with our personal preparation and carrying out of the ministry. We are obliged to accomplish our ministry thoroughly. That requires our constant attention. To be thorough we must complete the work assigned. Any work worth doing is worth doing right and the ministry is the most worthy work in the world. Dedication to this ministerial service entails much personal examination and reflection. The most serious step we make in life is the dedicating of ourselves to Jehovah’s service and the accepting of the trust at his hands. Then we must be absorbed in our dedication and service, especially now. We have a precious treasure to guard and if we become in the least spiritually sleepy, indifferently careless or even distracted for a moment, what we have may be taken away from us. “Ponder over these things, be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.” What we have undertaken we must keep on doing, advancing, seeking the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit in guarding the trust we have been given. Our guard must be kept up continually. Never for a moment may we entertain contradictory or false knowledge, but with close adherence to the Word and spirit we shall guard well what is laid up in trust with us.—1 Tim. 4:13, 15; 6:2, 20; 2 Tim. 3:14, NW.

²⁶ Are you daily practicing Christianity? Have you regulated your personal life to conform to ministerial standards? Are you alertly guarding what is given you in trust, or do outside matters hold your interest? Are you keeping active in the ministry, or have you ‘buried’ your trust? What kind of account can you render to the Owner of the trust, Jehovah? Do you find yourself measuring up to the personal requirements of the ministry and, like Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, “proved by God as fit to be entrusted with the good news”? Then give consideration to the next article and check yourself on your responsibilities toward others.—1 Thess. 2:4, NW.

The Christian’s Responsibility Toward Others

1. What should every Christian do?

TIMOTHY was one of Paul’s most constant companions in the ministry. Together they engaged in extensive missionary activity. It was while they were visiting Corinth that Paul dispatched his letter to the Christians at Rome. Among other things he told them that “we . . . who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to be pleasing ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor in what is good for his upbuilding. For even Christ did not please himself.” Paul shouldered his part of Christian responsibility toward others, and through example and exhortation impressed upon other dedicated persons that