“Let No Man Deprive You of the Prize”

“Let no man deprive you of the prize who takes delight in a mock humility . . . [and is] puffed up without proper cause by his fleshly frame of mind.”​—COLOSSIANS 2:18.

1, 2. How have many worked against the eternal interests of fellow humans, and can you cite further examples of this from the Bible?

THE first human sinner, Eve, was led to her death by a crafty, superhuman spirit creature. The second sinner, Adam, was seduced by his wife​—a mere human.​—1 Timothy 2:14; Genesis 3:17.

² Eve was the first of a procession of individuals whose urgings, if heeded, would have worked against the eternal interests of fellow humans. Listen as their words echo throughout the Bible! Potiphar’s wife to Joseph: “Lie down with me.” (Genesis 39:7) Job’s wife: “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9) The Israelites to Aaron: “Get up, make for us a god who will go ahead of us.” (Exodus 32:1) Peter to Jesus Christ: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all.”​—Matthew 16:22.

3. What warning did Paul give at Colossians 2:18, and what questions arise as a result?

³ All too often such urgings have worked to the ruin of one of Jehovah’s servants. So while it is true that Christians “have a wrestling . . . against the wicked spirit forces,” it is often fellow humans who pose the immediate threat. (Ephesians 6:12) The apostle Paul therefore warned: “Let no man deprive you of the prize.” (Colossians 2:18) What is this prize? And why have some of Jehovah’s servants lost it by yielding to the influence of imperfect humans? In answer, let us examine the circumstances in Colossae prompting Paul to give this warning.

4, 5. (a) What religious influences existed in Colossae? (b) What was Gnosticism, and what dangerous effects might its influence have produced?

⁴ Colossae was a religious melting pot. The native Phrygians were an emotional people deeply immersed in spiritism and idolatrous superstition. Then there was the city’s Jewish populace, still shackled to Judaism. Colossae’s proximity to a major trade route also resulted in a steady stream of visitors. Likely, these foreigners loved to spend their leisure time telling or listening to something new. (Compare Acts 17:21.) This led to the spread of new philosophies, among them slowly emerging Gnosticism. Says scholar R. E. O. White: “Gnosticism was a climate of thought as widespread as evolutionary theory is today. It probably came into prominence in the first century or earlier and reached its zenith in the second. It combined philosophic speculation, superstition, semi-magical rites, and sometimes a fanatical and even obscene cultus.”

⁵ In such a climate, religion in Colossae seems to have become a kind of ongoing experiment​—a hybrid mixture of Judaism, Greek philosophy, and pagan mysticism. Would Christianity, too, be cast into the same melting pot?

‘Deprived of the Prize’​—How?

6. (a) How would Paul’s words have counteracted the influence of pagan philosophies and Judaism? (b) Why was there a need for Christians to “look out”?

⁶ Paul’s powerful letter to the Colossians would have counteracted the influence of any who might have wished to fuse Judaism and pagan philosophy with Christianity. Repeatedly, he called attention to Christ. Paul wrote: “Carefully concealed in him [Christ, not any Judaizer or pagan philosopher] are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.” The Colossians were urged to “go on walking in union with him [Christ], rooted and being built up in him and being stabilized in the faith.” Otherwise, they might be led astray. So Paul warned: “Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ.”​—Colossians 2:3, 6-8.

7. (a) Why might the teachings of pagan philosophers and Judaizers have appealed to some Christians? (b) Why were their teachings really “empty deception”?

⁷ Perhaps some new followers of Jesus Christ missed the awe of mysticism or the stimulation of philosophy. Certain Jewish Christians may have had a lingering fondness for the obsolete traditions of Judaism. The teachings of pagan philosophers and Judaizers would therefore have had a certain appeal to such individuals. Yet, however convincing or eloquent these false teachers may have seemed, they offered nothing more than “empty deception.” Instead of expounding the pure word of God, they were merely parroting “the elementary things of the world”​—useless philosophies, precepts, and beliefs. Embracing those erroneous ideas would spell disaster for a Christian. Hence, Paul said: “Let no man deprive you of the prize.”​—Colossians 2:18.

8. (a) What was “the prize,” and what scriptures support your answer? (b) How could anointed Christians be deprived of “the prize”?

⁸ “The prize” was immortal life in the heavens. It was likened to the reward given the victorious runner after an exhausting footrace. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8; Revelation 2:7) Ultimately, only Jehovah God through Jesus Christ could disqualify someone from the race for life. (John 5:22, 23) Nevertheless, if a false teacher brought a Christian under his tutelage, this could have the effect of depriving him of the prize. The deceived one could veer so far from the truth that he could fail to finish the race!

Personality of the False Teachers

9. What four things characterized the false teachers among the Colossians?

⁹ Was there any way, then, of identifying a person who was intent on ‘depriving a Christian of the prize’? Yes, for Paul gave the personality profile of the false teachers at Colossae. Such a man (1) “takes delight in a mock humility and a form of worship of the angels”; (2) is “‘taking his stand on’ the things he has seen”; (3) is “puffed up without proper cause by his fleshly frame of mind”; whereas (4) “he is not holding fast to the head,” Jesus Christ.​—Colossians 2:18, 19.

10. How did the false teachers ‘take delight in a mock humility’?

¹⁰ What a clever ruse! Ignoring Jesus’ condemnation of ostentatious fasting, the false teacher presented an appealing facade of humility. (Matthew 6:16) Indeed, the false teacher ‘took delight’ in making a show of fasting and other forms of religious self-denial. (Colossians 2:20-23) His sad-faced appearance was carefully designed to emit a false piety. Indeed, the false teacher was ‘practicing his righteousness in front of men in order to be observed by them.’ (Matthew 6:1) But all of this was a sham, “a mock humility.” As The Expositor’s Bible puts it: “A man who knows that he is humble, and is self-complacent about it, glancing out of the corners of his downcast eyes at any mirror where he can see himself, is not humble at all.”​—Italics ours.

11. (a) What was the worship of angels? (b) What evidence is there that the worship of angels persisted in Colossae?

¹¹ Nevertheless, this sham humility added seeming credibility to an otherwise absurd practice​—the “worship of the angels.” Paul does not explain exactly how this worship was performed. The evidence is, however, that it was a form of false worship that persisted in the area of Colossae for centuries. A fourth-century council at nearby Laodicea found it necessary to declare: “Christians ought not to forsake the Church of God, and . . . call upon the names of angels. . . . If any one, therefore, be found to exercise himself in this private idolatry, let him be accursed.” However, fifth-century theologian and scholar Theodoret indicates that “this vice” of angel worship still existed there in his day. To this day, the Catholic Church “encourages the faithful to love, respect, and invoke the angels,” promoting “Masses and Divine Offices in honor of guardian angels.”​—New Catholic Encyclopedia, volume I, page 515.

12. How might the false teachers have reckoned that the worship of angels was acceptable?

¹² Using a basic line of reasoning similar to that of Catholic theologians, the false teacher may have said: ‘What a marvelous privilege the angels have! Was not the Mosaic Law transmitted through them? Are they not close to God in heaven? Surely we should give these mighty ones their due honor! Would this not show true humility on our part? After all, God is so high, and we humans are so low! The angels can, therefore, serve as our mediators in approaching God.’

13. (a) Is the worship of angels acceptable? (b) How did the false teacher ‘“take his stand on” the things he had seen’?

¹³ Worship of angels in whatever form, though, is wrong. (1 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 19:10; 22:8, 9) But the false teacher would try to waive this objection aside by ‘“taking his stand on” the things he had seen.’ According to The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, this expression was used “in the mystery religions to denote the climax of initiation, when the mystês [initiate] ‘sets foot on’ the entrance to the new life which he is now to share with the god.” By using pagan phraseology, Paul mocked the way the false teacher prided himself on having special insight​—perhaps even claiming to have had supernatural visions.

14. How were the false teachers ‘puffed up by a fleshly frame of mind’?

¹⁴ Though claiming to be spiritual, however, the false teacher was really puffed up without proper cause by his fleshly frame of mind. The sinful flesh tainted his outlook and motives. “Puffed up” with pride and arrogance, his mind was “on the works that were wicked.” (Colossians 1:21) Worst of all, he was not holding fast to the head, Christ, for he was giving more weight to the speculations of worldlings than to the teachings of Jesus.

Still a Danger?

15. (a) What attitudes are noted among some Christians today? (b) Where do such attitudes originate, and how do they compare with the counsel of the Bible?

¹⁵ The prize of everlasting life​—be it in heaven or on a paradise earth—​is still held out to Jehovah’s servants. True, the Gnostics and the Judaizers have long since been gone. Yet there are individuals who might now hinder a Christian from gaining this prize. They may not do so deliberately. However, because they have allowed themselves to be unduly affected by this system’s “philosophy and empty deception,” they may remark:

‘I try to be honest, but it’s hard when you’re running a business. This is a dog-eat-dog world, and sometimes you just have to compromise.’ (Compare this view with Proverbs 11:1; Hebrews 13:18.)

‘You mean you’re still just a housewife? Times have changed! Why not get a job and do something with your life!’ (Compare Proverbs 31:10-31.)

‘I know my job cuts into meetings and the field ministry quite a bit. But it takes a lot of money to support our life-style. And what’s wrong with having a few nice things?’ (Contrast this reasoning with Luke 21:34, 35; 1 Timothy 6:6-8.)

‘I get so tired of hearing the elders always talking about field service! I work all week and deserve to relax on the weekends.’ (Compare Luke 13:24; Mark 12:30.)

‘Pioneering is not for everybody. Besides, in today’s economy you need a university education if you’re going to make it.’ (Contrast this with Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 1:19, 20; 1 Timothy 6:9-11.)

Materialistic and fleshly reasoning is part and parcel of “the elementary things of the world”​—the fundamental precepts and beliefs of worldlings! Yielding to it can cause irreparable spiritual damage.

16. How might some today become hypocritical judges?

¹⁶ Self-appointed judges and teachers pose yet another danger. Like those in Colossae, they may make issues of purely personal matters. They are often characterized by “mock humility.” (Colossians 2:16-18) Their holier-than-thou attitude betrays a wrong motive​—a desire to elevate themselves above others. They are often “righteous overmuch,” quick to go beyond what the ‘faithful slave’ has said or published. Thus they may ignite controversies over such matters as recreation, health care, styles of dress and grooming, or the use of alcoholic beverages. (Ecclesiastes 7:16; Matthew 24:45-47) Attention is thereby diverted from spiritual matters and focused on fleshly desires.​—Compare 1 Timothy 6:3-5.

17, 18. (a) How have some ‘taken their stand on’ personal views, and why is this dangerous? (b) What will our next lesson discuss?

¹⁷ Today, some even go so far as to ‘take their stand on’ personal views of Scripture, or they claim to have special insight. One woman, who had been baptized only a year, claimed to be of the anointed and thought that this gave her opinions added weight. Thus she expressed a strong desire to “teach and encourage others” in some official capacity. (But see 1 Timothy 2:12.) Since Jehovah hates “self-exaltation and pride,” Christians should have a modest view of their own opinions. (Proverbs 8:13) They avoid the snare of being “puffed up without proper cause by [their] fleshly frame of mind.” (Colossians 2:18) Any who advance their personal ideas and put the counsel of Christ’s appointed ‘faithful slave’ in a poor light are not holding fast to the head. Surely, then, Jehovah’s loyal witnesses should guard against ungodly influence that could rob them of the prize of life.

¹⁸ Satan still uses man to hinder fellow humans from gaining life. What are some other ways in which the Devil employs this stratagem? And how can a witness of Jehovah tenaciously hold on to the prize?

‘Run in Such a Way That You May Attain the Prize’

“Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it.”​—1 CORINTHIANS 9:24.

1, 2. (a) What would be a great tragedy for a Christian today? (b) What counsel did Paul give at 1 Corinthians 9:24, and how did it apply to Christians at Corinth?

IT WAS to have been the grand climax to 12 years of grueling preparation. But just over half way into the race, the young athlete fell in a heap, abruptly ending her dreams of an Olympic gold medal. The news media called her fall a “tragedy.”

² Far more tragic, however, would be the failure of a witness of Jehovah to finish the race for life, especially with the promised New Order so near! (2 Peter 3:13) Appropriately, then, the apostle Paul said: “Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) Some in ancient Corinth were in danger of losing out because they selfishly did as they pleased, even at the cost of ‘wounding the consciences’ of others. (1 Corinthians 8:1-4, 10-12) Winning the race, though, entailed sacrifice, for Paul said: “Every man taking part in a contest exercises self-control . . . I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.”​—1 Corinthians 9:25-27.

3. (a) What situation existed at Colossae that could have prevented Christians there from finishing the race? (b) Was it advisable for Christians at Colossae to study philosophy and mysticism?

³ Later, when writing to the Colossians, Paul warned of yet another potential danger​—men who would ‘deprive them of the prize’ of life. (Colossians 2:18) So how could Christians ‘run in such a way as to attain it’? Did the apostle suggest that they study philosophy and mysticism in order to debate successfully with false teachers? No, for Christians had ‘died toward the elementary things of the world’ and should have wanted nothing to do with its philosophies and traditions.​—Colossians 2:20.

4. How would gaining “accurate knowledge” help Christians in Colossae?

⁴ Paul, therefore, encouraged his fellow believers to focus their efforts on becoming “filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension.” Yes, “accurate knowledge”​—not idle speculations—​would help them “walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.” (Colossians 1:9, 10; see also Colossians 3:10.) True, most Christians in Colossae probably could recite the basic teachings of the Scriptures. But through study and meditation, they needed to go beyond the basics and become firmly “established on the foundation” of Christ. (Colossians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 3:11) After gaining such depth, ‘no man could delude them with persuasive arguments.’ (Colossians 2:4) Through skillful use of God’s Word, they could effectively refute the claims of any angel worshipers or Judaizers.​—Deuteronomy 6:13; Jeremiah 31:31-34.

5. (a) Give some examples of “deep things” that a mature Christian should know and understand. (b) How does one sister’s experience show the danger of not taking in “accurate knowledge”?

⁵ Have you, though, gone beyond “the primary doctrine” and peered into “the deep things of God”? (Hebrews 6:1; 1 Corinthians 2:10) For example, can you identify the beasts of Revelation or explain what the spiritual temple is? (Revelation, chapter 13; Hebrews 9:11) Can you explain the Scriptural basis for the modern-day organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are you well grounded in Bible doctrine? One Christian sister found it difficult to defend her beliefs when discussing the Trinity with a certain woman. Later, the woman gave our sister literature that slandered Jehovah’s organization. “I got very depressed spiritually,” this Witness recalls. Happily, an elder was able to expose the false claims of the opposers and restore our sister’s faith. (Jude 22, 23) “Now I understand,” she says, “why the Society always says pray, study, and meditate.”

“Trembling at Men”

6. (a) What has proved to be a stumbling block to some servants of God? Give some Biblical examples. (b) What often causes the fear of man?

⁶ “Trembling at men is what lays a snare,” warned the wise man. (Proverbs 29:25) And at times a morbid “fear of death” or an inordinate desire for acceptance by others pushes a person into this snare. (Hebrews 2:14, 15) Elijah, for one, fearlessly stood up against practicers of Baal worship. But when Queen Jezebel ordered his execution, “he became afraid . . . and began to go for his soul and came to Beer-sheba.” (1 Kings 19:1-3) The night Jesus was arrested, the apostle Peter likewise gave in to fear of man. Although Peter had boasted, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both into prison and into death,” when charged with being one of Christ’s disciples, “he started to curse and swear: ‘I do not know the man!’”​—Luke 22:33; Matthew 26:74.

7. (a) Likely, what was the real reason why some in Colossae sought to blend Christianity with Judaism? (b) Who today appear to be similarly motivated?

⁷ Fearful desire for acceptance may have been the real reason why some sought to blend Christianity with Judaism. When Judaizers arose in Galatia, Paul exposed their hypocrisy, saying: “All those who want to make a pleasing appearance in the flesh are the ones that try to compel you to get circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted.” (Galatians 6:12) Could it be that a similar desire for popular acceptance has also been the force motivating some who have recently left Jehovah’s organization?

8, 9. (a) How might a Christian today manifest the fear of man? (b) How can this fear be overcome?

⁸ Christians must work to overcome such fears. If you are reluctant to preach in territories close to your home, or you hold back from witnessing to relatives, fellow workers, or schoolmates, remember the question that Jehovah asks at Isaiah 51:12: “Who are you that you should be afraid of a mortal man that will die, and of a son of mankind that will be rendered as mere green grass?” (Compare Matthew 10:28.) Remind yourself that anyone “trusting in Jehovah will be protected.” (Proverbs 29:25) Peter overcame his fear of man, eventually dying a martyr’s death. (John 21:18, 19) And many brothers today show similar courage.

⁹ A missionary serving in a country where the preaching work was under ban said: “It takes faith to go to a meeting or in the service, knowing that it is possible that you will be picked up by the police.” But like the psalmist the brothers there said: “Jehovah is on my side; I shall not fear. What can earthling man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6) And the work in that country flourished, recently attaining legal recognition. Regular participation in the field ministry is sure to help you develop the same confidence in Jehovah.

Family Ties

10. (a) What emotional need is universal, and how is it usually fulfilled? (b) Give Bible examples of men whose attachment to their wives was stronger than their relationship with Jehovah.

¹⁰ A book entitled The Individual, Marriage, and the Family states: “A universal need of the individual in all societies and in all segments of society is the need to ‘belong’ and to have a significant other who ‘belongs’ to him.” This need is usually fulfilled through the family arrangement, an institution of Jehovah. (Ephesians 3:14, 15) Satan, though, often exploits the attachment we feel to family members. Adam’s strong feelings for his wife evidently prodded him to ignore the consequences and join her in rebellion. (1 Timothy 2:14) And what about Solomon? In spite of his renowned wisdom, “it came about in the time of Solomon’s growing old that his wives themselves had inclined his heart to follow other gods; and his heart did not prove to be complete with Jehovah his God . . . And Solomon began to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah.”​—1 Kings 11:4-6.

11. How did Eli ‘honor his sons more than Jehovah’?

¹¹ Do you remember aged Eli, a high priest of Israel? His sons Hophni and Phinehas were “good-for-nothing men” who “did not acknowledge Jehovah.” They showed brazen disregard for sacrifices to Jehovah and committed sexual immorality “with the women that were serving at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” Yet Eli offered only the meekest of protests (“Why do you keep doing things like these?”), while making no effort to remove them from their privileged office. In effect, he was ‘honoring his sons more than Jehovah,’ this resulting in his​—and their—​death!​—1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22, 23, 29-34; 4:18.

12. (a) What warning did Jesus give regarding family ties? (b) What worldly line of reasoning might some pursue when it comes to relatives, but is this Scripturally proper?

¹² Misdirected loyalties could, therefore, hinder you in your race for life. Jesus told his disciples: “He that has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and he that has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26) But what if a loved one left the truth or was disfellowshipped? Would you go along with the worldly notion that “blood is thicker than water” and follow that relative into destruction? Or would you put faith in the words of Psalm 27:10: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up”?

13. How did the sons of Korah prove their loyalty to Jehovah, and how were they blessed for this?

¹³ The sons of Korah had such faith. Their father led a rebellion against the authority of Moses and Aaron. Jehovah, however, dramatically proved that he backed Moses and Aaron by executing Korah and his coconspirators. Yet “the sons of Korah did not die.” (Numbers 16:1-3, 28-32; 26:9-11) Apparently they refused to join their father in rebellion, and Jehovah blessed their loyalty by preserving them alive. Their descendants later had the privilege of writing portions of the Bible!​—See the superscriptions of Psalms 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87, 88.

14. What experience illustrates the blessing that results from placing loyalty to Jehovah above loyalty to relatives?

¹⁴ Loyalty today likewise results in blessings. One young Witness remembers the stand he and his brothers took when their mother, long inactive as a Christian, entered an adulterous marriage. “We reported matters to the elders,” he recalls, “and since she did not live at home, we decided to limit association with her until the elders could handle matters. It was the hardest thing we ever had to do.” The mother protested, “Does your everlasting life mean more to you than I do?” To this they replied, “Our relationship with Jehovah means more than anything.” The woman was jolted into manifesting sincere repentance, was restored spiritually, and serves again as an active publisher of the good news.

15. (a) How have some parents allowed their own children to be stumbling blocks? (b) How can a parent help both himself and his offspring to gain life?

¹⁵ Some have allowed their own children to be stumbling blocks. Failing to recognize that “foolishness is tied up with the heart of” youngsters, some parents have allowed their children to associate closely with worldlings, attend unsavory social affairs, and even date when far too young for marriage. (Proverbs 22:15) What are often the tragic consequences of such permissiveness? Spiritual shipwreck. (1 Timothy 1:19) Some even compound the wrong by deviously covering up the wrongdoing of their children! (Proverbs 3:32; 28:13) However, by loyally sticking to Bible principles, a parent helps both himself and his children to gain the prize of life.​—1 Timothy 4:16.

Your Friends​—“Wise” or “Stupid”?

16. (a) How can our friends be a powerful influence? (b) Who are particularly vulnerable to the influence of friends, and why?

¹⁶ The book Sociology: Human Society observes: “Desire for the esteem of one’s close friends exerts a strong pressure for conformity to their standards.” The book Adolescence shows that young people are particularly vulnerable to such pressure. It states: “[This is because] of the changes they are experiencing in their bodies, self-concepts, and relationships with their families. As a result, adolescents begin spending more time with their friends and less with their families.”

17. (a) Illustrate the truthfulness of the words of Proverbs 13:20. (b) What kind of friends could be considered “wise”? (c) How can young people today follow the example of young Samuel?

¹⁷ Not to be overlooked are the words of Proverbs 13:20: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” One Christian girl confesses: “All the bad association at my school is really starting to affect me. I caught myself saying a curse word in school today . . . I almost said it, but I didn’t.” Sad to say, some Christian youths have been led into very serious acts of misconduct by so-called friends. But if you are a young person desirous of gaining the prize, search out wise friends​—those who are spiritually minded, upright in their conduct, upbuilding in their speech. Remember, young Samuel did not associate with the bad sons of Eli. He stayed busy “ministering to Jehovah,” thus remaining untouched by their corruption.​—1 Samuel 3:1.

Attain the Prize!

18. (a) How may some brothers, perhaps unwittingly, hinder us in our race for life? (b) What can protect us from such unwholesome influences?

¹⁸ Beware, then, of anyone who would deprive you of the prize of life. This, of course, does not mean that you should view your brothers with suspicion. At times, though, perhaps unwittingly, some brothers may say things that discourage you. (‘Why do you keep pushing yourself? Do you think you’re the only one who will gain life?’) They may even harshly judge your sincere efforts. (‘I just don’t see how you can pioneer with a family. It just isn’t fair to your children.’) However, recall that Jesus rejected Peter’s admonition to ‘take it easy.’ (Matthew 16:22, 23) Use your Bible-trained ears to “test out words,” and do not be influenced by those that do not ring true. (Job 12:11) Remember that Paul said: “If anyone contends even in the games, he is not crowned unless he has contended according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5) Yes, God’s “rules”​—not unscriptural opinions—​must guide your thinking.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 4:3, 4.

19, 20. (a) How did Joseph’s brothers seek to do him harm, and how did Joseph respond to their unkindness? (b) How can we avoid stumbling over imperfect humans? (c) What should be our resolve with regard to the prize, and why?

¹⁹ True, at times a fellow Christian may ‘stab’ you with some thoughtless word. (Proverbs 12:18) Do not let this make you quit the race for life! Remember Joseph. His own brothers considered murdering him, and though restrained from doing so, they finally sold him into cruel slavery. Joseph, however, did not allow this to embitter him or ‘enrage him against Jehovah.’ (Proverbs 19:3) Rather than taking revenge, he later gave them opportunity to demonstrate a changed attitude. And upon observing their repentance, he “proceeded to kiss all his brothers and to weep over them.” As Jacob later said, “the archers [Joseph’s jealous brothers] kept harassing him and shot at him and kept harboring animosity against him.” Yet Joseph repaid their hatred with kindness. Rather than being weakened by the experience, “the strength of his hands was supple.”​—Genesis 37:18-28; 44:15–45:15; 49:23, 24.

²⁰ So rather than stumbling over imperfect humans, keep on ‘running in such a way as to attain’ the prize! Like Joseph, let trialsome encounters strengthen rather than weaken you. (Compare James 1:2, 3.) Let your love for God prove to be so strong that no human will become a stumbling block to you. (Psalm 119:165) Always remember that Jehovah holds out the prize of everlasting life​—a prize beyond description, beyond comprehension. Let no man deprive you of it!