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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, JULY 26, 1985
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for one's own family or passengers, but also for other drivers on the road.
This is a specific application of God's law of love--of outgoing concern
and consideration for others.
The same principle of showing love applies to driving within the speed
limit. Not only are we as Christians to be considerate of the safety and
welfare of others, God also instructs us to obey the laws of the land.
Highway laws, as all laws that do not prevent us from obeying God, should be
carefully observed by God's people. As Mr. Armstrong wrote in the March
1980 GOOD NEWS,
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If the government sets a speed limit of 55 mph, I as an
individual do not exceed it."
The use of seat belts and proper safety
restraining systems for little children should definitely be stressed.
7) Plan to Have a Spiritual Feast The Feast of Tabernacles is no time to
let down in prayer and Bible study. How can we expect God to be with us and
bless us during the Feast if we shut off communication with Him? How can we
expect to fully understand the spiritual meat given to us at the Feast if we
are not spiritually renewing ourselves daily, as God instructs us to do
through Paul? (II Cor. 4:16.) We should definitely plan to set aside time
each day for these spiritual priorities at the Feast.
Spending time with God's people in wholesome fellowship and activities is
another important facet that will contribute to having a spiritual Feast,
and is something that should not be neglected.
Proper emphasis must be placed on attending services. Attendance at every
service ought to be a priority! THIS INCLUDES THE OPENING NIGHT MESSAGE!
We should not miss any service for some activity, trip or any other reason
except illness or emergency. We must not let the purpose of the Feast
escape us by putting too much emphasis on fun and activities.
Another area to be mindful of is excessive talking and walking around dur
ing services. (Sometimes it seems that the biggest offenders in this are
ushers, deacons and ministers. These are the people who ought to be setting
� right example.) Only such talking as is absolutely necessary should take
place during services. Storytelling, laughing, general discussion and all
other unnecessary conversation simply display a lack of respect for ser
vices, the speaker and for God.
God intends the Feast of Tabernacles to be a time of great rejoicing. With
careful preparation physically and spiritually, following the principles
outlined above, we can all have a superb Feast this year!
Supervision of Teens at the Feast
The Feast is a family occasion--something we should all strive to emphasize
in every possible way. Therefore, teenagers should not be attending the
Feast alone. If there is a case where the parents must attend a different
site than their children, they should see to it that the children are under
the supervision of qualified adults. This provides not only for the proper
supervision of the children, but also for their safety and well-being!
In the case of teenagers no longer living at home, it should be up to the
pastor to determine whether they should attend the Feast away from their
parents. If the young person is genuinely interested in the Church, he or
she should be treated as a prospective member.