Help Is Available
If you occasionally suffer a mild bout of discouragement, you may find that you will feel better if you get some extra rest or a nourishing meal. Nathan H. Knorr, who served as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses until his death in 1977, once observed that big problems often appear much smaller after a good night's sleep. When the problem is more persistent, however, such a remedy may not be adequate-you will need to help to battle discouragement.
Jehovah sent an angel to strengthen Elijah. Today, God provides encouragement through the elders and other mature Christians. The elders really can "prove to be like a hiding place from the wind." (Isaiah 32:1, 2) But to get encouragement from them, you may need to take the initiative. As discouraged as Elijah was, he traveled to Mount Horeb to receive instruction from Jehovah. We receive strengthening instruction through the Christians congregation.
When we accept help and courageously face up to tests, such as hurt feelings, or the loss of privileges, we uphold Jehovah's side of an important issue. What issue? Satan contended that humans serve Jehovah only our of self-interest. Satan does not deny that we will serve God when everything in our life is running smoothly, but he contends that we will stop serving God when we run into problems. (Job, chapters 1 and 2) By unwaveringly carrying on in Jehovah's service despite discouragement, we can help give and answer to the Devil's slanderous accusation. -Proverbs 27:11.
Hannah, Mark and Elijah all had problems that briefly robbed them of their joy. However, they coped with their problems and led productive lives. With Jehovah's help, you too can cope with discouragement!
Next time: Our Quest for a Longer Life
Watchtower, 2001
12.06.2010
12.05.2010
YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!
A Faithful Servant Gets Discouraged
It is not easy to put up a hard fight for the faith. At times, you may get discouraged. Then you may even feel guilty about being discouraged, concluding that a faithful servant of God should never feel that way. Think of Elijah, one of Israel's outstanding prophets.
When Israel's Queen Jezebel, a fanatic promoter of Baal worship, learned that the prophets of Baal had been killed by Elijah, she swore to put him to death. Elijah had faced enemies greater than Jezebel, but suddenly he became so discouraged that he wanted to die. (1 Kings 19:1-4) How could that have happened? he had forgotten something.
Elijah had forgotten to look to Jehovah as the Source of his strength. Who had given Elijah the power to raise the dead and to face the prophets of Baal? Jehovah. Certainly, Jehovah could give him the strength to face the wrath of Queen Jezebel. -1 Kings 17:17-24; 18:21-40; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Anyone can momentarily waver in his trust in Jehovah. Like Elijah, you may at times take a human view of a certain problem rather than use "the wisdom from above" to deal with it. (James 3:17) However, Jehovah did not foresake Elijah for this temporary lapse.
Elijah had fled to Beer-sheba and then on into the wilderness, where he thought no one could find him. But Jehovah found him. He sent an angel to comfort hm. The angel saw to it that Elijah had freshly baked bread to eat and refreshing water to drink. After Elijah had rested, the angel directed him to travel almost 200 miles to Mount Horeb, where he was to be further strengthened by Jehovah. - 1Kings 19:5-8
At Mount Horeb, Elijah witnessed a faith-strengthening demonstration of Jehovah's power. Then, in a calm, low voice, Jehovah assured him that he was not alone. Jehovah was with him, and 7,000 of his brothers were also with him, although unknown to Elijah,. Finally, Jehovah assigned him work to do. He had not cast Elijah off as his prophet! -1 Kings 19:11-18.
Next time: Help Is Available
Watchtower, 2001
It is not easy to put up a hard fight for the faith. At times, you may get discouraged. Then you may even feel guilty about being discouraged, concluding that a faithful servant of God should never feel that way. Think of Elijah, one of Israel's outstanding prophets.
When Israel's Queen Jezebel, a fanatic promoter of Baal worship, learned that the prophets of Baal had been killed by Elijah, she swore to put him to death. Elijah had faced enemies greater than Jezebel, but suddenly he became so discouraged that he wanted to die. (1 Kings 19:1-4) How could that have happened? he had forgotten something.
Elijah had forgotten to look to Jehovah as the Source of his strength. Who had given Elijah the power to raise the dead and to face the prophets of Baal? Jehovah. Certainly, Jehovah could give him the strength to face the wrath of Queen Jezebel. -1 Kings 17:17-24; 18:21-40; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Anyone can momentarily waver in his trust in Jehovah. Like Elijah, you may at times take a human view of a certain problem rather than use "the wisdom from above" to deal with it. (James 3:17) However, Jehovah did not foresake Elijah for this temporary lapse.
Elijah had fled to Beer-sheba and then on into the wilderness, where he thought no one could find him. But Jehovah found him. He sent an angel to comfort hm. The angel saw to it that Elijah had freshly baked bread to eat and refreshing water to drink. After Elijah had rested, the angel directed him to travel almost 200 miles to Mount Horeb, where he was to be further strengthened by Jehovah. - 1Kings 19:5-8
At Mount Horeb, Elijah witnessed a faith-strengthening demonstration of Jehovah's power. Then, in a calm, low voice, Jehovah assured him that he was not alone. Jehovah was with him, and 7,000 of his brothers were also with him, although unknown to Elijah,. Finally, Jehovah assigned him work to do. He had not cast Elijah off as his prophet! -1 Kings 19:11-18.
Next time: Help Is Available
Watchtower, 2001
YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!
Have You Lost a Service Privilege?
Some have become depressed because of having had to relinquish a cherished privilege in God's service. They enjoyed serving their brothers, and when the privilege was lost, they felt that they were no longer useful to Jehovah or to his organization. If that is how you feel, you may gain insight by considering the example of the Bible writer Mark, also called John Mark. -Acts 12:12.
Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary tour, but partway through the journey, he abandoned them and returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13) Later, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them on another trip. However, the Bible says: "Paul did not think it proper to be taking this one along with them, seeing that he had departed from them from Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work." Barnabas disagreed. "At them," the account continues,m "there occurred a sharp burst of anger, sot hat [Paul and Barnabas] separated from each other; and Barnabas took Mark along and sailed away to Cyprus. Paul selected Silas and went off." -Acts 15:36-40.
Mark must have been devastated to learn that the respected apostle Paul did not want to work with him and that a dispute over his qualifications had led to a rift between Paul and Barnabas. But there is more to the story.
Paul and Silas still needed a traveling companion. When they arrived at Lystra, they found someone to replace Mark, a young man named Timothy. Now Timothy may have been baptized for only two or three years at the time he was chosen. On the other hand, Mark had been associated with the Christian congregation since its inception-longer, in fact,than Paul himself. Yet, it was Timothy who received the privileged assignment. -Acts 16:1-3.
How did Mark react when he learned that he had been replaced by a younger, less experienced man? The Bible does not say. Nevertheless, it does indicate that Mark remained active in Jehovah's service. He took advantage of the privileges that were available to him. Although unable to serve with Paul and Silas he was able to travel with Barnabas to Cyprus, which was Barnabas' home territory. Mark also served with Peter in Babylon. Eventually, he did have an opportunity to work with Paul -and Timothy-in Rome. (Colossians 1:1; 4:10; 1 Peter 5:13) Later Mark was even inspired to write one of the four Gospels!
There is a valuable lesson in all of this. Mark did not become so concerned about a lost privilege that he failed to appreciate the privileges that were still within his reach. Mark kept busy in Jehovah's service, and Jehovah blessed him.
So if you have lost a privilege, do not be discouraged. if you maintain a positive attitude and keep busy, other privileges may come your way. There is plenty to do in the work of the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Next time: A Faithful Servant Gets Discouraged
Watchtower, 2001
Some have become depressed because of having had to relinquish a cherished privilege in God's service. They enjoyed serving their brothers, and when the privilege was lost, they felt that they were no longer useful to Jehovah or to his organization. If that is how you feel, you may gain insight by considering the example of the Bible writer Mark, also called John Mark. -Acts 12:12.
Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary tour, but partway through the journey, he abandoned them and returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13) Later, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them on another trip. However, the Bible says: "Paul did not think it proper to be taking this one along with them, seeing that he had departed from them from Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work." Barnabas disagreed. "At them," the account continues,m "there occurred a sharp burst of anger, sot hat [Paul and Barnabas] separated from each other; and Barnabas took Mark along and sailed away to Cyprus. Paul selected Silas and went off." -Acts 15:36-40.
Mark must have been devastated to learn that the respected apostle Paul did not want to work with him and that a dispute over his qualifications had led to a rift between Paul and Barnabas. But there is more to the story.
Paul and Silas still needed a traveling companion. When they arrived at Lystra, they found someone to replace Mark, a young man named Timothy. Now Timothy may have been baptized for only two or three years at the time he was chosen. On the other hand, Mark had been associated with the Christian congregation since its inception-longer, in fact,than Paul himself. Yet, it was Timothy who received the privileged assignment. -Acts 16:1-3.
How did Mark react when he learned that he had been replaced by a younger, less experienced man? The Bible does not say. Nevertheless, it does indicate that Mark remained active in Jehovah's service. He took advantage of the privileges that were available to him. Although unable to serve with Paul and Silas he was able to travel with Barnabas to Cyprus, which was Barnabas' home territory. Mark also served with Peter in Babylon. Eventually, he did have an opportunity to work with Paul -and Timothy-in Rome. (Colossians 1:1; 4:10; 1 Peter 5:13) Later Mark was even inspired to write one of the four Gospels!
There is a valuable lesson in all of this. Mark did not become so concerned about a lost privilege that he failed to appreciate the privileges that were still within his reach. Mark kept busy in Jehovah's service, and Jehovah blessed him.
So if you have lost a privilege, do not be discouraged. if you maintain a positive attitude and keep busy, other privileges may come your way. There is plenty to do in the work of the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Next time: A Faithful Servant Gets Discouraged
Watchtower, 2001
12.04.2010
YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!
When Others Hurt Your Feelings
You cannot expect to be protected from every careless word or thoughtless deed. You can, however, refuse to permit the imperfections of others to interfere with your service to Jehovah. If someone has hurt your feelings, you may find it helpful to consider how Hannah, the mother of Samuel, handled a discouraging situation.
Hannah desperately wanted children, but she was barren. Her husband's second wide, Peninnah, had already borne him sons and daughters. Instead of being sensitive to Hannah's plight, Peninnah viewed her a a rival and displayed such an attitude toward her that Hannah "would weep and not eat." -1 Samuel 1:2, 4-7.
One day Hannah went up to the Tabernacle to pray. Eli, the high priest of Israel, observed her lips moving. Not realizing that Hannah was praying. Eli concluded that she must be drunk. "How long will you behave drunk?" He demanded. "Put away your wine from upon you." (1 Samuel 1:12-14) Can you imagine how Hannah must have felt? She had come to the tabernacle to find encouragement. She certainly did not expect to be wrongly accused by one of the most influential men in Israel!
The stage was set for Hannah to become very discouraged. She could have left the tabernacle abruptly, vowing never to return as long as Eli was serving there as high priest. However, Hannah clearly valued her relationship with Jehovah. She knew that he would not be pleased if she took such a course. The tabernacle was the center of pure worship. Jehovah had placed his name there. And imperfect as he was, Eli was Jehovah's chosen representative.
Hannah's godly response to Eli's accusation provides a sterling example for us today. She did not allow herself to be wrongly accused, but she responded in a very respectful manner. "No, my lord!" She replied. "A woman hard pressed in spirit I am; and wine and intoxicating liquor I have not drunk, but I pour out my soul before Jehovah. Do not make you slave girl like a good-for-nothing woman, for it is out of the abundance of my concern and my vexation that I have spoken until now." -1 Samuel 1:15, 16.
Did Hannah make her point? Definitely. Yet, she spoke tactfully to Eli, not presuming to criticize him for his false accusation. He, in responded kindly to her, saying: "Go in peace and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him." Once the matter was settled, Hannah proceeded to go on her way and to eat, and her face became self-concerned no more." -1 Samuel 1:17, 18.
What do we learn from this account? Hannah acted quickly to correct a misunderstanding, but she did so with deep respect. As a result, she preserved a fine relationship with Jehovah and with Eli. How often good communication and a little tact can prevent small problems from growing into larger ones!
If must be recognized that settling differences with others requires humility and flexibility on both sides. If a fellow believer fails to respond to your efforts to respond to your efforts to resolve a difference, you may have to leave the matter in Jehovah's hands, trusting that he will handle it in his own time and in his own way.
Next time: Have You Lost a Service Privilege?
Watchtower, 2001
You cannot expect to be protected from every careless word or thoughtless deed. You can, however, refuse to permit the imperfections of others to interfere with your service to Jehovah. If someone has hurt your feelings, you may find it helpful to consider how Hannah, the mother of Samuel, handled a discouraging situation.
Hannah desperately wanted children, but she was barren. Her husband's second wide, Peninnah, had already borne him sons and daughters. Instead of being sensitive to Hannah's plight, Peninnah viewed her a a rival and displayed such an attitude toward her that Hannah "would weep and not eat." -1 Samuel 1:2, 4-7.
One day Hannah went up to the Tabernacle to pray. Eli, the high priest of Israel, observed her lips moving. Not realizing that Hannah was praying. Eli concluded that she must be drunk. "How long will you behave drunk?" He demanded. "Put away your wine from upon you." (1 Samuel 1:12-14) Can you imagine how Hannah must have felt? She had come to the tabernacle to find encouragement. She certainly did not expect to be wrongly accused by one of the most influential men in Israel!
The stage was set for Hannah to become very discouraged. She could have left the tabernacle abruptly, vowing never to return as long as Eli was serving there as high priest. However, Hannah clearly valued her relationship with Jehovah. She knew that he would not be pleased if she took such a course. The tabernacle was the center of pure worship. Jehovah had placed his name there. And imperfect as he was, Eli was Jehovah's chosen representative.
Hannah's godly response to Eli's accusation provides a sterling example for us today. She did not allow herself to be wrongly accused, but she responded in a very respectful manner. "No, my lord!" She replied. "A woman hard pressed in spirit I am; and wine and intoxicating liquor I have not drunk, but I pour out my soul before Jehovah. Do not make you slave girl like a good-for-nothing woman, for it is out of the abundance of my concern and my vexation that I have spoken until now." -1 Samuel 1:15, 16.
Did Hannah make her point? Definitely. Yet, she spoke tactfully to Eli, not presuming to criticize him for his false accusation. He, in responded kindly to her, saying: "Go in peace and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him." Once the matter was settled, Hannah proceeded to go on her way and to eat, and her face became self-concerned no more." -1 Samuel 1:17, 18.
What do we learn from this account? Hannah acted quickly to correct a misunderstanding, but she did so with deep respect. As a result, she preserved a fine relationship with Jehovah and with Eli. How often good communication and a little tact can prevent small problems from growing into larger ones!
If must be recognized that settling differences with others requires humility and flexibility on both sides. If a fellow believer fails to respond to your efforts to respond to your efforts to resolve a difference, you may have to leave the matter in Jehovah's hands, trusting that he will handle it in his own time and in his own way.
Next time: Have You Lost a Service Privilege?
Watchtower, 2001
12.03.2010
YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!
A WISE man once wrote: "Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty." (Proverbs 24:10) If you have ever been discouraged, you will likely agree with that statement.
No one is immune to the effects of discouragement. A mild bout of discouragement may last for a day or two and then subside. But when hurt feelings or resentment are involved, the problem may persist much longer. Some Christians who have been faithful for years have become so disheartened that they have even stopped attending congregation meetings and sharing in the field ministry.
If you feel discouraged, take heart! Faithful servants in times past successfully coped with discouragement, and with God's help, so can you.
Next time: When Others Hurt Your Feelings
Watchtower, 2001
No one is immune to the effects of discouragement. A mild bout of discouragement may last for a day or two and then subside. But when hurt feelings or resentment are involved, the problem may persist much longer. Some Christians who have been faithful for years have become so disheartened that they have even stopped attending congregation meetings and sharing in the field ministry.
If you feel discouraged, take heart! Faithful servants in times past successfully coped with discouragement, and with God's help, so can you.
Next time: When Others Hurt Your Feelings
Watchtower, 2001
ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?
What Is Your Determination?
If we appreciate the seriousness of our dedication to Jehovah God, what should we be determined to do? Our firm determination should be to hold a good conscience with regard to both our conduct and our ministry. Peter exhorted: "Hold a good conscience, so that in the particular in which you are spoken against they may get ashamed who are speaking slightingly of your good conduct in connection with Christ." (1 Peter 3:16) We may have to suffer and face abuse because of our Christian conduct, but so did Christ because of his faith and loyalty to God. "Therefore," Peter said, "since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person that has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins." -1 Peter 4:1.
Indeed our firm determination to live up to our dedication will protect us from the trappings of Satan's world that is sick spiritually, mentally and physically. But more than that, we will gain confidence that we have God's approval, which is far better than anything Satan and his agents can offer. Thus, never let it be said that we have left the love that we had when we first knew the truth. Rather, let it be said of us as it was of those in the first-century congregation in Thyatira: "I know your deeds , and your love, your love, faith, ministry and endurance and that your deeds of late are more than those formerly." (Revelation 2:4, 18, 19) Yes, let us not be lukewarm regarding our dedication , but let us be "aglow with the spirit," zealous down to the end-and the end is near. -Romans 12:11; Revelation 3:15, 16.
Next time: YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!
Watchtower, 2001
If we appreciate the seriousness of our dedication to Jehovah God, what should we be determined to do? Our firm determination should be to hold a good conscience with regard to both our conduct and our ministry. Peter exhorted: "Hold a good conscience, so that in the particular in which you are spoken against they may get ashamed who are speaking slightingly of your good conduct in connection with Christ." (1 Peter 3:16) We may have to suffer and face abuse because of our Christian conduct, but so did Christ because of his faith and loyalty to God. "Therefore," Peter said, "since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person that has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins." -1 Peter 4:1.
Indeed our firm determination to live up to our dedication will protect us from the trappings of Satan's world that is sick spiritually, mentally and physically. But more than that, we will gain confidence that we have God's approval, which is far better than anything Satan and his agents can offer. Thus, never let it be said that we have left the love that we had when we first knew the truth. Rather, let it be said of us as it was of those in the first-century congregation in Thyatira: "I know your deeds , and your love, your love, faith, ministry and endurance and that your deeds of late are more than those formerly." (Revelation 2:4, 18, 19) Yes, let us not be lukewarm regarding our dedication , but let us be "aglow with the spirit," zealous down to the end-and the end is near. -Romans 12:11; Revelation 3:15, 16.
Next time: YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!
Watchtower, 2001
12.02.2010
ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?
Keep Your Vision Clear
We are living in times that are becoming more difficult for Christians. Satan and his agents try to blur the distinction between good and bad, clean and unclean, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical. (Romans 1:24-28; 16:17-19) He has made it so easy for us to pollute our hearts and minds by means of a TV remote control or a computer keyboard. Our spiritual vision can become blurred, or out of focus, so that we fail to discern his crafty acts. Our resolve to live up to our dedication can be weakened and our grip on the "plow" loosened if we compromise our spiritual values. -Luke 9:62; Philippians 4:8.
Paul's words to the congregation in Thessalonica are therefore most timely: "This is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite such as also those nations have which do not know God." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Immorality has let to some being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation-those who neglected their dedication to God. They allowed their relationship with God to weaken, so that he no longer counted in their lives. Yet, Paul said: "God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows regard is disregarding, not in man, but God, who puts his holy spirit in your." -Thessalonians 4:7, 8.
Next time: What Is Your Determination?
Watchtower, 2001
We are living in times that are becoming more difficult for Christians. Satan and his agents try to blur the distinction between good and bad, clean and unclean, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical. (Romans 1:24-28; 16:17-19) He has made it so easy for us to pollute our hearts and minds by means of a TV remote control or a computer keyboard. Our spiritual vision can become blurred, or out of focus, so that we fail to discern his crafty acts. Our resolve to live up to our dedication can be weakened and our grip on the "plow" loosened if we compromise our spiritual values. -Luke 9:62; Philippians 4:8.
Paul's words to the congregation in Thessalonica are therefore most timely: "This is what God wills, the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite such as also those nations have which do not know God." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Immorality has let to some being disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation-those who neglected their dedication to God. They allowed their relationship with God to weaken, so that he no longer counted in their lives. Yet, Paul said: "God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows regard is disregarding, not in man, but God, who puts his holy spirit in your." -Thessalonians 4:7, 8.
Next time: What Is Your Determination?
Watchtower, 2001
ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?
Making Each Day Count
After giving counsel to wives, husbands, children, parents and slaves, Paul writes: "Whatever you are doing, work at it wholesouled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. Slave for the Master, Christ." (Colossians 3:23, 24) We are not serving to impress men by what we accomplish in Jehovah's service. We are trying to serve God by following the example of Jesus Christ. He carried out his relatively short ministry with a sense of urgency. -1 Peter 2:21.
The apostle Peter too demonstrated a sense of urgency. In his second letter, he warned that in the last days, there would be ridiculers-apostates and doubters-who, according to their own wishes, would raise questions about Christ's presence. However, Peter said: "Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. Yet Jehovah's day is certain to come. Therefore, we should make it our daily concern as to how certain and solid our faith in God's promise really is. -2 Peter 3:3, 4, 9, 10.
To live up to our dedication in a conscientious manner, we should use each day to Jehovah's praise. At the end of each day, can we look back on it and see how we contributed in some way to the sanctification of God's name and the proclamation of the Kingdom good news? Perhaps it was by our clean conduct, our upbuilding conversation, or our loving concern for family and friends. Did we use available opportunities to share our Christian hope with others? Have we helped someone to think seriously about God's promises? Let us accrue something positive in a spiritual sense each day, building, as it were, a healthy spiritual bank account. -Matthew 6:20; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:15; James 3:13.
Next time: Keep Your Vision Clear
Watchtower, 2001
After giving counsel to wives, husbands, children, parents and slaves, Paul writes: "Whatever you are doing, work at it wholesouled as to Jehovah, and not to men, for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the due reward of the inheritance. Slave for the Master, Christ." (Colossians 3:23, 24) We are not serving to impress men by what we accomplish in Jehovah's service. We are trying to serve God by following the example of Jesus Christ. He carried out his relatively short ministry with a sense of urgency. -1 Peter 2:21.
The apostle Peter too demonstrated a sense of urgency. In his second letter, he warned that in the last days, there would be ridiculers-apostates and doubters-who, according to their own wishes, would raise questions about Christ's presence. However, Peter said: "Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. Yet Jehovah's day is certain to come. Therefore, we should make it our daily concern as to how certain and solid our faith in God's promise really is. -2 Peter 3:3, 4, 9, 10.
To live up to our dedication in a conscientious manner, we should use each day to Jehovah's praise. At the end of each day, can we look back on it and see how we contributed in some way to the sanctification of God's name and the proclamation of the Kingdom good news? Perhaps it was by our clean conduct, our upbuilding conversation, or our loving concern for family and friends. Did we use available opportunities to share our Christian hope with others? Have we helped someone to think seriously about God's promises? Let us accrue something positive in a spiritual sense each day, building, as it were, a healthy spiritual bank account. -Matthew 6:20; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:15; James 3:13.
Next time: Keep Your Vision Clear
Watchtower, 2001
12.01.2010
ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?
Proper View of Our Dedication
How do we view our dedication to God to do his will? Is it the first thing in our life? Regardless of our circumstances, whether young or old, married or single, healthy or sick, we should strive to live up to our dedication, in accordance with our circumstances. One person's situation may allow him to serve in the full-time ministry as a pioneer, as a volunteer in a branch office of the Watchtower Society, as a missionary, or in the traveling ministry. Some parents, on the other hand, may have have their hands full, caring for the physical and spiritual needs of the family. Are their relatively few hours spent in the ministry each month worth any less in Jehovah's eyes than the many hours spent by a full-time servant? No. God never expects from us what we do not have. The apostle Paul stated this principle: 'If the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has not according to what the person does not have." - 2 Corinthians 8:12.
In any case, our salvation depends, not on anything we might do, but on Jehovah's undeserved kindness through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Paul clearly explained: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and it is a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus." However, our works are proof of our active faith in God's promises. -Romans 3:23, 24; James 2:17, 18, 24.
There is no need for us to make comparisons with others in regard to our time in God's service, our placements of Bible literature, or the number of Bible studies we conduct. (Galatians 6:3, 4) Regardless of what we accomplish in the Christian ministry, all of us have to remember Jesus' humbling words: "So you, also, when You have done all the things assigned to you, say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.' " (Luke 17:10) How often can we really say that we have done "all the things assigned " to us? So the question is, what should be the quality of our service to God? - 2 Corinthians 10:17, 18.
Next time: Making Each Day Count
Watchtower, 2001
How do we view our dedication to God to do his will? Is it the first thing in our life? Regardless of our circumstances, whether young or old, married or single, healthy or sick, we should strive to live up to our dedication, in accordance with our circumstances. One person's situation may allow him to serve in the full-time ministry as a pioneer, as a volunteer in a branch office of the Watchtower Society, as a missionary, or in the traveling ministry. Some parents, on the other hand, may have have their hands full, caring for the physical and spiritual needs of the family. Are their relatively few hours spent in the ministry each month worth any less in Jehovah's eyes than the many hours spent by a full-time servant? No. God never expects from us what we do not have. The apostle Paul stated this principle: 'If the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has not according to what the person does not have." - 2 Corinthians 8:12.
In any case, our salvation depends, not on anything we might do, but on Jehovah's undeserved kindness through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Paul clearly explained: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and it is a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus." However, our works are proof of our active faith in God's promises. -Romans 3:23, 24; James 2:17, 18, 24.
There is no need for us to make comparisons with others in regard to our time in God's service, our placements of Bible literature, or the number of Bible studies we conduct. (Galatians 6:3, 4) Regardless of what we accomplish in the Christian ministry, all of us have to remember Jesus' humbling words: "So you, also, when You have done all the things assigned to you, say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.' " (Luke 17:10) How often can we really say that we have done "all the things assigned " to us? So the question is, what should be the quality of our service to God? - 2 Corinthians 10:17, 18.
Next time: Making Each Day Count
Watchtower, 2001
ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?
Modern Examples of Dedication
In modern times, thousands of thousands of faithful Christians have zealously stuck to their dedication in spite of not surviving to witness Armageddon. One such individual was Ernest E. Beavor of England. He became a Witness in 1939 at the beginning of World War II, and he gave up a flourishing press photography business in order to take up the full-time ministry. Because of maintaining his Christian neutrality, he went to prison for two years. His family stood by him and in 1950 his three children attended the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead for missionary training, in New York. Brother Beavor was so zealous in his preaching activity that friends called him Armageddon Ernie. He loyally lived up to his dedication, and right down to his death in 1986, he proclaimed the imminence of God's war of Armageddon. He did not view his dedication as a limited-time contract with God! -1 Corinthians 15:58.
Another example of undiminished zeal comes from Spain. During the Franco regime (1939-75), hundreds of dedicated young Witnesses took a stand as Christian neutrals. Many of them spent ten years or more in military prisons. One Witness, Jesus Martin, even accumulated sentences that amounted to 22 years in prison. He was severely beaten while being held in a military prison in North Africa. None of this was easy, but he refused to compromise.
Most of the time, these young men had no idea when, if ever, they would be released, for they were subject to multiple, consecutive sentences. Yet, they kept their integrity and maintained their zeal for the ministry while in captivity. When the situation finally began to improve in 1973, many of these Witnesses, then in their early 30's were released from prison and went straight into the full-time ministry, some becoming special pioneers and traveling overseers. They lived up to their dedication in prison, and most have continued to do so since their release. What about us today? Are we being faithful to our dedication like these loyal ones? -Hebrews 10:32-34; 13:3.
Next time: Proper View of Our Dedication
Watchtower, 2001
In modern times, thousands of thousands of faithful Christians have zealously stuck to their dedication in spite of not surviving to witness Armageddon. One such individual was Ernest E. Beavor of England. He became a Witness in 1939 at the beginning of World War II, and he gave up a flourishing press photography business in order to take up the full-time ministry. Because of maintaining his Christian neutrality, he went to prison for two years. His family stood by him and in 1950 his three children attended the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead for missionary training, in New York. Brother Beavor was so zealous in his preaching activity that friends called him Armageddon Ernie. He loyally lived up to his dedication, and right down to his death in 1986, he proclaimed the imminence of God's war of Armageddon. He did not view his dedication as a limited-time contract with God! -1 Corinthians 15:58.
Another example of undiminished zeal comes from Spain. During the Franco regime (1939-75), hundreds of dedicated young Witnesses took a stand as Christian neutrals. Many of them spent ten years or more in military prisons. One Witness, Jesus Martin, even accumulated sentences that amounted to 22 years in prison. He was severely beaten while being held in a military prison in North Africa. None of this was easy, but he refused to compromise.
Most of the time, these young men had no idea when, if ever, they would be released, for they were subject to multiple, consecutive sentences. Yet, they kept their integrity and maintained their zeal for the ministry while in captivity. When the situation finally began to improve in 1973, many of these Witnesses, then in their early 30's were released from prison and went straight into the full-time ministry, some becoming special pioneers and traveling overseers. They lived up to their dedication in prison, and most have continued to do so since their release. What about us today? Are we being faithful to our dedication like these loyal ones? -Hebrews 10:32-34; 13:3.
Next time: Proper View of Our Dedication
Watchtower, 2001
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