Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One - DO YOUR BEST TO BEHAVE AS A LESSER ONE

In marriage:  Many people today care only about their own rights.  The rights of others are not important to them.  But a humble person has the kind attitude that Paul encouraged the Christians in Rome to have.  He wrote:  "Let us  pursue the things making for peace and the things that are up-building  to one another." (Romans 14:19.)  A person who behaves as a lesser one makes an effort to keep peace with everyone and especially with his or her marriage spouse.

 For example, what a husband likes to do for recreation may be different from what his wife likes to do.  Perhaps the husband likes to stay at home and read a book during his free time, but the wife likes to go out for a meal or to visit friends. It will be easier for the wife to respect her husband if he has a humble attitude and thinks not only of what he likes but what she likes. And the husband will love and value his wife even more so if she is not always trying to get what she wants but thinks of what he wants as well.  The relationship between husband and wife becomes stronger when both of them are humble. - PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4.

In the congregation.  In the world, many feel that they must have what they want right away.  They have little patience and hate waiting for  anything.  When we have a humble attitude, it becomes easier to wait for Jehovah, or to trust in him. (Read Psalm 131:1-3.)  If we are humble and wait for Jehovah, we will be blessed.  We will feel safe,  comforted and happy. So we can understand why David  encouraged the Israelites to wait patiently for God!

 You can feel comforted as David did when you humbly wait for Jehovah.  (Psalm 42:5)  Perhaps you would like to sere as an elder so that you can do more  to help the congregation. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)  Of course, with the help of  the holy spirit, you should first do all you can to have the qualities needed to be an elder.   But what if you have to wait a little longer than others had to?  The person who behaves as a lesser one waits patiently to receive more responsibilities in the congregation.  He will continue to serve Jehovah and the congregation joyfully in whatever way he can. 

Next time: Cultivate the Spirit of a lesser One -  Conclusion of DO YOUR BEST TO BEHAVE AS A LESSER ONE

From the jw.org publications

Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One - HOW A LESSER ONE BECOMES "GREAT"

Those who are humble are happy in God's organization and support the way things are done in the congregation.  For example, Petra is a young woman who was raised in a family of Witnesses.  But she wanted to do things her own way and left  the congregation.  Some  years later, she started to associate with the congregation again.  She is now happy to be in Jehovah's organization and to support the way things are done in the congregation.  How did her attitude change?  She says,  "The two most important qualities I needed to understand and to cultivate were humility and modesty." 

A humble person is truly grateful for all the good things Jehovah gives his people, including the help he gives them to learn about him.  That is why a humble person regularly and carefully studies the Bible and reads the Watchtower and Awake!  Many servants of Jehovah read each new publication before putting it  away in their library.  If we show that we are humble and grateful by reading and studying our publications, we will have a stronger friendship with God, and he will able to use us to do more in his service. - HEBREWS 5:13, 14. 

There is another way a humble person can become "great," or valuable to God. Jehovah uses his holy spirit to anoint men as elders in the congregation.  These men organize meetings and field service and shepherd the congregation.  We we show humility by willingly cooperating with the elders, we help the whole congregation to have joy, peace, and unity.  (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17)  And if you are serving as a elder or a ministerial servant, do you show humility by being grateful for the responsibility Jehovah has given you?

A humble person becomes more valuable to Jehovah's organization because his attitude makes him a good and useful servant of God.  Jesus had to remind his disciples  to behave as lesser ones because some of them were thinking like the proud people of that time.  Luke 9:46  says:  "A reasoning entered among them as to who would be the greatest of them."  Could we also begin to think that we are better than our brothers and sisters or than other people?  We should be different from most people in the world around us, who are proud and selfish.  If we are humble and put Jehovah's will first,  our brothers and sisters will feel encouraged when are around us.

When we are understand Jesus' counsel to behave as a lesser one, we are motivated to show humility in all situations in life.  Let us talk about three situations.

Next time: Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One - DO YOU BEST TO BEHAVE AS A LESSER ONE

From the jw.org publications

Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One -'O THE DEPTH OF GOD'S RICHES AND WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE!"

One way we can become more humble is to remember that Jehovah is much greater than we are.  The truth is that no one can ever know everything that Jehovah knows.  (Isaiah 40:28) The  apostle Paul wrote about Jehovah's greatness: "O the depth  of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge!  How unsearchable his judgments are and past tracing out his ways are!" (Romans 11:33)  Humans have learned many things since Paul wrote those words almost 2,000 years ago.  But what he wrote is still true.  No matter how much we know, we will never stop learning about Jehovah, his works, and his thinking.


For example. what helped Leo to become more humble was realizing that he could never  learn everything about God's creation.   As a young man, Leo loved science. He wanted to understand the universe as much as possible, so he decided to study it in school.  But he realized that science alone cannot help humans to understand everything about the universe.  So he started studying law instead.  In time, Leo became a lawyer and then a judge.  Later, he and his wife studied the  Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, accepted the truth, and got baptized.  Even though he was highly educated, what helped Leo to show humility?  He answers, "It is the realization that no matter how much we learn about Jehovah, there is still much more to discover."

Something else that helps us to be humble  is to remember that Jehovah himself shows humility.  And think about this:  "We are God's fellow workers." (1 Corinthians 3:9)  Imagine that God, the Most High, wants us to work with him.  He honors  us by giving us an opportunity to use his Word, the Bible, to preach the good news.  Although Jehovah is the one who makes the seeds grow, he allows us to have the work of planting  and watering them. (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7)  In this way, God sets an example should encourage each of us to behave as a lesser one!

Next time: Cultivate the Spirit of the Lesser One - HOW A  LESSER ONE BECOMES "GREAT"

From  the jw.org publications

Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One

"He that conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one that is great." - LUKE 9:48.

IT WAS the year 32. Jesus and his apostles were in the district of Galilee.  A few of the apostles started arguing about who was the greatest among them.  The Gospel writer Luke tells us what happened:  "A reasoning entered among them as to who would be the greatest of them.  Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a young child, set it beside him and said to them: 'Whoever receives this young child on the basis of my name receives me too, and whoever receives me receives him also that sent me forth.  For he that conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one that is great." (Luke 9:46, 48) Jesus was patiently helping the apostles to understand that they needed to be humble.

Was the humble attitude Jesus told his apostles to have similar to the attitudes most Jews had at that time?  No. In fact, it was the opposite.  One book says that it was very important for the Jews to know who deserved more honor in all their relationships, and they were always worried about whether they were giving each person the honor he deserved.  (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) Jesus wanted his disciples to be different from most people around them.

The Greek word translated "lesser be" means someone who is less important that other people or who has no power or authority. Such a person is humble and modest like children.  True Christians to day need to learn from the lesson Jesus taught his apostles.  It may hard for us to show humility, especially  in certain situations.  Our imperfection causes us to have pride and to try to be better than others.  Also, Satan's world may influence  us to become selfish, aggressive, or controlling.  What can help us to have a humble attitude?  What did Jesus mean when he said that a lesser one  "is the one that is great"?  In what situations should we show humility?

Next time: Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One - "O THE DEPTHS OF GOD'S RICHES AND WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE!" 

From the jw.org publications 

Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - JESUS WILL "RIDE IN THE CAUSE OF TRUTH AND HUMILITY

God's Son will continue to show humility in the future.  One of the psalms foretells how Jesus, as King in heaven, will act against God's enemies.  It says: "In your splendor go on to success; ride in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness." (Psalm 45:4) At Armageddon, Jesus Christ will fight to defend those who are humble and righteous and who love truth.  And what will happen at the end of the thousand years of Christ's reign when he  "has brought to nothing all government  and all authority and power"?  Will he show humility? Yes.  The Bible tells us that he will give the Kingdom back to his God and Father. - Read  1 CORINTHIANS 15:24-28.

What about us? Will we imitate Jesus' example and show humility? At Armageddon, the King Jesus Christ wills save only those who are humble and righteous.  So we need to be humble if we want to survive.  Also, if we show humility, there will be many benefit  for us and for others, just as there were for Jesus. 

What can  help us to imitate Jesus' example of humility?  How can we do our best to be humble even when that is not easy to do? We will answer these questions in the next article.

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

* Humility: We show humility by not thinking that we are more important than others and, as a result, by not acting as if we were better than others

* Michael: The name of Jesus as an angel in heaven, both before  and after his life on earth

* Modesty: A person who show modesty knows the limits of his authority and does not do anything he does not have the right  to do.

Note: Well, that is not the definition I grew up knowing. Why do people think they can change any word, saying or definition of something that pleases them. That is how I see it.

Next time:Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - "WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED"

Jesus' humble attitude resulted in joy and blessings for many.  Jehovah was happy because of his Son's obedience.  The apostles and disciples were comforted and encouraged by the mild and humble way Jesus treated them. By being a good example for them, teaching them, and commending them, he helped them become better servants of God.  Jesus helped many others  by teaching them, and giving them what they needed. Actually,  because of Jesus' sacrifice, all humans who have faith in him will have blessings for all eternity. 

What about Jesus?  Did he benefit from being humble?  Yes, he did. How?  Jesus himself said: "Whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12) Paul explained that this is exactly what happened to Jesus.  Paul said: "God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."  Because Jesus was humble while on earth, Jehovah God "exalted," or honored, his Son by giving him authority over all those in heaven and on earth. - PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11. 

Next time: Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - JESUS WILL "RIDE IN THE CAUSE OF TRUTH AND HUMILITY"

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility i AM "LOWLY IN HEART"

Jesus invited all those who feel tired and discouraged to come to him.  He said: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls." (Matthew 11:28, 29)  Because Jesus was humble and mild, he treated imperfect humans kindly and fairly.  He did not expect more of his disciples than what they could do.  Jesus praised and encouraged them.  He did not make them feel that they were stupid or not good enough.  Jesus was not harsh or hard to please. On the contrary, he said: "My yoke is kindly and my load is light."  He meant that the requirements for being one of his disciples were not too difficult to obey.  If they learned from him and obeyed his teachings, they would feel comforted.  That is why men and women, young and old, being with Jesus.  -MATTHEW 11:30.

Jesus felt sorry for those in Israel who had a hard life, and he did all he could to help them.  Near Jericho, he met two blind beggars, Bartimaeus and his friend.  The two of them kept Jesus For help, but the people around them told the men to be quiet.  Jesus could have easily ignored the blind men, but he did not.  He felt sorry for those two men so he called them to him and healed them so that they could see again.  Jesus  imitated his Father, by showing humility and mercy to sinful  humans. - MATTHEW 20:29-34; MARK 10:46-52. 

Next time: Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - "WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED" 

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Set the Patter of Humility - AS A HUMAN, "HE HUMBLED HIMSELF"

Paul wrote that while Jesus was a human, "he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake." (Philippians 2:8) From his childhood on, Jesus left us a pattern, or an example, of humility to imitate.  Jesus obeyed his parents, Joseph and Mary, even though they were  imperfect.  (Luke 2:51) This is a fine example for young ones. God will bless them for their obedience to their parents.

As an adult, Jesus in many ways that he was humble.  The most important thing for him was to do Jehovah's will. (John 4:34) During his ministry, Jesus Christ used God's name and taught people about God's purpose and the kind of God his Father is.  Jesus not only taught people to live in way that pleased God but also lived that way himself.  For example, when Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, the first thing he mentioned was: "Let our heavenly Father, Jehovah be sanctified, let your Kingdom come and let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9) Here Jesus showed his disciples that the most important thing for them to do was to glorify Jehovah's name.  So Jesus himself did that.  Near the end of his life on earth, Jesus could say to Jehovah: "I have made your name known to them and will make it known." (John 17:26) Also, Jesus often said that he could not do anything without Jehovah's help. - JOHN 5:19. 

Zechariah prophesied about the Messiah:  "Be very joyful O daughter of Zion.  Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem.  Look! Your King himself comes to you.  He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son if a she-ass."  (Zechariah 9:9)  This was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem before the Passover in the year 33.   Many people spread clothes as well as tree branches on the road.  In fact, the people in Jerusalem were excited when they heard that he was entering the city.  Even when   these people praised him as their King, Jesus was humbled. - MATTHEW 21:4-11.

While he was on earth, Jesus Christ showed humility and obedience until his death on a torture stake.  He proved in the best possible way  that humans can stay loyal to Jehovah even in extremely difficult situations.  Jesus also showed that Satan was wrong when he said that humans  serve Jehovah only because of what they can get from him.  (Job 1:9-11; 2:4)  By perfectly obeying his Father, Christ defended Jehovah's right to rule and showed that he trusted that Jehovah's  way of ruling is the best. It must have made Jehovah very happy to see his humble Son show perfect loyalty. -Read PROVERBS 27:11.

Jesus' death on  a torture stake made it possible for people to be saved from sin and death.  (Matthew  20:28)  Because of Jesus' sacrifice, Jehovah can forgive our sins according to his righteous requirements and give humans the opportunity to live forever.  Paul wrote: "Through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a  declaring of them righteous for life." (Romans 5:18)  Jesus' death made it possible for  those anointed by holy spirit to have everlasting life in heaven and for the "other sheep" to have everlasting life on earth. - JOHN 10:16; ROMANS 8:16, 17.

Next time:  Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - I AM "LOWLY IN HEART"

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - "I DID NOT TURN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION"

God's Son showed humility even before he came to earth.  In heaven, Jesus had been with his Father for a very long time.  The Bible  book of Isaiah describes  the strong relationship the Son had with his Father.  It says:  "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones, that I may know how answer the tired one with a word. He awakens morning by morning; he awakens my ear  to hear the  taught ones.  The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has opened my ear, and I, for my part,  was not rebellious. I did not turn in the opposite direction." (Isaiah 50:4, 5) Jesus wanted very much  to learn from the true God.  He showed a humble attitude and carefully listened to what Jehovah taught him. He must also have watched how Jehovah humbly showed mercy toward sinful humans.

Not all angels were humble like Jesus.  The angel who became Satan the Devil did not want to learn from Jehovah.  He became proud and started to feel that he was more important than others.  This was the opposite of humility.  As a result, he rebelled against Jehovah.  Jesus' attitude was very different.  He did not want more authority in heaven than what God had given him.  And he never wanted to use his authority in the wrong way.  For example, the Bible tells us about one time when Jesus had a disagreement with the Devil about Moses' body.  When this happened Jesus did not do anything that he did not have the right to do even though he was Michael, the angel with the most authority. God's Son showed humility and modesty.  He was happy to wait for Jehovah, the Supreme Judge of the universe, to take charge of things in the right way and at the right time. - Read  JUDE 9.

 While still in heaven, Jesus knew all the prophecies about what would happen to him as the Messiah. So he probably already knew  that he was going to suffer.  Even so, Jesus agreed to live on earth and die as the promised Messiah.  Why?  The apostle Paul showed that humility was what helped Jesus.  Paul wrote that although Jesus was a powerful angel, he did not think that "he should be equal to God."  Instead,   "he emptied himself and took a slave's form  and came to be in the likeness of men." - PHILIPPIANS 2:7, 7.

Next time: Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility - AS A HUMAN, "HE HUMBLED HIMSELF'

From the jw.org publications

Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility

"I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also." - JOHN 13:15. 

IT IS Jesus' last night on earth. He is with his apostles in the upper room in Jerusalem.  While they are having a meal, Jesus gets up and takes off his outer garments. He uses a towel around his waist and puts water into a basin.  Then he begins to wash the feet of the disciples and dry them off with the towel.  When he finishes, he puts his garments back on.  Why did Jesus do such a humble thing? - JOHN 13:3-5.

Jesus himself explained: "Do you know what I have done to you?"  He continued:  "If I, although Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you  also ought to wash the feet of one another.  For I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should do also." (John 13:12-15) With this humble act, Jesus taught his apostles a lesson that they would not forget and that would encourage them to be humble later on. 

When Jesus washed the feet of the apostles, it was not the first time he showed them how important humility is.   One time, some of the apostles were arguing about who was the greatest among them.  Jesus brought a young child to them and told them:  "Whoever receives this young child on the basis of my name receives me too, and whoever receives me receives him also that sent me forth.  For he that conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one that is great." (Luke 9:46-48)  At a later time when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees, who thought that they were more important than others, he said: "Everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and he that humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11) Clearly, Jesus wants his followers not to be or to act as if they were better than others. Let us carefully study Jesus' example of humility so that we can imitate him.  We will also  learn how  this quality helps not only the one who shows it but others as well.

Next time: Jesus Set the Pattern - "I DID NOT TURN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION" 

From the jw.org publications

"Teach Me to Do Your Will" - ALWAYS TRY TO VIEW SITUATIONS THE WAY GOD DOES

Although David was a good example, he committed serious sins.  (2 Samuel 11:2-4, 14, 15, 22-27; 1 Chronicles 21:1, 7)  But David always repented when he sinned.  He had "integrity of  heart," or was complete in his service to God.  (1 Kings  9:4) Why can we say that?  Because David tried to view situations as Jehovah did and to do what pleased Him.

Even though we are imperfect, we can still have Jehovah's favor. We should continue to study God's Word, meditate on what we learn from it, and act quickly  to use what we learn, If we do this, we will be like the psalmist who humbly asked Jehovah in prayer: "Teach me to do your will." 

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

* Principle:  A basic truth that helps us to make good decisions and helps us to understand how Jehovah thinks about a matter. 

* Laws: Rules in the Bible that will tell us what God says is right and wrong

* Reputation: The opinion that people have a person. They think of this opinion whenever they hear the person's name

Next time: Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility

From the jw.org publications

"Teach Me to Do Your Will" - Conclusion of DAVID UNDERSTOOD HOW TO USE PRINCIPLES

Jehovah gave David's son Solomon many blessings. But later, Solomon stopped obeying God's Law.  He did obey Jehovah's command that an Israelite king should not have many wives.  (Deuteronomy 17:17)  Solomon had married many foreign women.  When he became old, his wives influenced him "to follow other gods."  No matter what excuses he may have used to disobey God's Law,  "Solomon began to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, and he did not follow Jehovah fully like David his father." ( 1 Kings  11:1-6)  We must obey the laws and principles that we learn from God's Word.  For example, this is very important when we are thinking about getting married.

If unbelievers show that they are romantically interested in  us, how do we react?   Or do we ignore Jehovah's commands, as Solomon did?  True worshippers are told  to marry "only in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:39)   This means  that if a Christian chooses to get married, he or she should marry another Christian.  And from this law, we can understand that Jehovah does not want us to marry and unbeliever but we will not allow and unbeliever to continue to show romantic interest in us.


 David's example of trying to view situations the way God does can also help us to fight against the temptation to view pornography.  Read the following scriptures, think about the principles they contain, and try to understand how Jesus feels about pornography.  (Read Psalm 119:37; Matthew 5:28, 29; Colossians 3:5)  We must meditate on Jehovah's high standards so that we can avoid pornography.

Next time: "Teach Me to Do Your Will" - ALWAYS TRY TO VIEW SITUATIONS THE WAY GOD DOES

From the jw.org publications

"Teach Me to Do Your Will" - DAVID UNDERSTOOD HOW TO USE PRINCIPLES

 There is something else we can learn from the way David acted.  David understood how to use principles and wanted to live by them.  A principle is a basic truth that helps us to make good decisions and helps us to understood how Jehovah thinks about a matter.  Just as David did, we can often learn a principle from one of Jehovah's laws.  For examples. One day David said that he wanted "a drink of water from the cistern of Bethlehem." But Bethlehem was under the counsel of the Philistines.  Three of David's men risked their lives by going to that city to get the water. But David refused to drink it.  He "poured out to Jehovah."  Why? David said: "It  is unthinkable on my part, as regards my God, to do this! Is it the blood  of these men that I should drink at the risk of their souls?  For it was the of their souls that they brought it." -  1 CHRONICLES 11:15-19.

David knew that the Law said that  "the soul of the flesh is in the blood."  However, this was water, not blood. Why did David refuse to drink it?  He did this because he had learned a principle from the law about blood. He learned that Jehovah  views blood as precious.  Since these men could have died when tried to get this water, David felt that drinking the water would show disrespect for their precious blood. Instead of drinking the water, he decided that he should pour it out on the ground. - LEVITICUS 17:11; DEUTERONOMY 12:23, 24.

God's  law was an important part of David's everyday life.  He sang: "To do your will, O my God, I have delighted,and your law is within my inward parts." (Psalm 40:8)  David studied God's law and meditated on what he learned.  He trusted that he would  benefit if he followed Jehovah's  commandments.  David wanted to follow not just the rules of the Law of Moses but also the principles that he could learn from those rules.  When we study the Bible, we should meditate on what we read.  That way we can make the principles we learn part of our everyday life and make decisions that please Jehovah. 

Next time: "Teach Me to Do Your Will" - Conclusion of DAVID UNDERSTOOD HOW TO USE PRINCIPLES

From the jw.org publications

"Teach Me to Do Your Will" - GOD'S WILL WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DAVID

Another way David showed that he was willing to trust in Jehovah was by viewing Israel's first king, Saul, the same way Jehovah did.  Saul was jealous of David.  Three times he tried to kill David by throwing a spear at him.  But David moved out of the way each time, and he did not fight back against the king.  He later tried to run away from Saul.  (1 Samuel 18:7-11; 19:10) Then Saul chose  3,000 men out of all Israel and went looking for David in the wilderness, (1 Samuel 24:22) One day Saul went into a cave where David and his men were hiding.  Because God had already said that David would be the new king, David could have viewed this as his chance to kill Saul. (1 Samuel 16:1, 13) David''s men  even encouraged him to kill Saul. But David said: "It is unthinkable, on my part, from Jehovah's standpoint, that I should do this thing to my lord, the anointed of Jehovah."  (Read 1 Samuel 24:4-7.) Saul was still Jehovah's anointed king.  Jehovah had not yet removed  him. David only cut off the skirt of Saul's sleeveless coat.  This proved that David did not plan on harming Saul, even though David could have killed him. - 1 SAMUEL 24:11.

The last time David saw Saul, he again showed respect for him because  he was still  "the anointed of Jehovah.  "David and  Abishai arrived at a place where Saul was camping and found him asleep. Abishai thought that God had brought Saul to this place so David could kill him. Abishai even offered to kill Saul with a spear.  But David  did not allow this to happen.  (1 Samuel 26:8-11)  Because David kept waiting on Jehovah, or seeking God's guidance, David did not want to harm Jehovah's appointed king despite what Abishai said. 

We too might be in situation where others want us  to do what they is best instead of supporting us in doing Jehovah's will. Or they might even want us to make a choice   before we think about how Jehovah views the situation.  That is what Abishai did to David. To make sure that we do not let people influence us this way, we need to keep clearly in mind how  Jehovah  views the situation and to be determined to do what he wants us to do.

David prayed to Jehovah God:   "Teach me to do your will/" (Read Psalm 143:5, 8, 10.)  David did not rely on his own ideas, and he did not simply do what other people told him to do.  Instead, he was eager to be taught by God. He said: "I have meditated on all of your activity, I willing kept myself concerned with the work of your own hands."  Like David, we can find out what God's will is by studying the Scriptures carefully and my meditating on  how Jehovah guided humans in the past.

Next time: "Teach Me to Do Your Will" - DAVID UNDERSTOOD HOW TO USE PRINCIPLES

From the jw.org publications

"Teach Me to Do Your Will" - DAVID RESPECTED JEHOVAH'S NAME

When David was young, he went to fight against the Philistine Goliath.  Why did David think that he could fight against a giant who was about 2.9 meters (9.5 ft ) tall and who had powerful weapons? (1 Samuel 17:4)  Was it simply because David was courageous?  Or was it because he had faith God?  Both courage and faith were important, but the main reason that David fought Goliath was that David respected Jehovah's name.  David was angry that Goliath spoke disrespectfully of God's people. David said: "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he has to taunt the battle lines of the living God?" - 1 SAMUEL 17:26.

Young David said to Goliath:  "You are coming to me with a sword and with a spear  and with a javelin, but I am coming to you with the name of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle lines of Israel, whom you have taunted." (1 Samuel 17:45) David relied on the true God to help him.  He killed Goliath by throwing one stone with his sling.  Throughout the rest of his life, David trusted in Jehovah and respected his holy name.  And David told his fellow Israelites to "boast in Jehovah's name. - Read 1 CHRONICLES 16:8-10.

Are you proud to have Jehovah as your God?  (Jeremiah 9:24) What do you do when your neighbors,workmates, classmates, or relatives speak disrespectfully of Jehovah or make fun of his Witnesses?   When people show disrespect for God as Goliath did, do you speak up to defend Jehovah's name and do you trust that he will help you?  It is true that sometimes we should  "keep quiet," but we should  not be ashamed  to be Jehovah's Witnesses and followers of Jesus. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7; Mark 8:38)  We should be tactful and polite when we are talking to people who  do not respect Jehovah or his message.  But we should not be like  those Israelites who "became terrified and were greatly afraid" when they heard  what Goliath was saying.  (1 Samuel 17:11) Instead, we should  quickly speak up to defend Jehovah's holy name.  We want to help people to know what kind of God Jehovah really is.  For this reason, we use the Bible to help people see why they should want to know God. - JAMES 4:8.

We learn another lesson from the story of David and Goliath.  When David came running to the battle line, he asked: "What  will be done to the  man that strikes down the Philistine over there and actually turn away reproach from upon Israel?"  In reply, the people said about the one who would Goliath?   "The king will enrich him with great riches, and his own daughter he will give to him." 
(1 Samuel 17:25-27) But David did not simply want a reward.  There was something that was more important to him.  He wanted to honor the true God.  (Read 1 Samuel 17:46, 47)  What is more important to us?  Are we interested only in our own name, or reputation? Do we think only of getting a lot of money and becoming important in the world?  Surely we want to be like David, who sang: "O magnify  Jehovah with me, you people, and let us exalt his name together." ( Psalm 34:3) We should trust in God and be more interested in God's name, or reputation, than in our own. - MATTHEW 6:9. 

Young David needed strong faith and confidence in Jehovah so that he could have the courage  to fight against Goliath.  As a shepherd, David had learned to rely on Jehovah each day.  This gave him the faith he needed. (1 Samuel 17:34 - 37)  We too need strong faith so that we can continue  in the ministry, especially when people do not want   to listen to our message.  We can build our  faith by  relying on God  in everything we do each day. For example, we can try to start a conversation  about the Bible with people  who sit next to us when we are riding on public transportation.  And we should also talk to the people  we meet on the street  when we are preaching from house to house. - ACTS 20:20, 21.

Next time: "Teach Me to Do Your Will" - GOD'S WILL WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DAVID

From the jw.org publications

"Teach Me to Do Your Will"

"Teach me to do you will, for you are my God. - PSALM 143:10. 


IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

* What did David do to show that he viewed situations the way Jehovah does?

* What helped David to learn how God viewed the situation he was in? 

* How can we continue to have God's favor?

When traveling, have you ever used a map or a computerized mapping program?  It can give you a better view, or show you what the land looks like from above, so that you can figure out the best way to get from place to another.  In a similar way, when we are making important decisions, we benefit when we get a better view of the matter, or learn what God things about it.  This helps us to know what his will is.  Then we can do his will, or walk in "the way" that Jehovah approves. - ISAIAH 30:21.

During  most of his life, King David of ancient Israel tried to view situations the way God did.  By doing this, David made sure that he did God's will.  He was a man whose  heart was complete with Jehovah God.  This article will help us to learn from what David did when was in difficult situations. - 1 KINGS 11:4.

Next time: "Teach Me to Do Your Will" - DAVID RESPECTED JEHOVAH'S NAME

From the jw.org publications

When Tragedy Strikes - How You Can Cope - COPING WITH TRAGEDY

Note:  A short while back somehow I lost my spell check. I don't know how to get it back.  So if you see any misspelled words, please forgive me and don't be offended. 


Grieve over your loss.  The Bible says that there is "a"time to weep." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) Ronaldo says:  "Every time I felt like crying, I allowed myself to do so.  Fighting back tears was futile anyway, and I felt relieved afterward."  Of course, not everyone grieves in the same way. So if you do not outwardly display sorrow, this does not mean that you are suppressing your emotions or that you should force tears.

Avoid isolating yourself.  (Proverbs 18:1)  "I try not give in to the urge to remain socially isolated." says Ronaldo.  "People visited me, and I welcomed them. I also poured out my feelings to my wife and close friends.

Remain calm if someone says painful words.  These might include such expressions such as "It was for the best."  Ronaldo recalls,  "Some comments that were meant to comfort me had the opposite effect."  Rather than dwelling  on sayings that hurt, follow the Bible's advice:  "Do not take to heart every word that people say." - ECCLESIASTES 7:21 .

Learn the truth about the  condition of the dead.  Ronaldo says:  "At Ecclesiastes 9:5,  the Bible says that the dead are not suffering, and that fact gives me inner peace.  The Bible also teaches that there is going to be a resurrection and that those who are dead will be brought back to life.  So I think of the loved ones I have lost in death as if they were away on a trip." - ACTS 24:15. 

Did you know?  The Bible promises a time when God "will swallow death forever." - ISAIAH 25:8. 

Next time: "Teach Me to Do Your Will"

From the jw.org publications

When Tragedy Strikes - How You Can Cope - Loss of a Loved One

Ronaldo, in  Brazil, was in a car accident that took the lives of  five family members, including his mother and father.  "I was in the hospital for two months before I was told that they had died in the crash," he says.

"At first, I could not believe that they were gone.  How could they all be dead? Once I realized that it was true, I was shocked.  I had never felt such pain. In the days that followed, I felt that life was not worth living without them. I cried everyday for months!  I blamed myself of letting someone else drive the car.  If only I had been driving, they might still be alive.

"Sixteen years have passed, and I have been able to get back to my routine of life. However, their tragic death has left a void in my heart that is  yet to be filled." 

Next time:  When Tragedy Strikes - How You Can Cope - COPING WITH TRAGEDY

From the jw.org publications

When Tragedy Strikes - How You Can Cope - Coping With Tragedy

Maintain a positive viewpoint.  At Proverbs 17:22,  the Bible says: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one's strength."  Mabel recalls: "During my recovery, I faced  the same challenges that my own patients had faced.  The exercises were very painful, and at times, I thought of giving up.  I had to force myself to dismiss such negative thinking, knowing that the effort would eventually bring good results."

Build hope in order to endure.  "From the Bible, I knew why tragedies occur," says Mabel.  "But I also knew with each passing day, we are closer to the time when pain will be gone forever."

Recognize God's concern for you as an individual.  (1 Peter 5:7)  Mabel recalls how this helped her: "When they took me to surgery, I experienced the truth of Isaiah 41:10,  Where God says:'Do not be Afraid, for I am with you."  I felt an immense peace knowing that Jehovah God cared about what happened to me."

Do you know? The Bible teaches that  a time will come when mankind will no longer be plagued with health problems. - ISAIAH 33:24; 35:5, 6.

Next time: When Tragedy Strikes -How You Can Cope - Loss of a Loved One

From the jw.org publications