WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE?

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The Bible’s answer

The question of the meaning of life may be asked in many ways, such as Why are we here? or Does my life have a purpose? The Bible shows that our purpose in life is to build a friendship with God. Consider some of these fundamental truths that the Bible reveals.

·         God is our Creator. The Bible says: “It is [God] that has made us, and not we ourselves.”—Psalm 100:3; Revelation 4:11.

·         God has a purpose for everything he creates, including us.—Isaiah 45:18.

·         God created us with a “spiritual need,” which includes the desire to find meaning in life. (Matthew 5:3) He wants us to satisfy that desire.—Psalm 145:16.

·         We fill our spiritual need by building a friendship with God. Although the idea of being God’s friend might seem far-fetched to some, the Bible gives us this encouragement: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8; 2:23.

·         To become God’s friend, we must live in harmony with his purpose for us. The Bible states this purpose at Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for.”—Good News Translation.

In the future, we can experience in full God’s original purpose for us when he eliminates suffering and grants everlasting life to his friends, those who worship him.—Psalm 37:10, 11

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CAN YOU SEE THE INVISIBLE GOD?

 

THE WATCHTOWER JULY 2014

“GOD is a Spirit,” invisible to human eyes. (John 4:24) Yet, the Bible reports that some people have, in a sense, seen God. (Hebrews 11:27) How is that possible? Can you really see “the invisible God”?—Colossians 1:15.

Compare our situation to that of a person who is blind from birth. Does his blindness completely prevent him from understanding the world around him? Not entirely. A blind person receives information in various ways that enable him to perceive the people, objects, and activities that surround him. “Vision isn’t in the eyes,” said one blind man. “It’s in the mind.”

In a similar way, although you cannot use your physical eyes to see God, you can use “the eyes of your heart” to see him. (Ephesians 1:18) Consider three ways that you might do so.

“CLEARLY SEEN FROM THE WORLD’S CREATION”

A blind person often has heightened senses of hearing and touch, which he employs to perceive the things he cannot see. Similarly, you can use your physical senses to examine the world around you and to perceive the unseen God who created it. “His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made.”—Romans 1:20.

For example, think about our home. Earth is uniquely designed for us not merely to eke out an existence but to enjoy life. When we feel a gentle breeze, bask in the warmth of the sun, taste a succulent fruit, or hear the soothing song of birds, we are delighted. Do these gifts not reveal our Creator’s thoughtfulness, tenderness, and generosity?

What can you learn about God from what you see in the physical universe? For one thing, the heavens reveal God’s power. Recent scientific evidence suggests not only that the universe is expanding but also that it is doing so at an ever faster rate! As you look up at the night sky, consider: What is the source of this energy driving the expansion and acceleration of the universe? The Bible tells us that the Creator has “vast dynamic energy.” (Isaiah 40:26) God’s creation shows us that he is “the Almighty”—the One “great in power.”—Job 37:23.

“THE ONE WHO HAS EXPLAINED HIM”

A mother of two visually impaired children says: “Speech is one of the most important aspects of their learning. Tell them everything you see and hear, [and] be prepared to give a running commentary. You are their eyes.” Likewise, although “no man has seen God at any time,” God’s Son, Jesus, “who is at the Father’s side is the one who has explained Him.” (John 1:18) As God’s first creation and only-begotten Son, Jesus became our “eyes” for peering into the heavens. He is the best source of information about the invisible God.

Note a few of the things that Jesus, who spent aeons with his Father, explained about God:

·         God works tirelessly. “My Father has kept working until now.”—John 5:17.

·         God knows our needs. “Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.”—Matthew 6:8.

·          God graciously provides for us. “Your Father who is in the heavens . . . makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous.”—Matthew 5:45.

·         God values us individually. “Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.”—Matthew 10:29-31.

A HUMAN WHO REFLECTED THE INVISIBLE GOD

People who are blind often grasp concepts in ways that are different from those of people with sight. A blind person may perceive a shadow, not as a dark area without sunlight, but as a cool area shielded from the sun’s warmth. Just as a person who is totally blind cannot see shadow or sunlight, we cannot understand Jehovah on our own. Therefore, Jehovah provided a human who perfectly mirrored His qualities and personality.

That human was Jesus. (Philippians 2:7) Jesus not only talked about his Father but also showed us what God is like. Jesus’ disciple Philip asked: “Lord, show us the Father.” In reply, Jesus said: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:8, 9) What can you “see” about the Father through Jesus’ actions?

Jesus was warm, humble, and approachable. (Matthew 11:28-30) His refreshing personality drew people to him. Jesus felt the pain others felt, and he shared their joys. (Luke 10:17, 21; John 11:32-35) As you read or hear Bible accounts about Jesus, engage your senses and make the events come alive in your mind. If you meditate on the way Jesus dealt with people, you will be able to see God’s wonderful personality more clearly and be drawn to Him.

FITTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

Regarding the way a blind person experiences the world, one author states: “He or she receives information in bits and pieces, from several sources (touch, smell, hearing, and so forth), and somehow has to put that information together into a whole.” Similarly, as you observe God’s creative works, read what Jesus said about his Father, and analyze the way Jesus reflected God’s qualities, a beautiful picture of Jehovah will emerge. He will become more real to you.

Job, who lived in ancient times, had that very experience. At first he spoke “without understanding.” (Job 42:3) But after carefully considering God’s marvels of creation, Job was moved to say: “My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes.”—Job 42:5.

‘If you search for Jehovah, he will let himself be found by you’

The same can be true for you. “If you search for [Jehovah], he will let himself be found by you.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) Jehovah’s Witnesses will be glad to help you to search for and find the invisible God.

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CREATION OR EVOLUTION --- WHY BELIEVE IN GOD?

·         Creation or evolution?

·          Why do I believe in God?

·          Explaining my belief

 Creation or evolution?

Do you believe that God created all things? If so, you’re not alone; many young people (and adults) share your view. But others say that life and the universe evolved—without the help of a “Supreme Being.”

Did you know? People on both sides of the debate are often quick to state what they believe without really knowing why they believe it.

·         Some people believe in creation simply because that’s what they’ve been taught at church.

·         Many people believe in evolution simply because that’s what they’ve been taught at school.

This series of articles will help you to reinforce and explain your belief in creation. First, though, you need to ask yourself an even more basic question:

 Why do I believe in God?

Why is that question important? Because the Bible encourages you to use your mind, “your power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) That means your belief in God should not be based merely on

·         emotion (I just feel that there must be a higher power)

·         the influence of others (I live in a religious community)

·         pressure (My parents raised me to believe in God—or else)

Instead, you should be personally convinced that God exists and should have sound reasons for your belief.

So, what convinces you that God exists? The worksheet “Why Do I Believe in God?” will build your conviction. You might also find it helpful to consider how other young people have answered that question.

“When I’m in class listening to the teacher explain how our bodies function, there’s no doubt in my mind that God exists. Each part of the body has its own function, down to the smallest detail, and these functions are often carried out without our awareness. The human body truly is mind-boggling!”—Teresa.

“When I see a skyscraper, a cruise ship, or a car, I ask myself, ‘Who built this?’ It takes intelligent people to build a car, for example, because so many small components have to work just right for the whole thing to function. And if cars have to be designed by someone, then so do we humans.”—Richard.

“When you realize that it’s taken the most intelligent human minds hundreds of years to understand even the smallest fraction of the universe, then thinking that it took no intelligence to bring that universe into existence seems completely unreasonable!”—Karen.

“The more I studied science, the less credible evolution seemed. For example, I thought about the mathematical precision in nature and the uniqueness of humans, including our need to know who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. Evolution aims to explain all these things in terms associated with animals, but it has never been able to explain why humans are unique. To me, it takes more ‘faith’ to believe in evolution than to believe in a Creator.”—Anthony.

 Explaining my belief

What if classmates ridicule you for believing in something you can’t see? What if they say that science has “proved” evolution?

First, be confident in what you believe. Do not be intimidated or ashamed. (Romans 1:16) After all, remember:

1.   You are not alone; many people still believe in God. That includes highly intelligent, professional people. For example, there are scientists who believe there is a God.

2.   When people say that they don’t believe in God, sometimes what they really mean is that they don’t understand God. Rather than offer evidence to support their view, they raise questions such as, “If God exists, why does he allow suffering?” In effect, they turn an intellectual issue into an emotional one.

3.   Humans have a “spiritual need.” (Matthew 5:3) This includes a need to believe in God. So if someone says there is no God, that person—not you—has the responsibility to explain how he or she could reach such a conclusion.—Romans 1:18-20.

4.   Belief in God is entirely reasonable. It conforms to the proven fact that life cannot come into existence by itself. No evidence exists to support the idea that life could spontaneously come from nonliving matter.

What, then, could you say if someone questions your belief in God? Consider a few possibilities.

If someone says: “Only uneducated people believe in God.”

You could respond: “Do you really accept that stereotype? I don’t. In fact, in a survey in which more than 1,600 science professors from various elite universities took part, a third did not claim to be atheist or agnostic. * Would you call those professors unintelligent just because they believe in God?”

If someone says: “If God exists, why is there so much suffering in the world?”

You could respond: “Perhaps what you mean is that you don’t understand how God acts—or in this case, doesn’t seem to act. Is that right? [Allow for response.] I’ve found a satisfying answer to the question about why there is so much suffering. But understanding it takes an examination of several Bible teachings. Would you be interested in learning more?”

  LEARN MORE AT www.jw.org  see the book Young People Ask

DO MANNERS REALLY MATTER?

People don’t open the door for me; why should I do it for them?’

‘Aren’t there more important things to worry about than saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”?’

‘I don’t need to show manners to my siblings. We’re family.’

Do any of those statements sound like something you would say? If so, you could be missing out on the benefits of showing good manners!

·          What you should know about manners

·          How to improve

·          What your peers say

 What you should know about manners

Good manners can improve the following three areas of your life:

1.   Your reputation. How you treat people makes an impression, for good or for bad. If you are mannerly, people will likely view you as mature and responsible—and they’ll treat you accordingly! If you are rude, however, people will conclude that you are interested only in yourself, and you could end up being bypassed for employment and other opportunities. As the Bible says, “the cruel person brings disgrace on himself.”—Proverbs 11:17; footnote.

2.   Your social life. The Bible says: “Clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” (Colossians 3:14) That is certainly true when it comes to friendship. People are drawn to those who are mannerly and who treat them well. After all, who would want to be in the company of someone who is rude or obnoxious?

3.   The way people treat you. “If you are always polite,” says a young woman named Jennifer, “over time, you may see improvement in the way even the most consistently rude people respond to you.” Of course, if you are rude, you may get the opposite response. The Bible says: “With the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you.”—Matthew 7:2.

The bottom line: Social interaction is a part of daily life. How you handle it can affect how people view you and treat you. Put simply, your manners really matter!

 How to improve

1.   Take a ‘manners inventory.’ Ask yourself such questions as: ‘Do I address adults respectfully? How often do I say “please,” “thank you,” or “excuse me”? Am I distracted when talking with others—perhaps even reading and responding to text messages? Do I treat my parents and siblings with respect, or do I take liberties just because “they’re family”?’

The Bible says: “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.”—Romans 12:10.

2.   Set goals. Write down three areas in which you could improve. For example, 15-year-old Allison says that she needs “to be a good listener rather than a good talker.” David, 19, says he needs to work on not texting while with family or friends. “It’s disrespectful,” he says. “I’m basically telling them that I would rather talk to someone else than talk to them.” Edward, 17, says that he needs to stop interrupting others as they speak. And Jennifer, quoted earlier, has resolved to work on her manners with elderly ones. “I used to say a quick ‘hello’ and then find a reason to move on to my young friends,” she says. “But now I’ve really made an effort to get to know them. It has helped me to improve my manners a lot!”

The Bible says: “Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:4.

3.   Monitor your progress. For a month, track your speech or conduct in the areas in which you want to improve. At the end of the month, ask yourself: ‘How has my being mannerly made me a better person? In what areas do I still need to improve?’ Set new goals accordingly.

The Bible says: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.”—Luke 6:31.

Did you know? What is considered mannerly in one land could be considered rude in another. For example, in Japan it is customary for people to remove their shoes before entering a home. In other lands, that gesture might be considered impolite. What manners are expected where you live?

WHAT YOUR PEERS SAY

 

Selena

 “When you show good manners, that’s usually the first thing people notice—and appreciate. You’ll also feel good about yourself because you know that you are doing the right thing.”

 

Megan

“If you’re unmannerly, people won’t take you seriously. But if you act considerately, people will treat you with the same respect that you show to them.”

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WHAT DO NUMBERS MEAN IN THE BIBLE? IS NUMEROLOGY BIBLICAL?

The Bible’s answer

Numbers in the Bible can often be taken literally, but they are sometimes used as symbols. The context usually indicates whether a particular number is used as a symbol. Consider these examples of the symbolic meaning of numbers in the Bible:

·         1 Unity. For instance, Jesus prayed to God that his followers “may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you.”—John 17:21; Matthew 19:6.

·         2 In a legal setting, two witnesses verify the truth of a matter. (Deuteronomy 17:6) Similarly, the repetition of a vision or a statement confirms the matter as sure and true. For example, when Joseph interpreted a dream given to Pharaoh of Egypt, he said: “The fact that the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice means that the thing is firmly established on the part of the true God.” (Genesis 41:32) In prophecy, “two horns” can represent dual rulership, as the prophet Daniel was told regarding the Medo-Persian Empire.—Daniel 8:20, 21; Revelation 13:11.

·         3 Just as three witnesses would firmly prove a matter to be true, a threefold repetition seems to establish it firmly or emphasize it.—Ezekiel 21:27; Acts 10:9-16; Revelation 4:8; 8:13.

·         4 This can represent completeness in form or function, as in the expression “the four corners of the earth.”—Revelation 7:1; 21:16; Isaiah 11:12.

·         6 Being one less than seven, which often represents completeness, six can stand for something incomplete or imperfect or something associated with God’s enemies.—1 Chronicles 20:6; Daniel 3:1; Revelation 13:18.

·         7 This number is often used to represent the idea of completeness. For instance, the Israelites were commanded by God to march around Jericho on seven successive days and to march around seven times on the seventh day. (Joshua 6:15) The Bible contains many similar examples of such a use of the number seven. (Leviticus 4:6; 25:8; 26:18; Psalm 119:164; Revelation 1:20; 13:1; 17:10) When Jesus told Peter that he should forgive his brother “not, Up to seven times, but, Up to seventy-seven times,” the repetition of “seven” conveyed the thought of “without limit.”—Matthew 18:21, 22.

·         10 This number can stand for the entirety or aggregate of something.—Exodus 34:28; Luke 19:13; Revelation 2:10.

·         12 This number seems to represent a complete, divine arrangement. For example, the vision of heaven given to the apostle John included a city with “twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles.” (Revelation 21:14; Genesis 49:28) Multiples of 12 can have a similar meaning.—Revelation 4:4; 7:4-8.

·         40 Several judgment or punishment periods were linked with the number 40.—Genesis 7:4; Ezekiel 29:11, 12.

Numerology and gematria

These symbolic meanings of numbers in the Bible are different from numerology, which involves looking for an occult meaning in numbers, their combinations, and numerical totals. For example, Jewish Cabalists have analyzed the Hebrew Scriptures using a technique called gematria, which looks for a hidden code in the numerical equivalents of letters. Numerology is a form of divination, which God condemns.—Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

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YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

Annual Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Each year, Jehovah’s Witnesses meet together in large groups at three-day conventions. Learn more about these annual events.

Find a Location Near You at www.jw.org

Keep Seeking First God’s Kingdom!

We warmly invite you to attend this year’s three-day convention presented by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

HIGHLIGHTS

 The comforting Bible discourse entitled “Earth’s New Ruler—Who Really Qualifies?” will be presented on Sunday morning.

Two theatrical productions will bring a Bible story and a modern-day drama to life.

Many conventions will host international delegates and missionaries from around the globe.

WHO MAY ATTEND?

Everyone. You won’t be charged admission, and no collection will be taken.

See a complete program schedule, and watch a video about our conventions AT WWW.JW.ORG

WHAT IS GOD'S KINGDOM?

1. What is God’s Kingdom?

The Kingdom of God is a heavenly government. It will replace all other governments and will cause God’s will to be done in heaven and on earth. The news about God’s Kingdom is good. Soon God’s Kingdom will satisfy man’s need for good government. It will unite everyone living on earth.—Read Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:14.

A kingdom must have a king. Jehovah appointed his Son, Jesus Christ, to be King of His Kingdom.—Read Revelation 11:15.

2. Why is Jesus the ideal King?

God’s Son is the ideal King because he is kind and he is firm for what is right. (John 1:14) Also, he is powerful enough to help people because he will rule over the earth from heaven. After he was resurrected, he ascended to heaven and sat down to wait at Jehovah’s right hand. (Hebrews 10:12, 13) Finally, God gave him power to begin ruling.—Read Daniel 7:13, 14.

3. Who will rule with Jesus?

A group called “the holy ones” will rule with Jesus in heaven. (Daniel 7:27) The first holy ones chosen were Jesus’ faithful apostles. Jehovah has continued to select faithful men and women as holy ones until now. Like Jesus, they are resurrected with a spiritual body.—Read John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.

 How many people go to heaven? Jesus called them a “little flock.” (Luke 12:32) They will finally number 144,000. They will rule over the earth with Jesus.—Read Revelation 14:1.

4. What happened when Jesus began ruling?

God’s Kingdom began ruling in 1914. * Jesus’ first action as King was to throw Satan and his demons down to the earth. Satan became furious and began causing trouble throughout the earth. (Revelation 12:7-10, 12) Since then, mankind’s woes have severely increased. Wars, famines, epidemics, and earthquakes are all part of a “sign” that the Kingdom will soon take full charge of earth’s affairs.—Read Luke 21:7, 10, 11, 31.

5. What does God’s Kingdom accomplish?

By means of a global preaching work, God’s Kingdom is already uniting a great crowd of people from all nations. Millions of meek people are becoming subjects of Jesus. God’s Kingdom will protect them when it destroys the present wicked system of things on earth. So all who want to benefit from God’s Kingdom should learn to be obedient subjects of Jesus.—Read Revelation 7:9, 14, 16, 17.

 During a period of 1,000 years, the Kingdom will accomplish God’s original purpose for mankind. The earth will become a global paradise. Finally, Jesus will hand the Kingdom back to his Father. (1 Corinthians 15:24-26) Do you know someone whom you would like to tell about God’s Kingdom?—Read Psalm 37:10, 11, 29.

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HOW DO YOU VIEW THE FUTURE?

Will our world . . .                                                  

·         stay the same?

·         get worse?

·         get better?

 WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

“God . . . will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:3, 4, New World Translation.

WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU

Meaningful and satisfying work.—Isaiah 65:21-23.

No more sickness or suffering of any kind.—Isaiah 25:8; 33:24.

A happy, unending life with family and friends.—Psalm 37:11, 29.

CAN WE REALLY BELIEVE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS?

Yes, for at least two reasons:

·         God has the ability to fulfill the promise. In the Bible, Jehovah God alone is called “the Almighty,” for he has unlimited power. (Revelation 15:3) So he is fully able to keep his promise to change our world for the better. As the Bible says, “with God all things are possible.”—Matthew 19:26.

·         God has the desire to fulfill the promise. For example, Jehovah has a longing to restore life to people who have died.—Job 14:14, 15.

The Bible also shows that God’s Son, Jesus, healed the sick. Why did he do so? Because he wanted to. (Mark 1:40, 41) Jesus perfectly reflected his Father’s personality by his desire to help those in need.—John 14:9.

So we can be sure that both Jehovah and Jesus want to help us to enjoy a happy future!—Psalm 72:12-14; 145:16; 2 Peter 3:9.

TO THINK ABOUT

How will God change our world for the better?

The Bible answers that question at MATTHEW 6:9, 10 and DANIEL 2:44.

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