Doers of GOD'S WORD Find Happiness

Day Two-Keep Telling About God's Wonderful Works

After a consideration of the daily text, the second day of the convention continued with the symposium "Ministers of God's Word."  The first part drew attention to the present success of our global preaching work.  Our endurance in this work however, is challenged by the majority, who reject the Kingdom message.  A number of longtime publishers explained how they have maintained their joy in the ministry by  fortifying their mind and heart to meet the challenge of apathy of opposition.  The second part reminded the conventioneers that Jehovah's Witnesses strive to reach people everywhere, both formally and informally. And the last part described the broad spectrum of ways in which all Christians can expand their personal ministry. The speaker stressed that in order to do this, we should give God's Kingdom top priority, even if doing so involves inconvenience and self-denial. -Matthew 6:19-21. 

Since we live in an ungodly world saturated with an insatiable craving for material things, the talk "Cultivate Godly Devotion With Self-Sufficiency" was very timely.  Basing some of his comments on 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 18, 19, the speaker showed how godly devotion helps  Christians to avoid the love of money, which can lead them astray and cause many pains.  He stressed that whatever our economic situation , happiness depends on our relationship with Jehovah and on our spiritual well-being.  Many were deeply moved by the points presented in the talk "Giving God No Cause for Shame."  The fact that Jehovah never forgets his faithful Witnesses was emphasized.  The peerless example of Jesus Christ-who "is the same yesterday and today, and forever"-will help many to continue running the race for life with endurance. -Hebrews  13:8.

Closing the morning session was the baptism talk-always a highlight at large gatherings of Jehovah's Witnesses.  What a joy to see newly dedicated ones following in Jesus' footsteps by submitting to water baptism!  (Matthew 3:13-17)  All who take this step have already accomplished much as doers of God's word.  Moreover, when baptized they become ordained ministers of the good news deriving much joy from knowing that they are sharing in sanctifying Jehovah's name. -Proverbs 27:11.

Pointed counsel was given in the talk "Maturity Needed 'to Distinguish Both Right and Wrong.' " Worldly standards of right and wrong are woefully inadequate.  We therefore need to rely on Jehovah's standards.  (Romans 12:2) All were encouraged to work hard to gain an accurate understanding of God's ways and to grow to maturity.  Then, with practice our perceptive powers will be trained "to distinguish both right and wrong." - Hebrews 5:11-14. 

Next time: Conclusion of Day Two- Keep Telling About God's Wonderful Works

The Watchtower, 2001