They Have Never Lost Their Joy

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed radiant health and had perfect minds.  They had productive work to do and ideal surroundings in which to do it. Best of all, they had the privilege of regularly communicating with Jehovah.  It was God's purpose that they enjoy a happy future.  But our first parents were not satisfied with all these good gifts;  they stole the forbidden fruit from "the tree of  the knowledge of good and bad."  This disobedient act laid the groundwork for all the unhappiness that we, their descendants,  are experiencing today. -Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6; Romans 5:12.

However, Jehovah did not allow the ungrateful attitude of Adam and Eve to robe him of his joy.  He was confident that the hearts of their offspring would be moved to serve him.  He was so confident, in fact, that even before Adam and Eve produced their first child, he announced his purpose  to redeem their obedient descendants!  (Genesis 1:31; 3:15) In the centuries that followed, the majority  of mankind walked in the footsteps of Adam and Eve, but Jehovah did not turn his back on the human family because of such widespread disobedience.  Rather, he centered his attention on the men and women who 'made his heart rejoice,' those who made the real effort to please him because they loved him. -Proverbs 27:11; Hebrews 6:10.

What about Jesus-how did he maintain his joy?  As a mighty spirit creature in heaven, Jesus had every opportunity to observe the activities of men and women on earth.  Their imperfections were obvious, yet Jesus loved them.  (Proverbs 8:31) Later, when he came to earth and actually "resided among" humans, his view of mankind did not change.  (John 1:14)  What enabled the perfect Son of God to maintain such a positive view of the sinful family?

First of all, Jesus was reasonable in his expectations both of himself and of others.  He knew that he was not going to convert the world.  (Matthew 10:32-39) So he rejoiced even when one sincere person responded favorably to the Kingdom message. Although the conduct and attitude of his disciples sometimes left much to be desired, Jesus knew that  at heart they really wanted to do God's will, and he loved them on that account.  (Luke 9:46; 22:24, 28-32, 60-62) Significantly, in prayer to his heavenly Father, Jesus summarized the positive course that his disciples had taken up to that point:  "They have observed your word." -John 17:6

Without a doubt, all of us would benefit from reflecting on the example set by Jehovah God and Christ Jesus in this respect.  Can we more fully imitate Jehovah perhaps by not becoming overly concerned when things do not work out just as we had hoped?  Can we follow  more closely in Jesus' footsteps by maintaining a positive viewpoint toward our present circumstances, as well as by being reasonable in what we expect of ourselves and others?  Let us see how some of these principles might be applied in a practical way in an area that is dear to the hearts of zealous Christians everywhere-the field of ministry.

Next time: Maintain a Positive View of the Ministry

The Watchtower, 2001