The Honor of Being a Minister of the Good News
IN SENDING forth his Son, Jehovah gave us a perfect model to follow. (1 Pet. 2:21) When anyone becomes his follower, Jesus helps that person to preach the good news as one of God’s ministers. Indicating that this would be spiritually refreshing, Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me [“become my disciples,” ftn.], for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28, 29) His promise has not failed any who have responded to that invitation!
As God’s Chief Minister, Jesus called certain individuals to come and be his followers. (Matt. 9:9; John 1:43) He trained them in the ministry and sent them forth to do the same work he was doing. (Matt. 10:1–11:1; 20:28; Luke 4:43) Later he sent forth 70 others to share in declaring the good news concerning God’s Kingdom. (Luke 10:1, 8-11) When Jesus sent his disciples forth, he said to them: “He that listens to you listens to me too. And he that disregards you disregards me too. Moreover, he that disregards me disregards also him that sent me forth.” (Luke 10:16) In this way Jesus stressed the serious responsibility that was laid upon the disciples. They were to represent the Most High God! It would be the same with all others who respond to Jesus’ invitation to “come be [his] follower,” even down to this day. (Luke 18:22) All who respond have a divine commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom and to make disciples.—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.
Having come to Jesus, therefore, in response to his invitation to follow him, we have been blessed with knowledge of Jehovah God and of Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) We have been taught Jehovah’s ways. With his help we have been able to make our mind over, change our personality, and harmonize our daily conduct with Jehovah’s righteous standards. (Rom. 12:1, 2; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9, 10) Our heartfelt appreciation has moved us to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah and to symbolize that by baptism in water. Baptism constitutes our ordination as ministers.
Always keep in mind that service to God must be rendered with clean hands and out of a pure heart. (Ps. 24:3, 4; Isa. 52:11; 2 Cor. 6:14–7:1) Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have gained a clean conscience and freeness of speech. (Heb. 10:19-23, 35, 36; Rev. 7:9, 10, 14) The apostle Paul admonished Christians to do all things for God’s glory, so as not to be stumbling others. Also, the apostle Peter pointed out the value of exemplary godly conduct in winning unbelievers over to the truth. (1 Cor. 10:31, 33; 1 Pet. 3:1) How can you help someone qualify to become a minister of the good news?