"If You Know These Things, Happy Are You If You Do Them? - VIEW THEM AS EQUALS

God's will is that "all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) What is your view of the many sorts of people who have yet to learn the truth?  Although the apostle Paul searched in synagogues for those who already knew something about God,he certainly did not restrict his efforts to Jewish people.  The responses he received from those who worshipped other  deities would test the depth of his humility .

On Paul's first missionary journey, for instance, the Lycaonian people mistook him and Barnabas for superheroes-as incarnations of their false gods Zeus and Hermes.  Were Paul and Barnabas tempted to ride the wave of popularity?  Would that seem  to be a refreshing break from all the persecution they had experienced in the last two cities they visited?  Did they imagine that the publicity could help to advance the good news?  Not at all!  They immediately protested by ripping their garments and leaping into the crowd, crying out:  "Why are you doing these things?  We too are humans having the same infirmities as you have." -Acts 14:8-15. 

In acknowledging that they too are imperfect, Paul and Barnabas were not saying that their way of worship was basically the same as of those pagans.  Were the two of them not missionaries with a special appointment?  (Acts 13:2) Had they been not been appointed with holy spirit and clothed with a glorious hope?  Yes, but Paul and Silas understood that the lycaonian people could receive the same advantages if they responded favorably to the good news. 

How might we imitate Paul's exemplary humility?  First, we must resist any temptation to expect or accept adulation for what we accomplish in Jehovah's strength.  Each of us do well to ask himself:  'How do I view the people to whom I might preach?  Might I unwittingly harbor toward certain people a bias that is common in my community?'  Commendably, Jehovah's Witnesses around the world have been analyzing their territories to determine whether there are yet more who might respond to the good news.  At times, this may require learning the languages and customs of those whom society in general has  marginalized. In no way should Witnesses who reach out to such ones view themselves as superior.  Rather, they seek to understand each individual in order  to reach his heart with the Kingdom message. 

Next time: "If  You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Them" - PRAY FOR OTHERS BY NAME

From the jw.org publications