DAILY TEXT, Saturday, July 27, 2024, Watch yourselves (Luke 21:34).

DAILY TEXT, From today Saturday, July 27, 2024, Watch yourselves (Luke 21:34).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Saturday July 27, 2024

Watch yourselves (Luke 21:34).

What does it mean to monitor ourselves? Be attentive to all things that could damage our friendship with Jehovah and do everything possible to avoid them. In this way, we will remain in the love of God (Prov. 22:3; Jude 20, 21). The apostle Paul told Christians that they should watch themselves. For example, he wrote to the Ephesian Christians: “Be very careful not to behave like fools, but like wise men” (Eph. 5:15, 16). Satan tries by all means to destroy our spirituality. That is why the Bible advises us to understand “what the will of Jehovah is,” and thus we will be able to resist any attack (Eph. 5:17). To make good decisions, we must understand “what is the will of Jehovah.” How do we do it? Studying the Word of God and meditating on it regularly. The better we understand Jehovah’s will and the more we strive to have “the mind of Christ,” the easier it will be for us to behave “as wise,” even when there is no specific standard telling us what to do. (1 Cor. 2:14- 16). w23.02 16, 17 paras. 7-9.

What are some of the dangers we should avoid?

Some of the dangers we should avoid are flirting, excessive drinking or eating, using hurtful words, as well as watching violent entertainment or pornography (Ps. 101:3). Our adversary, the Devil, is always looking for ways to damage our friendship with Jehovah (1 Pet. 5:8). If we are not careful, he can plant seeds of envy, dishonesty, greed, hatred, pride, and resentment in our minds and hearts (Gal. 5:19-21). They may not be very strong impulses at first. But if we do not uproot them immediately, they will continue to grow until they become a poisonous and harmful plant.​—James 1:14, 15.

What is a subtle danger, and why should we avoid it?

Let's think about a more subtle danger: bad company. Let's imagine that we have a co-worker who is not a Witness. Because we want you to think highly of Jehovah's Witnesses, we are friendly and helpful. We may start eating with that person from time to time, but then it becomes a habit. Sometimes our partner talks about immoral topics. At first he makes us uncomfortable and we don't play along. But over time we are so used to it that it doesn't even bother us anymore. Then one day he invites us out for drinks after work, and we say yes. In the end, his way of thinking ends up rubbing off on us. How long will it take before we start behaving like him? It is true that Christians are kind and respectful to everyone. But let's not forget that the people we hang out with will greatly influence us (1 Cor. 15:33). If we do what Jesus said and watch ourselves, we will not spend more time than necessary with those who do not respect Jehovah's standards.​—2 Cor. 6:15. We will see the danger and avoid it.

What did Jesus' disciples have to do until the system was concluded?

Would Jesus' disciples sit idly by until the system was concluded? No, because Jesus gave them a task. He commanded them to preach the good news “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8). The mission before them was enormous. But if they dedicated themselves completely to it, they would make the best use of their time.

Why should we make the best use of time? (Colossians 4:5).

(Read Colossians 4:5). To monitor ourselves, we must analyze how we use time. As Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, “some unforeseen event” can happen to all of us. We could even lose our lives unexpectedly.

What is the best way to spend our time? (Hebrews 6:11, 12; see also image).

The best way to spend our time is by doing Jehovah's will and strengthening our relationship with him. (John 14:21) We must follow this advice from the Bible: “Stay firm, immovable, and always be very busy in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). Thus, when the end comes—whether of our lives or of this evil system—we will not lament that we could have done more for Jehovah.—Matt. 24:13; Rom. 14:8.

As promised, Jesus continues to guide his disciples today in preaching the message of the Kingdom throughout the Earth. Through Jehovah’s organization, Jesus enables us to preach the good news and gives us the tools necessary to do so. (Matt. 28:18-20) Our job is to preach and teach diligently and remain vigilant as we wait for Jehovah to put an end to this system. We will be able to hold on to our hope “to the end” if we follow the advice of Hebrews 6:11, 12 (read it).

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