wants to have them gathered, so that I am really filled with joy. Sometimes I am so very busy, and at times I get tired, but then I read Isaiah 40:25-31 again and again. I give thanks for my privilege in making disciples, and feel satisfaction in living life to the full. If I had my life to live over again, I would choose the same work and way of life.

23. (a) What encouragement may those in secular occupation receive from the example of Paul and Silas? (b) How may newly discipled ones become “our glory and joy”?

²³ Not all of us may be able to expand our service to the same extent. And some territories may be comparatively unresponsive. But all of us can work heart and soul in the preaching and teaching work, confident that Jehovah will lead us to those that belong to him. Many of us can be like Paul and Silas, who were pleased to work “night and day,” not only at their secular occupation, but also to ‘impart the good news of God along with their own souls’ to beloved new disciples. And concerning these we can say, as did the apostle: “For what is our hope or joy or crown of exultation​—why, is it not in fact you?​—before our Lord Jesus at his presence? You certainly are our glory and joy.” (1 Thess. 2:7-9, 19, 20) And it will be a continuing joy. For after the “great tribulation” has passed, what joy it will be in the new system to have eternally the pleasant association of those we helped to know Jehovah!

Walking Whole-souled in the Way of Life

“‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole strength and with your whole mind,’ and, ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ . . . ‘Keep on doing this and you will get life.’”​—Luke 10:27, 28.

1. What two contrasting ways of life are to be seen on earth today?

THROUGH his Son Jesus Christ, the Great Life-Giver, Jehovah, now offers mankind the “real life.” It is a meaningful life, bringing peace and satisfaction. But many today choose a different kind of life. Their heart and soul are ruled by selfishness, and they squander strength and mind in pursuing the fleeting pleasures of the “modern” permissive society. Without hope for the future, they follow the line: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die.” (1 Cor. 15:32) Contrariwise, there are others who expect to live tomorrow, and forever. They are the ones who really love God and neighbor. They are zealous “to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be liberal, ready to share, safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future.” And why? “In order that they may get a firm hold on the real life.”​—1 Tim. 6:18, 19; Ps. 36:7, 9; John 17:3.

2. (a) What does God require of those who will gain life? (b) Why may we commend many whose field-service opportunities are limited?

² What God requires of those who will gain life is whole-souled service. This