SA42 - “Happy Are Those Who Keep Integrity” to Jehovah
In the spring of 2017, we were encouraged by the Governing Body to write letters of appeal to the governmental authorities at the highest level who were threatening to ban our activities throughout Russia. Little did we know at that time how things would turn out so much worse for those friends, and as we learned in this article, for the many other brothers and sisters in over 30 lands around the world where our work is restricted.
Over the centuries, countless numbers of the faithful have risked their freedom and even their lives out of love for Jehovah as their Sovereign Ruler. This integrity to Jehovah has always been a threat to insecure governments and kings because time and again, he has proven to be the Supreme One when he “has frustrated the schemes of the nations; he has thwarted the plans of the peoples.” - Psalm 33:10
In agreement with the words mentioned at Romans 13:1, we do recognize that the governments we live under have been given authority by Jehovah and we adhere to their “superior” authority as long as it doesn’t conflict with Jehovah’s "supreme" authority.
Something that is viewed as “superior” is generally considered to be better or more advanced than everything else. On the other hand, something that is viewed as “supreme” is commonly considered to be the highest or most authoritative. It is the ultimate authority or the best of all options. The term "supreme" often carries a sense of finality or completeness, as in "the supreme court".
When we display our integrity to Jehovah, we are acting in accordance with a set of “supreme” moral values that includes obeying Jehovah's laws and principles rather than those of any “superior” human governments. By doing this we demonstrate our commitment to integrity and our willingness to do what is right, rather than simply following the dictates of those in positions of earthly authority.
In this way, Psalm 119:1 helps us as individuals to prioritize our relationship with Jehovah and to act with integrity by following his laws and principles. This is important because the day is coming when there will be a final showdown at Armageddon where “only the upright will reside in the earth, and the one who keeps integrity will remain in it.” – Proverbs 2:21
Overall, those who keep their integrity to Jehovah know that living a life guided by God's principles and in accordance with his will and purpose brings true happiness and fulfillment.
Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
4 comments
We are so glad to be part of the promise Jehovah has mde for us of having an endless future to all who remain devoted to him, he being the ideal Sovereign of all the universe.
The best way to live is to remain faithful to Jehovah, maintaining our loyalty to him no matter what comes our way! Then we will feel the same as did the psalmist who wrote: “Happy are those who keep integrity . . . , who walk in the law of Jehovah.”—Ps. 119:1,
I like that analogy about supreme ruler and supreme court (there is nothing higher), I can use that to explain the concept. 😁
I appreciated the picture associated with paragraphs 3 and 4. The young brother stood tall, he was serious, and showed no fear. He no doubt brought honor and praise to Jehovah as he boldly gave a witness as to why he obeys the Supreme Authority over the superior authority, Acts 4:18, 20. I also appreciated Marks point about the Supreme Court. When the Supreme Court of a country makes a ruling and only the Supreme Court can change it. The Supreme One, through the king of his kingdom, Jesus will soon rid the the earth of the superior authorities.