ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?

What Is Your Determination?

If we appreciate the seriousness of our dedication to Jehovah God, what should we be determined to do? Our firm determination should be to hold a good conscience with regard to both our conduct and our ministry. Peter exhorted: "Hold a good conscience, so that in the particular in which you are spoken against they may get ashamed who are speaking slightingly of your good conduct in connection with Christ." (1 Peter 3:16) We may have to suffer and face abuse because of our Christian conduct, but so did Christ because of his faith and loyalty to God. "Therefore," Peter said, "since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person that has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins." -1 Peter 4:1.

Indeed our firm determination to live up to our dedication will protect us from the trappings of Satan's world that is sick spiritually, mentally and physically. But more than that, we will gain confidence that we have God's approval, which is far better than anything Satan and his agents can offer. Thus, never let it be said that we have left the love that we had when we first knew the truth. Rather, let it be said of us as it was of those in the first-century congregation in Thyatira: "I know your deeds , and your love, your love, faith, ministry and endurance and that your deeds of late are more than those formerly." (Revelation 2:4, 18, 19) Yes, let us not be lukewarm regarding our dedication , but let us be "aglow with the spirit," zealous down to the end-and the end is near. -Romans 12:11; Revelation 3:15, 16.

Next time: YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!

Watchtower, 2001