Tuesday, August 28 Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.​—2 Cor. 7:1.

[GrumpysWife]

Tuesday, August 28

Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.—2 Cor. 7:1.

 

The June 1, 1973, issue of The Watchtower asked the question: “Do . . . persons who have not broken their addiction to tobacco qualify for baptism?” The answer was: “The Scriptural evidence points to the conclusion that they do not.” After citing several relevant scriptures, The Watchtower explained why an unrepentant smoker should be disfellowshipped. (1 Cor. 5:7) It said: “This represents no effort to act in an arbitrary, dictatorial manner. The strictness really proceeds from God, who expresses himself through his written Word.” A recent book on religion in the United States notes: “Christian leaders have regularly revised their teachings to match the beliefs and opinions gaining support among their members and in the larger society.” Has any religion other than Jehovah’s Witnesses been willing to rely fully on God’s Word, even when doing so presents a real challenge to some of its members? w17.02 4:15