Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing

WORK WITH GOD MAKES US HAPPY

From earliest times, Jehovah's servants have found joy in working with God, God's firstborn spirit Son, represented ass the personification of wisdom, is depicted as saying:  "Jehovah produced me as the beginning of his way . . .I was beside him as a master worker.  I was the one he especially fond of day by day; I rejoiced before him all the time."  (Proverbs 8:22, 30)  Jesus joyfully worked alongside his Father, rejoicing both in what he accomplished and in the knowledge that Jehovah was fond of him.  What, though, about us?

Jesus said that there is happiness both in giving and in receiving.  (Acts 20:35)  It brought us joy to receive the truth, and it brings us joy to share the truth with others.  As we share Bible truths  with others, we see spiritually hungry ones filled with delight as they begin to understand and appreciate our God and the precious truths contained in his Word.  It touches our heart to see them make changes not just in their thinking but also in their way of life.  We realize that the work of sharing the good news is vitally important. It opens the way  to everlasting life for those who become reconciled to God.  (2 Corinthians 5:20)  What more joyful, satisfying work could we engage in than that of helping people chart a course that will result in their living forever? 

Though we find happiness when people respond to the message we preach, we also delight in knowing that we are  pleasing Jehovah and that he appreciates our efforts to serve him. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:58) Marco, who lives in Italy, observes:  "I have the priceless joy of knowing that I am giving my best to Jehovah and not to someone who will soon forget what I've done."  Similarly, Franco, who also serves in Italy, says: "By means of his Word and his spiritual provisions, Jehovah reminds us every day that he loves us and that everything we do for him is important,even though our efforts may seem like nothing to us.  This is why working along with God makes me happy and gives my life meaning."  

Next time: Working Together With God A Cause for Rejoicing - WORKING WITH GOD DRAWS US CLOSER TO HIM

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