springing from love, so deep-rooted that powerful nations cannot root it out. Materialism and nationalism are not able to break the theocratic society up or to wean away its affection for its maker, Jehovah God. We see people being fed upbuilding spiritual food that brings growth and maturity. As Jesus instructed Peter, ‘the sheep are being fed.’ (John 21:15-17) The organization is mature and is getting more so each day. We have knowledge of sure doctrine, with no need to be uncertain about our relation to God or wavering about what his will is. There is food, spiritual food in abundance. We have the best of equipment to work with, in publications, Bibles, instructions and encouraging counsel. Surely in the theocratic society is a flourishing, thriving, prosperous, safe and secure place to live, and Isaiah 32:18 describes it well: “My people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting places.” This condition is to go on forever. Yes, like Abraham, we can be satisfied. In this New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses we are surrounded by people loyal to God; they are his friends and he is not ashamed to be called their God. Stick to Jehovah, then, live according to his Word, work with his people, yes, live with Jehovah’s organization forever.

Proving Faithful in Small Matters

“Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.”—Luke 19:17.

1. What do we face in daily life, and how do people respond?

EVERY day of our life we face small matters. They may be parts of a problem, an ache or pain, details of a job to do, a measure of the responsibilities we have, perhaps some of the happy occasions we enjoy, or maybe it is a little extra matter we have taken on, to help someone else. We take care of many of these small things, but many also go undone. Some people seem to have the capacity of taking care of a lot of responsibility, while others are easily disturbed over limited cares. Some persons take each day as it comes and look after the most pressing matter at hand, yet looking ahead to the handling of many other responsibilities and doing so calmly, while others are frustrated if they have more than the immediate job to do. They cause themselves much worry and concern over details yet in the future. They cross bridges before they are built, and many that never need building. There must be balance in our thinking. “Anxious care in the heart of a man is what will cause it to bow down, but the good word is what makes it rejoice.”—Prov. 12:25.

2. (a) What does being a member of God’s organization add to us? (b) What difference does this make to an individual?

² In being a member of God’s organization we take on many more small matters besides those already faced each day. These include Bible study, attending meetings for more spiritual food, sharing in preaching the good news of God’s kingdom,