*** w86 3/15 pp. 19-20 Allow No Place for the Devil! ***
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Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on chronology. Some opposers claim that Jehovah?s Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents say that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again we ask, What is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness on the part of God?s people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves for falling back into sleepy inactivity? (1 Thessalonians 5:4-9) More importantly, what will you do if you hear such criticism? If a person is questioning whether we are living in "the last days" of this system, or perhaps is entertaining ideas that God is so merciful that he surely will not cause the death of so many millions of people during the "great tribulation," then this individual already has prepared his heart to listen to such criticisms.?2 Timothy 3:1; Matthew 24:21.15
Yes, Jehovah?s people have had to revise expectations from time to time. Because of our eagerness, we have hoped for the new system earlier than Jehovah?s timetable has called for it. But we display our faith in God?s Word and its sure promises by declaring its message to others. Moreover, the need to revise our understanding somewhat does not make us false prophets or change the fact that we are living in "the last days," soon to experience the "great tribulation" that will pave the way for the earthly Paradise. How foolish to take the view that expectations needing some adjustment should call into question the whole body of truth! The evidence is clear that Jehovah has used and is continuing to use his one organization, with "the faithful and discreet slave" taking the lead. Hence, we feel like Peter, who said: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life."?John 6:68.16
Only in the spiritual paradise, among Jehovah?s Witnesses, can we find the self-sacrificing love Jesus said would identify his true disciples. (John 13:34, 35) By their bad fruits, false prophets are exposed for what they really are. But Jesus indicated that the good trees would be identified by their fine fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20) And what fine fruitage we have in the spiritual paradise! Amazing increases are taking place in practically every country. Over 3,000,000 happy subjects of God?s Kingdom around the globe are living proof that Jehovah has a people on the earth.17
Because they are taught by God, Jehovah?s Witnesses really produce the fruits of Christianity in their lives. (Isaiah 54:13) Only Jehovah?s people have completely broken free from Babylonish superstitions. Only they have an organization that completely abides by what God?s Word has to say on sexual immorality, abortions, drunkenness, stealing, idolatry, racial prejudice, and other worldly pursuits and practices. And they alone are the ones obeying the command to preach the good news of Jehovah?s Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) God?s own Word unquestionably points to Jehovah?s Witnesses as the one organized people that have his blessing!18
Yes, to all who are faithfully and loyally enduring in the Christian way, we are sure that Jehovah?s truth is still beautiful, satisfying?even more so than when they first heard it. Therefore, resolve in your heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip. Heed the wise but firm commands of Jehovah to avoid completely those who would deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of death. If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by apostate thinking. (Matthew 22:37-39) We will not "allow place for the Devil" and will have no desire to look elsewhere. We will not ?be quickly shaken from our reason? by some counterfeit teaching.?2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.19
Let us always appreciate our privilege of being in Jehovah?s spiritual paradise, where we are enjoying so many rich blessings. We know who are holding faithfully to the sayings of everlasting life. So maintain close association with them, knowing that they are our genuine, loyal brothers and sisters in the faith. May we continue to have the same joy and satisfaction that we had when we first learned the truth, with the assurance of the grand prize of everlasting life in Jehovah?s new system of things. As Paul so aptly said: "Let no man deprive you of the prize"!?Colossians 2:18.
This must be the reason why so many JW's stay in the org even when they know the truth about the truth. Sickening.