Conduct That Glorifies God
1. Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses conspicuous when attending district conventions?
1 When attending district conventions, we are quite conspicuous. In many convention cities, local news outlets inform the community of our presence. The hotels and restaurants are often filled with delegates, and people living in the area notice the many visitors wearing convention badges. The following are some reminders that will help us to glorify God by our good conduct while in the convention city.—1 Pet. 2:12.
2. How may we glorify God by our modest dress while in the convention city?
2 Modest Dress: Our modest dress while attending the program often impresses onlookers. However, our style of dress at other times—when checking in at the hotel, when eating at area restaurants, when shopping, and so forth—may make a bigger impression on observers. Although we need not wear dress clothes on these other occasions, what we wear should be modest, dignified, and not overly casual. Observers should be able to see a difference between us and unbelievers. (Rom. 12:2) In addition, we should wear our convention badge, as this will advertise the convention, lead to witnessing opportunities, and enable other delegates to identify us.
3. How may we display patience and courtesy?
3 Patience and Courtesy: At a time when many in the world are self-centered and unthankful, how refreshing our patience and courteousness will be to onlookers, such as hotel and restaurant personnel! (2 Tim. 3:1-5) When saving seats or when getting in line to obtain convention releases, we should seek, not our own advantage, but that of the other person. (1 Cor. 10:23, 24) After attending his first convention, one interested man said, “I don’t remember any of the talks that were given that day, but the conduct of the Witnesses made a lasting impression on me.”
4. Why should we consider volunteering at the convention if our circumstances allow?
4 Willing Volunteers: The volunteer spirit is a mark of true Christians. (Ps. 110:3) Could you volunteer to assist at the convention? At one convention site, some 600 brothers and sisters volunteered to clean before the convention. The staff remarked: “This is the most amazing thing we have ever seen! It’s hard to imagine that all of these people are volunteers.” We eagerly look forward to the 2013 district conventions and the opportunity we will have not just to listen and learn from God but also to glorify him.