‘We Are Your Fellow Workers’

4, 5. (a) To what does Paul liken the congregation, and why is this a fitting illustration? (b) What does Paul’s illustration show as to the way we should view and treat one another?

⁴ Jehovah has entrusted the “gifts in men” with a measure of authority in the congregation. Of course, elders do not want to misuse their authority, but they know that it is all too easy as imperfect humans to do so. How, then, should they view themselves in relation to the rest of the flock? Consider the illustration used by the apostle Paul. After discussing why the “gifts in men” are provided, Paul wrote: “Let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. From him all the body, by being harmoniously joined together and being made to cooperate through every joint that gives what is needed, according to the functioning of each respective member in due measure, makes for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15, 16) So Paul likens the congregation, including elders and other members, to a human body. Why is this a fitting illustration?

⁵ A human body is made up of many different members but has just one head. However, nothing in the body​—not a muscle, not a nerve, not a vein—​is useless. Each member is valuable and contributes something to the health and beauty of the whole. Similarly, the congregation is made up of many different members, but each member​—whether young or old, strong or frail—​can contribute something to the overall spiritual health and beauty of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) No one need feel that he is too insignificant to matter. At the other extreme, none should feel superior, for we all​—shepherds and sheep alike—​are part of the body, and there is but one head, Christ. Paul thus paints a warm picture of the love, care, and respect that we should have for one another. Recognizing this helps elders to have a humble, balanced view of their role in the congregation.

6. Although having apostolic authority, how did Paul display a humble spirit?

⁶ These “gifts in men” do not seek to control the lives or faith of their fellow worshipers. Paul, although having apostolic authority, humbly told the Corinthians: “Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.” (2 Corinthians 1:24) Paul did not wish to control the faith and way of life of his brothers. Really, he saw no need to do so, for he expressed confidence that they were already faithful men and women who were in Jehovah’s organization because they wanted to do what was right. Hence, speaking of himself and his traveling companion Timothy, Paul was, in effect, saying: ‘It is our job to work with you to serve God with joy.’ (2 Corinthians 1:1) What a humble spirit!

7. What do humble elders realize about their role in the congregation, and what confidence do they have in their fellow workers?

⁷ “Gifts in men” today have the same job. They are ‘fellow workers for our joy.’ Humble elders realize that it is not for them to decide how much others are able to do in service to God. They know that while they may encourage others to expand or improve their ministry, service to God should stem from a willing heart. (Compare 2 Corinthians 9:7.) They are confident that if their fellow workers are joyful, they will do all they can. It is thus their heartfelt desire to help their brothers to “serve Jehovah with rejoicing.”​—Psalm 100:2.

9. What view of fellow elders will help each elder to serve with joy?

⁹ Humbly viewing yourself as a ‘fellow worker’ will help you to serve with joy and to appreciate the unique gifts of your fellow elders. Each elder has his own talents and abilities that he can use for the benefit of the congregation. (1 Peter 4:10) One may be gifted in teaching. Another may be an effective organizer. Yet another may be exceptionally approachable because of his warmth and compassion. The fact is, no elder has every gift to the same degree. Does having a particular gift​—say, the gift of teaching—​make one elder superior to another? Not at all! (1 Corinthians 4:7) On the other hand, there is no need to begrudge the gift another has or to feel inadequate when another elder’s ability brings him commendation from others. Remember, you yourself have gifts that Jehovah sees in you. And he can help you to cultivate those gifts and use them for the benefit of your brothers.​—Philippians 4:13.