Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector who had become rich by extorting money. (Luke 19:1-9)Yet, when that unrighteous man heard Jesus preach about the Kingdom, he recognized the excelling value of what he was hearing and took immediate action. He exclaimed: "Look! the half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone, I am restoring four times over." He gladly gave up his ill-gotten riches and abandoned his greed for material things.
Some years ago, when someone we will call Rose heard the Kingdom message, she was involved in a lesbian relationship. She was president of an organization fighting for the rights of homosexuals. As Rose studied the Bible, however, she discerned the excelling value of the truth about God's Kingdom. But she realized that she would have to make some major adjustments. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Her heart moved her to resign from her position and to end her lesbian relationship . Rose was baptized in 2009, and the next year, she began to serve as a regular pioneer. Her love for Jehovah and his Kingdom was stronger than any fleshly desires. - Mark 12:29, 30.
Granted, many of us have made life-transforming changes to become subjects of God's Kingdom. (Roman 12:2 ) Even so, our work is not finished. We must remain alert to things that actively compete for our affection, including the desire for material things and any immoral sexual desires. (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:27-29) To help us maintain our wholehearted love for God's Kingdom, Jehovah has given us another priceless treasure.
Next time: Set Your Heart on Spiritual Treasures -OUR LIFESAVING MINISTRY
From the jw.org publications
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