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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

1. What does Jehovah require of us?

FEW events bring more joy to a married couple than the birth of a healthy baby. Yet, even though parents love their precious newborn, they do not want him to remain an infant permanently. In fact, they would be seriously concerned if he did not grow. Similarly, Jehovah is happy when we take our first steps as followers of Jesus, but He does not want us to remain spiritual toddlers. (1 Cor. 3:1) Instead, he asks us to “become full-grown” Christians.​—1 Cor. 14:20.

2. What will we consider in this article?

² What does it mean to become a full-grown Christian? How do we grow to Christian maturity? What role does solid spiritual food play in our growth? And why should we avoid overconfidence? In this article, we will consider the answers to these questions.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BECOME A MATURE CHRISTIAN?

3. What does it mean to become a full-grown Christian?

³ In the Bible, the Greek word translated “full-grown” can also mean “mature,” “perfect,” and “complete.”a (1 Cor. 2:6) We become full-grown, or mature, as Christians when we grow out of spiritual infancy and become spiritual men or women. Of course, even when we have reached that goal, we should never stop advancing spiritually. (1 Tim. 4:15) All of us, including those who are physically young, can be spiritually mature. But what indicates that a Christian has grown to maturity?

4. What identifies a mature Christian?

⁴ A mature Christian is someone who lives by all of God’s requirements, not picking and choosing the ones he wants to follow. Of course, being imperfect, he will make mistakes. Still, he shows by his daily life that he thinks and acts in harmony with God’s will. He has put on the new personality and constantly strives to bring his thinking closer to God’s thinking. (Eph. 4:22-24) He has trained himself to make wise decisions based on Jehovah’s laws and principles, so he does not need a lengthy list of rules to govern his behavior. When he makes a decision, he has the self-discipline to follow through.​—1 Cor. 9:26, 27.

5. What dangers does an immature Christian face? (Ephesians 4:14, 15)

⁵ On the other hand, a Christian who remains immature can easily be misled by “trickery” and “deceptive schemes” and be taken in by conspiracy theorists and apostates.b (Read Ephesians 4:14, 15.) He may be prone to being jealous, creating strife, taking offense, or yielding to temptation.​—1 Cor. 3:3.

6. How can the process of growing to maturity be illustrated? (See also picture.)

⁶ As mentioned earlier, the Scriptures compare the process of growing to spiritual maturity to the process of growing to adulthood. A child lacks insight, so he needs the protection and supervision of an adult. To illustrate, a mother might ask her young daughter to hold her hand while crossing the street. As the girl grows older, the mother might allow her to cross the street on her own but will still remind her to look both ways for traffic. When the child becomes an adult, she avoids such hazards on her own. Just as young children need help from adults to avoid danger, immature Christians often need help from mature Christians to avoid spiritual dangers and to make wise decisions. By contrast, when mature Christians have to make a decision, they reason on Bible principles to get Jehovah’s thinking on the matter and then follow through accordingly.

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7. Do mature Christians need the help of others?

⁷ Does this mean that a mature Christian never needs help from anyone? No. Mature ones also need to ask for help at times. But someone who is immature may expect others to tell him what to do or to make a decision that he himself should make. A mature Christian, on the other hand, will draw on the wisdom and the experience of others while recognizing that Jehovah expects him to “carry his own load.”​—Gal. 6:5.

8. In what ways do mature ones differ from one another?

⁸ Just as adults differ in physical appearance, mature Christians differ in spiritual qualities, such as wisdom, courage, generosity, and empathy. Further, when two mature Christians face a similar situation, they might come to different conclusions that are both Scripturally acceptable. That is especially true in matters of conscience. Recognizing this, they avoid judging each other over such differences. Instead, they focus on remaining united.​—Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 1:10.

HOW DO WE GROW TO CHRISTIAN MATURITY?

9. Do we grow to spiritual maturity automatically? Explain.

⁹ We may grow to physical adulthood naturally over time, but no one grows to spiritual maturity automatically. For instance, the brothers and sisters in Corinth accepted the good news, got baptized, received holy spirit, and benefited from the personal instruction of the apostle Paul. (Acts 18:8-11) Yet, some years after their baptism, many were still immature. (1 Cor. 3:2) How can we avoid slowing down in our spiritual growth?

10. What must we do to reach maturity? (Jude 20)

¹⁰ To reach maturity, we must first cultivate the desire to become mature. Those who “love inexperience,” preferring to remain as spiritual infants, will fail to make progress. (Prov. 1:22) We do not want to be like those who are fully grown physically but continue depending on their parents to make decisions for them. Instead, we want to take responsibility for our own spiritual growth. (Read Jude 20.) If you are still working to reach maturity, pray that Jehovah will give you “both the desire and the power to act.”​—Phil. 2:13.

11. What help is provided for us to progress to maturity? (Ephesians 4:11-13)

¹¹ Jehovah does not expect us to grow to maturity on our own. Those who serve as shepherds and teachers in the Christian congregation are prepared to help us in becoming “full-grown” in a spiritual sense, “attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Read Ephesians 4:11-13.) Jehovah also provides his holy spirit to help us have “the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:14-16) Further, God inspired the writing of the four Gospels to show us how Jesus thought, spoke, and acted during his earthly ministry. By imitating Jesus’ way of thinking and acting, you can reach your goal of Christian maturity.

THE ROLE OF SOLID SPIRITUAL FOOD

12. What is “the primary doctrine about the Christ”?

¹² In order to advance to maturity, we must also move “beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ,” that is, basic Christian teachings. Examples of such basic teachings include repentance, faith, baptism, and the resurrection. (Heb. 6:1, 2) Such teachings form the foundation of Christianity. For this reason, the apostle Peter spoke of them when preaching to the crowd at Pentecost. (Acts 2:32-35, 38) We must accept these primary teachings to become disciples of Christ. For example, Paul warned that any who deny the teaching of the resurrection reject the entire Christian faith. (1 Cor. 15:12-14) However, we must not be satisfied with just a basic knowledge of the truth.

13. What must we do to benefit from the solid spiritual food mentioned at Hebrews 5:14? (See also picture.)

¹³ In contrast to the primary doctrine, solid spiritual food includes not only Jehovah’s laws but also his principles, which help us to understand his thinking. To benefit from such food, we must study, meditate on, and carefully apply God’s Word. As we do so, we train ourselves to make decisions that please Jehovah.c​—Read Hebrews 5:14.

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14. How did Paul help the Corinthians grow to maturity?

¹⁴ Immature Christians often struggle when faced with situations that call for reasoning on Bible principles and applying them. If no Bible law exists, some might feel that they can do whatever they want. Others might ask for a rule when no rule is required. For instance, Christians in Corinth apparently asked Paul for a rule about whether they could eat food that had been offered to an idol. Rather than tell them what to do, Paul acknowledged the role of the conscience and the fact that each person has a “right to choose.” He reasoned on principles that would allow each individual to be at peace with his conscience while not stumbling others. (1 Cor. 8:4, 7-9) Paul was thus helping the Corinthians to grow up spiritually so that they could use their own powers of discernment instead of depending on someone else or simply looking for rules.

15. How did Paul help Hebrew Christians make spiritual progress?

¹⁵ We learn a valuable lesson from what Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians. Some had not continued to grow spiritually; they had actually “gone back to needing milk, not solid [spiritual] food.” (Heb. 5:12) They had failed to keep up with the truth, which was being progressively revealed through the congregation. (Prov. 4:18) For example, many Jewish believers were still promoting the Mosaic Law even though some 30 years earlier the Law had been done away with on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice. (Rom. 10:4; Titus 1:10) Surely it was not too much to ask Jewish Christians to adjust their thinking over a period of 30 years! Anyone who has read Paul’s inspired letter to the Hebrews can confirm that this book contains solid spiritual food. It was just what those Christians needed to strengthen their faith in the superiority of the Christian arrangement for worship and to give them the courage to keep preaching in spite of opposition from the Jews.​—Heb. 10:19-23.

AVOID BEING OVERCONFIDENT

16. In addition to progressing to maturity, what must we do?

¹⁶ We must exert ourselves not only to reach maturity but also to maintain it. This requires that we avoid overconfidence. (1 Cor. 10:12) We should “keep testing” ourselves to make sure that we are continuing to make progress.​—2 Cor. 13:5.

17. How does Paul’s letter to the Colossians show the need to remain mature?

¹⁷ In his letter to the Colossians, Paul again highlights the need to remain mature. Even though they had become full-grown Christians, Paul warned them against being ensnared by worldly thinking. (Col. 2:6-10) And Epaphras, who evidently knew those in the congregation well, prayed constantly that they might “finally stand complete,” or mature. (Col. 4:12) The point? Both Paul and Epaphras understood that maintaining maturity requires personal effort and God’s support. They wanted the Colossians to remain mature, or full-grown, Christians despite any challenges they were facing.

18. What could happen to a mature Christian? (See also picture.)

¹⁸ Paul warned the Hebrews that a mature Christian could permanently lose God’s approval. A Christian’s heart could become so hardened that he is no longer able to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. Thankfully, the Hebrews had not fallen away to that extent. (Heb. 6:4-9) What about those today who become inactive or are disfellowshipped but later repent? Their humble repentance shows that they are different from those whom Paul wrote about. However, when they return to Jehovah, they need the help that he provides. (Ezek. 34:15, 16) The elders may arrange for an experienced Witness to help them regain their spiritual strength.

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19. What goal should we have?

¹⁹ If you are pressing on to Christian maturity, you can reach your goal! Continue to take in solid spiritual food and align your thinking ever closer with that of Jehovah. And if you have already become mature, remain steadfast as a full-grown Christian.

1. How were Jehovah’s people organized in the first century?

WHENEVER Jehovah gives his people an assignment, he expects them to carry it out in an organized way. (1 Cor. 14:33) For example, it is God’s will for the good news to be preached in all the inhabited earth. (Matt. 24:14) Jehovah has put Jesus in charge of that work. Jesus has seen to it that it is carried out in an organized fashion. In the first century, as congregations were established in various places, elders were appointed to give direction and take the lead. (Acts 14:23) In Jerusalem a central body of elders, consisting of the apostles and older men, made certain decisions that all the congregations were expected to comply with. (Acts 15:2; 16:4) As a result of their obedience to the instructions they received, “the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number.”​—Acts 16:5.

2. Since 1919, how has Jehovah provided guidance and spiritual food?

² Jehovah continues to organize his people even today. Since 1919, Jesus has used a small group of anointed men to organize the preaching work and supply spiritual food to his followers.a (Luke 12:42) Jehovah is obviously blessing the work of that group.​—Isa. 60:22; 65:13, 14.

3-4. (a) Illustrate how we benefit by being organized. (b) What will we consider in this article?

³ If we were not organized, we would not be able to accomplish the work Jesus has assigned us to do. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Suppose, for example, that there were no territory assignments; everyone could preach wherever he wanted. Some territories might be worked over and over by a number of different publishers, while other territories might be neglected entirely. Can you think of other ways we benefit by being organized?

⁴ What Jesus did on earth set the pattern for how he keeps us organized today. In this article, we will consider the example Jesus set and how our organization follows that example. We will also discuss how we can show that we appreciate Jehovah’s organization.

OUR ORGANIZATION FOLLOWS JESUS’ EXAMPLE

5. What is one way that we follow Jesus’ example? (John 8:28)

⁵ Jesus learned from his heavenly Father what to do and what to say. Following the example of Jesus, Jehovah’s organization bases its moral teachings and its direction on God’s Word. (Read John 8:28; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17) We regularly receive reminders to read and apply God’s Word. How do we benefit from following this counsel?

6. What is one important way in which we benefit from studying the Bible?

⁶ We benefit greatly when we study the Bible with the help of our Christian publications. For instance, we are able to compare Bible teachings with the direction we receive from the organization. When we see that the guidance we receive is based on the Scriptures, our confidence in Jehovah’s organization grows.​—Rom. 12:2.

7. What message did Jesus preach, and how does Jehovah’s organization follow his example?

⁷ Jesus preached “the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 4:43, 44) Also, Jesus commanded his disciples to preach about the Kingdom. (Luke 9:1, 2; 10:8, 9) Today all who are associated with Jehovah’s organization preach the Kingdom message no matter where they live or how much responsibility they have.

8. What honor have we been given?

⁸ We count it a privilege to share the truth about God’s Kingdom with others! That privilege is not open to just anyone. For instance, when Jesus was on earth, he did not allow the wicked spirits to witness about him. (Luke 4:41) Today, before a person shares in the ministry with Jehovah’s people, he must qualify for the privilege. We show how much we appreciate the honor to preach by giving a witness wherever and whenever we can. Like Jesus, our goal is to plant and water seeds of Kingdom truth in the hearts of people.​—Matt. 13:3, 23; 1 Cor. 3:6.

9. How does the organization make known God’s name?

⁹ Jesus made God’s name known. In prayer to his heavenly Father, Jesus said: “I have made your name known.” (John 17:26) In line with Jesus’ example, Jehovah’s organization does everything possible to help others come to know God’s name. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures has played a significant role in this by restoring God’s name to its rightful place. This Bible translation is now available in whole or in part in over 270 languages. In Appendixes A4 and A5 of this translation, you will find details regarding the restoration of God’s name in the Bible. Appendix C, which is found in the Study Bible, provides extensive proof that God’s name should appear in the Christian Greek Scriptures 237 times.

10. What do you learn from the expressions of a woman who lives in Myanmar?

¹⁰ Like Jesus, we want to help as many people as possible come to know God’s name. On learning that God has a name, a 67-year-old woman in Myanmar was moved to tears and said: “This is the first time in my life that I have heard that God’s name is Jehovah. . . . You have taught me the most important thing I could ever learn.” As this experience shows, learning God’s name can have a powerful effect on honesthearted people.

CONTINUE SHOWING APPRECIATION FOR OUR ORGANIZATION

11. How can elders show appreciation for Jehovah’s organization? (See also picture.)

¹¹ What is one way in which elders can show that they appreciate God’s organization? When receiving direction, elders need to read it carefully and then apply it to the best of their ability. For instance, they receive guidance not only on how to present meeting parts and how to offer prayers for the congregation but also on how to care for Christ’s sheep. Elders who follow organizational direction help those under their care to feel secure and loved.

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12. (a) Why should we cooperate with those taking the lead? (Hebrews 13:7, 17) (b) Why should we focus on the positive qualities of those taking the lead?

¹² When we receive direction from the elders, we should follow it willingly. By doing so, we will make it easier for those taking the lead to do their work. The Bible encourages us to be obedient and submissive to those who take the lead. (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17.) That can be a challenge at times. Why? Because these men are imperfect. However, if we focus on their negative qualities rather than on their positive traits, we will, in effect, be aiding our enemies. In what way? We will be undermining trust in God’s organization, which is what our opposers have set out to do. What specifically can we do to identify and reject the negative propaganda of our enemies?

DO NOT LET OTHERS WEAKEN YOUR APPRECIATION

13. How have God’s enemies tried to discredit his organization?

¹³ God’s opposers try to put positive aspects of his organization in a negative light. For instance, we have learned from the Scriptures that Jehovah expects his worshippers to be clean physically, morally, and spiritually. He requires that any who unrepentantly pursue a course of uncleanness be removed from the congregation. (1 Cor. 5:11-13; 6:9, 10) We adhere to that Scriptural command. But our opposers try to use that against us by accusing us of being intolerant, judgmental, and unloving.

14. Who is the source of false stories about the organization?

¹⁴ Recognize the source of attacks. Satan the Devil is behind false stories. He is “the father of the lie.” (John 8:44; Gen. 3:1-5) So we should expect that Satan will use his supporters to promote false stories about Jehovah’s organization. This was evident in the first century.

15. What did religious leaders do to Jesus and his followers?

¹⁵ In the first century, Satan’s supporters told one lie after another about the perfect, miracle-working Son of God. For example, the religious leaders told people that Jesus’ power to expel demons was given to him by “the ruler of the demons.” (Mark 3:22) When Jesus was on trial, the religious leaders accused him of blasphemy and incited the crowds to call for his death. (Matt. 27:20) Later, as Christ’s followers preached the good news, those who opposed them “stirred up and wrongly influenced the people” to persecute those Christians. (Acts 14:2, 19) Regarding Acts 14:2, The Watchtower of December 1, 1998, explained: “Not content with rejecting the message themselves, Jewish opposers embarked on a smear campaign, trying to prejudice the Gentile population against Christians.”

16. What should we remember if we hear false stories?

¹⁶ Satan did not stop lying in the first century. Today, he is still “misleading the entire inhabited earth.” (Rev. 12:9) If you hear negative stories regarding the organization or the brothers who are taking the lead, remember how God’s enemies treated Jesus and the first-century disciples. Today, Jehovah’s people are being persecuted and maligned exactly as the Bible foretold. (Matt. 5:11, 12) False stories will not mislead us if we recognize their source and take immediate action. What action should we take?

17. How can we avoid being harmed by false stories? (2 Timothy 1:13) (See also the box “How to React to False Stories.”)

¹⁷ Reject false stories. The apostle Paul gave clear instructions on what to do if we are exposed to false stories. He told Timothy to “command certain ones not to . . . pay attention to false stories” and to “reject irreverent false stories.” (1 Tim. 1:3, 4; 4:7) Although a toddler might innocently pick up an object from the floor and put it in his mouth, a mature person who understands the danger would never do that. We reject false stories because we recognize the source of the information. We hold to the “wholesome words” of truth.​—Read 2 Timothy 1:13.

18. How can we show that we appreciate Jehovah’s organization?

¹⁸ We have considered just three of the many ways that God’s organization imitates Jesus. As you study the Bible, take note of additional ways that the organization follows Jesus’ example. Help others in your congregation to build their appreciation for the organization. And continue to demonstrate your appreciation by serving Jehovah loyally and sticking closely to the organization that he is using to accomplish his will. (Ps. 37:28) May we continue to treasure the privilege we have of being associated with Jehovah’s loving and loyal people.

1. How do some feel about approaching others in the ministry? (See also picture.)

AS JEHOVAH’S people, we preach to others because we love our heavenly Father and we want to help our neighbors come to know him. Many publishers really enjoy the preaching work. But others struggle to find pleasure in it. Why? Some may be very shy and lack confidence. Some feel uncomfortable going to people’s homes uninvited. Some may fear being rejected. Some have been taught to avoid conflict with others. Despite loving Jehovah very much, these brothers and sisters find it hard to approach strangers with the good news. Yet, they realize how important this work is, and they regularly have a share in it. How pleased Jehovah must be!

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2. If you struggle to find joy in the ministry, why should you not be discouraged?

² Do you sometimes struggle to find joy in the ministry because of such feelings? If so, do not be discouraged. Your lack of confidence may indicate that you humbly want to avoid drawing attention to yourself and do not want to be in the middle of controversy. And no one wants to be rejected, especially when he is trying to do good for others. Your heavenly Father is well-aware of the challenges you face and wants to give you the help you need. (Isa. 41:13) In this article, we will consider five suggestions on how to deal with such feelings and how to cultivate joy in the ministry.

LET GOD’S WORD STRENGTHEN YOU

3. What helped the prophet Jeremiah to preach to others?

³ Throughout the ages, the message from God has strengthened his servants when they had a difficult task to complete. Take, for example, the prophet Jeremiah. He was hesitant when Jehovah gave him the assignment to preach. Jeremiah said: “I do not know how to speak, for I am just a boy.” (Jer. 1:6) How did he overcome his lack of confidence? He drew strength from God’s word. He said: “It became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was tired of holding it in.” (Jer. 20:8, 9) Although Jeremiah had a difficult territory, the message he was assigned to proclaim gave him the strength he needed to do the work.

4. What happens when we read God’s Word and meditate on it? (Colossians 1:9, 10)

⁴ Christians draw strength from the message in God’s Word. When writing to the congregation in Colossae, the apostle Paul said that taking in accurate knowledge would motivate his brothers “to walk worthily of Jehovah” as they continued “bearing fruit in every good work.” (Read Colossians 1:9, 10.) That good work includes the preaching of the good news. So when we read God’s Word and meditate on it, our faith in Jehovah is strengthened and the importance of sharing the Kingdom message becomes clear.

5. How can we get the most out of our Bible reading and study?

⁵ To get the most out of God’s Word, we should avoid rushing through our reading, study, and meditation. Take your time. If you come across a scripture that you have trouble understanding, do not skip over it. Instead, use the Watch Tower Publications Index or the Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses to find an explanation about the verse. If you take your time when studying, you will strengthen your confidence in the truthfulness of God’s Word. (1 Thess. 5:21) The more convinced you are, the more you will enjoy sharing what you have learned with others.

PREPARE WELL FOR THE MINISTRY

6. Why should we prepare well for the ministry?

⁶ If you prepare well for the ministry, you are likely to feel more comfortable when speaking with others. Jesus helped his disciples to prepare before he sent them out into the ministry. (Luke 10:1-11) Because they put into practice what Jesus had taught them, the disciples felt a deep sense of joy in what they were able to accomplish.​—Luke 10:17.

7. How might we prepare for the ministry? (See also picture.)

⁷ How might we prepare for the ministry? We need to give thought to how we can express the truth effectively in our own words. It is also helpful to anticipate two or three common reactions from those in the territory and have in mind how we will respond in each case. Then when we approach people, we can try to relax, smile, and be friendly.

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8. In what way are Christians like the earthen vessels mentioned in the apostle Paul’s illustration?

⁸ The apostle Paul illustrated our role in the preaching work when he said: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” (2 Cor. 4:7) What is this treasure? It is the lifesaving work of preaching the Kingdom message. (2 Cor. 4:1) What are the earthen vessels? They represent God’s servants, who take the good news to others. In Paul’s day, merchants used clay jars to transport valuable goods, such as food, wine, and money. Similarly, Jehovah entrusts us with the valuable message of the good news. With Jehovah’s backing, we can have the strength needed to deliver our message faithfully.

PRAY FOR COURAGE

9. How can we overcome fear of man or fear of rejection? (See also picture.)

⁹ At times, we may experience fear of man or fear of rejection. How can we overcome that challenge? Consider the prayer of the apostles when they were ordered not to preach. Rather than give in to fear, they asked Jehovah to help them “to keep speaking [his] word with all boldness.” Jehovah immediately answered their prayer. (Acts 4:18, 29, 31) If fear of man affects us sometimes, we too should pray for Jehovah’s help. Ask Jehovah to help you conquer your fear of man with your love for people.

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10. How does Jehovah help us fulfill our role as his Witnesses? (Isaiah 43:10-12)

¹⁰ Jehovah has appointed us to be his Witnesses, and he promises to help us be courageous. (Read Isaiah 43:10-12.) Consider just four of the ways he does that. First, Jesus is with us whenever we preach the good news. (Matt. 28:18-20) Second, Jehovah has appointed angels to help us. (Rev. 14:6) Third, Jehovah has given us his holy spirit as a helper to bring back to our minds the things we have learned. (John 14:25, 26) Fourth, Jehovah has provided brothers and sisters to accompany us. With Jehovah’s backing and the support of our loving brotherhood, we have everything we need to be successful.

BE FLEXIBLE, AND HAVE THE PROPER VIEWPOINT

11. When in the ministry, how might you find more people? (See also picture.)

¹¹ Do you feel discouraged when you find few people at home? Why not ask yourself: ‘Where are the people from my territory right now?’ (Acts 16:13) ‘Are they at work or out shopping?’ If that is the case, could you find more people by doing street witnessing? A brother named Joshua says, “I have found opportunities to preach while walking through shopping plazas and public parking lots.” He and his wife, Bridget, have also found more people at home when calling in the early evenings as well as on Sunday afternoons.​—Eph. 5:15, 16.

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12. How can we find out what people believe in or are concerned about?

¹² If people show little interest in the message, try to determine what they believe in or are concerned about. Joshua and Bridget use the question found on the front of a tract in their introduction. For example, using the tract How Do You View the Bible? they say: “Some people view the Bible as a book from God, others not so much. What is your opinion?” This often leads to a conversation.

13. Why can we view the ministry as a success even when people do not respond? (Proverbs 27:11)

¹³ Our success in the ministry does not depend on the results we obtain. Why? Because we have done what Jehovah and his Son want us to do​—we have given a witness. (Acts 10:42) Even when we do not find anyone to speak with or when our message is rejected, we can have joy because we know that we are pleasing our heavenly Father.​—Read Proverbs 27:11.

14. Why can we rejoice when another publisher finds an interested person in the territory?

¹⁴ We can also rejoice when another publisher finds an interested person in the territory. The Watchtower has likened our work to searching for a lost child. Many are involved in looking for him, covering one area after another. When the child is found, everyone​—not just the individual who found him—​has reason to rejoice. Similarly, the disciple-making work is a team effort. All are needed to cover the territory, and all rejoice when a new one starts attending meetings.

FOCUS ON YOUR LOVE FOR JEHOVAH AND FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR

15. How can applying Matthew 22:37-39 help us increase our enthusiasm for the ministry? (See also picture.)

¹⁵ We can increase our enthusiasm for the preaching work by focusing on our love for Jehovah and for our neighbor. (Read Matthew 22:37-39.) Just imagine how happy Jehovah is when he sees us do the work and how happy people will be when they start studying the Bible! Think, too, about the salvation that awaits those who respond to our message.​—John 6:40; 1 Tim. 4:16.

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16. How can we find joy in our ministry when we are confined to our home? Give examples.

¹⁶ Are you confined to your home for some reason? If so, focus on what you can do to show love for Jehovah and for your neighbor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuel and Dania were confined to their home. Throughout that difficult time, they regularly did telephone witnessing, wrote letters, and conducted Bible studies over Zoom. Samuel witnessed to those he met at the clinic where he was receiving treatments for cancer. He states: “Hardships wear us down mentally, physically, and spiritually. We need to find joy in our service to Jehovah.” In the midst of this, Dania fell and was confined to bed for three months. Then she needed a wheelchair for six months. She says: “I tried to do all that my circumstances allowed. I was able to preach to a nurse who visited, and I spoke to those who delivered things to the house. I also had good conversations on the telephone with a representative of a medical firm.” Samuel and Dania’s circumstances limited their activity, but they did what they could and found joy in doing so.

17. How can you get the most benefit from the suggestions in this article?

¹⁷ The suggestions provided in this article work best when they are used together. Each suggestion is like an ingredient used in a recipe. When all the ingredients in the recipe are combined, you will have tasty results. By applying all the suggestions, we will be better equipped to deal with negative feelings and find more joy in the ministry.

1. What is the spiritual paradise, and what should we be determined to do?

THERE is a paradise on earth today that is full of life and activity. It is teeming with millions of people who enjoy genuine peace. Those who are already in this paradise are determined never to leave it. They also want as many people as possible to join them in this unique setting. What is it? The spiritual paradise!a

2. What is amazing about the spiritual paradise?

² Amazingly, Jehovah has created a serene environment in the midst of a world that Satan has turned into a hate-filled, wicked, and dangerous place. (1 John 5:19; Rev. 12:12) Our loving God sees the damaging effects of this system of things and provides the security that we need in order to flourish spiritually. His Word describes the spiritual paradise as both a safe “refuge” and a “well-watered garden.” (Isa. 4:6; 58:11) With Jehovah’s blessing, those inhabiting this paradise are able to thrive during these difficult last days.​—Isa. 54:14; 2 Tim. 3:1.

3. What was the ancient fulfillment of Isaiah chapter 65?

³ By means of the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah described what it would be like for those who would dwell in the spiritual paradise. You can find this description in Isaiah chapter 65, which had an initial fulfillment back in 537 B.C.E. At that time, repentant Jews were released from captivity in Babylon and they returned to their homeland. Jehovah blessed his people and helped them to make the devastated city of Jerusalem beautiful again and to restore its temple as the center of true worship in Israel.​—Isa. 51:11; Zech. 8:3.

4. What is the modern-day fulfillment of Isaiah chapter 65?

⁴ A second fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy began in 1919 C.E. when Jehovah’s modern-day worshippers were set free from captivity to Babylon the Great. Then the spiritual paradise started to take shape throughout the earth. Zealous Kingdom proclaimers formed many congregations and produced spiritual fruitage. Men and women who once exhibited violent, animalistic tendencies “put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will.” (Eph. 4:24) Of course, many of the blessings that Isaiah described will be fulfilled literally in the future new world. But even now there are rich benefits that we are enjoying. Let us see how this spiritual paradise affects us and why we should never leave it.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE IN THE SPIRITUAL PARADISE

5. As promised at Isaiah 65:13, what do we enjoy within the spiritual paradise?

⁵ Healthy and refreshed. Isaiah’s prophecy draws a vivid contrast between what life is like for those inside the spiritual paradise and what life is like for those outside. (Read Isaiah 65:13.) Jehovah abundantly satisfies the spiritual needs of his worshippers. We have his holy spirit, his written Word, and ample spiritual food so that we can “eat, . . . drink, . . . [and] rejoice.” (Compare Revelation 22:17.) In sharp contrast, those who are outside the spiritual paradise “go hungry . . . , go thirsty . . . , [and] suffer shame.” Their spiritual needs are not being satisfied.​—Amos 8:11.

6. How does Joel 2:21-24 describe our spiritual provisions, and how can they benefit us?

⁶ In his prophecy, Joel used such staples of life as grain, wine, and olive oil to show that Jehovah generously supplies His people with what they need, including spiritual food. (Joel 2:21-24) He does so through the Bible and our Bible-based publications, our website, as well as our meetings, assemblies, and conventions. We can partake of spiritual provisions every day, and as a result, we feel healthier and more refreshed.

7. What gives us a “good condition of the heart”? (Isaiah 65:14)

⁷ Happy and content. God’s people can “shout joyfully” because their heart overflows with appreciation. (Read Isaiah 65:14.) The upbuilding truths and comforting promises in God’s Word and our solid hope based on Christ’s ransom sacrifice give us a “good condition of the heart.” Talking about these things with our spiritual brothers and sisters makes us truly happy!​—Ps. 34:8; 133:1-3.

8. What are two major characteristics of the spiritual paradise?

⁸ The love and the unity among Jehovah’s people are two major characteristics of the spiritual paradise. This “bond of union” gives us an idea of what life will be like in the new world, where Jehovah’s servants will enjoy even greater love and unity than they do today. (Col. 3:14) A Christian sister relates what she noticed about Jehovah’s people when she first met them: “I did not know how to be happy, not even in my family. The first time I saw love in action was among Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Anyone who wants to be truly happy and content needs to experience our spiritual paradise. No matter what this world thinks of Jehovah’s servants, they have an honorable name, or reputation, with his universal family.​—Isa. 65:15.

9. What does Isaiah 65:16, 17 promise about life’s distresses?

⁹ Relaxed and calm. Isaiah 65:14 says that those who choose to remain outside the spiritual paradise “cry out because of the pain of heart [and] wail because of a broken spirit.” But what about all the things that have caused God’s people pain and distress? Eventually, those things “will be forgotten [and] concealed from [God’s] eyes.” (Read Isaiah 65:16, 17.) Jehovah will make our troubles go away, and in time the pain of such memories will vanish completely.

10. Why do you feel that it is a blessing to associate with Christian brothers and sisters? (See also picture.)

¹⁰ Even now, it is soothing to our nerves to be at our Christian meetings, where we can relax and put behind us the stresses of this wicked world. We contribute to the calmness of our spiritual environment when we manifest the love, joy, peace, kindness, and mildness that are included in the fruitage of God’s spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) What a blessing it is for us to be associated with God’s organization! Those who remain in the spiritual paradise will see the complete fulfillment of God’s promise of “new heavens and a new earth.”

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11. According to Isaiah 65:18, 19, how should the spiritual paradise that Jehovah has created affect us?

¹¹ Grateful and excited. Isaiah goes on to reveal why we have every reason to “exult and be joyful” in the spiritual paradise. This environment is a creation of Jehovah. (Read Isaiah 65:18, 19.) No wonder he is using us to direct people away from the spiritually parched organizations of this old world and into our beautiful spiritual environment! We are excited about the blessings we enjoy because of being in the truth, and we are moved to tell others about them.​—Jer. 31:12.

12. How do the promises described at Isaiah 65:20-24 make you feel, and why?

¹² We are also grateful for and excited about the hope we have as residents of the spiritual paradise. Just think of all that we will see and do in God’s new world! The Bible promises: “No more will there be an infant . . . who lives but a few days, nor an old man who fails to live out his days.” We will “build houses and live in them [and] plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.” We will “not toil for nothing” because we will be “blessed by Jehovah.” He promises us a secure, satisfying life with a real purpose. “Even before they call out,” he will know each one’s needs and “satisfy the desire of every living thing.”​—Isa. 65:20-24; Ps. 145:16.

13. How does Isaiah 65:25 describe the changes that people make in their life when they begin serving Jehovah?

¹³ Peaceful and safe. With the help of God’s spirit, many who formerly had beastly personalities have made remarkable changes in their life. (Read Isaiah 65:25.) They have tamed their former undesirable traits. (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24) Granted, God’s people are still imperfect, so we will continue to make mistakes. However, Jehovah has united “all sorts of people” in an unbreakable bond of love and peace. (Titus 2:11) This is a miracle that only the almighty God could perform!

14. How has Isaiah 65:25 proved to be true in one brother’s case?

¹⁴ Can people really change their personality? Consider this experience. A young man who had been in and out of prison by the age of 20 was deeply involved in immoral and violent behavior. He had been jailed for car theft, burglary, and other serious crimes. He was ready to fight with anyone. When he first heard the truth from the Bible and began attending meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he was convinced that he had found something to live for​—the spiritual paradise. After becoming a baptized Witness, he often thought of how Isaiah 65:25 applied to him. He had changed from being a lionlike, violent person to being a lamblike, peaceful person.

15. Why do we want to invite others to join us in the spiritual paradise, and how can we do so?

¹⁵ Isaiah 65:13 begins with the declaration: “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says.” Verse 25 ends with the words “says Jehovah.” His words always come true. (Isa. 55:10, 11) The spiritual paradise is already a reality. Jehovah has created a brotherhood that is truly unique. Among his people, we can find relative peace and enjoy a safe oasis in a violent world. (Ps. 72:7) For these reasons, we want to help as many as possible to join us in our Christian brotherhood. We can do this by focusing on making disciples.​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

HOW TO ATTRACT OTHERS TO THE SPIRITUAL PARADISE

16. How are people drawn to the spiritual paradise?

¹⁶ Each of us has an important role to play in making the spiritual paradise attractive to others. We can fulfill this role if we imitate Jehovah. He does not drag people into his organization against their will. Instead, he gently “draws” people to himself. (John 6:44; Jer. 31:3) Good-hearted people who learn about Jehovah’s loving qualities and appealing personality are irresistibly drawn to him. How can we, by our good qualities and fine conduct, attract people to the spiritual paradise?

17. How can we attract others to the spiritual paradise?

¹⁷ One way we can attract others to the spiritual paradise is by treating our fellow worshippers with love and kindness. When new ones attend our congregation meetings, we want them to come to the same conclusion as did the unbelievers who likely attended the meetings in ancient Corinth. They declared: “God is really among you.” (1 Cor. 14:24, 25; Zech. 8:23) Thus, we must continue to heed the counsel to “be peaceable with one another.”​—1 Thess. 5:13.

18. What may attract people to our organization?

¹⁸ We should always try to see our Christian brothers and sisters as Jehovah sees them. We do so by focusing on their positive qualities and not on their imperfections, which will eventually disappear. We can resolve any differences between us in a spirit of love by always being “kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another.” (Eph. 4:32) Then the spiritual paradise will attract people who want to be treated in a similar way.b

STAY INSIDE THE SPIRITUAL PARADISE

19. (a) As shown in the box “They Left and Came Back,” what have some said after returning to the spiritual paradise? (b) What should be our resolve? (See also picture.)

¹⁹ How we appreciate our spiritual paradise! It is more beautiful than ever before, and it is inhabited by more praisers of Jehovah than ever before. May we be forever grateful for the paradise that Jehovah has created for us. Anyone who wants to be refreshed, content, calm, and safe must come into the spiritual paradise and never leave it! Beware, though, because Satan is trying his best to lure us away from it. (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9) We must not allow him to succeed. Let us vigorously protect the beauty, purity, and peace of the spiritual paradise.

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MY YOUTH IN FINLAND

I was born in 1955, the youngest of three boys. I grew up near the southern coast of Finland, in an area now known as the city of Vantaa.

My mother got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses a few years before I was born. However, my father opposed the truth and did not allow my mother to study with us children or to take us to congregation meetings. So she would teach us basic Bible truths when my father was not around.

From childhood onward, I took a stand for Jehovah. For example, once when I was seven, my schoolteacher became furious with me because I would not eat verilättyjä (Finnish blood pancakes). With one hand, she squeezed my cheeks to separate my closed lips, and with the other, she tried to force a fork with a piece of the pancake into my mouth. I managed to knock the fork out of her hand.

When I was 12, my father passed away. After that, I could attend congregation meetings. The brothers in the congregation showed kind interest in me, and this motivated me to progress spiritually. I started reading the Bible daily and studying our Christian publications diligently. These good study habits were key to my getting baptized at the age of 14, on August 8, 1969.

Soon after I finished my secular schooling, I started regular pioneering. Within a few weeks, I moved to serve where the need was greater, in Pielavesi, near the center of Finland.

In Pielavesi, I met the girl who would become my dear wife, Sirkka. I felt drawn to her modest personality and deep spirituality. She did not seek prominence or material comforts. Both of us longed to serve Jehovah as fully as possible, regardless of any privileges of service. We married on March 23, 1974. Instead of going on a honeymoon, we left to serve in Karttula, where there was an even greater need for Kingdom preachers.

JEHOVAH CARED FOR US

From the start of our marriage, Jehovah has shown us that he will care for our material needs if we seek his Kingdom first. (Matt. 6:33) For example, in Karttula, we did not have a car. At first, we traveled by bicycle. However, in winter the temperatures there would drop below freezing. To preach in the congregation’s vast territory, we needed an automobile. But we did not have the money to buy one.

Unexpectedly, my older brother came to visit us. He kindly offered us his car. The insurance had been paid. We only had to buy fuel. After that, we had the vehicle we needed.

Jehovah showed us that he had taken on the responsibility to care for our material needs. Our job was to put Kingdom interests first.

GILEAD SCHOOL

While we were attending Pioneer Service School in 1978, Raimo Kuokkanen,a one of our instructors, encouraged us to apply for Gilead School. So we started studying English with the goal of qualifying to attend. However, in 1980, before we could apply, we were invited to serve at the branch office in Finland. At that time, Bethelites could not apply for Gilead. But we wanted to serve where Jehovah thought best, not where we thought best. So we accepted the invitation. Nonetheless, we kept studying English just in case we ever had the opportunity to apply for Gilead.

A few years later, the Governing Body extended to Bethelites the opportunity to apply for Gilead. We filled out applications immediately but not because we were unhappy at Bethel. Quite the contrary! We just wanted to make ourselves available to serve where there was a greater need if we qualified. We were accepted to Gilead and graduated from the 79th class in September 1985. Our assignment was Colombia.

OUR FIRST MISSIONARY ASSIGNMENT

In Colombia, we were first assigned to the branch office. I tried to do my best in my assignment, but after a year at the branch, I felt that we needed a change. For the first and only time in my life, I asked for a different assignment. Thereafter, we were assigned as field missionaries to the city of Neiva, in the department of Huila.

I have always enjoyed the field ministry. As a single pioneer in Finland, I would at times preach from early in the morning to late in the evening. As a newly married couple, Sirkka and I would also spend full days preaching. When working in distant territories, we would sometimes sleep in our car. This cut down on travel time and allowed us to get an early start the next day.

As field missionaries, we once again felt the same enthusiasm we had earlier for the ministry. Our congregation grew, and the Colombian brothers and sisters were respectful, loving, and appreciative.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Not too far from our assignment in Neiva were towns with no Witnesses. I was very concerned about how the good news would reach those areas. However, because of guerrilla warfare, these areas were not safe for nonlocals. So I prayed that someone in one of these towns would become a Witness. I thought that such a person would have to live in Neiva to learn the truth. Therefore, I also prayed that after baptism he would mature spiritually and return to his hometown to preach. I should have known that Jehovah had a far better solution than I did.

Soon thereafter, I started a Bible study with a young man named Fernando González. He lived in Algeciras, one of the towns where there were no Witnesses. Fernando would travel over 50 kilometers (30 mi) to Neiva to work. He prepared very well for each study and immediately started attending all the meetings. From the first week of his study, Fernando would gather others in his hometown and teach them what he had learned from his Bible study.

Fernando got baptized in January 1990, six months after he started studying. Thereafter, he became a regular pioneer. With one local Witness in Algeciras, it was now safe enough for the branch office to assign special pioneers to the area. In February 1992, a congregation was formed in that town.

Did Fernando limit his preaching to his hometown? No! After he married, he and his wife moved to San Vicente del Caguán, another town where there were no Witnesses. There they helped establish a congregation. In 2002, Fernando was appointed as a circuit overseer, and he and his wife, Olga, continue in the traveling work to this day.

From this experience, I learned how important it is to pray about specific matters relating to our theocratic assignments. Jehovah does what we cannot do. After all, this is his harvest, not ours.​—Matt. 9:38.

JEHOVAH GIVES US “THE DESIRE AND THE POWER TO ACT”

In 1990 we were assigned to the traveling work. Our first circuit was in the capital city, Bogotá. The assignment intimidated us. My wife and I are ordinary people without any special talents. And we were not used to living in a bustling metropolis. However, Jehovah fulfilled his promise found at Philippians 2:13: “God is the one who for the sake of his good pleasure energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act.”

Later, we were assigned to a circuit in the area of Medellín, the city I mentioned at the outset. People there had grown so accustomed to street violence that it no longer alarmed them. For example, one time while I was conducting a Bible study, a shoot-out began outside the house I was visiting. I was about to drop to the floor, but the Bible student continued reading the paragraph, unfazed. When he finished reading, he excused himself and went outside. After a while, he came back with two little children and calmly said, “My apologies, but I had to get my kids.”

We had other close calls. On one occasion while we were in the door-to-door work, my wife came running toward me, looking somewhat pale. She said that someone had shot at her. That startled me. However, we later realized that the gunman was not aiming at Sirkka; he was shooting at a man who was passing right next to her.

In time, we learned to cope with street violence. We were encouraged by the resilience of the local Witnesses who faced situations like these and worse. We concluded that if Jehovah was helping them, he would help us too. We always heeded the advice of local elders, took precautions, and left the rest in Jehovah’s hands.

Of course, some situations were not as dangerous as we suspected. Once, I heard what sounded like two women screaming insults at each other outside the house I was visiting. I was not interested in watching an argument, but the householder coaxed me over to the patio. As things turned out, the “argument” was actually between two parrots that were mimicking the neighbors.

ADDITIONAL PRIVILEGES AND STRUGGLES

In 1997, I was appointed as an instructor of the Ministerial Training School.b I always appreciated attending theocratic schools, but I never imagined having the delightful privilege of teaching one.

Later, I served as a district overseer. When that arrangement was discontinued, I returned to the circuit work. So for over 30 years, I have enjoyed serving as an instructor and a traveling overseer. These assignments have been a source of many blessings. However, it has not all been a bed of roses. Let me explain.

I have a strong personality. This has helped me face difficult circumstances. However, I have at times been overly zealous in trying to correct matters in congregations. On occasion, I have energetically exhorted some to be loving and reasonable with others. Ironically, though, it was in those moments that I lacked the same qualities.​—Rom. 7:21-23.

Because of my failings, I have sometimes felt very discouraged. (Rom. 7:24) At one point, I told Jehovah in prayer that it would be best for me to leave missionary service and return to Finland. That evening, I attended a congregation meeting. The encouragement I received there convinced me that I should stay in my assignment and keep working on my imperfections. To this day, I am touched by how clearly Jehovah answered that prayer. Additionally, I deeply appreciate how he has kindly helped me to overcome my weaknesses.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE

Sirkka and I feel profoundly indebted to Jehovah for the privilege of having spent most of our life in full-time service. I am also very grateful to Jehovah for giving me such a loving and faithful wife all these years.

Soon I will turn 70 years of age and will relinquish my privileges as a field instructor and a traveling overseer. However, this does not dishearten me. Why not? Because I firmly believe that what honors Jehovah most is that we serve him with modesty and that we praise him from a heart overflowing with love and gratitude. (Mic. 6:8; Mark 12:32-34) To honor Jehovah, we do not need to be in the limelight.

As I look back on the assignments that I have enjoyed, I realize that I did not receive them because I was more worthy than others; nor did I have these privileges because of any outstanding ability. Far from it! Rather, Jehovah extended these assignments to me because of his undeserved kindness. He granted me these privileges despite my weaknesses. I know that I have been able to fulfill these assignments only with Jehovah’s help. In this way, my weaknesses have magnified God’s strength.​—2 Cor. 12:9.

Why did foreigners serve in King David’s army?

AMONG the foreign warriors in David’s army were such men as Zelek the Ammonite, Uriah the Hittite, and Ithmah the Moabite.a (1 Chron. 11:39, 41, 46) David’s forces also included “the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the Gittites.” (2 Sam. 15:18) The Cherethites and the Pelethites were generally thought to be closely related to the Philistines. (Ezek. 25:16) The Gittites originated from the Philistine city of Gath.​—Josh. 13:2, 3; 1 Sam. 6:17, 18.

Why could David enlist foreigners in his army? He was confident that they were loyal to him and, more important, to Jehovah. For example, regarding the Cherethites and the Pelethites, The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible says: “They remained loyal to David in the most difficult circumstances during his reign.” How so? When “all the men of Israel” deserted King David to follow “a troublemaker named Sheba,” the Cherethites and the Pelethites stayed true to David and helped to suppress Sheba’s rebellion. (2 Sam. 20:1, 2, 7) On another occasion, King David’s son Adonijah attempted to usurp the throne. However, the Cherethites and the Pelethites remained loyal to David and helped to install Solomon, the one whom Jehovah had chosen, as the king’s successor.​—1 Ki. 1:24-27, 38, 39.

Another foreigner who remained fiercely loyal to David was Ittai the Gittite. Ittai and his 600 warriors supported King David when David’s son Absalom rebelled and turned the hearts of the men of Israel against the king. David initially suggested to Ittai that because he was a foreigner, it was not his fight. But Ittai said: “As surely as Jehovah is living and as surely as my lord the king is living, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, there your servant will be!”​—2 Sam. 15:6, 18-21.

Even though the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the Gittites were foreigners, they recognized Jehovah as the true God and David as Jehovah’s anointed one. How grateful David must have been to have such loyal men at his side!

Read Genesis 25:29-34 to learn whether Esau and Jacob made wise decisions.

Dig deeper into the context. What happened before? (Gen. 25:20-28) What happened afterward?​—Gen. 27:1-46.

Dig deeper into the details. In those days, what were the rights and duties of a firstborn son?​—Gen. 18:18, 19; w10 5/1 13.

• Did those rights always include being an ancestor of the Messiah? (w17.12 14-15)

Identify the lessons and apply them. Why did Jacob attribute a different value to the birthright than Esau did? (Heb. 12:16, 17; w03 10/15 28-29) How did Jehovah feel about the two brothers, and why? (Mal. 1:2, 3) What could Esau have done differently to make better decisions?

• Ask yourself, ‘How can I show appreciation for spiritual things in my weekly routine, such as when scheduling family worship?’