Timely Kingdom News to Be Distributed Worldwide

¹ On Sunday, April 23, a special public talk will be delivered on the arresting subject “False Religion’s End Is Near.” At the conclusion of the meeting that day, a thought-provoking four-page Kingdom News will be released. The timely message it contains will be given worldwide distribution during the three-week period from April 24 to May 14.

² In all parts of the world, people are perplexed. No matter where they live, they are plagued by problems. The Kingdom News will be of real interest to those who are sincerely concerned about what is happening, since it will direct them to God’s Word as the infallible source of guidance for man. (Ps. 119:105) All of us look forward to getting a copy of the Kingdom News when it is released on April 23. In the meantime, there is much to do in preparation for this intensive three-week campaign.

³ Encourage All to Have a Zealous Share: Who may have a share in the work? Certainly everyone who is already a publisher will be eager to do so! What about Bible students who are regularly attending congregation meetings? Some have associated with us for quite a while and are making steady progress. If they have brought their lives into harmony with Scriptural principles, are they qualified to be counted as Kingdom proclaimers? The publisher conducting the Bible study may discuss the matter with the student, and if the student is desirous of sharing in the field service, two elders will review with him the material on pages 98 and 99 of the book Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry. This should be done as soon as possible so that those who qualify as unbaptized publishers may have a full share in the campaign. Bible students who are not yet qualified to be counted as unbaptized publishers may still be encouraged to share this timely Kingdom News with acquaintances or family members.​—See The Watchtower, November 15, 1988, page 17, paragraph 8.

⁴ This work is not difficult; everyone can have a share. Parents may include practice sessions with the Kingdom News as part of the weekly family Bible study so that all family members will be well prepared to present it from house to house. A simple presentation is usually best. After a brief introduction, offer the Kingdom News to the householder, and encourage him to read it. When householders manifest interest, make a record so that you can return to cultivate the interest. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) The key to success is to have a simple, well-prepared presentation.

⁵ There will be “plenty to do” during April and May. In next month’s issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, further information will be provided in the insert entitled “Plenty to Do in the Work of the Lord.”​—1 Cor. 15:58.

Much Is Given​—Much Is Demanded

¹ How favored we are to have the truth! Because of our dedication to Jehovah, we have been “entrusted with the good news.” (1 Thess. 2:4) This places us under greater responsibility. Jesus said: “Everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him.”​—Luke 12:48b.

² How true those words are! Since all of us have been blessed with a knowledge of God’s Word, a wonderful association of brothers, and a marvelous hope, it can truthfully be said that much has been given to us. Reasonably, much is expected in return.

³ Maintain a Proper View of Requirements: Some have concluded that too much is expected of us. As Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ determines “what is needed” to make it function properly. (Eph. 4:15, 16) He assures us that ‘his yoke is kindly and his load is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30) He lovingly makes allowances for those who have limitations. (Luke 21:1-4) If we give our best, regardless of the amount, we will be blessed.​—Col. 3:23, 24.

⁴ Ask yourself, ‘Are Kingdom interests first in my life? Am I using my time and my assets in a way that results in praise to God’s name and benefit to others? Do I find that my greatest pleasure comes from serving Jehovah rather than from selfishly enjoying material things?’ Our honest answers to these questions reveal the motives within our hearts.​—Luke 6:45.

⁵ Avoid Being Tempted to Do What Is Bad: Never before have there been such temptations and pressures toward self-interest, greed, and love of sensual pleasure. Every day we are faced with moral challenges, with temptations to compromise. To meet these challenges successfully, we must ask Jehovah to help us. (Matt. 26:41) Through his spirit, he can make us strong. (Isa. 40:29) Reading God’s Word daily is a great help. (Ps. 1:2, 3) Self-discipline and self-control also play a major role.​—1 Cor. 9:27.

⁶ It is not enough to love what is good​—we must also hate what is bad. (Ps. 97:10) This means not cultivating a yearning for those things that are bad. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that Jehovah hates. Obviously, one who wants to please Jehovah must also hate such things. Having been blessed with an accurate knowledge of the truth, we should want to act in accord with that knowledge, keeping our minds fixed on good things.

⁷ It is proper to pray for circumstances that are favorable for “always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) Many have found that a busy schedule in Jehovah’s service is a protection because it allows little time for pursuing worthless things.

⁸ All things considered, what Jehovah requires of us is very reasonable. (Mic. 6:8) We have every cause to be grateful for each privilege of service. (Eph. 5:20) Therefore, we keep “working hard and exerting ourselves,” confident that our reward will be infinitely greater than anything required of us.​—1 Tim. 4:10.