Maintain a Positive View of the Ministry

Jehovah wants us to be joyful in his service.  Our joy should not be contingent on the results that we obtain.  (Luke 10:17, 20) The prophet Jeremiah preached for years in unproductive territory.  When he focused on the negative reaction of the people, he lost his joy.  (Jeremiah  20:8) But when he meditated on the beauty of the message itself, his joy was rekindled.  Jeremiah said to Jehovah:  "Your words were found, and I proceeded to eat them; and your word becomes to me the exultation and the rejoicing of my heart; for your name has been called upon me, O Jehovah."  (Jeremiah 15:16) Yes, Jeremiah rejoiced in is privilege of preaching God's word.  We can too.

Even if the majority refuse to respond to the good news, we have every reason to be joyful as we engage in the field of ministry. Remember that Jehovah was clearly confident that some humans would be moved to serve him.  Like Jehovah, we should never give up hope that at least some will eventually see the issue and accept the Kingdom message. We must not forget that people's circumstances change.  when faced with some unexpected loss or crisis, even the most self-satisfied individual may begin thinking seriously about the meaning of life.  Will you be there to help  when such a person bec0omes 'conscious of his spiritual need'? (Matthew 5:3) Why, someone in your territory may be ready to listen to the good news the very next time you call!

The makeup of our territory can also change. Consider an example.  In a small town, there lived a close knit group of young married couples with children. When Jehovah's Witnesses called, they met with the same response at every door, "We are not interested!"  If someone did show interest in the Kingdom message, the neighbors lost no time in discouraging further contact with the Witnesses.  Needless to say, it was a challenge to preach there.  Nevertheless, the Witnesses did not give up, they kept right on preaching.  With what result?

In time, many of the children in that town grew up, got married,and settled down there. Realizing that their way of life had not resulted  in genuine happiness, some of these young adults began searching for the truth.  They also found it when they responded  favorably to the good news proclaimed by the Witnesses.  So it was that after many years, the little congregation began to grow.  Imagine the joy of the Kingdom publishers who did not give up!  May persistence in sharing the glorious Kingdom message bring joy to us too!

Next time: Fellow Believers Will Support You

The Watchtower, 2001