With the stark specter of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and worldwide famine, with the increasing amount of crime and violence of all descriptions -- with the stepped up tempo of terrorism and racial conflict, the skyrocketing incidence of pornography and FILTH, and the breakdown of respect for all law and constituted authority -- it should be obvious that this world badly needs straightening out!

But how? And by WHOM?

Men have been experimenting and theorizing with solutions to world problems for about six thousand years of recorded Adamic history. And the war-torn, hate-filled, divided, starving world you see around you and read about is -- to a large extent -- the RESULT of man’s endeavors. Man’s endeavors, that is, apart from YEHOVAH GOD!

The greatest Prophet who ever lived described our day: “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37). In the Genesis account of those days before the flood, we read: “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with VIOLENCE” (Genesis 6:11).

Yes, just like today!

What is YEHOVAH GOD’S Solution?

If you have been reading our articles very long, you have learned that the destiny of the Adamic man -- as purposed by his Creator -- is to join the God Family in ruling this world and later, the entire UNIVERSE!

Yeshua the Messiah promised: “And he [of Israel] that OVERCOMETH and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall RULE them with a rod of iron..." (Revelation 2:26-27).

Again, he said: “TO him [of Israel] that OVERCOMETH will I grant to sit with me in my throne...” (Revelation 3:21). Sharing his throne, of course, would denote sharing in the ruling.

The man or woman of Israel who overcomes, then, who yields to YEHOVAH God and MASTERS the temptations and pulls of the flesh -- this person will be given the tremendous opportunity of RULING the nations of this earth under the personal direction of YEHOVAH God and the Messiah!

Although few professing Christians today seem to realize it, your Bible is literally saturated with this message! This IS the TRUE GOSPEL -- the good news of the coming world-ruling government of YEHOVAH God and Yeshua the Messiah AND HIS SPIRIT-BORN SAINTS OF ISRAEL! The Apostle Paul told his Israelite brethren at Corinth: “DO ye not know that the saints [of Israel] shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" (I Corinthians 6:2-3).

In Revelation 5:10, the true saints of Israel are pictured as rejoicing that the Messiah has redeemed them, “And hast made us [of Israel] unto our God kings and priests: and WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH.”

The Prophet Daniel described the coming rule of YEHOVAH God and the Messiah and the saints of Israel on earth AFTER the enemies of YEHOVAH God are crushed: “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Daniel 7:27).

Goal of the True Christian-Israelite

According to the Bible, then, what is the real GOAL of the Christian Israelite?

It is, through the acceptance of Yeshua the Messiah as personal Savior, to be forgiven his past sins -- his REBELLION against the government and laws of YEHOVAH God. “For sin IS the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). Next, through the power of the holy spirit given through the Messiah, he strives to GROW spiritually, to be an OVERCOMER -- mastering his vain, lustful, lawless human nature and yielding to let YEHOVAH God make him FIT to be a KING.

Remember, rulership with YEHOVAH God and the Messiah is given only “to him [of Israel] that OVERCOMETH” (Revelation 3:21).

YEHOVAH’s way has always been to choose the most capable men for the job among those of Israel who are surrendered to His rule. In choosing rulers and judges over Israel, Moses was instructed: “Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people [of Israel] ABLE men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens” (Exodus 18:21).

The GOAL of the true Christian Israelite is NOT to “roll around heaven all day”! It is not to strum idly on a harp -- watching the fleecy clouds go by! It is to RULE with YEHOVAH God and the Messiah on THIS EARTH -- making it a beautiful, happy, productive and peaceful place for the millions of our children and grandchildren who will live over into the World Tomorrow!

Every thinking person should begin getting ready to attain THAT GOAL! We of Israel should ask our Creator to help make us FIT to join the saints in ruling this world under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah. YEHOVAH God has set His true ministers to help His people Israel attain the GOAL. They are to teach and inspire YEHOVAH‘s people Israel to GROW SPIRITUALLY more like the Messiah in every way, “Until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a PERFECT man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

But HOW do we of Israel become like our elder brother, the Messiah? Where do we BEGIN? Are there definite AREAS of life we should concentrate on improving?

Certainly! There are at least SEVEN AREAS of life which need special development if you are to be qualified for RULERSHIP under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah.

Study them. Develop them.

PREPARE now, to be a King under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah and straighten out this world‘s mess YEHOVAH’S way!

I. Develop the MIND of a King

II. Glorify YEHOVAH God in Your Body

The human body is called, in the Bible, the “temple” of YEHOVAH’s spirit (I Corinthians 6:19).

We are made in the outward form and shape of YEHOVAH God -- though He is composed of spirit and we are composed of rotting, decaying corruptible flesh. But the responsibility of caring for this physical body -- preserving it intact, keeping it in well-conditioned, vibrant, vigorous health, keeping it graceful and lithe, keeping it physically clean and morally pure -- this responsibility is a VITAL part of the basic character training required by Almighty God for all potential Kings in His soon-coming kingdom!

We moderns have been entirely too lax and lazy in caring for our bodies. Millions even in our Western world are soon going to have that lesson BURNED into their hearts and minds as the epidemic of heart attacks, cancer and other “modern” diseases brought on by our way of living takes its toll.

Did you realize that more than thirty million Americans are yearly spending time in a hospital -- more than 82,000 on any one day? Did you know that nearly half of all Americans, about 160 million people, suffer with at least one chronic disease or disability? And the shocking truth is that seven out of ten persons over forty-five are afflicted with at least one chronic condition. A fantastic seventy million Americans have some stage of coronary artery disease -- thus making them candidates for heart attacks. In the U.S., heart disease now kills more than 910,000 people annually.

In Britain, heart disease is now the biggest killer, causing one out of every three deaths. Forty years ago, the rate was only one in eight. Now it kills more than 193,000 Britons annually.

Where do you fit in ?

Are you bubbling over with health, energy and enthusiasm? Are you free from all aches, pains and sickness? Do you enjoy the kind of vigorous, dynamic health that makes it seem good to be alive?

Or are you among the millions who are just half-well?

Make no mistake.

Israelite Christians are called to be a “light” -- an example to others. They are called to help and serve others. And they are called to be LEADERS -- preparing to rule with and under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah in the World Tomorrow. But they simply cannot do this effectively if they are sick most of the time.

There Is a CAUSE for Sickness

People do not just happen to get sick. There is a CAUSE for every effect. And there is a definite cause for all sickness, disease and physical suffering which is so common in this modern world.

YEHOVAH God does not intend for us to be sick. In III John, verses 1 and 2, YEHOVAH inspired John to write to an elder in the Church. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health...” We know that YEHOVAH God inspired all Scripture for our instruction (II Timothy 3:16), and so this scripture applies to all who would obey their Creator. YEHOVAH God wishes those of us of Israel to be in health! That is His will.

Why, then, are so many sick today?

In a nutshell it is because there are physical laws that regulate our bodies. If you break these laws or if they are accidentally broken, it is a transgression of law (I John 3:4) -- and it automatically exacts a penalty. The penalty is pain, sickness -- or possibly even death.

Through breaking physical laws, Britons and Americans are becoming the most overfed and undernourished peoples in history. A report from the United States Department of Agriculture showed that one American household in every five eats a nutritionally “poor” combination of foods by the department’s standards.

Surprisingly, families in the upper income groups, as well as in the lowest, were found in the nutritionally “poor” diet category.

The downturn in nutritional value was attributed largely to a national turn away from milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables. While Americans have been eating less of these foods, they have been eating more fried foods, more ready-made baked goods and drinking far more soft drinks.

A similar report from Britain reveals that 48 percent of British families -- about twenty-nine million people -- have an average intake of nutrients which is below the level recommended by the British Medical Association.

People NEED Exercise

From Australia, health expert Dr. John Bloomfield reported: “If I picked out any one hundred people in Sydney, I doubt if any could be called fit by European standards.” He said that Australians had not worked their bodies for thirty years, when they began coming to the cities to live, and deluded themselves that they were a physically fit nation and tempted heart disease and hardening of the arteries by playing a strenuous sport only once a week.

Back to the U.S., famed nutritionist Jean Mayer said that soft living has left the American male in “absolutely miserable” physical shape. He cited the “shocking” mortality rate from heart disease and laid most of the blame on too little exercise.

In addition to indicting physical inactivity, Mayer says the other leading causes of heart disease are a high-fat diet, too much weight, cigarette smoking, excessive coffee intake and too little sleep.

Based on thirty years’ experience in treatment of pulmonary diseases, Dr. Lincoln Stanley, past coordinator of the Veterans Administration Central Office, estimated that up to 50 percent of the adult male population of the United States is afflicted by some degree of emphysema.

A recent report stated that, despite an outlay of two billion dollars for research in the past thirty years, the number of Americans who died of cancer rose 25 percent in that time. It is reported that 562,000 Americans died of cancer in 2009. Almost 1,500,000 new cases were reported in the same year -- another all-time high. One time director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Kenneth M. Endicott, said “Seventy to eighty percent of cases of lung cancer could be eliminated if people stopped smoking.”

Can we begin to understand that the kind of food we eat, beverages we drink and air we breathe has a GREAT deal to do with our physical health? Can we realize that poor food, bad air, poor sleep and lack of exercise are causing a tremendous amount of the physical impairment that is affecting most of the English-speaking world today?

The CAUSE of sickness is the breaking of physical laws set in motion to govern the operation of our human bodies. These laws are just as real as the law of gravity, and the penalty for breaking them is just as sure.

YEHOVAH God’s Way

YEHOVAH God has been interested in the physical health of His people Israel from the beginning. The Old Testament is full of directions and laws concerned with maintaining health.

An honest and careful study of the New Testament will show that in apostolic times true Christianity was a definite WAY OF LIFE (Acts 18:26; 19:23) -- including an understanding and practice of basic health principles. The apostle Paul commanded the Israelite Christians at Corinth: “Glorify God in your body” (I Corinthians 6:20). He said that we of Israel are “bought with a price” -- our bodies belong to YEHOVAH God. We should therefore glorify YEHOVAH in our physical bodies by using them as He intended, and by obeying the physical laws He has set in motion.

Using the health principles revealed in YEHOVAH’s Word as a guide, and utilizing the results of man’s observation and research into the subject, we can learn the definite laws which govern our physical health. By really understanding and obeying these laws, we can build the kind of radiant health which will enable us to live the kind of full, active, and joyful lives that YEHOVAH God intended.

There is no excuse for feeling and being only half alive. The mounting rate of sickness, suffering and death clearly shows that this world has lost the way to health -- the way to live. We need to learn how to really LIVE.

What, then, are the physical laws which affect our bodies -- our lives -- so much?

We are what we eat. The body is formed entirely from the food we eat. Yet the average person has very little knowledge of what he really ought to eat to build a strong, vigorous body.

Many of the products commonly called foods are of little or no value in sustaining, nourishing or building the body. In fact, it has been proven by tests that they do actual harm to the body. They clog the digestive system, aggravate it and become a real burden for the body to eliminate. In many cases, they act as poisons -- not foods!

The basic thing to remember in selecting foods is to be sure you eat natural foods which have not been corrupted or perverted in man-made “food” factories, and that you learn to have a balanced diet containing all the elements your body requires to sustain and build health.

Take care that your food is properly prepared so as not to destroy the bodybuilding elements. Avoid the starchy, greasy, sugary, and spiced-up concoctions which may taste good at the moment, but which contain little nutritional value and will, in time, wreck your stomach.

It is beyond the scope of this article to give you specific dietetic instruction, but remember the principle that your foods should be natural foods -- as the Creator caused them to grow or be formed in nature. These will include genuine whole grain breads (without poisonous preservatives added) and whole grain cereals, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables -- or vegetables cooked at low temperatures so as to preserve their nutritional value, lean meats cooked without grease or fat, and dairy products.

Few people fully realize the detriment caused by such “refined” or “improved” products as white bread, when these are substituted in place of the natural products that were intended as food.

Man’s effort to improve upon the creation has FAILED. The more you intelligently study the food question, the more you will realize this. So eat a balanced diet of the natural foods that have not been perverted by the hand of man. And learn to prepare all foods so as not to destroy their nutritional value.

Under the heading of diet, we should also consider the health value of water. Drinking water -- and plenty of it -- is one of the greatest aids to eliminating body poisons and keeping the entire system clean. It is an aid in preventing or overcoming constipation -- that source of so many bodily ills. So drink water daily -- preferably between meals, but never use it to wash food down. The total intake of all fluids -- milk, soup, fruit juices, water -- is generally a recommended six to eight glasses daily, or more for those who work in the sun.

Greatly restricting one’s diet is known as fasting. An animal, when sick, will frequently refuse to eat. It loses all appetite. Governed by its instincts, it fasts until it is well -- a sure cure provided by nature.

But what about humans?

Doctors and dieticians agree that we humans are in the habit of eating far more food than our bodies require. If food is eaten in excess of bodily needs, it is bound to produce a clogging up of the vital processes; for if it is not needed, it is invariably harmful and becomes productive of causes which lead to sickness and disease.

A great number of sicknesses are caused by the presence of poison in the bloodstream. Greatly restricting one’s diet enables the body to cleanse itself of the accumulation of the products of an imperfect diet. As food intake is retarded, elimination proceeds rapidly and the body is truly “house-cleaning” itself.

For many, many common sicknesses such as colds, headaches, fevers, and stomach distress, such a procedure is often effective.

It has been said that “cleanliness is next to Godliness,” and, while this saying didn’t come directly from the Bible, the principle is certainly correct.

In order to teach ancient Israel the habit of cleanliness, YEHOVAH God, through Moses, instituted many regulations commanding the people to bathe or wash their clothes after coming in contact with likely disease carriers. We should certainly keep our physical bodies clean.

Regular care of the skin, hair, nails, and teeth and freedom from perspiration odor are essential to cleanliness and contribute to health. Waste products are eliminated through the pores of the skin, and regular bathing is always important.

Keeping your person, your clothes, and your living quarters clean will not only aid in promoting vigorous health, but will tend to keep your thoughts on a higher level of productivity and accomplishment.

Untold physical impairments are caused by the wearing of tight, ill-fitting, or unsuitable clothing. Clothing should afford proper protection from the weather, and should be loose-fitting and comfortable. The wearing of extremely tight girdles or corsets by women often results in the cramping of vital organs, and the weakening of muscles and tissues in the abdominal and pelvic areas -- often causing physical distress in later life -- and sometimes resulting in the inability to have children normally. It just doesn’t pay.

Also, shoes that throw the whole body out of line often cause harm not only to the feet, but to the entire body. Another common fault among women is wearing unnecessarily tight-fitting shoes, which cause bunions, corns and ingrown nails.

Occasionally exposing a portion of the body to the sun’s rays is beneficial. The sun’s rays which provide the greatest benefit to health are the ultraviolet rays. These rays activate the body’s natural sterols to produce the needed calciferol and related coenzymes which aid in the utilization of phosphorus and calcium.

Try to spend as much time out of doors in the open air and sunshine as you can. Remember that there is danger in sunlight if the body is exposed too long before it is conditioned to the sun. So, in acquiring a tan, you should proceed cautiously.

At every opportunity, step outside and take a deep breath of pure, fresh air. After all, breath is the stuff life itself is made of.

We breathe to get oxygen into our systems, for without oxygen we would quickly die. Every vital process in the body depends on oxygen for its performance. The more you breathe pure, fresh air, the more pep you will have, the brighter will be your color, the more alert you will be, and the better posture you will have.

Most of us take in enough air to sustain life, but not enough to live it vigorously.

In this day of push-button gadgets and automobiles, millions of people are only half the physical specimens they ought to be -- because of a lack of exercise. Notice a crowd of people some time. Observe the various sizes and shapes -- the fat people, the overfed businessmen, and then others who have no more meat on their bones than a scarecrow.

Am I talking about a need for huge, bulging muscles ? No, not necessarily at all.

But nearly everyone today does need an intelligently planned program of exercise. Exercise stimulates deep breathing and increases blood circulation. It aids in the expelling of poisons from the system, and tends to produce “normalcy” in all bodily functions.

While work leaves one tired and sometimes enervated, proper exercise is of remarkable assistance in building up energy. The body is often recharged after systematic calisthenics, and this form of exercise can include all of the muscle groups of the body -- whereas regular work or games often neglect many of these, while overtaxing others.

Especially for young people, games and sports naturally afford an enjoyable opportunity to get needed exercise. But these should be supplemented with calisthenics or some form of exercise at home as one grows past that stage in life and tends to neglect physical exercise. Remember that exercise ought to be a regular thing.

Walking and hiking are excellent forms of exercise for people of all ages and occupations. But vigorous young people should supplement even these with some form of activity which directly utilizes the arms, shoulders, and torso.

Medical and physical education authorities now realize more than ever the importance of running, swimming, cycling, brisk walking and other similar forms of exercise which condition the heart, lungs and blood vessels of the body. Before doing anything violent, it is important, of course, to be sure your heart will take it and be under the guidance of a reputable physical trainer or physician. But most “non-walking” people in our Western world -- clear up into their forties and fifties -- would benefit immeasurably by a controlled program of cycling, swimming or especially jogging in proper balance.

This type of “conditioning” is not something new at all. It has always been the basis -- or at least part of the basis -- of the training and conditioning program for most sports. Football, basketball, baseball and track coaches have always had their players “take their laps.” Boxers have always done their “roadwork.” Swimmers also “take their laps.”

It has now been scientifically and medically demonstrated that this type of training increases the efficiency of the heart, the lungs and the number and size of the blood vessels that carry the blood to the body tissues, saturating the tissue throughout the body with energy producing oxygen.

The training effect from this type of exercise will tend to relax the individual, help banish many of his tensions and emotional traumas. It will enable him to tolerate the stress of daily living better. It will even help him sleep better, and get more work done, with less fatigue. And it will definitely help prevent heart disease.

Few of us in this degenerate age are inclined to get too much exercise. Yet we do need a proper amount to build the kind of abundant, radiant health we should all enjoy. Building a strong, supple, graceful body does require effort. But it is eminently worthwhile -- especially in this day when we are inclined to let machines do everything while our own bodies stagnate.

Many people, especially students, are inclined to delude themselves with the idea they can drive themselves on in work or play, then “catch up on sleep” later on -- and be none the worse for it. Nothing will take the place of regular sleep and rest in its recuperative effects on the human body.

Man can go much longer without food than he can without sleep. Sleep becomes unbelievably necessary after long periods of sleeplessness.

Sufficient, regular sleep for most adults ranges from seven to nine hours each night. This is definitely not wasted time. It will enable one to be fully alive during his work and play, and to live a longer and fuller life in the end. However, too much sleep is not a benefit. Rather, it is depressing and causes sluggishness and a state of lethargy. We are warned in Proverbs against oversleeping and laziness (Proverbs 24:33, 34).

In addition to regular sleep, many physical education and health authorities recommend one or more short periods of rest throughout the day to recharge our worn nerve batteries.

When the Creator said, “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work,” He was giving a law of health -- as well as a spiritual principle -- which will never grow old. Both physically and mentally, we need to rest every seventh day -- and so YEHOVAH God gave the Sabbath rest as a great blessing.

Thousands of years ago, YEHOVAH knew and enunciated what many men still haven’t found out -- that in depriving yourself of sufficient sleep and rest, you will accomplish not more, but less in the end.

Over 31 million Americans were victims of accidental injuries in 2009. That is about one out of every 10 people. Think of the billions of dollars lost in doctor and hospital bills, and of the countless work hours which were forfeited.

This is entirely unnecessary!

We have become a nation of reckless, careless people who defile and destroy our bodies not only with perverted foods, drinks, cigarettes and the like -- but by carelessly injuring them.

There is abundant information available regarding the prevention of accidents. The main thing is that you realize how seriously you should take this problem -- and resolve to quit taking physical risks in your work or play. One such careless moment can easily undo and wreck the physical wellbeing you may have nourished for years.

7) Build a POSITIVE Mental Attitude

One of the least-understood factors governing health is the profound effect that the mind has on the body. It is becoming increasingly recognized that a large part of the common ailments of mankind are caused -- not so much by the body -- as by the mind. Ulcers, indigestion, headaches, eyestrain, nervousness, and a host of other ailments are often found to be caused by the mind -- not the body.

Some medical authorities now believe that over 50 percent of all those seeking medical aid are sick or disturbed because of mental problems. And the startling fact is that emotionally induced illness becomes more prevalent as one goes up the ladder of human responsibility, mental alertness and capacity. Perhaps an alert mind can think of more to be worried about than an ordinary mind can!

Strife, fear, tension and anxiety all take a terrible toll in the physical impairments which they either directly cause or aggravate in our bodies. Haven’t you known families who engaged in a “free-for-all battle” during every meal? Perhaps they were ignorant of the fact that fighting, nagging, and quarreling at the table is almost certain to cause nervous indigestion and other ailments.

Few people today have the sense of contentment and genuine peace of mind upon which good health is predicated. And physical nourishment, exercise and care are not enough. For, as the writer of Proverbs stated: “Better is a dinner of herbs where LOVE is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17).

But the strife, tension, resentments and bitterness which our present competitive society fosters create the exact opposite conditions in the body and nervous system than those which would guarantee good health and mental wellbeing.

Hundreds of years before modern psychiatry “discovered” that carnal emotions help cause many of our bodily ills, the Bible condemned these emotions and provided a cure for them: “The activities of the lower nature are obvious. Here is a list: sexual immorality...hatred, quarreling, jealousy, bad temper, rivalry, factions, party-spirit, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like that....” Then: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its emotions and passions” (Galatians 5:19-24).

Someday soon, this world will again take literally the teachings of YEHOVAH God. Then all people will be happy -- for they will live by the laws of LOVE outlined in the Bible. They will base their lives on the Ten Commandments and will learn how to love YEHOVAH God, their Creator and how to love and serve their fellowman. They will quit fighting, warring, competing and hating. They will learn, instead, to give and to SERVE.

Every person has to continually work at building positive mental habits. As the Messiah said, we are to take no anxious thought for the morrow, but put FAITH in YEHOVAH God as our Creator and our Father. Do your best to overcome thoughts of hate, strife, and worry. Then, asking YEHOVAH for help, cultivate thoughts of love, faith and joy. For the One who made our minds and emotions inspired Solomon to write, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Action

You now know the seven basic laws to glorify YEHOVAH God in your body. Here they are summarized: (1) Be sure you have a balanced diet of natural foods, learn the value of drinking plenty of water, of fasting and of avoiding constipation. (2) Remember that cleanliness is vital to good health, and that suitable clothing is also necessary. (3) Derive the maximum benefit from sunshine and fresh air. (4) Plan a program of regular, sufficient exercise. And stick to it! (5) Let your body recuperate from work and play through proper sleep and rest. (6) Take care of the healthy body you are building. Don’t wreck your other efforts through carelessness. Avoid bodily injury. (7) Quit worrying, arguing, bickering. Maintain a tranquil mind -- a positive attitude.

Remember these basic health laws. Study them in detail, and, most of all, practice them! You must put them to work and LIVE by these laws! It will take some effort, but the reward of a strong, graceful, vigorously healthful body will more than repay your efforts.

Of course, if you have already broken these laws most of your life, you will not attain as great benefits as if you had started early. And in all honesty, we must realize one factor that we have nothing to do with -- our heredity, and the fact that some of us have inherited certain weaknesses which may never be fully overcome. But nearly any physical condition can be greatly improved if the right steps are taken.

So put your shoulder to the wheel! The renewed zest, enthusiasm and sense of well-being will more than repay your efforts in making the laws of radiant health a veritable way of life.

It is YEHOVAH’s will. You are commanded: “Glorify God in your body” (I Corinthians 6:20).

II. Develop the Personality of a King

The next point to develop is your personality. A friendly interest in and an outgoing concern for others is a tremendous asset to any potential leader. For a leader is one who LEADS -- not one who shouts and screams or physically forces his ideas on others.

Some fifty years ago, my boss ordered me and a partner to make a long and grueling trip back to the head office -- immediately! We were already tired and sleepy from the long and difficult road trip we had been making. But now, just when we hoped to slow down and rest a while, we were ordered to drive over a thousand miles within the next thirty-six hours.

An important meeting was to be held, and we were to be there.

All the way back, I became more conscious than ever of how tired we really were. As we groggily rolled over plain and desert, I began to feel more and more sorry for myself. Sure, he wanted us back for an important meeting -- and I should have been flattered that he did -- but all I could think about was how tired I felt, and how he had insisted that we start back “immediately.”

“Doesn’t he know how tired we are?” I muttered to myself. “Can’t he realize that an extra day or two wouldn’t make all that much difference -- besides, we’re so tired we might get in a wreck and be KILLED!” I thought.

Exhausted, sweaty and with tousled hair and two nights’ growth of beard from our long “straight-through” drive, we stalked into the building to check in and to find out when and where the meeting was to be held that afternoon. I walked a little stiffly, with set jaw and a chip on my shoulder.

They said the boss was coming, so we waited for a few minutes in the hallway. Soon we heard him coming around the corner.

The Boss Appears

“Hi, fellows!” the familiar voice boomed out with resounding warmth and enthusiasm. “BOY! It’s good to see you guys here!” He gripped my hand warmly and put another friendly hand on my shoulder. “I know you’re tired, but you look great. This meeting would just not have been the same without you fellows being here. Say, I really appreciate your driving straight through the night to get here in time! I think I’ll line up a long weekend recuperation period over at a very special resort I know about as soon as this meeting is over. It’ll all be on me. How about it?” “Oh, that’s all right, sir,” I found myself saying, “It wasn’t so bad a trip, and we’re sure glad to be back here on the job again.”

The warmth in his voice and his smile, the sincere love and concern in his eyes and manner -- it melted me like butter out under a tropical sun! “Yes, me,” I thought to myself later as I was alternately puzzled and glad at the sudden, unforeseen shift in my entire mood upon encountering the boss. For -- as a former Golden Gloves boxing champion -- I had thought I was “tough.”

What changed my attitude so violently -- so suddenly?

It was simply the force of a sincere, dynamic and powerful PERSONALITY. It was the boss’s personality. And, as I have realized more with each passing year, that personality is at least one of the important reasons why he became the “boss” over a large and growing organization!

Now, what about YOU? Do you know the “keys” or the building blocks so that you can build this kind of personality?

What Kind of LEADER Are You?

A new age is coming. And the right kind of LEADERS are going to be needed. Those who have proved the Word of YEHOVAH God -- who know that the Bible says what it means, and means what it says -- realize that Israelite Christians are now in training to be those leaders. Notice Revelation 2:26-27: “And he [of Israel] that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall RULE them with a rod of iron....”

Again: “To him [of Israel] that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). And the Messiah directly promised the twelve apostles: “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging [RULING] the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29-30).

But in the World Tomorrow, as today, you can either lead people, or you can DRIVE them. You can cause them to want to follow you, or you can MAKE them.

Which is it going to be?

When the Messiah spoke, the people were warmed and inspired. The jealous, bickering religious leaders of his day were fearful lest the whole nation begin to follow him (John 11:48). His teaching and his personality had such a profound effect on people that his disciples remarked: “Did not our heart BURN within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32.) Here are those “keys” the Messiah had -- five of them -- to help build a powerful personality -- the personality of a KING.

1) Develop an Outgoing Interest and Warmth for Others

What is the thing that strikes you most about someone who easily wins your love and respect? Chances are, it is the sincere warmth and affection he shows. It may be the light in his eyes or his smile. It will often include the pleasant, friendly sound of his voice. For people who possess a great deal of personal charm really like their fellow human beings and are genuinely interested in them.

Learning to love and enjoy others -- to GIVE of yourself to them in personal relations -- is certainly the foremost key to building a radiant personality. Yeshua the Messiah -- the greatest personality of all times -- stated this universally applicable spiritual principle: “It is more blessed to GIVE than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

If you can sincerely learn to share your warmth, your love, your plans, hopes and dreams with others -- to give kindness, encouragement and a sense of being loved and appreciated to them -- you will build bonds of friendship that will endure many a trial. And you yourself will be the one most blessed in the end.

All of us should learn to SMILE more! We should put more warmth and enthusiasm in our voices and in our handshakes. We should build a sincere feeling of empathy or “at-oneness" with our fellowmen -- having THEIR welfare and THEIR happiness at heart as much as our own.

Sincere LOVE Is the Basis

Remember that sincere LOVE is one of the rarest of commodities in this fighting, squabbling, envious, fiercely competitive world of ours. Several years ago Reader‘s Digest magazine ran a magnificent article entitled “The Awesome Power of Human Love.” It described case histories -- based on hundreds of other similar cases -- showing that only some 80 years ago the MAJORITY of infant children admitted to hospitals and children’s institutions never emerged alive! Gradually, they found that if a young child were picked up, amused and “mothered” several times a day, his chances of survival were dramatically increased.

The article concludes: “Scientists are today discovering that to live as if life and love were one is an indispensable condition -- because this is the way of life which the innate nature of man demands.”

Yes, to live is to LOVE! And -- within the guidelines expressed by the Ten Commandments -- you can never give away too much love.

The Proverbs state: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22), This inspired statement shows the powerful effect of a happy, positive frame of mind not only on one’s self, but on others as well.

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). To inspire love and loyalty in your friends and associates, GIVE of these qualities yourself in a spontaneous, wholehearted and sincere manner.

This quality of outgoing interest and warmth toward others is the BASIS for the type of personal charm and magnetism we all desire. It is, of course, based on sincere LOVE toward YEHOVAH God and fellowman -- the kind of love that cannot be mimicked or “put on.” So don’t try to. But DO exercise the faith and cheerfully express the love you do feel -- and go to Almighty God and ask Him for more!

Learn to think of love and warmth as something you GIVE, not get. For, to quote a popular song, love is more real “when you GIVE it away.”

One of the most endearing qualities in a man -- especially a leader -- is the ability to see the humorous side of things, even about himself. An American bank president many years ago had a sign hung up on the wall behind his desk proclaiming: “Don’t take yourself too seriously!"

This is excellent advice. For most men of ability are, alas, too busy building up and protecting their “image” or greatness and grandeur to maintain their childhood zest for small occasions and their ability to laugh at and enjoy many things in this temporal life -- even themselves. A number of this world’s outstanding leaders and statesmen have maintained the hearty zest and humor of younger days -- and it has even increased their stature as leaders.

Although many disagreed with his political theories, overwhelming millions of Americans were charmed and inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personality. When his rich, resonant voice came over the radio, “My fellow Americans...,” millions of his insecure countrymen were warmed and reassured. His full, vibrant laughter and engaging smile made him a popular companion even apart from his political life.

One of his close associates and a counselor of many presidents, Bernard M. Baruch, describes his feelings after news came that President Roosevelt had died. “Now that the President was dead, I remembered with particular force his ZEST for living. He used to enjoy the pleasures of the children’s hour...and the convivial conversation of his friends. “His sense of HUMOUR was always evident. I recalled many of the amusing messages he had sent me, such as the one I received when I turned seventy-three. ‘Keep right at it,’ he wired. ‘Someday you will grow up.’”

Churchill’s Example

This flair for humor and occasional jokes also characterized Sir Winston Churchill. During the war, he wore a varied and obviously funny assortment of uniforms, hats and paraphernalia. Alan Moorehead wrote: “There was an immense love for Churchill in England through these years. The crowds knew every one of his uniforms and hats, his siren suits, the bow tie, the shoes with zip fasteners, the walking stick, the watch chain. Nothing apparently could ever weary them of the V-sign or the cigar, and the first sound of the grumpy, reassuring voice on the radio silenced all conversation in any pub or public place.”

Once, at the White House, President Roosevelt was wheeled into Churchill’s room and found him, surprisingly, still drying himself after a bath. Roosevelt began to apologize and started to leave. But Churchill protested it was quite all right: “The Prime Minister of Great Britain has nothing to conceal from the President of the United States.”

So learn to laugh even at yourself -- and at the many funny things that happen in life. Of course, always try to laugh with people, not at them. Learn also to preserve, or recapture, your youthful zest for the right kind of up-building fun and games -- and for the new and different things and experiences that make life interesting !

Perhaps the thing that irks others most about many so-called "important” people is that they are so impressed with SELF that they seem blind to the needs and wishes of others. They are pompous and vain. They are impatient and demanding -- cutting other people off in conversation and expecting superhuman efforts of their subordinates that even they themselves would not be able to accomplish. They utterly lack real compassion -- the ability to share in the plans, hopes, dreams and sufferings of others. Like many a politician, they can put on a grand show in public -- “demonstrating” by some pompous act or gesture that they care, after all, for the “common man.”

But, sooner or later, they get found out. For, as Abraham Lincoln is reputed to have said: “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

Indeed, one of the characteristics which made Lincoln great was his sincere compassion for the slaves and downtrodden -- plus his personal modesty and profound humility. Perhaps you have heard the story of the little old lady who was impatiently waiting outside her apartment house or hotel for a buggy to take her to the train station. Although the station was only a few blocks away, she had a large trunk too heavy even for an average man to want to carry for that distance. Finding her in distress -- in fact almost at the point of tears over the prospect of missing her train -- and with no buggy or help in sight, President Lincoln picked up the large trunk, placed it across his strong shoulders which had split so many rails back in Illinois, and said: “Follow me!”

The little old lady, and her trunk, were personally placed on board the passenger train by the President of the United States -- Abraham Lincoln!

For a far greater example yet, it is very enlightening to read the life story of the greatest Personality of all times -- looking as you read for the word "compassion.’’

“And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand...” (Mark 1:41).

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her...” (Luke 7:13).

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them...” (Matthew 9:36).

Genuine outgoing concern for others -- as the Messiah had -- will be expressed in hundreds of little ways. Tact, courtesy, consideration -- we have many different names for such small attentions. Yet it is often through these acts of thoughtful kindness that we demonstrate to people the depth of our concern, our friendship and our love.

Again, learn to “give” yourself to others with sincere love and outgoing consideration for them. Have empathy -- express compassion for them when they are suffering, or when they are down and out. Become more patient and tolerant of the mistakes of others -- realizing your own human frailty. And be loyal to your friends and loved ones -- not expediently “throwing them aside” when you think you have become “important.”

Do all this -- and you will inspire the love, confidence and personal devotion of others in a manner that will enrich your life beyond measure.

Strength of will and personality, infectious optimism and raw courage are qualities all of us admire. The greatest leaders and personalities of all time have had, at least in measure, these qualities. To be this way, you must, of course, have a purpose in which you fervently believe -- and for which you are willing to die if necessary.

Again, Churchill -- the “Man of the Century” -- is a moving example. In England‘s darkest days of the Second World War, he was constantly encouraging and uplifting the spirits of the British nation and the entire free world by his resolute conduct and his magnificent speeches. As President Kennedy stated: “He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.”

In the critical period just after Dunkirk -- when invasion by Hitler’s legions seemed imminent -- Churchill’s ringing voice proclaimed to Britain and the world: “We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight in the seas and oceans...we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches and landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills...We shall NEVER surrender.”

Courageous? Indeed it was, under the circumstances. But more, the weight of sincerity and truth, the infectious optimism and confident manner, the unbounded determination and WILL to win -- all these things lifted and inspired the British people so that this was, indeed, “their finest hour.”

Real Courage Involves FAITH

The greatest examples of faith and courage are found in the Bible. In Acts 5:17-42 we read the account of the apostles of YEHOVAH God being put in prison and threatened by the Jewish hierarchy of the time. The Jews had almost decided to kill them until Gamaliel, a wise counselor, spoke. “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and BEATEN them, they COMMANDED that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go” (verse 40).

After being threatened for their very lives -- and their backs raw and bleeding from a cat-o’-nine-tails beating -- you would certainly think they would at least slack off in their preaching, or perhaps go “underground.”

Quite the contrary!

“And they departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And DAILY in the Temple, and in every house, they CEASED NOT to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (verses 41-42).

They had absolute confidence in the LIVING God, and plenty of RAW COURAGE to go through the terrible trials and sufferings often necessary in His service.

The man who has this type of courage and confidence, the man who is bold and SURE of his convictions, will inspire the admiration and respect of his friends and associates. Any real leader of men must have this bold power of decision, this sense of "captaincy” in storming the beaches of life, scaling the mountains and conquering all obstacles.

Learn to cultivate and build courage and absolute confidence into your life! Practice these qualities when the little trials and tests come along -- then it will become second nature to exercise them on the great occasions. Most important of all, surrender your life to your Creator and to His PURPOSE -- then you can in faith ask Him for His strength, confidence and courage!

No matter what his other faults, a person or a public speaker will always capture at least our momentary attention and interest if he has an abundance of just one quality -- ENTHUSIASM. For if the poorest speaker in the world is on fire -- completely GIVEN to his message -- he is going to speak, gesture and perhaps shout with such ringing conviction and force as to wake up even the sleepiest audience.

But most people seem only HALF ALIVE. They have no goal or purpose. They have lost their youthful zest for living and doing. They are often dull, boring and uninteresting. But the interesting person is lively and enthusiastic -- and he usually makes life more interesting for others.

Personal Examples

Discussing the colorful personality and zeal of Sir Winston Churchill, even in his private life, Bernard Baruch tells us: “I often wish people could look in on him as he walks through his garden with his dog, pausing to admire the beauty of a rose or to lecture the goldfish in the pond as he feeds them. I wish people could read the cables I have received from this master of English prose, cables in which he expressed his ENTHUSIASM over some development with a brisk ‘O boy!’”

The very word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek en theos, or “God in us.” We often speak of one as being “inspired” in his cause if he portrays great enthusiasm.

“Eloquence,” said the great orator William Jennings Bryan, “may be defined as the speech of one who knows what he is talking about, and means what he says -- it is thought on fire...Knowledge is of little use to the speaker without earnestness. Persuasive speech is from HEART to HEART, not from mind to mind.”

Find the Real Goal

To sincerely be enthusiastic and driving ahead in all your activities, you must have a goal, or PURPOSE. So learn to set goals for yourself and cultivate enthusiastic DRIVE and ZEAL in all that you do. In your voice, your face and your actions, show that you are excited and thrilled about the opportunities and challenges of life.

YEHOVAH God says: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

And in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul states: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord...” (Colossians 3:23).

So be zealous for those things that are right and good in this life, and put your whole BEING into seeking your Creator and HIS PURPOSE in giving you life and breath. Then you will REALLY have something to be “ENTHUSIASTIC” about!

As His servant and His begotten son, become more outgoing and warm to all those about you; build zest and humor into your life; be patient, compassionate and modest toward your fellow human beings; with YEHOVAH’s help become strong, confident and courageous; and finally, with YEHOVAH‘s supreme PURPOSE in mind, build drive and enthusiasm into all you think, say and do.

DO these things! -- and you will have a richer and happier life. You will extend additional happiness and courage to others, and you will have made great progress toward fulfilling the great purpose of your loving Creator.

In preparing to become a literal KING in YEHOVAH‘s soon-coming government, learn to GIVE of your personality warmth and genuine friendliness to others!

IV. Develop the CHARACTER of a King

The development of right character is paramount for anyone in a position of rulership. The honesty, purity, fairness, self-discipline and LOVE exemplified in the life of a King or ruler is the strongest possible influence on his subjects to be this way themselves.

Countless MEN of ability, intelligence, personality and training have failed to achieve success.

Why?

Time, chance, circumstance, and “bad breaks” are often assumed to be the cause. But they are not the real answers. The heart of the problem is LACK OF CHARACTER !

Cause of Tragedies

You have heard of the rising young executive who begins hitting the bottle and completely shatters a promising business career almost in its infancy. You’ve heard about the “happy” family man and civic leader who suddenly loses everything through a clandestine affair with a woman young enough to be his own daughter.

And the junior executive who suddenly jumps the tracks, begins embezzling company or bank funds, gets caught and ends up in OBLIVION or perhaps a suicide. These human tragedies failed to keep their eyes on the goal.

What Is Your GOAL?

Any intelligent, thinking person wants to be a SUCCESS -- perhaps a leader in his chosen field. Yet most people have not known how. Perhaps you were taught that, when it comes to religion, you sort of get your mind out of gear, think sentimental thoughts and hope to “get saved” through some emotional experience and “roll around heaven all day.” Maybe you were taught that there is nothing to do. Nothing to accomplish, nowhere else to go except sit around in heaven, listen to harp music and perhaps gaze on the face of the Lord.

Nonsense!

The God of your Bible says true Israelite Christians are training to be LEADERS in the World Tomorrow! We are training to help RULE this earth with and under YEHOVAH God Himself and the Messiah -- and to help straighten things out!

The Messiah said to his apostles: “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may...sit on thrones judging [RULING] the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29-30).

In the little-understood parable of the pounds, the Messiah showed that those of Israel who “overcome” the most -- using their strengths and abilities and yielding themselves to YEHOVAH God -- will be given RULERSHIP. For the Messiah will tell the real overcomer: “Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). The other man who grew and developed spiritually and used his physical talents in the right way as well was given authority over five cities since he overcame only half as much.

The Messiah foretold good news: “He [of Israel] that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron...” (Revelation 2:26-27; see also Revelation 5:10).

The man of Israel who “overcomes,” who disciplines himself and develops character, is the one whom YEHOVAH God will use as an instrument under the Messiah to help rule the earth in the World Tomorrow. YEHOVAH God can always add mental ability and strength. But character cannot be manufactured or artificially produced -- it is something we of Israel must willingly develop now as free moral agents under YEHOVAH God.

Here, then, are seven keys to building the character of the kind of RULER YEHOVAH will bless and use -- the character of a KING.

Remember the late King Farouk? He was the ruler of Egypt well over fifty years ago. He had ability and personality -- but very little character. He began a wild spree through the nightclubs of Europe and the Middle East. He overindulged. He let things go at home -- indulging his “court favorites” with certain lavish gifts and opportunities, but misusing the resources of the nation in so doing. The people had liked his personality and ability. But not the lack of character. Farouk was overthrown in a familiar Middle Eastern “coup.” An interim government came into power -- evolving into the Egyptian Government first under the late Gamal Nasser and then Anwar Sadat.

Another example is the deposing of the late Premier Sukarno in Indonesia. Although working hard and fighting valiantly in the revolution just after the Second World War, Sukarno soon went soft and began the familiar merry-go-round of wine, women and song. His indulgences blinded his eyes to many realities of political life. And so he too was overthrown by General Suharto.

Both of these fallen rulers were noted for their swagger and vanity when they were in power. They preened and strutted. They lacked real humility, or any fear of the true God of the Bible!

To have a lasting and prosperous reign, any king, ruler or leader MUST learn the lesson of humility. Your Bible says: “When pride cometh, then cometh shame” (Proverbs 11:2). Again, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

By contrast, YEHOVAH‘s Word says: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of WISDOM” (Proverbs 9:10). A man who comes to have a deep awe and respect for his Creator is just “beginning” to acquire the basis for real wise and understanding decisions. For he will be basing all of his plans and programs on the ultimate REALITY! This entire mixed-up world is soon going to learn that lesson!

To know the true GOD of Creation, the God of the Bible, is the basis for all right thinking and judgment. It will keep you properly HUMBLE. It will make you realize that you are just a little ant on a ball we call the earth. You will quit playing “God” and wake up to reality.

Think of Yourself as a Servant

Yeshua the Messiah said: “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). The Messiah showed that one of Israel who surrenders his will to YEHOVAH God, who humbles the self and thinks only of being a servant of YEHOVAH and fellowman -- that man will be blessed, used as an instrument in the hands of his Creator, and empowered ultimately with eternal life and a spirit body.

The apostle Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, beginning under Him Who is higher, considered it not a thing to be seized to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation [or, ‘emptied himself‘], and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7).

Too few understand this tremendous example of the willingness of Yeshua the Messiah to die for his Father's people Israel. Very soon now, ALL THE EARTH will come to grasp and understand that because of this willingness to GIVE of himself -- to HUMBLE himself -- the Messiah has qualified not only as our High Priest but as the KING and RULER over all Israel!

This is the very basis of the character the true GOD demands of every leader and king! Even in this present manmade society, this living spiritual principle operates. Those who yield to excess pride and vanity soon “fall” into utter oblivion and disgrace. Those who resist the temptation come out on top.

Several years ago, McCall’s magazine ran a very interesting and very important article showing WHY American prisoners of war in the Korean War often became “turncoats.” Many turned against their own fellow prisoners or just “gave up” and died through lack of the will to live. It was an article which went to the very ROOT CORE of American society and its foundations. This article brought out the fact that the Army Intelligence, in reviewing these cases, pointed up the vital necessity of CHARACTER TRAINING in the home and in the school.

A high Army official stated: “Because of this the army would like to see every American parent, teacher and clergyman work to give our children...a firm regard for RIGHT and an abiding distaste for WRONG.” He continued; “By the time a young man enters the army he should possess a set of sound moral values and the strength of CHARACTER to live by them” (emphasis ours).

But what constitutes “right”? What do we mean by “wrong”?

The answers to these questions present a gigantic PROBLEM to American society -- indeed to all the world! Modern, “progressive” educators, psychologists and even clergymen say there are no absolute values. They teach that all truth is relative, that YEHOVAH God may, in fact, be “dead”!

Even the Communists can sense our lack of spiritual principles and dedication to a common ideal! Notice this startling revelation from the Red Chinese Chief of Intelligence regarding Americans captured during the Korean War: “The American soldier has weak loyalty to his family, his community, his country, his religion and to his fellow soldier. His concepts of right and wrong are HAZY. Opportunism is easy for him. He himself feels frightened and INSECURE....He fails to appreciate the meaning of, and the necessity for, any form of DISCIPLINE.”

Although this comes from godless Communists, are we willing to stare this looking glass right in the face and ADMIT the truth about our materialistic, confused Western society? Don’t kid yourself! It is not just the American soldier, but nearly every man in the street in America, in Britain, in this whole Western world, whose concepts of right and wrong are “hazy”! Hazy concepts are virtually no concepts at all! They leave the door wide open for lust and lawlessness.

The Bible Is SPECIFIC

YEHOVAH says: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH” (Proverbs 14:12). Yes, the way that “seems” right to human reason usually leads man to his own destruction.

Men need to learn that there is a great GOD who sets the standard of right and wrong. He has not left it up to us to decide what the right way is, but only WHETHER we will obey His laws and ways!

YEHOVAH does NOT say: “Worship Me according to the dictates of your conscience.” Or, “Worship in the church of your choice.” Or, “Do the best you can and it will all work out somehow.” Yet supposedly educated people in our society have accepted these vague, irrational, unreasonable, contradictory platitudes !

What is YEHOVAH’s way, YEHOVAH’s character, YEHOVAH’s love? “For this is the love of God that we keep His COMMANDMENTS: and his commandments are not grievous” (I John 5:3). From Genesis to Revelation we find that YEHOVAH’s LAW -- summarized in the Ten Commandments -- is the WAY OF LIFE. He ordained the Law for man’s own good, to guide him in developing the very nature and CHARACTER of YEHOVAH God.

If all men had this kind of character, there would be no wars, no murders, no robberies, no lies, no disobedience to parents, no vanity and lust -- virtually NO UNHAPPINESS! For a full explanation of this tremendous spiritual principle, write for our extremely challenging and informative free articles, Was the LAW of YEHOVAH "Nailed to the Cross"? and Is Obedience to YEHOVAH's LAW Required?

YEHOVAH's definition of “right” is keeping His Commandments. But what do we mean by “wrong”? What is “sin”? The specific Bible definition of sin -- with which all other scriptures plainly agree -- is found in I John 3:4: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin IS the TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW.”

How clear!

We see that righteousness is KEEPING YEHOVAH’s Law as summarized in the Ten Commandments. "Wrong,’’ or sin, is BREAKING that same eternal, moving, inexorable spiritual Law!

True character is based on obedience to the broad spiritual principles of YEHOVAH‘s Law. Here, in general terms, is a good basic definition of true character: “True character involves the capacity and willingness to find what is right, the will to choose the right way, then the strength of will to resist all other actions and impulses and DO what is right.”

As an Israelite follower of the Messiah, learn YEHOVAH’S standard of right and wrong. Live by it. Then you will be fit to rule and LEAD in your own family, your business and chosen profession; and you will certainly have a vital part in the government of Almighty God in the World Tomorrow!

Any king or leader of men will be watched by his followers as to his complete fairness and impartiality in judgment. Nothing can harm morale more than the discovery that a leader is hypocritically accepting bribes, playing favorites or resorting to some other similar stratagem.

True wisdom -- as pointed out previously -- is perhaps the most important single quality of a great leader. Such a man will constantly have to be making decisions -- and that calls for wisdom. YEHOVAH God says: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Most people don’t really want “counsel." They want their own way!

However, a real leader of men must learn to exercise the character to seek and accept wise counsel in any important matter. And he must be completely fair and impartial in the decision or action he may take. “These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment” (Proverbs 24:23).

In the second volume of his autobiography, The Public Years, Bernard Baruch stated: “But even when we discover basic truths about human affairs, it is another thing to overcome human failings -- the greed, hatred, sloth, or whatever it is that keeps US from acting on those truths. In a laboratory, men follow truth wherever it may lead. In human relations, men have a supreme talent for ignoring truth, and denying facts they do not like.”

Powerful words, those! So in your own life, your family and your business, learn to be impartial and fair. Learn to get ALL the facts. Learn to get wise counsel. Learn to admit your own mistakes. Then act on the TRUTH with fairness and mercy!

4) Exercise Strength and Determination

A real “leader” is one who LEADS. You cannot just “hand” a man authority and expect him to lead and dominate over others automatically. He must have built into his character the strength, the leadership and the determination to properly direct others and command their respect.

Many times, he may have to make hard and unpleasant decisions. But make them he must. And he must see that they are carried out. A great leader must have the strength of will to DOMINATE in any crucial situation to guide the affairs of his family, company, institution or nation in the right way.

An outstanding example of this is recorded in the book Churchill by Lord Moran. Lord Moran wrote of Sir Winston Churchill: “What his critics are apt to forget is that you cannot measure inspiration. That is why it is not easy to bring home to the military hierarchy the list of assets which easily tilt the balance in his favor: The strength of will that has bent all manner of men to his purpose; the extraordinary tenacity -- the Americans call [it] obstinacy -- with which he clings for months and if need be for years, to his own plans; the TERRIFIC FORCE OF PERSONALITY that can brush aside all doubts and hesitations, and sweep away inertia, refusing to listen when weaker men begin to whine about difficulties; above all else, the superb confidence he exuded in 1940” (emphasis ours).

This “terrific force of personality” and the strength of will exerted by Churchill was undoubtedly a major factor in literally saving Western civilization only a few short decades ago!

Disdaining his own doubts, fears and hesitations, every truly great leader must exercise this type of character!

5) Practice Patience and Mercy

Any man who deals with the lives and fortunes of others needs a great deal of patience. For everyone has human nature and each of us must be patient with others.

We must also be merciful. Even the so-called “Lord‘s prayer” records this important principle: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).

YEHOVAH‘s Word instructs us: “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs 14:31). Again: “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).

A man with a “big heart,” a man who is big enough to forgive and forget, to care for and help the downtrodden -- this type of leader inspires deep and lasting loyalty in those who serve him. A recent book brings out that George Washington, “Father of the American Republic,” exemplified this trait in many ways. During the Revolutionary War he encountered a number of British Redcoats defending themselves fiercely, and he cried: “See how those noble fellows fight!” But after the battle, he found a wounded British soldier being set upon and robbed by American stragglers. Furious, Washington drove the thugs away and ordered a soldier to stand guard over the bleeding Redcoat until he could be moved to camp.

Later, as President, he was often visited by former comrades-in-arms, old soldiers having a hard time. Though constantly plagued by a shortage of cash, Washington always gave each soldier a warm reception and there was a standing order in the kitchen that each veteran was to be served a good meal and sent away with a few dollars.

Any great leader must develop this capacity for understanding, for mercy, and for forgiving the minor faults and irritations of others. “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment” (James 2:13).

6) Practice Diligence and Self-Discipline

Once the nation begins to flourish or the business begins to prosper, it is all too easy for the man at the helm to let down, begin to “take it easy,” and give way to human lust and vices. A great leader must so discipline himself that this NEVER happens!

YEHOVAH says: “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” (Proverbs 12:24). The man who works hard and produces -- this man is going to end up “in charge.” But the man who lets down and is lazy will soon find his job taken by others.

Again, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that RULETH his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). For the sake of his position -- and as an example to his followers -- a true leader must learn to discipline himself in what he eats and drinks, how much time he spends away from the job in recreational activities, the kind of companionship he keeps, the kind of spiritual character he is and portrays to others.

Nearly every great nation or institution is merely the length and shadow of one man. People follow their leaders! If a king is a drunken woman chaser, so will his subjects be. If the head of a company or family is irresponsible, lazy and given to personal indulgence, so will be his employees and his family!

Bernard Baruch -- famous “counsellor of presidents” -- sums up a supreme lesson all of us in this modern world desperately need to learn: “This is the test of SELF-DISCIPLINE. Even when we know what is right, too often we fail to act...we blame the nation’s troubles on others....But it is far more likely that we will find the source of our national trials in our own failure as individuals to DISCIPLINE OURSELVES to do what the nation’s well-being demands” (emphasis ours).

Through YEHOVAH‘s help, learn to MASTER yourself. Self-mastery comes first -- the opportunity to lead and direct others follows as a result.

7) Have LOVE for YEHOVAH God and Fellowman

Finally, the sincere feeling of outgoing concern, compassion and LOVE for others is an absolute must in the character of anyone who would be a real leader or king.

Yeshua the Messiah said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have LOVE one to another” (John 13:35). His entire life was a continual example of love and service. In the end, He GAVE His very life to redeem the people of Israel to their God.

Throughout history and throughout life, the lesson is indelibly written that a man who does not have sincere love for others will never command their deep loyalty, respect and obedience. They may be cowed into fear, goaded on through greed and avarice in anticipation of the spoils; but when the going gets rough, it is LOVE which truly binds together the right kind of family, the true Ecclesia of YEHOVAH God and the right kind of nation or people.

Coupled with humility and the fear of YEHOVAH God, guided by YEHOVAH’S standard of right and wrong, inspired by wise and impartial judgment, empowered by strength and determination, tempered by patience and mercy, protected by diligence and self-discipline, this outgoing LOVE will lead any father and head of his family, any company president, any team captain, any national leader, to GIVE and SERVE unselfishly those who share with him in the common task, trials and blessings.

If you would truly build YEHOVAH’S kind of character, then ask, seek, cry out and then yield yourself to EXERCISE this kind of love in your life and in your relations with others and with Almighty God! There is NOTHING more important. For this kind of love is far from a religious platitude. It is a living, abiding, moving, active spiritual principle which is as real as tomorrow, as active as the law of gravity, as eternal as YEHOVAH God Himself.

To be a leader, a servant of your fellow Israelites, and a KING in the World Tomorrow, think on and LIVE by these things.

V. Develop Your FAMILY

Parents Just Don't Care!

"My son is a good boy. Why are you bothering us at this hour?" the father stormed and fumed at the sheriff's officer making the call. "Does he need some money to get out of trouble? Let me know and I'll send it along. But quit pestering us at this time of night!"

Was the father worried that his 15-year-old son had been out half the night and was in trouble with the police? No. He was upset because his own drinking party and poker playing had been interrupted.

Increasingly, law enforcement officials have come to realize that the parents of these lawless children are often the chief culprits. A sheriff's officer said: "The real trouble here is that too many parents don't know -- or don't care where their children are at night."

It's time parents everywhere WOKE UP!

The Abundant Life Should Be FAMILY-Centered

The Psalmist continues: "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate" (Psalm 127:3-5).

In view of this, it certainly behooves every one of us of Israel to cultivate a balanced and happy home.

Husbands and Wives Must Be a "Team"!

This is absolutely WRONG!

Here, then, are seven steps to having a truly happy family kingdom:

1) Make Family STUDY a Habit

2) Make Family Prayer a Habit

At mealtime, set the example by giving sincere, heartfelt, non-memorized thanks for the blessings of food and shelter from the Creator God. Occasionally, the mother may wish to have the children themselves lead in prayer at mealtimes -- guiding their prayer if they falter.

In all of this, teach your children the REALITY of the true GOD OF CREATION! Read and go over with them in the family study periods articles exposing the ridiculous stupidity of evolution and showing the wondrous beauty, design, interdependency and love expressed by YEHOVAH God in His creation.

3) Make Family WORK and CHORES a Profitable Habit

Teach your children, therefore, the habit of work.

4) Make Family FELLOWSHIP a Habit

Learn to listen to your children talk! Notice their voice inflection, their personality and the enthusiasm -- or lack of it -- which they convey. Then try to guide and encourage them toward further development -- making sure that you set the example above all else. For children will follow your example more than anything else.

5) Make Family PLAY and OUTINGS a Habit

6) Family TRAINING and DISCIPLINE are Indispensable

7) Build Family LOYALTY and LOVE

So then, as long as family loyalty and love is subordinated to the love and obedience we should give to YEHOVAH Himself -- it is a good thing.

Teach Children to Love

This kind of esprit de corps BINDS a family together in the right way and protects and preserves the family character and integrity in the way Almighty God intended!

"And when Abraham learned that his brother [technically nephew] was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan....And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people."

Remember: "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in HIS WAYS....Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel" (Psalm 128:1-6).

In anticipation of your ultimate GOAL, go to work and build this area of your life. Understand YEHOVAH‘s purpose in it -- and be BLESSED.

VI. Grow in SERVICE and LEADERSHIP

YEHOVAH God will soon return to this earth with majestic POWER to rule this earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. Tremendous trumpet blasts will accompany His return. His face will shine like the sun in full strength. Men will never again talk about whether YEHOVAH God is “dead”! Rather, they will finally wake up to the fact that human life did not just “happen.” They will stand in awe and FEAR of their Creator!

In person, YEHOVAH God will RULE this earth at last!

But WHY does He want to rule? What is His MOTIVE?

Born to Rule

Don't you realize that the great GOD of heaven created Adamic man in His image to rule?

Why have so few believed what the Bible really says? Notice what the Messiah told his disciples: "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging [or RULING] the twelve tribes of Israel" (Luke 22: 29-30).

Again, "And he [of Israel] that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall RULE them with a rod of iron..." (Revelation 2:26-27).

Those of us of Israel are put on this earth to learn lessons in preparation for RULING this earth -- and ultimately the entire universe -- with and under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah! That's one big reason WHY there are trials and tests, heartaches and headaches and lessons learned through human suffering. Even the Messiah learned "...by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). That's how he became a Leader.

The RIGHT KIND of Leaders

There are two kinds of "leaders." One is the kind who uses "authority" and compels grudging obedience by his followers. The other kind inspires, persuades, and sets an example for his followers.

The authoritarian-type leader generally considers only himself and the grandeur he hopes to produce in his empire, nation or business. He does not give proper consideration to the legitimate needs, wishes and aspirations of his followers. But the right kind of leader leads in order to SERVE his followers and sincerely promotes their best interests -- as well as his own to the best of his ability.

Which kind will you be?

Yeshua the Messiah showed that the greatest leader will be the servant of those whom he leads. He described how the leaders of the Gentiles -- the strutting dictators and czars -- "exercise dominion" over their followers and strut about to "exercise authority" over them. "But," he said, "It shall not be so among you [of Israel]: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your SERVANT" (Matthew 20:26-27).

If you can begin to get this concept of leadership, your life will certainly be more full and abundant day by day. This, in turn, will certainly prepare you to RULE as a member of YEHOVAH's Kingdom in the World Tomorrow! But, even here, many elderly people and women often ask: "But WHY should I want to rule?" They exclaim: " I don't want to domineer over others or give people orders! Why should I be interested in this idea of being a king in YEHOVAH's Government?"

Have you ever wanted to give real and LASTING help to the starving people of India and China? Have you ever wanted to really and permanently help the lonely and lost-looking orphan children around the world? Have you ever wanted to genuinely and quickly help the blind, deaf and crippled ?

WHY a Person of Israel Should Want to Rule in YEHOVAH's Government

As a servant and a LEADER in YEHOVAH's Kingdom, you WILL have that very kind of opportunity! That is what all of our long-time readers of the Hope of Israel articles are beginning to realize. For, as we see events shaping up in Europe and the Middle East in the exact manner specifically prophesied  in YEHOVAH's Word the Bible, we know assuredly that the Kingdom of YEHOVAH GOD will literally be set up on this earth SOON! We of Israel who believe and obey our Maker will have an opportunity to LEAD and SERVE in that Kingdom!

We will have a genuine opportunity to supernaturally and literally HELP the starving, the orphans, the crippled, the blind and maimed! This kind of LEADERSHIP -- the type that will bring tears of thankfulness and JOY to the faces of millions -- is something we all ought to crave and desire. It is the real reason for the Israelite Christian life and our calling now. For at least a glimpse into the wonderful opportunities for service we will have in YEHOVAH's Kingdom, write immediately for our free article, The Wonderful World Tomorrow -- What It Will Be Like! Be sure you read it carefully and study it with the thought in mind of your part and your LEADERSHIP in YEHOVAH's Government to SERVE others.

Now let me give you a number of "keys" on various attitudes and attributes of a Christian Israelite leader. Some of these have already been touched upon earlier on in this article. Because of this, and because we are not here discussing strictly leadership but rather leadership and service in preparation for YEHOVAH's Kingdom -- I will not number these points as seen above. But the theme of YEHOVAH's kind of leadership based on service should become eminently clear.

All too often, men desire positions of leadership and responsibility primarily for the sake of exalting self -- not for service, This is a great mistake, and often leads to grievous harm and unhappiness not only for the individuals involved but for many others. The Messiah said: "for whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:11).

If one humbles himself to serve his fellowman he may find that, in due time, he has become a leader because of his desire and ability to help.

One of my friends of college days voluntarily took upon himself the lowly task of emptying out the garbage from the dormitory kitchen. Even in his senior year, as a student instructor, he continued this practice until it was noticed by the college president who thought it better that some other regular student be given this responsibility. This individual was trying to serve -- and now, interestingly enough, has a far greater opportunity to serve as dean of the college!

What is the point?

The point is that he was alert enough to see a genuine need and try to fill that need -- even though it was a lowly job of service. His initiative and imagination displayed itself in far more important and interesting ways than this specific illustration outlines, but the important fact here is that he was willing to exercise his initiative and use it to SERVE in this lowly capacity -- not just to exalt the self! "He that humbles himself shall be EXALTED."

This spirit of humility -- this desire to serve -- and the spirit of selfless dedication to a cause is the foundational approach to all true leadership. The man who is willing to sacrifice himself to the task at hand is the one whose followers will be most inspired and who will most quickly tend to emulate their leader. For he is leading by sacrifice and service. He is leading by EXAMPLE. And, if his cause is right, he certainly will be followed enthusiastically.

There Must Be Vision, Imagination and a GOAL

Every great leader must possess at least a certain degree of imagination and vision. He must be able to think ahead -- to visualize and plan on beyond the immediate present. He must also have a GOAL. If his goal is practical and right, if he has the foresight to realistically create plans and programs leading to that goal -- he will certainly command the respect of others and be a true leader.

The veritable modern "father" of West Germany, the late Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, was asked: "What makes a statesman great?" Then he answered: "He needs first of all a clear conception of what is possible. Then he needs a clear conception of what he wants. Finally, a great leader must have the power of his convictions, a moral driving force. Churchill radiated it. He had fire and daring from the days of his adventurous youth."

A certain amount of speed and decisiveness is found in the makeup of every great leader. For a leader has got to be ahead of those who are following him. He must be alert, charting the course ahead -- and able to decide quickly the right course of action when problems come up. This requires a degree of mental toughness and courage which many just do not have.

But these are qualities of the Messiah himself, and they may be acquired -- to a degree at least -- by any Christian Israelite who asks Almighty God for them in prayer and seeks to build, use and exercise these qualities.

When the Messiah found YEHOVAH's Temple being turned into a house of merchandise at the Passover season, he did not go off to meditate, call a committee meeting or ponder what to do. He took decisive action. As the appointed agent of YEHOVAH God, he had the right to clean out that Temple -- and he did! He courageously and vigorously strode through the Temple courts, overturned the tables of the money changers and ordered the money changers out. He then made a whip of cords and drove the cattle out.

A leader with this type of decisiveness and courage will bounce back from defeat or adversity. He will NOT be a "quitter." Even though his course of action may sometimes be unpopular, a true leader will have the spiritual and mental resources to see it through and not be deterred by criticism or adversity.

A leader must know how to work with other people. He must command their admiration and respect -- their trust, loyalty and responsiveness. Also, he must be able to so prod and organize them that they achieve their maximum potential under his guidance.

Genuine friendliness and outgoing concern for others is the hallmark of a great leader. He has time for a smile, a friendly chat, and shows sincere interest in the lives, hopes and dreams of those under his charge. He builds a sense of comradeship with those under him, so that they feel free to share their ideas and suggestions with him. He is not jiving in a remote ivory tower. He may call conferences and meetings at which his junior executives and subordinates have opportunity to share their views regarding problems that face the nation or organization.

A top leader is always able to communicate. He has trained himself to think clearly and therefore he is able to express himself with clarity and force to his subordinates. In this way, they can accurately trace his ideas, goals and also his specific instructions without wandering about in hopeless confusion -- as actually happens from time to time in many great organizations. Because of his ability and willingness to communicate, he is able to create a unity of purpose among his subordinates and achieve vigorous action out of this otherwise dissimilar group.

In most cases, a leader should accept the responsibility for the mistakes of the subordinates he himself has selected. In like manner, he should, when possible, give them public credit for their triumph. In all of this, he will win their confidence by the continual example of fairness and honesty in all of his dealings with those under him.

A leader must be willing to delegate authority to others or he will find himself running a one-man army, a one-man store, or a one-man enterprise. He must have the discernment and insight to select as his administrators men and women of ability, honesty and balance. Indeed, an executive's ability to do this very thing and to train the newcomers, organize those functioning under him and inspire them to accomplishment is one of the greatest tests he must face.

Character and Integrity

If a leader's motives are continually being called in question by his followers, he is through as a leader. He must consistently set an example of fairness, integrity and high moral character if his group or enterprise is worth "leading" in the first place.

Self-discipline is an absolute must for a man of leadership. The minute he allows his morals to become eroded, the minute he begins letting down, hitting the bottle, engaging in unethical conduct -- that minute may well be the turning point in his entire leadership and future. Very few men indeed can have a feeling of faithfulness and loyalty to an example of instability, dishonesty, weakness, or debauchery.

A true Christian Israelite leader -- the kind that will LAST -- is one who adheres scrupulously to the principles of the Ten Commandments. He will be thinking far more about what is "right" than what is expedient. His personal integrity will be above question to everyone who really knows him, and his sense of faithfulness and loyalty will permeate his institution. It is here that in a very real and immediate sense, righteousness pays off. There can be no substitute for Christian character.

WHERE and HOW to Lead

In exercising these principles of service and LEADERSHIP you will find many opportunities to use them, first of all right in your own family. For, as explained previously in this article, your family is "a miniature kingdom."

In describing the qualifications of an elder or minister, Timothy says: "For if a man know not how to RULE his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" (I Timothy 3:5). The place to begin is at home.

All husbands should, in humility and love, serve, inspire and LEAD their families. They serve them by providing for, protecting and guiding them as a unit through the rough spots of life. Yet, in this very service, they must lead. They must exercise the very qualities outlined in this article.

And, very important, Israelite parents should learn to build leadership into their sons! For they certainly should be the leaders in The World Tomorrow!

Apply the principles of this article on your job, your farm or in your business. Learn to think ahead and employ right imagination and vision, decisiveness and courage. Learn to get those under you organized -- and develop a proper method of delegating responsibility to others, yet being faithful and fair to them as you want them to be to you.

A gloomy warning on the declining state of American leadership was issued by John W. Gardner, past Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. He said that unless the present trend is reversed, "We are in danger of falling under the leadership of men who lack the confidence to lead. And we are in danger of destroying the effectiveness of those who have a natural gift for leadership." It is certainly true that this society has lost its way. It has no GOAL. It substitutes committee meetings, discussions and public opinion polls for leadership.

But you readers of the Hope of Israel articles know what is really going to take place -- and SOON! You know that a new age is about to be ushered in under the guidance of YEHOVAH God and the living Messiah. We call it the "World Tomorrow." In it, the true Israelite servants of YEHOVAH God are going to be made LEADERS in the world-ruling government which was the constant subject of the Messiah's Gospel. Those of Israel who overcome will be made kings and priests and rule over the nations. And our children who live on through the tumultuous days ahead may well become the human leaders in the World Tomorrow -- IF we have trained, guided and inspired them to prepare now.

So, most of all, prepare for that day. It is coming sooner than you think! Try to help and serve others with the knowledge that you have. Develop and USE these qualities of leadership in your everyday life.

Christian leadership based on SERVICE is the best possible preparation for those of Israel to be kings under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah in the World Tomorrow!

VII. Seek and Learn to EXERCISE the POWER of YEHOVAH God

In preparing to be a literal King in YEHOVAH’s soon-coming government, awareness of an ability to exercise YEHOVAH's POWER is absolutely vital. For although we are not given anywhere near the degree of supernatural power in this life as we will in YEHOVAH’s Kingdom, we certainly need to become familiar with it, appreciate it, and learn to exercise the wisdom, patience, and self-control in exercising it that we should.

It is sad but true that many of you readers will simply not know what I “mean” by YEHOVAH‘s power. For most professing Christians today think that it is a sort of generalized “force for good,” or that it is a type of so-called Pentecostal emotionalism which involves shouting and screaming, chills up and down the spine and other products of crowd psychology and mass hysteria. Or perhaps, many of you will have no clear-cut idea of what it is.

But what is the true exercise of that power?

It is, first and most important of all, the spiritual strength of character that enables the truly converted Israelite Christian to OVERCOME his own human nature and vanity and grow to become LIKE YEHOVAH GOD. It is YEHOVAH God putting His very own nature in us through the POWER of His holy spirit!

The Apostle Peter speaks of the precious promises given us, “That by these ye might be partakers of the DIVINE NATURE..." (II Peter 1:4).

Paul describes the Divine help we receive through the holy spirit: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). As begotten sons of YEHOVAH God, we receive His very nature. This gives us -- as we yield to YEHOVAH and grow spiritually -- the spiritual strength to increasingly MASTER the wrong ways, habits, lusts and vanities that seemed impossible to overcome before.

The Messiah spent countless HOURS in communion with the Father. He walked with YEHOVAH God, talked with YEHOVAH God, yielded his will to YEHOVAH God and OBEYED His commandments. He was God-centered -- constantly seeking in all things to be an instrument in YEHOVAH’s hands. And so the POWER of YEHOVAH‘s holy spirit literally surged through him like a torrent and GREAT MIRACLES were performed!

That is the “key” to this facet of exercising YEHOVAH’s power!

Act on These Points

Remember, though, this world REALLY needs straightening out! Whether this world believes it or not, likes it or not, prepares for it or not, the Creator God is GOING to straighten things out through the direct RULE, the government of YEHOVAH God and the living Messiah and His spirit-born Israelite saints.

Then, as the world begins to cooperate, there will be permanent peace, prosperity and deep JOY.

Those who assist YEHOVAH God and the Messiah in straightening out this world’s staggering problems will need to be dedicated and BALANCED leaders. They will be those of Israel who -- as zealous dedicated Christians in this life -- understood and ACTED on the matter of glorifying YEHOVAH God in the development of mind, body, personality, character, family life, service and leadership, and in seeking and, exercising the POWER of YEHOVAH God.