Endure in the Ministry

For Paul, being a minister took endurance. He told the Colossians that he suffered much in order to preach the good news to them. (Colossians 1:24, 25) Because he endured, however, many accepted the good news and became  ministers.  They were begotten as sons of God and brothers of Jesus Christ, with the prospect of become spirit creatures alongside him in heaven.  What a glorious reward for endurance! 

Endurance is necessary today for those who are really God's ministers. Many struggle daily with sickness or the pains of old age. Parents work hard-many of them without a mate-to raise their children.  Courageously, children at school resist the wrong influences that surround them.  Many Christians face bitter economic struggles. And many suffer persecution or face hardships because of today's  "critical times hard to deal with"!  (2 Timothy 3:1) Yes, the almost six million ministers of Jehovah today can say with the apostle Paul:  "In every way we recommend ourselves to God's ministers, by the endurance of much." (2 Corinthians 6:4)  Christian ministers do not give up. They are truly to be commended for their endurance.  

Moreover, as it did in Paul's case, endurance brings wonderful fruitage.  By enduring,we preserve our close relationship with Jehovah and make his heart rejoice.  (Proverbs 27:11)  We strengthen our own faith and make disciples, adding to the Christian brotherhood.  (1 Timothy 4:16) Jehovah has sustained his ministers and blessed their ministry during these last days. As a result, the final one of the 144,000 have been gathered, and millions more have the confident hope of enjoying everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 14:1) Truly, the Christian ministry is an expression of Jehovah's mercy.  (2 Corinthians 4:1) Many all of us treasure it and be grateful that its fruitage will last forever. -1 John 2:17. 

Next time: Serve God With a Willing Spirit

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000