Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025
Thursday January 23, 2025
I will fulfill the vows I made to Jehovah (Ps. 116:14).
The main reason you will dedicate yourself to Jehovah is because you love him. This love is not just a passing emotion, but has grown little by little as you have learned about Jehovah and gained “accurate knowledge” and “spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9). By studying the scriptures, you have become convinced that 1) Jehovah is real, 2) he inspired the Bible with his spirit, and 3) he has an organization and uses it to accomplish his will. If someone is to dedicate himself to Jehovah, he is expected to already know the basic teachings of the Bible, to be obeying God's standards, and to be talking to others about his beliefs as his circumstances allow. (Matt. 28:19, 20). Furthermore, he has an intense love for Jehovah, and wholeheartedly desires to worship him alone. Can that be said about you? w24.03 4, 5 paras. 6-8.
What is expected of someone who is going to dedicate themselves to Jehovah?
If someone is to dedicate himself to Jehovah, he is expected to already know the basic teachings of the Bible, to be obeying God's standards, and to be talking to others about his beliefs as his circumstances allow. (Matt. 28:19, 20). Furthermore, he has an intense love for Jehovah, and wholeheartedly desires to worship him alone. Can that be said about you? If you love Jehovah with all your strength, you will not think about dedicating yourself and getting baptized just to please the person who gives you Bible classes. And, if you are young, you will not take this step just because you want to please your parents or because your friends are also getting baptized.
What is the relationship between gratitude and dedication? (Psalm 116:12-14).
When you think about all that Jehovah has done for you, gratitude will naturally prompt you to dedicate your life to Him. (Read Psalm 116:12-14.) The Bible says that “every good gift and every perfect gift” comes from Jehovah (James 1:17). The most special gift he has given us is the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus. Thanks to this wonderful gift, you have the possibility to be a friend of God and to live forever (1 John 4:9, 10, 19). One way to thank Him for His immense love and all He has done for you is to dedicate your life to Him (Deut. 16:17; 2 Cor. 5:15). This is talked about in the book Enjoy Life, in lesson 46, point 4, where there is also a three-minute video titled What we can give to God.
Why should no one feel pressured to dedicate themselves to Jehovah?
You may feel that you are not ready to dedicate yourself and be baptized. Perhaps you need to make more changes in your life to obey Jehovah, or you need more time to strengthen your faith. (Col. 2:6, 7) Remember that not all students progress at the same rate. And not all young people mature spiritually at the same age. So look at your own situation and circumstances realistically, and don't compare yourself to others (Gal. 6:4, 5).
What can you do if you see that you are not ready to dedicate yourself and be baptized? (See also the box “If your parents are Witnesses.”)
If you see that you are not yet ready to dedicate your life to Jehovah, continue striving toward that goal. Ask Jehovah to help you make the changes you need. (Philipp. 2:13; 3:16) You can be sure that he will hear your prayers and answer them (1 John 5:14).
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