HOW TO KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS

 Jesus was zealous, and he remained close to Jehovah in prayer. (Luke 6:12) In fact, one of the best ways for you to keep following Jesus after your baptism is develop a pattern of doing things that you will draw you closer to Jehovah.  The Bible says: "To the extent we have made progress, let us go walking orderly in this same course." (Philippians 3:16) From time to time, you will hear the experiences of brothers and sisters who have reached out to expand their sacred service. Perhaps they attended School for Kingdom Evangelizers or moved where there is a greater need.  If you can such a goal, by all means do so. Jehovah's people are eager to expand their ministry. (Acts 16:9) What, though, if right now you are unable to do that? Do not think that you are inferior to those who can. The Christian race if one of endurance. (Matthew 10:22) Do not underestimate the value of serving Jehovah according to your abilities and circumstances. This is an important way that you can keep following Jesus after baptism. - PSALM 26:1. 

What if, for a time, you feel that your prayers have become mechanical or that your ministry is in a rut? What if your Bible reading does not seem as rewarding as it did in the past? If such situations develop after your baptism, do not conclude that you have lost Jehovah's spirit. You are an imperfect human, and your feelings can fluctuate.  If your zeal starts to diminish, reflect on the example of the apostle Paul. Although he tried to imitate Jesus, he knew that at times he might not feel as motivated as at other times. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17.) He said: "Even if I go against my will, I still have a stewardship entrusted to me."  In other words, Paul was determined to accomplish his ministry despite how might feel at the moment. 

Similarly, do not let your imperfect feelings make your decisions for you. Resolve that you will do the right thing despite how you feel. Your actions should in time affect your feelings for the better. At any rate, maintaining a good spiritual routing will help you to keep following Jesus after baptism. Your consistency will also be an encouragement to your fellow believers. - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11. 

Next time: "KEEP TESTING . . . KEEP PROVING"

From the jw.org publications