KEEP ON SERVING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER -Frail but Honorable

Frail but Honorable

If we are determined to serve God shoulder to shoulder with fellow believers, we will not just avoid being judgmental.  We will take the lead in showing them honor.  (Romans 12:10)  In fact, we will seek their advantage, not our own, and will joyfully perform humble tasks in their behalf.  (John 13:12-17; 1 Corinthians 10:24) How can we maintain such a fine spirit?  By bearing in mind that every believer is precious to Jehovah and that we need one another, just as each member of the human body is dependent on the others. -1 Corinthians 12:14-27.

Admittedly, Christians are frail earthen vessels entrusted with the glorious treasure of the ministry.  (2 Corinthians 4:7)  If we are to carry out this blessed activity to Jehovah's praise, we must maintain an honorable standing before him and his Son.  Only by staying morally and spiritually pure can we remain an honorable vessel for God's use.  In this regard, Paul wrote:  "In a large house there are vessels not only of gold and silver but of wood and earthenware, and some for an honorable purpose, sanctified, useful to his owner, prepared for every good work." -2 Timothy 2:20, 21.

Individuals who do not conduct themselves in harmony with divine requirements are 'vessels lacking honor.'  By pursuing  godly course, however, we will be 'vessels for an honorable purpose, sanctified, or set apart , for Jehovah's service and prepared for every good work.' So we may well ask ourselves: "Am I an "honorable vessel"? Do I have a good effect on fellow believers?  Am I a member of the congregation who works shoulder to shoulder with fellow worshipers?

Next time: Continue Serving Shoulder to Shoulder

The Watchtower, 2002