What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Maintaining a Good Attitude

Having clearly in mind the goals set by Jesus will help us not to become discouraged in the face of indifference in the ministry. Christ wanted his disciples to search out deserving ones, not to perform mass conversions. On several occasions he pointed out that the vast majority would not accept the good news, just as most Israelites did not listen to the prophets of old. -Ezekiel 9:4; Matthew 10:11-15; Mark 4:14-20.

The "good news of the kingdom" is received with gratitude by individuals "conscious of their spiritual need." (Matthew 5:3; 24:14) They want to serve God in the way that he specifies. Hence the results of our activity are related more to the heart condition of the people than to our aptitude for presenting the message. Of course, we need to do our best to make the good news appealing. Yet, the results depend on God, for Jesus said: "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him." -John6:44.

Our evangelizing work makes Jehovah's name known. Whether people listen or not, our preaching activity contributes to the sanctification of Jehovah's holy name. Furthermore, by means of our evangelizing work, we prove that we are Christ's disciples, and we have the privilege of sharing in the most important mission being carried out in our day. -Matthew 6:9; John 15:8.

Next time: Discouragement and Relationships

Watchtower, 1999