family groups together by their discussing God’s Word, studying it together, attending congregational meetings as a group, and worshiping together in field service. Devotion to Jehovah cements them in a firm unity and harmony. Theocratic conduct within the family circle keeps that circle unbroken, which conduct is outlined for all, as follows:

24, 25. How are we counseled by Colossians 3:13-21, 23, 24?

²⁴ “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union. Also let the peace of the Christ control in your hearts, for you were, in fact, called to it in one body. And show yourselves thankful. Let the word of the Christ reside in you richly in all wisdom. Keep on teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, praises to God, spiritual songs with graciousness, singing in your hearts to Jehovah. And whatever it is that you do in word or in work, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him. You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord. You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them. You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. You fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted. Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. You are slaves to the Master Christ.”—Col. 3:13-21, 23, 24, NW.

²⁵ So apply this practical counsel for forgiveness, peace, love, spirituality, subjection, obedience and forbearance in the family circle. And if it becomes difficult at times—and it will—work at it whole-souled as something done for Jehovah. If it is done as to him you will receive a reward from him, if not from appreciative family members.

Priest Rebukes Parishioner

One of Jehovah’s witnesses who works in a factory in France was being continually ridiculed by his foreman because of being a witness of Jehovah. One day the parish priest visited the factory. The foreman lost no time in calling the priest over and saying mockingly, “You have before you a witness of Jehovah, a heathen.” However, the priest replied, “You are mistaken, Monsieur. Jehovah’s witnesses are not heathen. They are Christians like us, and Jehovah is God’s name. You should not make fun of Jehovah’s witnesses, for they have strong faith.” The foreman was stupefied, and promptly walked out. The priest turned to the young witness and whispered, “When I preach, the workers don’t believe me. They say I do it to make money. But you can speak to them. You are a worker like them, and they will listen to you.” Incidentally, from that day on, the foreman has never ridiculed the witness.

“Go, Preach” or “Sit, Listen”?

Today’s so-called Christianity is too often a “go and-sit” affair, rather than a “get-out-and-do” matter. Is yours a religion of sitters or of workers? Is your religion strengthening enough that you will take your own time to get up and go out regularly to tell your neighbors why it is important? The Bible says a great deal about strength and zeal and faith. Jesus said in Matthew 10:7: “Go, preach”; today’s churchgoers have changed it to: “Sit, listen.” Which do you do?