How Do YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

Make the Most of Your Talents

There are many gifted people among Jehovah's Witnesses.  Some have outstanding intellectual abilities; others are  talented in manual activities.  All these gifts come from Jehovah, who gives "to all persons life and breath and all things."  (Acts 17:25) Without life, these gifts would be of no value.

It is only proper, then, that we use our dedicated lives in Jehovah's service.  That is what one talented young man decided to do.  He lived in the first century C.E.  A member of a prominent family, he spent his youth in the well-known city of Tarsus of Cilicia.  Although Jewish by birth, he inherited Roman citizenship from his father.  That entitled him to many rights and privileges.  When he grew older, he studied the Law with one of the foremost  "professors" of the time-Gamaliel.  It seemed that before long,  'wealth, favor and eminence would be his. -Acts 21:39; 22:3, 27, 28.

Who was this young man?  His name was Saul.  But Saul became a Christian and eventually became the apostle Paul.  He set aside his original aspirations and devoted his entire life to Jehovah's service as a Christian.  Paul became known as a distinguished lawyer, but as a zealous preacher of the good news.  After spending almost 30  years as a missionary, Paul wrote a letter to friends in Philippi.  In it he reviewed some of his past accomplishments before  he became a Christian, and then he said:  "On account of [Jesus Christ] I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ."  (Philippians 3:8) No, Paul did not regret the way he had used his life!

What about the training Paul received from Gamaliel?  Was it ever useful to him?  Yes! On several occasions he contributed to "the defending and legally establishing of the good news."  But Paul's main work was being a preacher of the good news-something his earlier schooling could never have taught him. -Philippians 1:7; Acts 26:24, 25.

Similarly today, some have been able to use their gifts and talents and even their education to further Kingdom interests.  Amy, for instance, hold a university degree in commerce and another in law.  She once had a lucrative job with a law firm, but today she serves as an unpaid volunteer minister in one of the Watchtower Society's branch offices.  Here is how Amy describes her life now:  "I believe that I have made the best possible choice in life.  . . .I have no desire to change places with any of my university peers.  I am proud of my chosen course.  I have everything I need and want-a contented, happy life and a career that is fulfilling and satisfying."

Amy chose a course that brought her peace of mind, satisfaction, and Jehovah's blessing . Surely Christian parents want nothing less for their children!

Next time: Success in the Christian Ministry

Watchtower, 2000