DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Willing to Trust Others

Jesus had a balanced, realistic view of his disciples. He well knew that they were not perfect, after all, he could read human hearts. (John 2:24, 25) Even so, he saw them not simply in terms of their imperfection but in terms of their good qualities. He also saw the potential in these men whom Jehovah had drawn. (John 6:44) Jesus' positive view of his disciples was evident in the way he dealt with and treated them. For one thing he showed a willingness to trust them.

How did Jesus demonstrate that trust? When he left the earth, he delegated a heavy responsibility to his anointed disciples. He placed in their hands the responsibility of caring for the worldwide interests of his Kingdom. (Matthew 25:14, 15; Luke 12:42-44) During his ministry, he showed even in small, indirect ways that he trusted them. When he miraculously multiplied food to feed the crowds, he delegated to his disciples the responsibility of distributing the food. -Matthew 14:15-21; 15:32-37.

Consider too, the account recorded at Mark 4:35-41. On this occasion Jesus and his disciples boarded a boat and sailed east across the Sea of Galilee. Shortly after they shoved off, Jesus lay down in the back of the boat and fell fast asleep. Soon, however, "a great violent windstorm broke out." Such storms were not uncommon on the Sea of Galilee. Because of its low elevation (some 700 feet below sea level), the air is much warmer there than in the surrounding area, and this creates atmospheric disturbances. Added to this, strong winds rush down the Jordan Valley from Mount Hermon situated to the north. The calm of one moment may well yield to the raging storm of the next. Think about this: Jesus undoubtedly knew of the common storms, for he was raised in Galilee. Yet, he slept in peace, trusting in the skills of his disciples,some of whom were fishermen. -Matthew 4:18, 19.

Can we imitate Jesus' willingness to trust his disciples? Some find it difficult to delegate responsibilities to others. They must always be at the helm, so to speak. They may think, 'if I want something done right, I must do it myself!' But if we have to do everything ourselves, we are in danger of wearing ourselvs out and perhaps taking unnecessary time away from our family. Besides, if we do not delegate appropriate tasks and responsibilities to others, we may be depriving them of needed experience and training. It would be wise to learn to trust others, delegating matters to them. We do well to ask ourselves honestly 'Do I have the mind of Christ on this matter? Do I willingly delegate certain tasks to others, trusting them to do their best?'

Next time: He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

Watchtower, 2000