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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, AUGUST 19, 1986
further than we should. A common-sense rule of the road is to pull off
and rest or sleep anytime one feels drowsy. This is not only a matter of
safety 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. The use of seat belts and proper
safety restraining systems for little children should definitely be
stressed.
3) Plan to Have a Healthy Feast There is a cause for every effect.
Colds and flu can dampen the Feast for oneself and others. We should
strive to avoid illness by getting enough exercise and sleep both before
and during the Feast. We should also avoid overeating as well as eating
too many rich or sugary foods. The better we feel, the better Feast we
can have.
4) Plan Ahead to Serve Others There is no surer way to have a miserable
Feast than to go with the primary goal of having a good time for oneself.
Deuteronomy 16:14 shows that our rejoicing is to include far more than
just ourselves. In fact, unless we do have the attitude of helping others
have a wonderful Feast, we simply will not be able to properly and truly
rejoice as God intends.
The Feast points us to the time when true
happiness, based on God's law of love, will prevail. That is the attitude
we must carry to the Feast if we hope to fully observe it.
A sermonette on ways to serve at the Feast would be helpful to many. This
would be especially good for singles and teenagers.
By involving
themselves in Church activities and seeking ways to serve others, their
Feast can be much more meaningful than if their minds are focused only on
"singles activities" or "youth activities." Being a part of the whole
Church through service and active participation, instead of becom'Ing part
of separate special-interest groups, should be of paramount importance to
our singles and older teenagers.
5 > Conduct at the Feast Jesus said, "You are the light of the world."
We have a responsibility before God to set a right Christian example at
all times. At the Feast, we are under even closer scrutiny than at any
other time of the year. Another area that has been a problem, sad to say,
is conduct on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not the time for pool parties,
loud playing and shouting by children, playing video games, sports, etc.
Let's show respect for God by keeping the Sabbath HOLY AS HE MADE IT. The
same admonition certainly applies to God's annual Sabbaths as well.
6) Plan to Have a Spiritual Feast The Feast of Tabernacles is not 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.