night and a day I have spent in the deep; in travels often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from highwaymen, in dangers from my own race, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers, in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in abstinence from food many times, in cold and nakedness.” For a person lacking the proper evaluation of the treasure of full-time service these would have been good reasons for quitting. But not so with Paul. He cherished this treasure too greatly even to entertain such a thought. No amount of hardship and abuse could cause him to let this treasure go. Neither did he permit the attraction of material comforts, financial security or precious gems to change his set of values. He considered all that the world offered in a material way as loss when compared with the ministry and its life-giving truths. Regarding this he said: “Why, for that matter, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse.” (Phil. 3:8, NW) Thus the things of this world, upon which people set their hearts, Paul considered to be refuse, to compare with the treasure he had of full-time service of God in the Kingdom ministry.

24. What is the wise course for a person to take?

²⁴ Does it not seem foolish to place your heart upon a great deal of refuse and to make it your goal in life? Is it not foolhardy to make that your treasure? Since a person’s evaluation of diamonds, pearls and rubies is completely changed by the circumstances he is in, is it not wiser to set your heart upon a treasure whose value never changes? A treasure that can mean eternal life? Jesus once said: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21, NW) Now, where is your heart? Is it where his heart is, on the glorious treasure of full-time service?

Letter of Appreciation

December 11, 1955

Dear Brother Knorr:

It occurs to me that you have probably heard many times expressions of appreciation by brothers who have enjoyed rich spiritual blessings during the year 1955. But I am anxious to add another word. Often do I think of the great responsibility that you have before Jehovah. And it is so obvious that you have his rich blessings. That must give you great peace and joy.

I never expected to have such joys with my brothers in many lands as I had the past summer in Europe. And the Society did a wonderful service to the brothers in making that trip possible. It was a tremendous task. I hope, too, that you have another New World Society movie of it. The public seems to like the closeness that the pictures bring and so do the brothers who remain at home.

And the spiritual food that constantly flows from the temple is most thrilling and satisfying. New light is coming from the temple and about the temple. I have just read carefully the December 15, 1955, Watchtower. Wonderful light! It will aid much in causing all to see the value of bringing all the ‘tithes’ into Jehovah’s house.

Rejoicing with you in this great day of Jehovah, I am

Your fellow servant with much love,

H. L. P.