HOW TO BE WATCHFUL IN THE PREACHING WORK 10 Jesus was watchful in the work that Jehovah assigned him to do. There may be some jobs that allow for the worker’s mind to wander without serious consequences. Many jobs, though, call for keen focus and alertness, and the Christian ministry is certainly like that. Jesus was ever alert in his work, watching for opportunities to share the good news. For example, when he and his disciples arrived at the town of Sychar after a long morning of walking, the disciples went to purchase food. Jesus stayed near the town’s well to rest, but he kept alert, and he saw an opportunity to witness. A Samaritan woman approached to draw water. Jesus could have chosen to take a nap. He could have thought of reasons to avoid a conversation. However, he spoke up, involved the woman in conversation, and gave a powerful witness that affected many lives in that city. (John 4:4-26, 39-42) Can we more closely imitate Jesus’ watchful example, perhaps by striving to be increasingly alert to opportunities to share the good news with people we meet in our day-to-day life? 11 At times, well-meaning individuals sought to distract Jesus from his work. In Capernaum, the crowds were so moved by Jesus’ miracles of healing that they wanted to keep him there with them. That is understandable. However, Jesus’ mission was to preach to all “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” not just those in one city. (Matt. 15:24) So he told those people: “Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:40-44) Clearly, Jesus’ life was focused on his ministry. He allowed nothing to sidetrack him. 12 Was Jesus so focused on his work that he was a fanatic or an ascetic? Was he so absorbed in his ministry that he was aloof from the practical needs of families? No, Jesus set a perfect example of balance. He enjoyed life, taking pleasure in happy times with his friends. He valued families, showing profound empathy for their needs and problems, and he freely showed his affection for children.—Read Mark 10:13-16. 13 As we imitate Jesus’ example of watchfulness, how can we strive for a similar balance? We do not let this world distract us from our work. Even well-meaning friends and relatives may urge us to slow down in our ministry or to seek what they see as a normal life. If we imitate Jesus, however, we view our ministry as if it were food. (John 4:34) Our work nourishes us spiritually and brings us delight as well. Yet, we never want to be extremists, displaying a self-righteous or ascetic spirit. Like Jesus, we want to be joyful, balanced servants of “the happy God.”—1 Tim. 1:11.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 23:41:50 +0000
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