John the Baptist - A Lesson in Maintaining Joy- REMAIN APPRECIATIVE

 A key to the Baptist's enduring joy was that he never lost his appreciations for the privileges he had.  Consider an example.  After Jesus' baptism, John's ministry began to decrease while Jesus' ministry began to increase.  Concerned, John's disciples approached him and said:  "See, this one is baptizing, and all are going to him."  ( John 3:26)  John replied:  "Whoever has the bride is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, when he stands and hears him, has a great deal of Joy on account of the voice  of the bridegroom.  So my joy has been made complete." (John 3:29)  John did not compete with Jesus; nor did John think that the privilege he had received been diminished by Jesus' greater role. Instead, John remained joyful because he cherished his role as "a friend of the bridegroom." 

John's disposition helped him to remain content despite  all that his assignment required of him.  For instance, John was a Nazirite from birth, and therefore he was forbidden to drink wine.  (Luke 1:15)  "John came neither eating nor drinking," said Jesus,  referring to John's austere lifestyle.  On the other hand Jesus and his disciples were under no such restriction and lived a more normal life.  (Matthew 11:18, 19)  Also, while John did not perform any miracles, he knew that Jesus' disciples, including some who initially followed John, were granted that power.  (Matthew 10:1; John 10:41)   Rather than let such differences distract him, John zealously stuck to his own assignment from Jehovah.

If  we too treasure our current  assignment in Jehovah's service, we can safeguard our joy.  Terry, mentioned earlier, says, "I concentrated on each of the assignments I was given."  As he looks back on his life of full-time service, he says, "i have no regrets but only wonderful memories." 

 We can deepen our joy in God's service by meditating on what gives real value to any theocratic assignment, or responsibility. It is the privilege of being "God's fellow workers." (1 Corinthians 3:9)   Just as  polishing a treasured heirloom can preserve its luster, meditating on the profound honor of serving God can prevent wrong views from tarnishing our joy.  We will resist comparing our sacrifices with the sacrifices of other people.  We will not esteem our privileges less because of the privileges granted to others. - GALATIANS 6:4.

Next time: John the Baptist - A Lesson in Maintaining Joy -  FOCUS ON SPIRITUAL MATTERS

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