DAILY TEXT, Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Even if I do it against my will, it is still the responsibility that has been entrusted to me (1 Cor. 9:17).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2025

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Even if I do it against my will, it is still the responsibility that has been entrusted to me (1 Cor. 9:17).

What if you find your prayers have become mechanical or you're not enjoying your ministry as much as before? Don't think you've lost Jehovah's Spirit. Because we are imperfect, it's normal to have ups and downs from time to time. If you find yourself beginning to lose enthusiasm, meditate on the example of the apostle Paul. Although he strove to imitate Jesus, he knew that at times he would lack the motivation to do what was right. He was determined to fulfill his ministry regardless of how he felt at times.

Similarly, don't let your imperfect feelings influence your decisions. Rather, be determined to do what is right even when you don't feel like it. Over time, your actions will influence your feelings for good (1 Cor. 9:16). If you maintain a good schedule of spiritual activities, you will be able to consistently follow Jesus after baptism. Moreover, seeing your perseverance will encourage the members of the congregation (1 Thess. 5:11).

What is good for you to examine from time to time, and why? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

After you are baptized, it is important to periodically examine your life and habits. (Read 2 Corinthians 13:5.) For example, consider whether you are praying every day, reading and studying the Bible, attending meetings, and preaching. Look for ways to get more out of these activities and bring them to life. You might ask yourself: “Do I know how to explain the basic teachings of the Bible? Is there anything I can do to make the ministry more enjoyable? Are my prayers specific and do they reflect my complete trust in Jehovah? Do I make an effort to attend meetings? What can I do to be more focused in meetings and give better comments?”

What does Robert's experience teach you?

It's also good to examine yourself for weaknesses. Let's look at an experience that shows the importance of doing this. A brother named Robert shares: “When I was about 20 years old, I was working part-time. One day after work, a coworker invited me over to her house. She said that since we would be alone, we could ‘have a good time.’ At first, I made some cheap excuses, but finally I said no and explained why.” Robert resisted the temptation, and that's fine. But afterward, he looked back and realized he could have handled the situation better. He says: “I wasn't as quick or as firm as Joseph was with Potiphar's wife (Gen. 39:7-9). In fact, I didn't expect it to be so hard for me to say no. What happened helped me see that I needed to strengthen my friendship with Jehovah.”

Suppose you are faced with a temptation and you reject it. Even so, why don't you do the same as Robert? Ask yourself, "Did it take me a long time to say no?" If you see something you need to improve, don't be discouraged. On the contrary, consider it good that you have recognized this weakness. Talk to Jehovah about it and take action to strengthen your resolve to obey him. (Ps. 139:23, 24)

As seen in Robert's experience, what effect does our loyalty to Jehovah's name have?

But Robert's story doesn't end there. He continues: “When I declined my friend's invitation, she told me, 'Test passed.' I asked her what she meant. She explained that a friend—a former Witness—had told her that all young Witnesses lead double lives and that if they have the opportunity to do something wrong, they will jump at it without a second thought. So she told her friend she would take the test with me. I'm so glad I didn't bring shame on Jehovah's name!”

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