with religious forms and phrases that do not have lasting meaning. When Jesus called on men to ‘be his followers,’ some of their replies showed a lack of spiritual insight and a want of appreciation of the privilege that was extended to them. Many responded quite sentimentally when they were called. One man said: “Permit me first to leave and bury my father.” Another said: “I will follow you, Lord; but first permit me to say good-by to those in my household.” Jesus replied: “No man that has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind is well fitted for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-62) The apostle Paul found it necessary to counsel brothers “not to fight about words, a thing of no usefulness at all because it overturns those listening.” (2 Tim. 2:14) Bickering over words and sentimentality drain one of vital energy. Insight is needed to preserve that energy for the zealous service of Jehovah.

28. Why must one’s associations also be watched if one is to become zealous for Jehovah?

²⁸ Associations must be watched if one is to become zealous for Jehovah. Bad association can, not only spoil useful habits, but dampen our zeal and rob it of its fire. (1 Cor. 15:33) Associating with doubters will, not only slow one down, but even destroy a believing mind. How often “fair weather” Christians discourage those with good intentions from going to Christian meetings and from the service of God on cold, hot or wet days! However, a zealous, spirited servant of God not only will persevere at times such as these, but will stir up the doubters to greater faith and the inactive to greater zeal. Does your zeal stir up your brothers in this way? It should.

29. What do we want to be found doing in this most urgent of times?

²⁹ It is mandatory that we be aware that we are living at a very crucial and urgent time in human history. Christendom’s religions, by her own admission, are either dead or dying. This time before the destruction of Babylon the Great and the war of Armageddon calls for zealous participation, on our part, in the finest work that can now be done, namely, to point people of honest heart to the kingdom of God as the only hope for mankind. May the Captain of our salvation find us so engaged at the hour of his inspection.

“He Nearly Died on the Spot”

● Youthful witnesses of Jehovah sometimes have their fine Christian conduct advertised in a most unusual and amusing manner. Consider the following report of an incident that took place in a Michigan junior high school:

“Deborah and Betsy are both seventh graders. Today their regular teacher for their English class was absent. In desperation, the school had a Catholic priest with his collar turned backward fill in for the day. As usual with any substitute teacher, the students really gave him a difficult time by their misbehaving and disorderliness. However, Deborah and Betsy, who are Jehovah’s witnesses, were a sharp contrast by their fine behavior.

“In desperation, the Catholic priest, noticing these two students, turned to the class and cried out, ‘Why can’t you act like these two young ladies? They are so well behaved that they must be Catholics!’

“One boy spoke up in reply, saying, ‘They are about as far as you can get from Catholics!’ When the priest was told that they were Jehovah’s witnesses he nearly died on the spot.”