• Remain “Without Spot From the World”
    The Watchtower—1984 | October 1

    • 7. According to one economist, what has grown along with growth in education, income, and so forth?

      7 Many people are concerned about the future of “the present world order.” For example, journalist Nancy Brown cited economist Ezra Misham as saying concerning growth in education and income: “[It has] not brought social betterment. Along with the growth in science, education and material goods, society has seen a growth in violence, delinquency, petty crime, vandalism, homicide and suicide, vulgarity and obscenity.” Significant indeed was this newspaper article’s opening statement: “Only Divine intervention can save the world from destroying itself.”​—Times-Colonist, Victoria, British Columbia, March 25, 1982.

      8. Why not get all we can out of this world?

      8 Of course, Jehovah created the earth to be inhabited, not by unrighteous human society, but by righteous, perfect humans. (Isaiah 45:18; Psalm 37:29, 38) So God will not allow humankind to destroy itself. But there is no doubt that this old world order soon will pass away completely. Therefore, dedicated servants of Jehovah should not use the world “to the full.” Or as one version puts it: “While you use the world, don’t try to get out of it all you can, since this world in its present form is passing away.”​—1 Corinthians 7:31, The New Testament in the Language of Today, by William F. Beck.

      Use This World At All?

      9. (a) To what extent can Jehovah’s people properly use this world? (b) In view of Matthew 6:31-33 and 1 Timothy 6:7, 8, what attitude should we have toward material things?

      9 As Jehovah’s dedicated witnesses, then, is it right for us to get anything out of this world? Yes, Paul indicated that we can use the world but not to the full. Hence, we can use the world’s legitimate provisions in discharging our Scriptural obligations and getting the Kingdom message preached. (1 Timothy 5:8; 6:17-19)