How Do YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

Success in the Christians Ministry

Of course, it is vital to have the proper view of success in the Christian ministry itself.  It is not hard to feel successful when we have spent an enjoyable time in the field ministry placing Bible literature or engaging householders in stimulating Bible discussions.  But if we seldom find a hearing ear, we might be tempted to conclude that we are wasting our time.  Remember, though, that one of the definitions of success is "the attainment of favor.'  Whose favor do we wish to gain?  Jehovah's, of course.  This we can receive whether people listen to our message or not.  Jesus taught his disciples a powerful lesson in this regard.

You will recall that Jesus dispatched 70 Kingdom preachers "into every city and place to which he himself was going to come."  (Luke 10:1)  They were to preach in the towns and villages unaccompanied by Jesus.  This was a new experience for them.  Hence, Jesus gave them detailed instructions before sending them out.  When they met "a friend of peace,"  they were to give him a thorough witness concerning the Kingdom.  However, when they were rebuffed, they were to go on their way, unconcerned.  Jesus explained that those who refused to listen to them were really rejecting Jehovah himself. -Luke 10:4-7, 16.

When the 70 completed their preaching assignment, they reported back to Jesus "with joy, saying:  'Lord, even the demons are made to subject to us by the use of your name.' "  (Luke 10:17)  It must have been exciting for those imperfect men to expel powerful spirit creatures!  However,  Jesus cautioned his enthusiastic disciples:  'do not rejoice over this, that the spirits are made subject to you, but rejoice because your names have been inscribed in the heavens."  (Luke 10:20) The 70  might not always have the power to expel demons, nor would they always experience positive results in the ministry.  But if they remained  faithful, they would always have Jehovah's approval.

Next time: Do You Appreciate Full-Time Servants?

Watchtower, 2000