Chapter Thirteen/Buy Gold Refined by Fire - "You Say: 'I Am Rich' " -

 What a shocking condition! But do we not often see a similar situation nowadays? What is the root cause? It is a self-confident attitude that springs from reliance upon material possessions and human resources, like Christendom's church goers, some of Jehovah's people have deceived themselves thinking they can please God by merely attending meetings occasionally.  They try to get by as mere token "doers of the word." (James 1:22) Despite repeated warnings from the John class, they set their hearts on stylish clothes, cars and homes, and on a life centered on recreation and pleasure. (1 Timothy 6:9, 10; 1 John 2:15-17) All of this results in a dulling of spiritual perception. (Hebrews 5:11, 12) Instead of being listlessly lukewarm, they need to rekindle "the fire of the spirit" and show refreshing eagerness to "preach the word." - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19; 2 TIMOTHY4:2, 5. 

How does Jesus regard lukewarm Christians? His candid words should jolt them: "You do not know you are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked." Their consciences are numbed to the point that they do not even realize their appalling state. (Compare Proverbs 16:2; 21:2.) This serious condition in the congregation cannot be lightly brushed aside. By setting a fine example of zeal and by shepherding in love, elders and others assigned by them may be able to awaken these straying "sheep" to their former joy of wholehearted service. - LUKE 15:3-7.

Next time: Chapter Thirteen/Buy Gold Refined by Fire - Counsel on 'Becoming Rich' 

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