Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Friday, November 26, 2021
Do not imitate the bad, but the good (3 John 11).
Isaac was a rich man, and the Philistines envied his prosperity (Gen. 26: 12-14). They went so far as to plug the wells that Isaac used to water his cattle with earth (Gen. 26:15, 16, 27). Some people today are like the Philistines and are envious of those who have more possessions than they do. They not only want what they have, but they also wish they didn't have it. The Jewish religious leaders were envious of Jesus because he was highly regarded by the common people (Matt. 7:28, 29). Jesus was God's representative and taught the truth. Despite this, the religious leaders spread slander about him to ruin his good reputation (Mark 15:10; John 11:47, 48; 12:12, 13, 19). What do we learn from this story? That we must fight the inclination to envy those who have qualities for which they are appreciated in the congregation. Rather, we should try to imitate them (1 Cor. 11: 1). w20.02 15 pars. Four. Five
How can elders imitate Moses?
Consider an elder who is very fond of a certain responsibility in the congregation, such as leading the Watchtower Study. Then he is asked to prepare another brother to lead this meeting later. If you are humble like Moses, you will not feel threatened. On the contrary, you will be happy to do so.
How do many of God's servants show that they are humble and satisfied with what they have?
Let's look at another situation in which many older siblings find themselves. For several decades, they have been coordinators of the body of elders. But when they reach 80, they gladly give up their assignment. Circuit overseers turning 70 demonstrate their humility by leaving this responsibility and accepting a different one. And, in recent years, many Bethelites around the world have started a new assignment outside of Bethel. These faithful brothers and sisters are not jealous of those who now tend to the responsibilities they had in the past.
Why might Paul have been tempted to envy the 12 apostles?
The apostle Paul is another good example, as he was humble and satisfied with what he had. He did not allow envy to nest in his heart. He worked hard in the ministry, but he humbly said, “I am the least of the apostles, and I do not deserve to be called an apostle” (1 Cor. 15: 9, 10). The 12 apostles were with Jesus during his ministry on earth, while Paul became a Christian after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Although in time he was named “an apostle to the nations,” he did not have the honor of being one of the 12 apostles (Rom. 11:13; Acts 1: 21-26). However, he was happy with what he had and did not envy those 12 men and their close relationship with Jesus.
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