"Do Not Put Out the Fire of the Spirit"

The apostle Paul admonished the Thessalonians:  "Do not put out the fire of the spirit."  (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Yes, actions and attitudes that run contrary to godly principles could impede the activity of the holy spirit in our behalf.  (Ephesians 4:30) Christians today have the assignment to preach the good news. We treat this privilege with deep respect.  It comes as not surprise to us that those who do not know God treat our preaching work with contempt.  But when a Christians purposely neglects his ministry, it might result in extinguishing the fire of God's motivating spirit.

Some outside the Christian congregation may view our ministry as mere distribution of literature.  Others may erroneously  conclude that we go from house to house simply to receive donations.  If we allow such negative views to influence our attitude, this may reduce our effectiveness in the ministry.  Rather than allowing such thinking to affect us, let us maintain the view that Jehovah and Jesus have toward our ministry.  The apostle Paul voiced that lofty view  when he declared: "We are not peddlers of the word of God as many men are, but as out of sincerity, yes, as sent from God,under God's view, in company with Christ, we are speaking." -2 Corinthians 2:17.

Shortly after Jesus' death, his disciples in Jerusalem faced a period of persecution.  They were threatened and commanded to stop preaching.  Yet, the Bible says that they were "filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness."  (Acts 4:17, 21, 31) Paul's words to Timothy some years later demonstrate the positive disposition that Christians should maintain.  Paul said: "God gave us no a spirit of cowardice,but that of power and of love and of soundness of mind.  Therefore, do not become ashamed of the witness about our Lord, neither of me a prisoner for his sake, but take your part in suffering evil for the good news according to the power of God." -2 Timothy 12:7, 8.

Next time: What Do We Own Our Neighbor?

The Watchtower, 2000