Have you ever wondered why millions claim to worship God, yet the conduct of most people in the world apparently is anything but godly?
While many go to mass and attend religious services on Sundays, it is no secret that just as many of them seem to have no qualms doing acts condemned by their religions — lying, stealing, quarreling, backstabbing, gambling, and even sexual immorality in its various forms — and apparently get away with it.
And while religious activities appear to be flourishing in certain countries, statistics show that crimes, immorality and corruption are likewise unabated in those lands. For example, the Philippines is known as the only Christian or Catholic country in Asia. Yet it also rates highest in criminality in this region.
Confused over such disparity between people’s religious identity and their moral behavior, those with discerning minds can’t help but ask: Are there still any significant number of people in the world whose faith in God make them rise above the rest? People who practice what they truly believe and do not go with the crowd?
Adding to the confusion is the existence of so many religious organizations, notably mainstream religions embracing Christendom, Islam, Buddihism, and Hinduism, among others. Remarkably, though, there appears very little difference, if any at all, between the overall conduct of those who claim any religious affiliation and those who do not.
Does one’s religion matter at all in how one behaves in this world?
‘True worshippers’ foretold to shine
“Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him,” Jesus declared. (John 4:23)
Jesus had foretold the time when his true followers would be identified beyond all doubts, evidently by their “fruits” or acts, along with their beliefs. This was made clear in his parable or illustration of the “wheat and weeds” as well as that of the ‘good tree and the bad tree.’ (Matthew 13:24-30; 7:16-20)
“By their fruits you will recognize them,” Jesus said, apparently referring to how to distinguish between “true worshippers” and “false prophets” or impostors. (Matthew 7:15 – 20; John 4:23)
The Bible speaks of the “fruitage of the spirit,” namely, godly virtues such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22, 23)
Indeed, those virtues characterize true Christians even in modern times. Like light from the sun, true Christians would radiate those virtues amid a darkened world.
Jesus aptly described his faithful followers thus, “You are the light of the world . . . Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 5: 14, 16)
Note: True Christians would ‘let their light shine by their fine works.’ Not only with what they believe but with what they practice that they will be identified by all.
Yet, one outstanding quality would mark true worshippers in any generation.
“By this they will know that you are my disciples — if you have love among yourselves,” said Jesus. (John 13:34)
Is this love manifest in any of the mainstream religions of the world? Do people in general identify such faiths for showing love for one another? If so, how come countries where those mainstream religions predominate are also marked by violent fighting, government corruption, and sexual immorality?
An observer once said, “My religion is supposed to have the biggest membership in the world. Yet those who practice good morals are more of the exception than the rule. If we are to weed out the bad apples from the good, I’m afraid only a few would be left.”
If you found out you’re given an apple with mostly rotten parts, would you still eat it?
A highly organized group
Since God’s ‘true worshippers’ do exist and will ‘let their light shine’ in these turbulent times, as Jesus himself foretold, can they be living independently as individuals, and do not belong to any organization? Or will they be a highly organized group, functioning as a united front, and thus have a distinct identity among all believers?
Consider these verses for a clearer picture of what or who those true worshippers are:
“Whoever does not gather with me scatters,” Jesus declared (Matthew 12:30). He thus likened his followers to branches bearing fruits, but attached to a common vine. He is the vine (John 15:1-5). Just as a plant has branches, leaves and fruits growing out of a common vine, does it not illustrate how closely coordinated Jesus’ true followers are, and therefore, must be operating as a united organization?
“One faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). No, the true worshippers could not have existed unattached to each other, or could they have remained affiliated with different religions and individually practicing the true Christian faith. The history of the original Christian congregation shows the disciples followed a common set of beliefs, creeds, and moral standards under the stewardship of faithful, humble men guided by holy spirit. And they flourished unitedly in different lands at the times of the apostles and beyond.
“Get out of them, my people . . . separate yourselves . . . and I will take you in,” Jehovah said. (Revelation 18:4) Since false religions have been condemned by God for their wayward beliefs and practices, it is but right for his true worshippers to be separated from them, thus avoid their plagues and the judgment of doom awaiting them.
“They will become one flock, one shepherd,” said Jesus, referring to his followers (John 10:16). Just as sheep are herded in one flock and led about kindly by a gentle, caring shepherd, so can we expect God’s true worshippers to be gathered in one united flock under Jesus’ loving oversight.
Known by Jehovah’s name
Isn’t it rather strange that practically all professed Christian groups identify themselves or their churches under the name of Jesus or Christ, but leave out the greatest name in the universe — that of the Almighty God Jehovah? Some even doubt the propriety of using God’s name at all!
On the other hand, Jesus himself prayed to his Father assuring Him that “While I was with them, I used to watch over them (his faithful disciples) on account of your own name” (John 17: 12)
Ultimately, prophecy had foretold the time when “God will take out of the nations a people for his name . . . people from all nations who are called by my name.” (Acts 15:14)
“Each one will walk in the name of his God . . . but we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.” (Micah 4:5)
Have you known of any single organization of believers actively promoting the worship of Jehovah God worldwide, following the teachings of Jesus Christ not only in word but in deed, and out of love for their fellowmen, including non-believers, go out of their way to make Jehovah’s Kingdom known to them as the only hope of bringing everlasting peace, harmony and happiness to mankind?
Now made up of nearly 9 million active proclaimers of Jehovah’s message of salvation in 240 lands, they are warmly inviting you to “draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (James 4:8)
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