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Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Monday November 21
Don't say: "Why were times in the past better than now?" (Eccl. 7:10).
Why isn't it wise to constantly think that our life was better before? Because nostalgia can make us remember only the good. Think of the ancient Israelites: as soon as they left Egypt they forgot how hard their life had been and only remembered the rich foods they enjoyed there. They said: “How we miss the fish we ate for free in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the watermelons, the leeks, the onions and the garlic!” (Num. 11:5). But was it true that what they ate cost them nothing? No. In reality, they paid a high price, for in Egypt they were subjected to cruel slavery (Ex. 1:13, 14; 3:6-9). But in no time they forgot their problems and began to long for the past. Instead of concentrating on all that Jehovah had just done for them, they decided to focus all their attention on the old days. This greatly displeased Jehovah (Num. 11:10). w20.11 25 pars. 5, 6.
Why isn't it wise to constantly think that our life was better before? Give an example.
Why isn't it wise to constantly think that our life was better before? Because nostalgia can make us remember only the good or downplay the problems we had at that time. Think of the ancient Israelites: as soon as they left Egypt they forgot how hard their life had been and only remembered the rich foods they enjoyed there. They said: “How we miss the fish we ate for free in Egypt, and the cucumbers, the watermelons, the leeks, the onions and the garlic!” (Num. 11:5). But was it true that what they ate cost them nothing? No. In reality, they paid a high price, for in Egypt they were subjected to cruel slavery (Ex. 1:13, 14; 3:6-9). But in no time they forgot their problems and began to long for the past. Instead of concentrating on all that Jehovah had just done for them, they decided to focus all their attention on the old days. This greatly displeased Jehovah (Num. 11:10).
What helped a sister not to fall into nostalgia?
What will help us not to fall into nostalgia? Consider the case of a sister who began serving at Brooklyn Bethel in 1945. A few years later, she married another Bethelite and they served there together for several decades. In 1976, he fell ill. When he realized that he was going to pass away soon, he gave his wife some good advice for when she became a widow. He told her: “We have had a happy marriage. A lot of people don't know what that is." And he added: “Even if the memories linger, don't live in the past. Time will help you get over the pain. Don't be bitter or feel sorry for yourself. Be thankful for the joys and blessings you have had. […] Memories are a gift from God.” What wise tips!
What blessings did this sister receive for not living in the past ?
The sister heeded the advice. She faithfully served Jehovah until he passed away at the age of 92. A few years earlier, she recounted: “When I reflect on my more than 63 years in full-time service to Jehovah, I can honestly say that I have led a fulfilling life.” Why? She explained: “What fills me most is our wonderful brotherhood and the hope of living with our brothers and sisters on a paradise earth, serving our Grand Creator, the only true God, Jehovah, for all eternity.”c What a fine example of someone who always looked to the future!
As Leviticus 19:18 indicates, when might it be especially difficult to overcome resentment?
(Read Leviticus 19:18). It is often difficult for us to forgive when the person who offended us is a brother, a good friend or a relative. On one occasion, a Christian woman wrongly accused another sister of stealing money from her. She later apologized, but the sister who had been accused couldn't stop thinking about what happened. We may not have seen ourselves in a situation like this, but surely most of us have felt that we could not overcome resentment.
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