your beliefs with mildness and respect.

• Hebrews 10:24, 25

  At Christian meetings, others attending will encourage you and help you to know what to say when your beliefs are questioned.