DOES NATURAL ABILITY PLAY A PART?

15, 16. (a) How may ability be defined, and does it have any bearing on the selection of elders in the congregation? (b) Besides natural abilities, what more important qualifications must appointed elders have?

¹⁵ Ability is said to be the power to perform. There is no question but that natural aptitude can be a great blessing. But is natural ability the important thing that God is looking for among his people?

¹⁶ It is true, in selecting elders in the congregation, ability is given consideration. Some may be gifted in certain ways. For example, to be an elder one must be “qualified to teach.” (1 Tim. 3:2) But this involves more than natural ability. A qualified teacher in the congregation needs to have accurate knowledge. He must know the whys and wherefores and have a deep insight into the Holy Scriptures. And more than having knowledge, he must be tactful, patient and interested in other people in order to be an effective teacher. The apostle Paul instructed Titus to make appointments of older men, stating that an overseer must be “holding firmly to the faithful word as respects his art of teaching, that he may be able both to exhort by the teaching that is healthful and to reprove those who contradict.” (Titus 1:9) Such accredited ones do not rely on their natural abilities but look to their Grand Instructor for guidance in assisting others in the congregation.

17. Those with natural abilities and special talents need to guard against what?

¹⁷ A measure of ability is often required to do certain other types of work in the congregation. But the results that are obtained should not be attributed just to personal ability or talent. In fact, those blessed with natural abilities need to be careful not to rely on their own understanding, but, rather, to lean on Jehovah, asking him to direct their steps. (Prov. 3:5, 6) Observation will usually show that those serving among us as elders, and others who are working hard, qualify through diligent study and application of what they learn. Over a period of time they have paid close attention to themselves and to their teaching, inclining their ears to God’s instruction. They have wanted to do his work as he wishes it to be done, and it is commendable to see how they allow Jehovah to use their time and talents in various ways to promote his worship.

It follows, then, that any ability a steward may have, natural or acquired, if it is to be of real value to God, must be coupled with the sterling quality of faithfulness. Even David, who pictured Christ Jesus, said: “My eyes are upon the faithful ones of the earth, that they may dwell with me. The one walking in a faultless way, he it is who will minister to me.”​—Ps. 101:6.

20. Why is faithfulness, and not ability, the thing Jehovah is looking for among those he approves?

²⁰ Ability is something that one can receive from Jehovah as a gift. In Exodus, for example, we read how Jehovah gave wisdom, understanding and knowledge to certain ones who worked in building the beautiful tabernacle there in the wilderness. (See Exodus 35:30–36:1.) But when it comes to faithfulness, this is not something that God gives a person. Nor is it something that is inherited or that is automatically received at baptism. It must be worked at, developed. It takes time, effort, endurance to build up a record testifying to one’s way of life. It is up to the worshiper himself to display it as he does his work, carrying out his stewardship in faithfulness.​—1 Pet. 4:10.

THE PART MODESTY PLAYS

21. When it comes to boasting, what do the Scriptures counsel?

²¹ When it comes to a proper estimate of oneself, Jehovah gives this fine counsel: “Wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Prov. 11:2) One walking modestly with God realizes that he has nothing to brag about in himself, regardless of his ability or accomplishments. If he wants to boast, let him boast about the wonderful God he serves. This is what the Bible urges when it says that one should not brag about himself because of his mightiness or his riches. But, rather, let him brag about the fact that he knows Jehovah as a God of loving-kindness, justice and mercy.​—Jer. 9:23, 24.

22, 23. (a) How should we look upon any material possessions we might have? (b) Having done all we can, still how should we view ourselves? (c) What will help a person to keep from becoming bored and discouraged?

²² Some may have a little more of this world’s goods than others. Some may seemingly have a better station in life. But the instruction is most straightforward that the Christian must not be overconfident, relying on the things he possesses, but, rather, must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. (Luke 12:15; Phil. 2:12) This recommended way of life means staying totally involved in pure worship, being rich in fine works.​—1 Tim. 6:17-19.

²³ Any resources or talents that a person has should be viewed as a treasure held in trust, to be used to God’s honor and glory. In this way it will protect a person from getting puffed up because of his accomplishments in serving Jehovah. A fine attitude that everyone should cultivate after having done what was assigned is: “We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.” (Luke 17:10) Serving as God directs, doing so gladly and willingly and dependably, whether prominently or not, is something that is agreeable to him. No one, however, should have a feeling of frustration or uselessness, even though there may be a certain sameness or monotony about the routine of work performed. Remember, what Jehovah continues to look for among his servants is that they be found always faithful in whatever he gives them to do.

24. Of what benefit to those faithful to Jehovah is the counsel at Romans 12:16?

²⁴ Accurate knowledge of God’s ways helps to keep one humble and to prevent one from minding lofty things. (Rom. 12:16) It safeguards a person from boasting in what he has done and aids him faithfully to direct attention to the Source of goodness and greatness. If one is prominent, let it be because of loyal service to the true God and because of unselfishly giving of oneself on behalf of others. A favorable name with Jehovah should be the thing desired, having a reputation for faithfulness​—that is the way of life God approves.​—Eccl. 7:1.