April

Offering Jehovah Our Best

¹ Jehovah’s Law to Israel stipulated that animals presented to him in sacrifice had to be “sound.” A defective animal was unacceptable. (Lev. 22:18-20; Mal. 1:6-9) Furthermore, when a sacrifice was made, all the fat​—the richest part—​belonged to Jehovah. (Lev. 3:14-16) As Israel’s Father and Grand Master, Jehovah deserved the very best.

² As in ancient times, God is keenly interested in the quality of our offerings today. Our service should reflect proper reverence for Jehovah. Of course, circumstances vary from person to person. Yet, we have good reason to scrutinize ourselves to make sure that we are giving him our best.​—Eph. 5:10.

³ Wholehearted Service: In order for our ministry to honor Jehovah and touch the hearts of our listeners, it cannot be perfunctory. Our expressions regarding our God and his grand purposes should spring from hearts brimming with appreciation. (Ps. 145:7) This highlights the importance of maintaining a good program of personal Bible reading and study.​—Prov. 15:28.

⁴ Giving Jehovah our best also involves imitating his love for people. (Eph. 5:1, 2) Love for people will motivate us to try to reach as many as possible with the life-giving message of truth. (Mark 6:34) It moves us to show personal interest in those to whom we speak. It keeps us thinking about them after the initial call and prompts us to return. It impels us to do all we can to help them progress spiritually.​—Acts 20:24; 26:28, 29.

⁵ “A Sacrifice of Praise”: Another way we give Jehovah our best is by our diligence in the ministry. When we are well-organized and focused on the work at hand, we can accomplish the most good in the time we have available. (1 Tim. 4:10) Good preparation enables us to speak with clarity and conviction, thereby increasing the likelihood of a favorable response. (Prov. 16:21) As we share the good news with others, our heartfelt expressions can rightly be called “a sacrifice of praise.”​—Heb. 13:15.

Young People​—Read God’s Word!

¹ Youth is a time of challenges and weighty decisions. Many of you Christian youths are daily confronted with pressure to violate divine standards of conduct. As you begin to make personal decisions regarding education, employment, and marriage, you should already have set your spiritual goals. Only in that way can you make other decisions that will shape the rest of your life for good. Well-defined spiritual goals will help you to act wisely and make your way successful. By reading and meditating on God’s Word regularly, you will be moved to live in harmony with its inspired counsel, and your right endeavors will meet with success.​—Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2, 3.

² How Will It Benefit You? Satan’s world is full of enticements to engage in wrongdoing. (1 John 2:15, 16) You may know of classmates or others your age who have experienced calamity because of yielding to peer pressure. Adhering to Bible counsel will give you the moral and spiritual strength to reject a sinful course. Further, the counsel of God’s Word can help you to avoid Satan’s subtle snares. (2 Cor. 2:11; Heb. 5:14) Walking in God’s ways will bring you true happiness​—personal satisfaction with your course in life.​—Ps. 119:1, 9, 11.

³ The timeless principles of God’s Word surpass human wisdom. (Ps. 119:98-100) Familiarity with Bible principles and meditation on Jehovah’s revealed purposes along with heartfelt prayer can help you to build a close relationship with the Bible’s all-wise Author, Jehovah God. He promises: “I shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you.”​—Ps. 32:8.

⁴ Make Time to Read It: One young Christian made it her goal to read the entire Bible, and she finished within a year. How did she benefit? She recalls: “I learned so much about Jehovah​—things that drew me closer to him and made me want to fear him for the rest of my life.” (Jas. 4:8) Have you read the entire Bible? If not, why not make it your goal to do so? Jehovah will certainly bless your efforts, and you will reap great rewards.

Service Meeting Schedule

Note: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer months. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the “Walk With God” District Convention. Where appropriate, use 15 minutes on the last Service Meeting before attending the convention to repeat pointed counsel from this month’s insert that applies locally. During the month of October, an entire Service Meeting will be arranged to review highlights of the convention program. In preparation for that discussion, all of us can take meaningful notes at the convention, including a list of specific points that we wish to apply personally in our own life and in the field ministry. Then we can encourage others by explaining how we have applied the suggestions.

Week Starting April 12

Song 93

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 8, demonstrate how to present the April 15 Watchtower and the April 22 Awake! In each case, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. In each demonstration, show a different way to handle the conversation stopper “I’m busy.”​—See Reasoning book, pages 19-20.

15 min: “Offering Jehovah Our Best.”a When discussing paragraph 4, invite audience to comment on specific ways we can show love for people when carrying out our ministry.

20 min: “Let Us Exalt His Name Together.”b To be handled by the congregation secretary, using the questions that are provided. Mention the convention to which the congregation is assigned. The program times are listed in the December 2003 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Other points from that insert may be highlighted as needed. Conclude by posing two or three questions from the article “Spiritual Food at the Proper Time,” which will be discussed at next week’s Service Meeting.

Song 91 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 19

Song 55

8 min: Local announcements.

17 min: “Imitate Jesus’ Mental Attitude.”c Use the questions that are provided. When discussing paragraph 4, invite those who are auxiliary pioneering to comment on the blessings they have experienced as a result of doing so.

20 min: “Spiritual Food at the Proper Time.”d Use the questions that are provided. When discussing paragraph 2, have one or two in the audience briefly comment on a memorable convention that they attended. Conclude by posing two or three questions from the article “Be Holy in All Your Conduct,” which will be discussed at next week’s Service Meeting.

Song 80 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting April 26

Song 46

12 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for April. Mention literature offer for May. Using the suggestions on page 8, demonstrate how to present the May 1 Watchtower and the May 8 Awake! In each case, both magazines should be offered as a set, even though only one is featured. In one of the presentations, demonstrate witnessing to a workmate or a schoolmate.

15 min: Local needs.

18 min: “Be Holy in All Your Conduct.”e Use the questions that are provided. Invite audience to comment on how they have observed that fine conduct at conventions brings praise to Jehovah. Conclude by posing two or three questions from the article “Chaste, Praiseworthy Personal Appearance,” which will be discussed at next week’s Service Meeting.

Song 38 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 3

Song 48

10 min: Local announcements. Briefly comment on activities usually planned for summer: attending the district convention, auxiliary pioneering, making improvements around the house, and perhaps enjoying some recreation. If the congregation has seldom-worked territory, announce what arrangements are being made for thorough coverage. Diligent planning is needed to ensure that family study, congregation meetings, and field service are not neglected if travel or other summer activities take us out of our usual routine. (Prov. 21:5) Remind all to turn in their field service reports, regardless of whether they are at home or away.

15 min: “Young People​—Read God’s Word!”f Arrange in advance for one or two youths to comment on their program of Bible reading and how they are benefiting from it. Encourage youths to make it their goal to read the entire Bible. Include comments on the Ministry School book, page 10, paragraph 4.

20 min: “Chaste, Praiseworthy Personal Appearance.”g Use the questions that are provided. As time permits, read and discuss the cited scriptures.

Song 164 and concluding prayer.

[Footnotes]

January Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 224 100.0 82.3 46.7 4.6

Pios. 93,738 64.0 40.6 21.5 2.0

Aux.Pios. 18,893 48.8 33.5 14.1 1.2

Pubs. 884,887 9.3 8.0 3.7 0.4

TOTAL 997,742 Baptized: 1,798

“Let Us Exalt His Name Together”

1. What opportunity will we have to exalt God’s name together, and what can we do now in preparation?

¹ “O magnify Jehovah with me, . . . and let us exalt his name together,” sang the psalmist. (Ps. 34:3) Our upcoming “Walk With God” District Convention will give us the opportunity to exalt Jehovah’s name together with our brothers and sisters from many congregations. Have you made your arrangements for accommodations, transportation, and time off from secular work? We are wise to care for these well in advance.​—Prov. 21:5.

2. Why is it beneficial to plan to arrive at the convention site early?

² Arriving at the Convention Site: There are many matters to care for when we attend a convention. Getting an early start will help us to cope with unexpected delays and will enable us to be settled in our seats in time to share wholeheartedly in the opening song and prayer. (Ps. 69:30) A few minutes before the start of the session, the chairman will be seated on the platform while introductory Kingdom music is played. All of us should take our seats at that time so that the program can begin in a dignified manner.​—1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

3. How can we show consideration for others when finding seats?

³ God’s Word admonishes us to ‘let all our affairs take place with love.’ (1 Cor. 16:14) When the doors open at 8:00 a.m., consideration for others will restrain us from running, rushing, pushing, or shoving in an effort to get to the seats we prefer before others do. Seats may be saved only for those traveling with you in the same vehicle or living with you in the same home.​—1 Cor. 13:5; Phil. 2:4.

4. What are the arrangements for the noon break, and how is this beneficial?

⁴ Please bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain a meal during the noon break. This will allow all to enjoy upbuilding association and be present from the very start of the afternoon session. If necessary, a small cooler that can be placed under a seat may be used. Large family-size picnic coolers, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the convention facility.

5. What provision has been made for those with impaired hearing?

⁵ For the benefit of those with impaired hearing, the program will be broadcast in the vicinity of the auditorium on an FM radio frequency. An announcement regarding this will be made at the beginning of the first session. To make use of this provision, you will need to bring a small FM receiver with earphones.

6. How can we prepare our hearts for the instruction we will receive?

⁶ A Spiritual Banquet Awaits Us: King Jehoshaphat was one who “prepared [his] heart to search for the true God.” (2 Chron. 19:3) How can we prepare our heart before the convention? The articles on the back page of the May 22 and June 8 issues of Awake! provide a preview of the spiritual banquet that will be served. Why not take time to reflect on those articles, building anticipation for what Jehovah has in store for us? Preparing our heart also involves asking Jehovah to help us get the sense of the instruction we will receive and apply it.​—Ps. 25:4, 5.

7. What is our desire, and why?

⁷ We all long to learn more from the Word of God, realizing that by means of it we can grow to salvation. (1 Pet. 2:2) Hence, let us be in attendance for our “Walk With God” District Convention and ‘exalt Jehovah’s name together.’​—Ps. 34:3.

[Box on page 3]

Ways to Exalt God’s Name

◼ Advance planning

◼ Show love for others

◼ Prepare your heart

Spiritual Food at the Proper Time

1. How is Ezekiel 36:29 being fulfilled today?

¹ “I will . . . call to the grain and make it abound, and I shall put upon you no famine,” is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. (Ezek. 36:29) Those prophetic words apply to God’s people today. Figuratively speaking, Jehovah has caused life-sustaining grain to sprout up abundantly for his people. The timely spiritual food provided through our district conventions well illustrates this fact.

2. How has Jehovah used district conventions to dispense spiritual food at the proper time?

² At the convention held at Columbus, Ohio, in 1931, Jehovah directed his worshipers to take on a new name​—Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10-12) In 1935 the great crowd of Revelation 7:9-17 was correctly identified. In 1942, Brother Knorr delivered the discourse “Peace​—Can It Last?” That talk gave impetus to the global preaching work and led to the formation of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. Although some conventions are especially memorable, each one has proved to be a well-laden table of nourishing spiritual food served at the right time.​—Ps. 23:5; Matt. 24:45.

3. What must we do to benefit from the spiritual banquet at our district convention?

³ How Well Are You Eating? It is possible to be surrounded by food and yet be malnourished if we do not put forth the effort to eat. (Prov. 26:15) The same is true in a spiritual sense. At a few conventions, it has been observed that many are needlessly walking around or talking with others during the program. While upbuilding association is an important aspect of the convention, the time for this is before and after each session. (Eccl. 3:1, 7) If we are not in our seats paying close attention, we may miss a vital point. Convention department overseers and brothers with assignments may occasionally find it necessary to discuss convention matters while the sessions are in progress. Otherwise, they should set an example by their attentiveness to the program. None of us can afford to miss any of the spiritual food provided.​—1 Cor. 10:12; Phil. 2:12.

4. How can we show ourselves thankful for the bounty Jehovah provides?

⁴ How we rejoice in the rich spiritual truths Jehovah provides, as contrasted with the dried-out false doctrines of Christendom! (Isa. 65:13, 14) One way we can ‘show ourselves thankful’ is by viewing the convention as an opportunity to be taught by Jehovah. (Col. 3:15) Look beyond the brother giving the talk, and view the message as coming from our “Grand Instructor.” (Isa. 30:20, 21; 54:13) Pay rapt attention. Take brief notes of key points. Review program highlights each evening. Apply what you learn.

5. What reasons for rejoicing do district conventions give us?

⁵ Every convention on this side of Armageddon, whether it is held in a refugee camp, in a war-torn land, or in a larger more peaceful setting, is a victory over Satan! As a united brotherhood, we cherish our opportunities to flock together at district conventions. (Ezek. 36:38) We are confident that once again Jehovah will lovingly provide us with “food supplies at the proper time.”​—Luke 12:42.

[Box on page 4]

Show Appreciation for Jehovah’s Table

◼ Pay close attention

◼ Note key points

◼ Review program highlights each evening

◼ Apply what you learn

Be Holy in All Your Conduct

1. Why is it important to be holy in all our conduct?

¹ As servants of the holy God, Jehovah, we strive to be holy in all our conduct. (1 Pet. 1:15, 16) This means that we endeavor to uphold Jehovah’s standards in all aspects of our lives. The district convention this year will provide us with a special opportunity to display holy conduct.

2. How can we manifest fine conduct at hotels?

² At Hotels: One manager of a hotel used by convention delegates last year said: “Jehovah’s Witnesses were such nice people to have here. . . . You are the type of people we want.” Observing the following reminders will help us to maintain our good reputation: (1) Do not reserve more rooms than will actually be needed, and do not have more people stay in your room than allowed. (2) If you must cancel your reservation, notify the hotel immediately. (3) Take a luggage cart only when you are ready to use it. (4) Do not cook in noncooking rooms. (5) Leave a tip for the housekeeper each day. (6) Do not abuse any complimentary breakfast, coffee, and ice provisions that are made available for guests to use while they are at the hotel. (7) Display the fruitage of the spirit in dealing with the hotel staff, especially during very busy check-in and checkout times.​—Gal. 5:22, 23.

3. How may the conduct of younger Witnesses impress others?

³ Our good manners can give a powerful witness. Last year a young Witness politely asked a hotel desk clerk for some stationery and then thanked her. This touched the clerk, and she was heard to remark: “You just don’t see young ones with such polite manners anymore.” However, in a few cases, unsupervised children have been observed swimming, playing in elevators, talking loudly, and running in hallways. Parents should not allow their children to be let on the loose but should monitor them to ensure that their conduct brings praise to Jehovah.​—Prov. 29:15.

4. How can we show consideration for others when dining out?

⁴ At Restaurants: A waiter in a restaurant near one convention commented: “Witnesses are different. They show respect for others.” Good conduct includes avoiding loud speech and laughter that may disturb others who are dining. We should also remember that in many places it is customary to leave a 15 to 20 percent tip, depending on the service. Even when eating and drinking, we seek to do all things for God’s glory.​—1 Cor. 10:31.

5. What does good conduct include at the convention site?

⁵ At the Convention: Especially should our fine conduct be in evidence at the convention site. Please cooperate with the attendants’ direction, both in the parking lot and in the auditorium. (Heb. 13:17) Families should sit together rather than allow their children, including teenagers, to sit with groups of other young people. Recorders of any type should not be connected to the facility’s electrical or sound system and may only be used in a way that does not disturb others. If you intend to take pictures, no flash should be used during sessions. Pagers and cell phones should be set so as not to cause a distraction. If you observe an accident in the facility, instead of calling 911, please inform an attendant or the First Aid Department. Qualified medical assistance is available on site.

6. How does our conduct at conventions glorify God?

⁶ Our conduct sets us apart from others and glorifies our God. (1 Pet. 2:12) At the convention, the actions of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be on display. Therefore, be determined to be holy in all your conduct.

[Box on page 5]

Display Holy Conduct

◼ Observe all hotel rules

◼ Monitor children closely

◼ Be considerate of others

Chaste, Praiseworthy Personal Appearance

1. In preparation for the district convention, why should we give consideration to our appearance?

¹ “Jehovah’s Witnesses are the best! Your people are kind and well dressed, and they exhibit deep respect.” So said a hotel representative about the brothers and sisters at one district convention last year. At another convention, a hotel worker commented: “It is evident that your people dress for God.” Yes, convention delegates are noticed by others. We therefore want to dress “in a manner worthy of the good news,” and this often moves outsiders to compliment us and makes it obvious that we are ministers of God. (Phil. 1:27) As we prepare for the district convention, it is appropriate to give advance thought to our appearance.

2. Why is it a challenge to dress and groom oneself in a chaste manner?

² “The wisdom from above is first of all chaste,” wrote the disciple James. (Jas. 3:17) Reflecting chasteness in our appearance can be a challenge. Satan’s immoral world influences people to adopt immodest, sensual, and outlandish styles that are not befitting. (1 John 2:15-17) Hence, when making decisions regarding dress and grooming, we need to heed the Bible’s admonition to “repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind . . . amid this present system of things.” (Titus 2:12) Never would we want to disturb others by our appearance, be they our brothers, hotel and restaurant personnel, or other observers.​—1 Cor. 10:32, 33.

3. What questions will help us to examine our personal appearance?

³ Modest, Well-Arranged Dress: When preparing for the convention, ask yourself: ‘Is my clothing modest, or does it draw undue attention to me? Does it show respect for the feelings of others? Are my blouses too low at the neckline or too short? Are my dresses revealing or tight? Is my clothing clean and free of offensive odors? When obtaining complimentary breakfast provisions at the hotel or relaxing after the program, will I have the neat, clean appearance of a minister, or will my clothing be sloppy, faddish, overly casual, and inappropriate for a convention delegate wearing a badge card? Would the clothing I wear during leisure time make me embarrassed to witness informally?’​—Rom. 15:2, 3; 1 Tim. 2:9.

4. How can others help us to present a chaste appearance?

⁴ We can benefit from the observations of mature Christians. Wives should ask their husbands how their clothing might appear to others. Godly parents can help their teenage children in this regard. Moreover, reverent older sisters can “recall the young women to their senses . . . to be sound in mind, chaste” in their appearance “so that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.” (Titus 2:3-5) Our publications provide helpful illustrations depicting modest, well-arranged dress.

5. How can all of us bring praise to Jehovah during the convention?

⁵ Bring Praise to Jehovah: District conventions provide an excellent opportunity for all of us, not just program participants, to praise Jehovah. Of course, our Christian conduct and speech will honor him. But the first thing many observers notice about us is our dress and grooming. May all of us bring praise to Jehovah by our chaste, praiseworthy personal appearance.​—Ps. 148:12, 13.

[Box on page 6]

Aids to Praiseworthy Appearance

◼ God’s Word

◼ Self-examination

◼ Observations of others

◼ Christian publications

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for April and May: Feature individual copies of both The Watchtower and Awake! When making return visits on interested people, which may include calling on those who attended the Memorial and/or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the organization, concentrate on placing the Worship God book. Every effort should be made to start a home Bible study, especially if some individuals have already studied the Knowledge book and the Require brochure. June: Learn From the Great Teacher. If individuals say that they have no children, offer the Require brochure. When using the brochure, concentrate on starting home Bible studies. July and August: Offer the Knowledge book or the Require brochure. When householders already have these publications, use another appropriate brochure that the congregation has in stock.

◼ Beginning in April, district convention badge cards for 2004 will automatically be included with literature shipments. It will not be necessary to request these unless you have a foreign-language group associated with your congregation. Based on the size of each congregation, cards will be shipped in lots of 25. If the congregation needs additional badge cards, these should be requested on the Literature Request Form (S-14). Plastic badge holders must be requested for any in the congregation who desire them.

◼ DISTRICT CONVENTION PARKING: At all convention sites where we have secured control of the parking facilities, the spaces will be made available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. No parking tickets will be used, but convention badge cards will serve as identification for parking. Only those who have a state-approved disabled license plate or placard will be allowed to park in the parking reserved for the disabled. Being aware that considerable expense is involved, we can show our appreciation by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at our Kingdom Hall or at the convention. Any checks contributed at the convention should be made payable to “Watch Tower.” Since parking space is usually limited, carpooling should be done to the extent possible rather than having only one or two persons per car.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered orally at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 26, 2004. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of March 1 through April 26, 2004. [Note: Where there are no references after the question, you will need to do your own research to find the answers.​—See Ministry School, pp. 36-7.]

SPEECH QUALITIES

1. When we are delivering a talk, why is it better to speak from an outline rather than read from a manuscript? [be p. 166 par. 3]

2. In preparing for field service, how can we organize our thoughts into a mental outline? [be p. 167 par. 3]

3. Using Acts 13:16-41 and Acts 17:2, 3, explain how Paul ‘proved logically that Jesus is the Christ.’ (Acts 9:22) [be p. 170 par. 2]

4. What are some advantages of extemporaneous delivery? [be p. 175 pars. 1-4]

5. What potential pitfalls come with extemporaneous speaking, and what can help us to avoid them? [be p. 175 par. 5–p. 176 par. 3]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

6. According to the account at Genesis 32:24-32, what did 97-year-old Jacob do to gain Jehovah’s blessing, and what does this teach us? [w02 8/1 pp. 29-31]

7. What is “thinking ability,” and how can it prevent us from being thrown off balance and unnecessarily hurt? (Prov. 1:4) [w02 8/15 pp. 21-2]

8. How can public speakers make the Scriptures the basis for their talks? [be p. 52 par. 6–p. 53 par. 5]

9. In turning a talk outline into a meaty explanation of Scripture, a speaker must make what decisions? [be p. 54 pars. 2-4]

10. Why did Jehovah feed the Israelites with manna week after week, month after month, in the wilderness, and what can we learn from this? (Deut. 8:16) [w02 9/1 p. 30 pars. 3-4]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

11. As reflected at Genesis 37:12-17, what parallel do we find between Joseph’s course and that of Jesus? [w87 5/1 p. 12 par. 12]

12. As can be seen in the account at Genesis 42:25-35, how did Joseph show compassion comparable to the compassion Jesus shows? [w87 5/1 p. 18 par. 10; p. 19 par. 17]

13. How do the provisions made by the slave class today correspond with the distribution of grain in Joseph’s day? (Gen. 47:21-25)

14. In saying, “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be,” what was Jehovah revealing with regard to his name? (Ex. 3:14, 15)

15. What two inherent dangers in complaining are noted at Exodus 16:2, 3? [w93 3/15 pp. 20-1]

Imitate Jesus’ Mental Attitude

1. What mental attitude did Jesus manifest?

¹ Although we have never seen God’s Son, through the written record of Jesus’ life and ministry, we have truly come to love him. (1 Pet. 1:8) In obedience to his Father’s will, he forsook his exalted heavenly position and came to earth. As a human, he selflessly ministered to others and then gave his life in behalf of mankind. (Matt. 20:28) God’s Word urges us: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” How can we imitate his self-sacrificing spirit?​—Phil. 2:5-8.

2. What challenge do many Christians face, and what can help them to overcome it?

² When Feeling Tired: Even though Jesus was perfect, he still got tired. On one occasion, when he was “tired out from the journey,” he gave a thorough witness to a Samaritan woman. (John 4:6) Many Christians today face a similar challenge. After a tiring workweek, it can be difficult to find the strength to participate in the preaching work. However, if we do so regularly, we will find that the Christian ministry refreshes us spiritually.​—John 4:32-34.

3. How can we imitate Jesus’ willingness to teach?

³ On another occasion, Jesus and his disciples headed to a lonely place in order to rest up a bit. However, a great crowd found out and ran ahead to meet them. Rather than becoming irritated, Jesus was “moved with pity for them” and proceeded to “teach them many things.” (Mark 6:30-34) Starting and conducting Bible studies calls for a similar attitude. It requires persistent effort and genuine love for people. If you are not presently conducting a Bible study, do not give up in trying to find one.

4. How can auxiliary pioneering help us to imitate Christ’s mental attitude?

⁴ Put Spiritual Interests First: Auxiliary pioneering can help us to focus more on spiritual activities. One young sister wrote: “The mother of one of my friends encouraged both of us to auxiliary pioneer with her for a month. I’m really glad that we joined her. I enjoyed getting to know the brothers and sisters better, and soon they were like family to me. I also enjoyed having more of an opportunity to speak to others about Jehovah and teach them wonderful Kingdom truths. All of this made me feel closer to Jehovah and his organization.”​—Ps. 34:8.

5. Why must we continually put forth effort to imitate Jesus’ mental attitude?

⁵ All of us face a battle between our imperfect flesh and our desire to please Jehovah. (Rom. 7:21-23) We must resist the self-sparing spirit of the world. (Matt. 16:22, 23) Jehovah can help us to succeed in this by means of his holy spirit. (Gal. 5:16, 17) As we await our deliverance into God’s righteous new world, may we imitate Jesus’ mental attitude by putting Kingdom interests and the interests of others ahead of our own.​—Matt. 6:33; Rom. 15:1-3.

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower Apr. 15

“Some people feel that everything that happens in life, including tragedies, is God’s will. Have you ever wondered about that? [Allow for response.] Many people know this prayer. [Read Matthew 6:10b.] What is God’s will for the earth, and when will it be fully accomplished? This magazine provides the Bible’s answer.”

Awake! Apr. 22

“In today’s world, some people feel hopeless. Do you sometimes feel that way? [Allow for response. Then read Romans 15:4.] Most people recognize the importance of having hope. You will enjoy considering the seven Scriptural reasons for hope that are presented in this issue of Awake!”

The Watchtower May 1

“In an effort to improve human society, some religious leaders become involved in politics. However, notice what Jesus did when people wanted to make him king. [Read John 6:15.] Jesus focused on something that would bring lasting good to others. This magazine discusses what that is.”

Awake! May 8

“Many people face challenging situations at work. Some are even harassed by workmates. Did you know that the Bible contains advice that can help us cope with such challenges? [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 15:1.] This magazine offers practical suggestions on how to maintain peace with others at work.”