Tuesday, August 12, 1997

This morning the family enjoyed comments on 1 Peter 1:15,16: "In accord with the Holy One who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct, because it is written: 'You must be holy, because I am holy.'"

How may we continue serving Jehovah loyally? The early Christians set fine examples in loyal worship, as the following experience shows. "Roman Emperor Constantius I, father of Emperor Constantine, apparently had deep respect for the followers of Jesus Christ. To test the loyalty of Christians attached to his palace, he told them they could remain in his service only if they agreed to sacrifice to idols. Refusal would lead to their dismissal and vengeance at his hand, they were told. By this simple ploy, Constantius wanted to identify those who would never compromise their loyalty. Those who proved loyal to God and his principles were retained in the emperor's service, some even becoming trusted counselors. Those disloyal to God's command were ignominously dismissed." Since we want to be loyal, what are some things that can help us continue serving Jehovah loyally? (1) Gratitude for the Scriptual things we have learned should move us to serve Jehovah loyally. Remember that such knowledge came from God through the faithful and discreet slave class. (2) Heartfelt appreciation for the spirit of fellowship existing within our Christian brotherhood gives us another incentive to serve Jehovah loyally.

What is one factor that makes loyalty to Jehovah a challenge? For some, it is the conflict between loyalty to Jehovah and to natural family ties. Adam failed this challenge when he chose to follow Eve in the course of sin. During the time of Samuel, the high priest Eli proved disloyal when he failed to take a stand in handling family problems, namely, disciplinary action against his sons. Jehovah's displeasure at Eli's inaction is expressed at 1 Samuel 2:29: "Why do you men keep kicking at my sacrifice and at my offering that I have commanded in my dwelling, and you keep honoring your sons more than me by fattening yourselves from the best of every offering of Israel my people?"

In contrast, Korah's sons stand out as loyal ones who did not follow their father in his disloyal course. (Nu 26:11) In fact, their descendants were even used to write some of the inspired pslams which appear in the Bible today. In modern times, too, we have examples of those who have chosen loyalty to Jehovah over loyalty to family ties. One young Witness remembers the stand he and his brothers took when their mother, long inactive as a Christian, entered an adulterous marriage. "We reported matters to the elders," he recalls, "and since she did not live at home, we decided to limit association with her until the elders could handle matters. It was the hardest thing we ever had to do." The mother protested, "Does your everlasting life mean more to you than I do?" To this they replied, "Our relationship with Jehovah means more than 'anything'." Happily, the woman was jolted into repentance, was restored spiritually, and served once again as an active publisher of the good news. Those who are loyal to Jehovah even in the face of conflicting family ties remember the promise made at Psalm 27:10: "In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up."

Our chairman commented that it is grand to see how servants of Jehovah have proven loyal to Him even under test. We must certainly remember the importance of loyalty. It was the theme of the apostle Peter's first letter, from which today's text is drawn. Whether we are under ban and receiving persecution or facing apathy, our loyalty is being tested. Satan is the one behind it all, and he wants us to stop preaching, to stop upholding Jehovah's sovereignty. This is why Peter wrote his first letter. He saw the need to encourage his spiritual brothers and sisters to remain loyal. This he does, from his opening words in 1 Peter 1:1,2, where he addresses "the ones chosen," right up to chapter 5, verses 8 and 9, where he writes: "Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. But take your stand against him, solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world." Yes, they could take strength in the knowledge that others were remaining loyal, just as they were. A quick review of Peter's letter helps us see how he stressed the need for loyalty. In chapter 1, Peter reminded his fellow Christians of their hope. That hope, whether heavenly or earthly, helps us to remain loyal. Peter also made the point that our endurance will serve to refine our faith. From 1 Peter 2:13-3:12, we are helped to see that loyalty to Jehovah can be shown in our daily life. Loyalty to Bible principles should be evident in our dealings and relationships with others, including our overseers, and our family members. Loyalty is also shown by our adhering to the principles Christ taught. From chapter 3, verse 13, Peter makes it clear that endurance brings blessings. Verse 14 states that we can still be joyful even if we experience difficulties, knowing we are doing what is right. Jesus Christ did not lead an easy life, yet because he was loyal, he received a grand reward. Finally, in chapters 4 and 5, we are encouraged to be loyal to one another, and elders are to be loyal in their assignments as shepherds. As we all take our stand for loyalty, Jehovah promises that he "will himself finish your training, he will make you firm, he will make you strong."

Andre Mendes da Costa
New Zealand Bethel