1-2. In what way might a Christian be like a skyscraper? (1 Corinthians 15:58)

 IN THE late 1970’s, a 60-story skyscraper gradually rose above the skyline of Tokyo, Japan. Observers wondered how it would be able to withstand the frequent earthquakes in that city. The secret? Engineers designed the building to be rigid yet flexible enough to absorb seismic shocks. Christians are like that skyscraper. In what way?

² A Christian must maintain a balance between steadfastness and flexibility. He needs to be strong and immovable when it comes to upholding Jehovah’s laws and standards. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:58.) He is “ready to obey” and does not compromise. On the other hand, he needs to be “reasonable,” or flexible, when the situation allows for it or even requires it. (Jas. 3:17) A Christian who has learned to have this balanced view will avoid the extremes of being either excessively rigid or overly permissive. In this article, we will consider how we can be immovable. We will also identify five ways that Satan tries to weaken our resolve and learn how we can resist his efforts.

3. What laws of the Supreme Lawgiver are found at Acts 15:28, 29?

³ As the Supreme Lawgiver, Jehovah has consistently conveyed clear laws to his people. (Isa. 33:22) For example, the first-century governing body identified three  ways in which Christians must remain firm: (1) by rejecting idolatry, worshipping only Jehovah, (2) by respecting the sanctity of blood, and (3) by adhering to the Bible’s high moral standards. (Read Acts 15:28, 29.) How can Christians today maintain a firm stand in these three specific ways?

4. How do we give Jehovah exclusive devotion? (Revelation 4:11)

⁴ We reject idolatry, worshipping only Jehovah. He commanded the Israelites to give him exclusive devotion. (Deut. 5:6-10) And when tempted by the Devil, Jesus clearly indicated that we must worship only Jehovah. (Matt. 4:8-10) Therefore, we do not worship religious idols. We also do not idolize humans​—whether they are religious leaders, political rulers, or stars in the world of sports and entertainment—​treating them like gods. We take our stand on Jehovah’s side and worship only the one who “created all things.”​—Read Revelation 4:11.

5. Why do we uphold Jehovah’s law regarding the sanctity of life and blood?

⁵ We uphold Jehovah’s law regarding the sanctity of life and blood. Why? Because Jehovah says that blood represents life, a precious gift from him. (Lev. 17:14) When Jehovah first allowed humans to eat the flesh of animals, he directed them not to eat the blood. (Gen. 9:4) He repeated this command when he gave the Mosaic Law to Israel. (Lev. 17:10) And he directed the first-century governing body to decree that all Christians “keep abstaining . . . from blood.” (Acts 15:28, 29) We steadfastly obey this command when we make medical decisions. b

6. What efforts do we make to live by Jehovah’s high moral standards?

⁶ We strictly adhere to Jehovah’s high moral standards. (Heb. 13:4) Using vivid figurative language, the apostle Paul advises us to “deaden” our body members​—that is, to take strong measures in order to eliminate wrong fleshly desires. We avoid looking at or doing anything that could lead to sexual immorality. (Col. 3:5; Job 31:1) When we face temptation, we immediately reject any thought or action that could damage our friendship with God.

7. What should we resolve to do, and why?

⁷ Jehovah expects us to be “obedient from the heart.” (Rom. 6:17) His guidance is always in our best interests, and his laws are nonnegotiable. (Isa. 48:17, 18; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10) We strive to please Jehovah and show the same attitude as the psalmist who declared: “I have resolved to obey your regulations at all times, down to the last.” (Ps. 119:112) However, Satan will try to weaken our resolve. What methods does he use?

8. How does Satan use persecution in an effort to weaken our resolve?

⁸ Persecution. The Devil uses physical and emotional attacks in an effort to weaken our resolve. His aim is “to devour” us, to destroy our relationship with Jehovah. (1 Pet. 5:8)  Christians in the first century were threatened, beaten, and killed because of their determination to stand firm. (Acts 5:27, 28, 40; 7:54-60) Satan continues to use persecution today. This is evident in the brutal treatment of our brothers and sisters in Russia and other countries and in the personal attacks by opposers.

9. Illustrate the need to beware of subtle pressures.

⁹ Subtle pressures. Satan uses “crafty acts” in addition to blatant frontal attacks. (Eph. 6:11) Take the example of a brother named Bob, who was hospitalized for major surgery. He informed the doctors that under no circumstances would he accept a blood transfusion. The surgeon agreed to respect his decision. However, on the night before the surgery, the anesthesiologist paid Bob a visit after his family had gone home. He told Bob that blood would likely not be given but that they would have it on hand just in case it was needed. Perhaps the doctor thought that Bob would change his mind without his family around. But Bob remained steadfast, stating that he was not to be given blood under any circumstances.

10. Why is human reasoning a snare? (1 Corinthians 3:19, 20)

¹⁰ Human reasoning. If we look at matters from a human standpoint, we may leave out Jehovah and his standards. (Read 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20.) “The wisdom of this world” often appeals to fleshly desires. A few Christians in Pergamum and Thyatira adopted the idolatrous and immoral views common in those cities. Jesus sent strong counsel to both congregations for their toleration of sexual immorality. (Rev. 2:14, 20) Today, we face pressure to adopt wrong viewpoints. Family members and acquaintances may appeal to our emotions and encourage us to compromise. For example, they may claim that giving in to our desires does not matter and that the Bible’s moral standards are outdated.

11. As we stand firm, what must we avoid?

¹¹ At times, we might reason that the direction Jehovah gives us is not sufficient. We might even be tempted to “go beyond the things that are written.” (1 Cor. 4:6) The religious leaders in Jesus’ day were guilty of this sin. By adding man-made rules to the Law, they imposed a heavy burden on the common people. (Matt. 23:4) Jehovah gives us clear direction through his Word and through his organization. We have no reason to add to the instruction he provides. (Prov. 3:5-7) Therefore, we do not go beyond what is written in the Bible or make rules for fellow believers about personal matters.

12. How does Satan promote “empty deception”?

¹² Deceptions. Satan employs “empty deception” and “the elementary things of the world” to mislead and divide people. (Col. 2:8) In the first century, these included philosophies based on human reasonings, unscriptural Jewish teachings, and the teaching that Christians must observe the Mosaic Law. These were deceptions because they took people’s attention away from the true Source of wisdom, Jehovah. Today, Satan uses the media and social networks  to spread conspiracy theories and false news reports promoted by political leaders. We saw much of this during the COVID-19 pandemic. c Jehovah’s Witnesses who listened to the guidance given by our organization avoided the undue anxieties experienced by those who listened to misleading information.​—Matt. 24:45.

13. Why must we be on guard against distractions?

¹³ Distractions. We must not lose sight of “the more important things.” (Phil. 1:9, 10) Distractions can take an excessive amount of our time and attention away from more beneficial pursuits. Ordinary features of life​—such as eating, drinking, recreation, and secular work—​could become distractions if we allow them to become the focus of our life. (Luke 21:34, 35) In addition, every day we are bombarded with news reports about social disputes and political issues. We cannot afford to be distracted by these debates. Otherwise, we may begin to take sides in our mind and heart. Satan uses all these methods mentioned above with the goal of weakening our determination to do what is right. Let us consider how we can resist his efforts and remain firm.

14. What is one thing that can help us remain firm on Jehovah’s side?

¹⁴ Reflect on your dedication and baptism. You took those steps because you wanted to stand on Jehovah’s side. Think back to what helped you to become convinced that you had found the truth. You took in accurate knowledge of Jehovah and grew to respect and love him as your heavenly Father. You developed faith and were motivated to repent. Your heart moved you to abandon wrong practices and to live in harmony with God’s will. You felt relief  when you sensed God’s forgiveness. (Ps. 32:1, 2) You attended Christian meetings and began to share with others the wonderful things you had learned. As a dedicated and baptized Christian, you are now walking on the road to life, determined not to lose your way.​—Matt. 7:13, 14.

15. Why are study and meditation beneficial?

¹⁵ Study God’s Word and meditate on it. Just as a tree can stand strong if it has deep roots, we can remain firm if our faith is deeply rooted in God’s Word. As a tree grows, its roots grow deeper and spread farther. When we study and meditate, we strengthen our faith and deepen our conviction that God’s ways are best. (Col. 2:6, 7) Reflect on how Jehovah’s instruction, guidance, and protection helped his servants in times past. For example, Ezekiel paid close attention as an angel took detailed measurements of the visionary temple. This vision strengthened Ezekiel, and it provides us with practical lessons about how we can uphold Jehovah’s standards for pure worship. d (Ezek. 40:1-4; 43:10-12) We too benefit when we take time to study about and meditate on the deeper things of God’s Word.

16. How did a steadfast heart protect Bob? (Psalm 112:7)

¹⁶ Cultivate a steadfast heart. King David declared his unswerving love for Jehovah when he sang: “My heart is steadfast, O God.” (Ps. 57:7) We too can have a steadfast heart, trusting fully in Jehovah. (Read Psalm 112:7.) Consider how this helped Bob, mentioned earlier. When he was informed that blood would be kept on hand just in case it was needed, he instantly replied that if there was any chance of giving him blood, he would leave the hospital immediately. Later, Bob commented, “I had absolutely no hesitation and no worry.”

17. What can we learn from Bob’s experience? (See also picture.)

 ¹⁷ Bob was steadfast because he had made his decision to stand firm long before he went into the hospital. First, he desired to make Jehovah happy. Second, he carefully studied what the Bible and our Bible-based publications say about the sanctity of life and blood. Third, he was convinced that following Jehovah’s direction would bring lasting benefits. We too can have a steadfast heart no matter what trials we may face.

18. How does Barak’s example teach us to trust in Jehovah? (See cover picture.)

¹⁸ Trust in Jehovah. Consider how Barak succeeded because of trusting in Jehovah’s direction. Although neither a shield nor a lance could be seen in all the land, Jehovah instructed him to go into battle against the well-equipped military forces of the Canaanite army chief Sisera. (Judg. 5:8) The prophetess Deborah told Barak to go down to the level plain to meet Sisera and his 900 chariots. Even though the chariots would offer a clear advantage on the flat ground, Barak obeyed. As the soldiers descended Mount Tabor, Jehovah sent pouring rains from heaven. Sisera’s chariots became mired in mud, and Jehovah gave Barak the victory. (Judg. 4:1-7, 10, 13-16) Similarly, Jehovah will give us the victory if we trust in him and in the direction he provides through his representatives.​—Deut. 31:6.

19. Why do you want to remain steadfast?

¹⁹ Our fight to remain steadfast will continue as long as we are living in this system of things. (1 Tim. 6:11, 12; 2 Pet. 3:17) May we be determined not to be tossed about by persecution, subtle pressures, human reasoning, deceptions, and distractions. (Eph. 4:14) Instead, let us stand firm, steadfast in our devotion to Jehovah and immovable in our obedience to his commands. At the same time, we need to be reasonable. In the next article, we will discuss how Jehovah and Jesus are perfect examples of reasonableness.