Serving Jehovah With Our "Whole Strength"

Our love for Jehovah moves us to have a full share in the Christian ministry. What does Jehovah expect of us in this regard? Something that all of us, no matter what our situation in life, can give: "Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah and not to men." (Colossians 3:23) In stating the greatest commandment, Jesus said: "You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength." (Mark 12:30) Yes, Jehovah expects each one of us to love and to serve him in a whole-souled way.

What does it mean to serve God whole-souled? The soul refers to the entire person, with all his physical and mental abilities. Since the soul embraces the heart, the mind and the strength, why are these other faculties mentioned in Mark 12:30? Consider an illustration. In Bible times, a person might sell himself (his soul) into slavery. Yet, the slave might not serve his master whole-heartedly; he might not use his full strength or his full mental abilities to advance his master's interests. (Colossians 3:22) Hence, Jesus evidently mentioned these other faculties in order to emphasize that we must not hold anything back in our service to God. Serving God whole-souled means giving of ourselves, using our strength and energies to the fullest extent possible in his service.

Does serving whole-souled mean that we must all spend the same amount of time and energy in the ministry? That could hardly be possible, for circumstances and abilities differ from one person to another. For example, a young person with good health and physical stamina may be able to spend more time in preaching than can one whose strength is sapped by advancing age. A single person who is free from family obligations may be able to do more than can one who has to care for a family. If we have the strength and circumstances that enable us to do much in the ministry, how thankful we should be! Of course, we would never want to have a critical spirit, comparing ourselvs with others in this regard. (Romans 14:10-12) Rather, we want to use our power to encourage others.

Jehovah has set the perfect example in using his power aright. We want to imitate him to the best of our ability as imperfect humans. We can use our power aright by treating with dignity those over whom we have a measure of authority. In addition, we want to be whole-souled in carrying our the lifesaving preaching work that Jehovah has give us to accomplish. (Romans 10:13, 14) Remember, Jehovah is pleased when you give the best that you-your soul-can give. Does not your heart move you to want to do all you can in serving such an understanding and loving God? There is no better or more important way to use your power.

Next time: A Lover Of Justice - "All His Ways Are Justice."

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002