Maintain Proper Christian Balance

“Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.”—1 Pet. 2:21.

1. What provision has God made, and what is required in order to benefit from it?

JEHOVAH God has made provision for humans to obtain everlasting life in a righteous new system of things. With this end in view, “he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) But to obtain this grand reward of life, we must maintain proper Christian balance. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, did; and, in doing so, he set a perfect example or model. Therefore, all who would walk steadily before God must “follow his steps closely.” (1 Pet. 2:21) But, admittedly, maintaining proper Christian balance is not easy.

2. What is involved in maintaining balance?

² To appreciate better just what is involved in balance, observe the comments of Webster’s Dictionary of Synonyms: “Balance implies a state in which no one part, element, factor, or influence overweights another or is out of due proportion to the others. It therefore suggests a steadiness or well-being that is usually not outwardly evident until a disturbance occurs . . . thus, a man loses his balance and falls when by slipping on the ice his weight is shifted and his legs no longer support him.” Such a loss of balance and subsequent fall can be damaging. Similarly, to lose balance when riding a bicycle or motorcycle can mean a painful or even fatal accident. The value of physical balance is obvious.

LEARNING CHRISTIAN BALANCE

3. Why is spiritual balance so vital? Is it something we inherit at birth?

³ However, proper spiritual balance is of even greater importance, for it is an absolute necessity in order to receive God’s blessing and everlasting life. The first human pair, Adam and Eve, lost spiritual balance; they went away off course in disobedience to God. It meant their death, and an unbalanced start in life for all their offspring, including us today. Yes, all of us were conceived in sin and brought forth in error, with a natural bent toward wrongdoing.—Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12.

4. How is spiritual balance achieved, and once it is acquired can it be lost?

⁴ Therefore, since none of us were born with Christian balance, we have to learn it. Just as a baby starting to walk learns physical balance by diligent effort, so we must exercise initiative and perseverance to master Christian balance. Many have got onto their feet, so to speak, and have walked as Christians in the footsteps of the Master, Jesus Christ. They have accepted the ransom sacrifice, separated themselves from this wicked world and its bad practices, and have even dedicated their lives to serve Jehovah God. (Matt. 20:28; John 17:16; Heb. 10:7) But then they have failed to maintain Christian balance. Something has unbalanced them and caused them to leave off following in the footsteps of Christ.

5. What questions might each Christian ask himself?

⁵ The question, therefore, is: After learning Christian balance, can we faithfully, despite the circumstances that arise in our lives, maintain this balance? Can we continue walking closely in the footsteps of Christ? Everlasting life in God’s righteous new system of things is dependent upon our doing so!—2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:3, 4.

BALANCE IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

6. What is the first essential to achieving Christian balance? What example did Christ set in his attitude toward God?

⁶ The first essential to proper Christian balance is to maintain a correct relationship with our Creator, Jehovah God. But what is a proper relationship with God? Consider the perfect model Christ. Willingly he presented himself to do his Father’s will. At all times Christ kept the worship of God as the focal point to which all other activities were related. Pleasing his Father was always his chief concern. Similarly, we, too, must appreciate the importance of serving our Creator, and our indebtedness to Him. Indeed, Jehovah provides all the things necessary to sustain life, including the sun, the rain, the air we breathe, and the food we eat, as well as essential spiritual provisions. (Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:15-17) With the Bible psalmist we should readily acknowledge: “For with you is the source of life.”—Ps. 36:9.

7. What is a balanced view as to what we owe God?

⁷ But since God owns everything, what can we give Him in reciprocation for His goodness? We are free moral agents, so we can choose to worship Jehovah God; we can love Him with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength. (Matt. 22:37, 38) Such whole-souled devotion is not something unbalanced; rather, it is what is involved in keeping a proper relationship with God. Jesus Christ himself said: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matt. 4:10) Giving God exclusive devotion is vital to maintaining our Christian balance.

8. What example illustrates the difficulty of giving God exclusive devotion?

⁸ However, it is much easier to talk about loving God and to write to others about following Christ’s example of giving to God exclusive devotion under all circumstances than actually to do it. For example, King Solomon, when faithfully serving Jehovah, wrote: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments.” (Eccl. 12:13) But, later, Solomon was enticed to disregard God’s commandments and failed to practice what he wrote. Why? What makes it so difficult to maintain proper Christian balance?

9. Why is it difficult to maintain proper Christian balance?

⁹ It is not only man’s sinful inclination toward wrongdoing that makes it difficult. (Rom. 7:20, 21) But another prominent factor is the wicked influence of the invisible spirit creature Satan the Devil, whom the Bible calls “the god of this system of things.” (2 Cor. 4:4) Satan’s efforts are designed to destroy one’s proper relationship with God, to create situations or circumstances to unbalance Christians. Jesus Christ indicated this when, on the last night before his death, he turned to his apostle Simon Peter and said: “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has demanded to have you men to sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31) A close look at Satan’s efforts to shake Peter from God’s favor can be of real benefit in helping us today to maintain proper Christian balance.

FEAR UNBALANCES

10. (a) What religious occasion did Jesus and his disciples meet to celebrate Nisan 14, 33 C.E.? (b) What basis is there for believing it was perhaps close to midnight when they departed for the garden of Gethsemane?

¹⁰ First, consider the setting for the momentous events that occurred. It was early spring of the year 33 C.E. and time for the annual Passover festival celebrated during the month of Nisan. Jesus and his twelve apostles met for the occasion in an upper room somewhere in Jerusalem after 6 p.m., at which time the Jewish day began. God’s instructions were that the Passover lamb must be kept until the fourteenth day of Nisan “between the two evenings,” which is interpreted by some authorities to be between sunset and deep twilight. During this time it was to be killed and afterward roasted whole. (Ex. 12:6-10) Roasting such an animal whole would perhaps take four to five hours. Thus, it was likely close to midnight when the Passover meal was finished and Christ instituted the memorial of his death. After this, Jesus and his disciples went out to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested and taken into custody.—Mark 14:17-46.

11. What did Peter do when Jesus was taken into custody?

¹¹ During the chill and darkness of those early morning hours, the Bible account says, “they now led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the older men and the scribes assembled. But Peter, from a good distance, followed him as far as in the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting together with the house attendants and warming himself before a bright fire. Meantime the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they were not finding any. Many, indeed, were giving false witness against him.”—Mark 14:53-56.

12. How was Jesus treated at this time?

¹² Jesus was being evilly misrepresented by those false witnesses. Not only that, but the inspired record says: “Some started to spit on him and some to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say to him: ‘Prophesy!’ And, slapping him in the face, the court attendants took him.” (Mark 14:65) What injustice! That mob was Devil-inspired! Satan was responsible for stirring up those men, and causing them physically to abuse Jesus and to insult him. How would all this affect Peter? Would he, in imitation of his Master, maintain proper balance under these trying circumstances?

13. What effect did this treatment of Jesus have upon Peter?

¹³ We are not left in doubt, for the Bible narrative continues: “Now while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and, seeing Peter warming himself, she looked straight at him and said: ‘You, too, were with the Nazarene, this Jesus.’ But he denied it, saying: ‘Neither do I know him nor do I understand what you are saying.’ and he went outside to the vestibule. There the servant girl, at the sight of him, started again to say to those standing by: ‘This is one of them.’ Again he was denying it. And once more after a little while those standing by began saying to Peter: ‘Certainly you are one of them, for, in fact, you are a Galilean.’ But he commenced to curse and swear: ‘I do not know this man of whom you speak.’”—Mark 14:66-71.

14. What caused Peter to deny Christ?

¹⁴ But this was not the truth. Peter definitely did know Jesus. In fact, a few short hours before, while with Jesus, he had asserted: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both into prison and into death.” “Although all the others are stumbled in connection with you, never will I be stumbled!” (Luke 22:33; Matt. 26:33) What caused this sudden change in Peter’s attitude? It resulted because of fear. The circumstances caught Peter unawares. Jesus was depicted as a vile criminal. The truth was being distorted. What was right was made to appear wrong, and the innocent one as guilty. Because of the pressures of the occasion Peter was thrown off balance. Suddenly his proper sense of loyalty was upset, to his own sorrow. “He broke down and gave way to weeping,” the Bible says.—Mark 14:72.

IT CAN HAPPEN TODAY

15. (a) Why might we expect to meet circumstances similar to that faced by Peter? (b) Was Peter permanently unbalanced by this experience?

¹⁵ Similar circumstances can arise today. Satan the Devil is still active, endeavoring to unbalance Christians and ruin their relationship with God. And we can be certain that tactics that proved so successful against Peter will be employed against modern Christians. It is true that Peter quickly regained spiritual balance. He was deeply repentant and obtained the forgiveness he so earnestly sought. He became one of the most fearless ministers of the unpopular Jesus Christ, and died faithful to Jehovah God. But what a miserable experience when he denied his Master Jesus three times! How much better that an experience such as this be avoided! Are you prepared to meet circumstances similar to the one faced by Peter? They can arise, and, indeed, likely will.

16. What may be responsible for unbalancing some Christians today?

¹⁶ There are ever so many situations in which improper fear can unbalance a dedicated Christian and cause him to forget his proper relationship with Jehovah God. It may be fear of what the neighbors might think if they should see him going from house to house with the Kingdom message. Yes, what if one should be seen by his own employer! What a terrifying thought this can be to one who has forgotten that it is what God thinks of him that truly matters! Children in their adolescent years are especially prone to be afraid of what people think of them.

17, 18. What discussion could develop in a school classroom to create circumstances similar to the one faced by Peter?

¹⁷ Perhaps you are a young Christian, and the setting is a school classroom where you are a student. There the Bible beliefs of Jehovah’s witnesses may enter into a class discussion. Prejudice and a spirit of patriotism may be strong. “Jehovah’s witnesses are subversive. They are against the government,” one youngster asserts. This is a charge similar to the one hurled against Jesus on the day of his execution. (Luke 23:2) “Jehovah’s witnesses won’t vote or fight for their country,” another youngster joins in. Yet, strict neutrality relative to the political affairs of the nations was the course pursued by Jesus Christ and early Christians. (John 6:15; 15:17-19; Jas. 4:4) One modern textbook observes: “Zealous Christians did not serve in the armed forces or accept political offices.”a But the students and teacher are unfamiliar with the teachings of the Bible on the matter, or the beliefs and practices of early Christians. The discussion grows more intense.

¹⁸ “Jehovah’s witnesses are anti-Christian,” one girl claims. “For they don’t even celebrate Christmas!” The feelings against Jehovah’s witnesses mount. Those present do not realize that Christmas is a pagan celebration, that it is without Bible support and was not observed by early Christians. They are unfamiliar with the testimony of standard reference works to this effect. Then another youngster makes the accusation: “Jehovah’s witnesses do not love their own children. They will let them die before they will give them a lifesaving blood transfusion!” How awful Jehovah’s witnesses must be! That is the feeling that pervades. The youngsters are not aware that the Bible strictly forbids eating blood, and that early Christians abstained completely from both animal and human blood.b—Lev. 17:10; Acts 15:20, 29.

19. (a) What questions would face a Christian youth in that situation? (b) When should preparation be made for such a possibility?

¹⁹ At about this point someone in the classroom may turn to you and ask: “You are one of Jehovah’s witnesses, aren’t you?” Then you will be in a situation similar to that faced by the apostle Peter. What will you say? How will you meet the situation? Will you maintain your proper Christian balance? Will you serve as a faithful Witness of Jehovah God, even as Jesus Christ did? (John 17:6; Rev. 1:5) Now is the time to prepare to meet such circumstances that may arise. It is now that you should make the firm resolve to imitate the fearless example of Jesus Christ in such situations. This will help you to avoid being thrown off balance.

ADVANCE PREPARATION

20. What is required to maintain proper Christian balance, and how did Jesus show that he recognized that need?

²⁰ We need prayer and regular consideration of God’s Word in order to keep a proper relationship with Jehovah God, and thus maintain our Christian balance. Jesus recognized this need. During those momentous final hours of his earthly life he was especially aware of it. Therefore, while with his disciples in the upper room that last night he spoke encouragingly regarding faith-strengthening spiritual matters, concluding his discussion: “In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.” Then he prayed at length with his disciples, after which they departed for the garden of Gethsemane.—John 16:33–18:1.

21, 22. In what way did the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane fail to copy Christ’s example?

²¹ Out in the garden Jesus continued to pray to his heavenly Father, seeking His guidance and direction. Before leaving them so as to pray privately, Jesus told Peter and two other of his disciples: “Stay here and keep on the watch.” But did they? Did they heed Jesus’ instructions? The Bible record says: “He came and found them sleeping.” How disappointing! This was no way to prepare themselves for what lay ahead. Jesus then turned to Peter and said: “Simon, are you sleeping? Did you not have strength to keep on the watch one hour? Men, keep on the watch and praying, in order that you do not come into temptation. The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:32-38) True, it was late, probably well past midnight by this time. The flesh was tired. Nevertheless, they should have imitated Jesus’ example. This was a time to pay more than the usual attention to spiritual matters. The promised seed of God’s woman was about to be bruised! What a momentous occasion!—Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:16.

²² Did Peter and the other disciples therefore take seriously Jesus’ urgent encouragement this second time? Mark’s account says: “And he went away again and prayed, saying the same word. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were weighed down, and so they did not know what to answer him.” (Mark 14:39, 40) Peter and his associates did not listen! They neglected to pay attention to Jesus’ instructions. Before departing to pray for a third time, Jesus no doubt urged his disciples again to keep awake and to pray. But yet once more his admonition went unheeded! For Jesus “came the third time and said to them: ‘At such a time as this you are sleeping and taking your rest! It is enough! The hour has come! Look! The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.’”—Mark 14:41.

23. (a) What undoubtedly was a factor in the disciples’ abandoning Jesus, and what, therefore, cannot be overemphasized? (b) What basis is there for believing Satan is even more active today?

²³ Is it not likely that this lethargic, sleepy condition was a factor in causing the disciples a few moments later to abandon Jesus and flee, just as the prophecy foretold they would? (Mark 14:50; Matt. 26:31; Zech. 13:7) It cannot be overemphasized: Advance preparation and spiritual strengthening are vital if a Christian is to meet trials of his faith successfully. This is as true now as it was then. For, if anything, we are living in times when Satan is even more active. Bible prophecy clearly shows that recently, during this generation, he and his demons have been cast from heaven, with the consequences announced by the heavenly voice: “Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.” (Rev. 12:12) We are in that short period of woe right now! Satan is doing all within his power to unbalance Christians and shake them from God’s favor.

24. What must all Christians do to maintain balance?

²⁴ This, therefore, is no time to allow ourselves to become spiritually lethargic. We need to bestir ourselves spiritually, and prepare for the trials of faith that lie immediately ahead. Do not assume the attitude that, because you have been an active Christian for so many years, there is no danger of jeopardizing your relationship with Jehovah God and losing his favor. Do not feel that you can afford to miss congregation meetings, or be unattentive when spiritual matters are discussed. (Heb. 2:1; 10:24, 25) We all need to keep spiritually watchful, regularly studying God’s Word privately and with fellow Christians, if we are to maintain proper Christian balance. Nor can we neglect prayer. A close relationship with God nurtured by regular communication with him is an absolute necessity for balance. Imitate Christ’s example! Although he was spiritually the strongest person to walk the earth, he persevered in prayer, and particularly so during that final night of his human life. If we are to keep spiritual balance, we must do the same.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

25. What assisted Jesus to maintain balance?

²⁵ What assisted Jesus to maintain spiritual balance was his keeping foremost in mind the joy of pleasing his heavenly Father and of receiving His gift of eternal life. Therefore we are urged: “Look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2) So to maintain balance, follow Jesus’ example! Keep your eyes set on the privilege of honoring your Creator and of receiving His prize of life!

26. Why is it not always easy to put God’s interests first in our life?

²⁶ However, it may not always be easy to keep the interests of Jehovah God, who is invisible, first in our life. This is especially true when there are so many visible attractions in this world. For example, money and the many enticing things it can buy. Many Christians have been thrown off balance by an uncontrolled desire for material things. (2 Tim. 4:10) They have failed to imitate Jesus Christ, who always kept the interests of his Father foremost. In fact, Jesus so completely assigned his personal comforts to a secondary place that he once said: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.”—Luke 9:58.

27. What fine example was set by Moses and David?

²⁷ The patriarch Moses also set a fine example in keeping God’s worship first in his life. He was raised as a son of the daughter of Pharaoh, no doubt enjoying the magnificence of the royal palace of that powerful ancient ruler. Yet, Moses chose reproach as a servant of Jehovah God in preference to all the treasures of Egypt. Why? The Bible record says: “For he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible.” (Heb. 11:23-27) Yes, his attention was fixed on his unseen God, Jehovah. Maintaining his proper relationship with Jehovah was responsible for Moses’ exemplary spiritual balance. He appreciated that everything belongs to Jehovah, and that humans can only give worship and devotion to Him in return. Later, the psalmist David had the same balanced view, and wrote: “I have placed Jehovah in front of me constantly.”—Ps. 16:8.

28. What concluding admonition should we be diligent to heed?

²⁸ In order to maintain proper Christian balance, we, too, must have this view. This is especially true now when there are so many material attractions at every turn. The attaching of too great a value to any of them can be unbalancing. So, keep your eyes fixed on the things above, on your invisible God, and do not have as your chief interest selfish material pursuits. (Col. 3:2) Yes, to maintain Christian balance and to gain the prize of everlasting life, imitate the example of Jesus Christ, who left you “a model for you to follow his step closely.”—1 Pet. 2:21.

Brace up your minds for activity, keep completely balanced and set your hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, quit being fashioned according to the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, but, in accord with the holy one who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct, because it is written: “You must be holy, because I am holy.”—1 Pet. 1:13-16, NW, 1950 edition.

Maintaining Balance in Human Relationships

“The one who loves God should be loving his brother also.”—1 John 4:21.

1. What besides love of God is essential to Christian balance, and how does the apostle John indicate this?

ALTHOUGH rendering exclusive worship to our heavenly Father, Jehovah God, is essential to Christian balance, inseparably linked with such devotion to God is love for our fellow humans, and especially those related to us in the Christian faith. (Gal. 6:10) This means that a proper relationship with our Christian brothers is also necessary to maintain Christian balance. The apostle John pointedly indicated this when he wrote: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that the one who loves God should be loving his brother also.”—1 John 4:20, 21.

2. What is often the worldly view toward human relationships, but what should be the Christian’s attitude toward his fellows?

² What, though, is involved in loving fellow Christians? What is a proper relationship with them? How should we view our association with one another in the Christian congregation? The worldly view often is to seek friends or associates on the basis of what they can do to enhance one’s prestige and image. It is common for worldly persons to consider themselves superior or more important than others. Many times their attitude is to use others, to cheat or tread on them before others can do the same to them. But how different is the balanced Christian view! Note the inspired admonition of God’s Word: Do “nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you, keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others. Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, . . . emptied himself and took a slave’s form.”—Phil. 2:2-7.

3. What would life be like if everyone exercised the attitude Christ did?

³ Consider how pleasant life would be if everyone lived in harmony with this Scriptural counsel and imitated the example of Jesus Christ! There would be no selfishly coveting the possessions or abilities of others; there would be no trying to outshine others, to prove that you are better than they are. Nor would there be efforts to show others up, to embarrass them. It is the selfish worldly attitude of thinking too much of oneself, seeking prominence and preeminence, that unbalances and creates unpleasant relations. How vital, therefore, for Christians to heed the apostolic counsel:

4, 5. What Bible counsel is it vital that we follow, but is it always easy to do so?

⁴ “Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over . . . I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think . . . In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another take the lead. Be minded the same way toward others as to yourselves; do not be minding lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become discreet in your own eyes.”—Rom. 12:2, 3, 10, 16.

⁵ However, it is admittedly much easier to talk about loving our brothers, about being lowly in mind, about doing nothing out of contentiousness or egotism, about considering that others are superior than it is to conduct ourselves in harmony with these inspired instructions. Even the apostles of Jesus Christ were for a while badly unbalanced by an improper view. It was again manifested during the last Passover meal, which they celebrated with Jesus in an upper room in Jerusalem on the night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E.

DISPUTE OVER WHO IS THE GREATEST

6. (a) What disturbing dispute developed among Jesus’ apostles on the Passover night of 33 C.E., and what prompted a similar controversy some days before? (b) What did Jesus say regarding his followers’ proper relationship to one another?

⁶ After the Lord’s supper was over, a disturbing controversy developed among the apostles over the question of position or rank, “over which one of them seemed to be greatest.” (Luke 22:24) Just a few days before, as they were about to come to Jerusalem for the eventful final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, this same matter had come up. On that occasion the mother of the apostles James and John came to Jesus and requested a preeminent position for her sons in his kingdom. “When the ten others heard of this,” the Bible record says, “they became indignant at the two brothers.” However, Jesus stepped in to calm down their irate feelings by pointing out that the arrangement within God’s organization was altogether different from that with which they were acquainted in the world. The persons in positions of responsibility among them, Jesus said, should be servants of their fellows. Yes, “whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.”—Matt. 20:17, 20-28.

7. What made it difficult for the apostles to comprehend the import of Jesus’ counsel?

⁷ Apparently, however, the apostles could not comprehend what Jesus meant by this. What he said was evidently so new and different from what they were used to seeing practiced that it did not eradicate the worldly idea from their mind. They maintained an unbalanced view of their relationship with one another. They thought back perhaps to when Israelite kings of the Davidic line ruled, and assumed that the Messianic king Jesus Christ, too, would have an earthly government with men of high position and rank. They may have had personal ambitions to serve in such high official capacities. So, after the institution of the Lord’s supper, the disciple Luke records, “there also arose a heated dispute among them over which one of them seemed to be greatest.”—Luke 22:24.

8. (a) How must this dispute have affected Jesus? (b) What does it illustrate?

⁸ Notice that this was not merely a minor controversy; rather, it was a “heated dispute.” The matter was evidently something the apostles had been thinking about, and now it erupted into a full-scale argument. How this must have grieved Jesus! After all the months that he had been with them and set them an example of lowliness and humility! And now, at such a time as this, to be having such contentions! Here it was the last night of Jesus’ earthly life when he intended to give the apostles parting words of instruction and encouragement. Jesus’ references to God’s kingdom that night doubtless laid the basis for this argument among the apostles. It simply illustrates how deep-seated within imperfect men can be the desire for distinction, to have prominent positions and prestige.

JESUS’ LOVING COUNSEL AND EXAMPLE

9. How did Jesus handle this dispute?

⁹ How did Jesus handle this dispute? Did he harshly correct his disciples? Did he humiliate them with severe criticism? No, but in a loving way, and no doubt with an appealing tone to his voice, he again patiently pointed out to them that the Christian arrangement was altogether different from that of the world. He said: “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those having authority over them are called Benefactors. You, though, are not to be that way. But let him that is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the one acting as chief as the one ministering.” Then Jesus asked them: “For which one is greater, the one reclining at the table or the one ministering?” Obviously it is the one that reclines at the table and who is ministered to that is considered the greatest. However, Jesus pointed out: “But I am in your midst as the one ministering.”—Luke 22:25-27.

10. What questions are raised as to the apostles’ comprehension of Jesus’ words?

¹⁰ Would they comprehend what Jesus was teaching them this time? Would they be able to appreciate fully that all Christians are brothers, and that the one given heavier responsibilities in the Christian organization should be as the “youngest,” being lowly of mind and considering that the others are superior to him? (Matt. 23:8-12) Would they appreciate that within the Christian organization there was to be a complete reversal of procedure from what is generally followed in the world? The disciples accepted the fact that Jesus was their teacher and leader, really the greatest among them; there was no dispute about that. But earlier on that night Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples. (John 13:1-12) Jesus was there actually ministering to them!

11. In what way did Jesus minister to his followers?

¹¹ When Jesus pointed out, “I am in your midst as the one ministering,” he apparently was not referring simply to the fact that he ministered to them in a spiritual way, as their teacher. No, but Jesus actually waited upon and served them in a physical way also, sharing in activity ordinarily reserved for persons of lesser importance. But on that final day with them in the flesh, Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to Jerusalem, “and they got things ready for the passover.”—Matt. 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-16; Mark 14:12-18.

12. Before this dispute and his words of counsel, in what significant way did Jesus minister to the twelve apostles?

¹² The apostle John, who was an eyewitness to events of the night, describes what there occurred: Jesus “got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And, taking a towel, he girded himself. After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel with which he was girded.” (John 13:2-5) Can you imagine that? Jesus actually went around to each of his apostles, knelt before them, washed their feet and dried them off! Even those of Judas Iscariot!

SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS ACT

13. What Bible examples illustrate the ancient custom of washing another’s feet, and to whom was this task usually assigned?

¹³ To wash the feet of another in those times was not an unusual thing in itself. In Eastern lands roads were frequently dusty, and since people generally wore sandals or went barefooted, their feet became dirty. So when entering a house, it was an act of hospitality on the part of the host to have the feet of his visitor washed. Both Abraham and Lot extended this hospitality to strangers, who turned out to be materialized angels. (Gen. 18:3; 19:2; Heb. 13:2) But a Pharisee that entertained Jesus neglected this gesture. (Luke 7:44) The task was considered one of the most menial, and was generally assigned to the lowest servant of the household. Thus, the young woman Abigail showed true humility when she addressed the servants of David: “Here is your slave girl as a maidservant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”—1 Sam. 25:41; 1 Tim. 5:10.

14. Why, at this time, did Jesus wash his apostles’ feet? But how did Peter at first react?

¹⁴ To impress the point of his instruction Jesus chose to perform this most menial and yet needful service. He began washing the feet of his apostles. The apostle Peter did not understand why Jesus was doing this, and so objected to his Master’s acting as such a lowly slave in ministering to him. But Jesus told Peter: “What I am doing you do not understand at present, but you will understand after these things.” Then, when he had finished with the washing and had put his outer garments back on and laid himself down at the table, he explained to them:

15. How did Jesus explain the reason for washing his followers’ feet?

¹⁵ “Do you know what I have done to you? You address me, ‘Teacher,’ and, ‘Lord,’ and you speak rightly, for I am such. Therefore, if I, although Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash the feet of one another. For I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also. Most truly I say to you, A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one that is sent forth greater than the one that sent him. If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.”—John 13:6-17.

16. What lesson was Jesus teaching by this act?

¹⁶ In what a remarkable way Jesus inculcated within his apostles the need to be lowly in mind! How effectively he showed them that they should not aspire to positions of honor and prestige but should be willing to perform the humblest of services for one another! Jesus was not here instituting a ritual of foot washing, which has been practiced with much hypocrisy in certain religions of Christendom. No, but he was teaching them an attitude of mind—one of humility, one of concern for the interests of others and of willingness to perform the lowliest of tasks in behalf of their brothers. This is the balanced attitude that Christians should maintain toward one another.

17. What evidence is there that the apostles got the point of Jesus’ instruction?

¹⁷ Peter and the other apostles got the point. (1 Pet. 3:8) It was a lesson that the faithful ones learned well, for the Bible record reveals that they maintained this balanced view and worked together in unity to build up the Christian congregation. None of them ambitiously sought prominence or prestige. In fact, some years later when the controversial question of circumcision was raised, “the apostles and the older men gathered together” in Jerusalem and discussed it in an orderly manner. And apparently it was not one of the apostles who presided, but the disciple James, half-brother of Jesus.—Acts 15:6-29; 12:1, 2.

A NEW COMMANDMENT

18. How did Jesus later again draw attention to the example he had set for his followers?

¹⁸ Later, after washing his apostles’ feet and dismissing Judas Iscariot, Jesus again drew attention to the example that he had set, saying to the eleven remaining ones: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35) As circumcised Jews under the Law covenant, the apostles were already under the command to love their neighbors as themselves. (Matt. 22:39; Lev. 19:18) But now Jesus said that his true followers would be recognized by their demonstrating a more extensive, superior love—in imitation of his example.

19. What unique example of demonstrating love did Jesus set?

¹⁹ Jesus did indeed set a unique example in showing love. Tirelessly he expended himself in ministering to others, considering their interests before his own. Due to his complete absorption in helping people in the way to life he often sacrificed the normal comforts to which humans are accustomed. (Luke 9:58) This was demonstrating love to a greater extent than the neighbor love that was required by the Law covenant. You will recall that, on the occasion that the two apostles persuaded their mother to ask in their behalf for chief positions in the Kingdom, Jesus said: “For even the Son of man came, not to be ministered to [to be served], but to minister [to be a servant of others] and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” (Mark 10:35-45; Matt. 20:20-28) Jesus never sought self-glorification, but humbly ministered to his followers, until finally he humbled himself to the point of giving his life in their behalf. What superior, exemplary love!—Phil. 2:8; John 15:12, 13.

20. How will imitating Jesus’ example of showing love affect our relationship with our Christian brothers?

²⁰ As Christians, we are under obligation to copy this example of Jesus. We must, not only love Jehovah God as he did, but also imitate the unselfish love he showed for his followers. (1 John 4:20, 21) Do you have the kind of love that he demonstrated? Would you surrender your life for your Christian companions? True, we may not be called upon literally to sacrifice our life in their behalf, but our love must be of such quality that we would willingly do so if the need arose. “We are under obligation to surrender our souls for our brothers,” the apostle John explained. (1 John 3:16; Rom. 16:3, 4) Think now: If we have that degree of love, should we not be willing to serve humbly the interests of our brothers? Should we not be tender, kind and considerate toward those for whom we would willingly surrender our souls? Was this not a lesson that Jesus endeavored to inculcate within his followers?

MAKING OVER THE MIND

21. Why must Christians be transformed by making their minds over?

²¹ How clear it is that to maintain a proper relationship with your Christian brothers you must “quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over”! (Rom. 12:2) The Christian attitude of mind is so different from that of worldly people. How common it is for persons with special education, such as the clergy, medical doctors, scientists or lawyers, to have a superior attitude, thinking that they are better than others! The same is true of persons with special talents, such as sport or movie personalities, or those possessing attributes of striking physical beauty or exceptional intelligence. The admiration that these receive often causes them to have a superior frame of mind. But remember that the balanced Christian attitude is one of “lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you.”—Phil. 2:3

22. What does it mean to be lowly of mind and to consider that others are superior to you?

²² What, though, does it mean to be lowly of mind and to consider that others are superior to you? It does not mean, for example, that an expert violin player should think that a companion who has never touched that instrument can play it better than he. This obviously is not the case. Many people have training or talents that cause them to excel above others who have not had similar training or possess comparable talents. But this does not make them superior persons. Nor should it cause them to be high-minded, considering that others are inferior to them. The Bible is here referring to one’s attitude of mind, and the sincere mental attitude of a Christian should be that others are superior to him. He should never think that somehow he is a superior person, and therefore should be waited upon and served by others. Undoubtedly there was not one activity to which Jesus’ apostles set their hand or mind that Jesus could not have done many times better. Yet, Jesus humbly ministered to them, even getting down and washing their feet!

23. In what way are Christians who have a balanced view different from many people of the world?

²³ How refreshing and pleasant are ones who truly demonstrate this humble attitude of mind! What a fine, balanced view these have toward their relationship with their Christian brothers! They are altogether different from persons of this system of things. Just because some may have more money or material possessions this does not cause them to think that they should receive special consideration over persons of lesser means. They appreciate that money does not make them superior persons, and they act accordingly. (1 Tim. 6:17) Similarly, persons belonging to a particular race or nationality realize that this does not in any way make them superior to others. Therefore, they remain lowly in mind, sincerely considering that even persons of a less popular race or nationality are superior to them.—Rom. 10:12.

24, 25. Who especially should take the lead in exercising love and demonstrating lowliness of mind?

²⁴ This same humble frame of mind should especially be exercised by the appointed overseers, ministerial servants and others who enjoy special privileges of service within the Christian organization. True, others in the congregation are urged to cooperate with and imitate the faith of such ones, but none of these taking the lead should ever think that they are superior because they preside at meetings, perhaps have greater speaking or organizational abilities, or are able to devote more time to Jehovah’s service. (Heb. 13:7, 17) Note that after urging the younger men to be in subjection to the older men who are responsible for shepherding God’s flock, the apostle Peter instructed: “All of you gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.” (1 Pet. 5:5) None are omitted. Everyone, including the one taking the lead, is to gird himself with lowliness of mind. “Be in subjection to one another in fear of Christ,” the Bible commands.—Eph. 5:21.

²⁵ The overseer should, in fact, be the one setting the example in being humble and lowly of mind. This is what the Right Shepherd Jesus Christ did. He went to great lengths to impress by example the need for his followers to have love and humility. So, then, should the overseer. He is not a boss, but a servant of his brothers. (Matt. 20:25-27) This is something vital for him to remember. Yes, it is a matter that every Christian should learn well, for in order to maintain balance in our relationship with one another, we must be loving our brothers and never think that we are superior to them.—1 John 4:21; Phil. 2:2-4.

26. What is a real incentive to maintaining Christian balance now?

²⁶ Think ahead to the time when everyone who lives on earth will have this same refreshing attitude of mind! What a pleasant place this will be to live! Then everyone alive will be perfectly clothed with the “tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness,” and especially love. (Col. 3:12-14) Yes, all will love Jehovah God with their whole heart, mind, soul and strength; and they will have a Christlike love for their brothers. What a grand incentive to maintain balance now, so as to live then!

[Picture on page 594]

Jesus taught his apostles humility

‘Suffering Evil as a Right Kind of Soldier’

As told by Gerhard Oltmanns

‘AT ALL costs we will obey the laws of God even if it means losing our lives and we will continue to assemble for worship. If your government oppresses us it will have to render an account to God Almighty.’ These were the concluding thoughts of a resolution received at the Chancellery of the Third Reich on October 7, 1934. Hundreds of copies of the same message came from congregations of the banned “earnest Bible students,” known in other countries as Jehovah’s witnesses.

I shall never forget that day, for at ten o’clock that morning we had assembled for prayer, and then, after discussion, we resolved unanimously to send this message to Hitler’s government. We could never follow Hitler as leader, or recognize him as such, for we had already undertaken to be ‘fine soldiers of Jesus Christ,’ the genuine God-given “leader and commander to the national groups.” (2 Tim. 2:3; Isa. 55:4) To me especially it was a thrilling occasion.