"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 tread this privilege with deep respect. It comes as no surprise to us that those who do not know God treat our preaching work will contempt. But when a Christian 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 view to influence our attitude, this may reduce our effectiveness int he 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 s 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 not a spirit of cowardice, but that of power and of love and 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 1:7, 8. 

Next time: What Do We Owe Our Neighbor?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000