Do Not Give Up in Doing What Is Fine

“Let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.”​—GALATIANS 6:9.

1. What commission did Jesus give to his followers?

WHAT a fine activity Christians perform as part of their worship! It is embodied in the clear command: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) It was Jesus Christ himself who gave to his disciples the commission to carry out that worldwide teaching work.

2. (a) Why can we say that disciple making was an important work and a fine one? (b) What purposes does the disciple-making work serve?

² Since the disciple-making commission was one of the last statements Jesus made to his first disciples before ascending to heaven, was it not a most important assignment? Yes, because fulfilling it would save lives. (1 Timothy 4:16) That makes it a fine work. It provides sound Bible education for those heeding the Kingdom message, and the preaching work puts on notice any unresponsive ones. (Luke 10:10, 11) Hence, their doing this work identifies true Christians as much as does their compliance with any other teachings of Jesus.​—John 8:31.

3. (a) How did Jesus’ disciples respond to his personal example and command? (b) What attitude did Jesus build in his disciples?

³ As the Great Teacher, Jesus set a superb example for his followers. He taught publicly and made disciples by “preaching the good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 9:35) In imitation of him, new followers themselves became disciple makers, for a true disciple is “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” Initially, their disciple-making work was confined to Jews and proselytes. Despite adverse reaction in that field, however, did Jesus’ followers carry out his command to “go continually” “without letup”? Why, yes, they went “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” until the first Gentiles became believers in 36 C.E. (Matthew 10:5, 6; Acts 5:42) It was said that the disciples “filled Jerusalem with [their] teaching.” (Acts 5:28) They did not give up their fine work. Instead, they faithfully saw it through.

“The Field Is the World”

4. With what attitude did Jesus’ followers pursue their extended assignment?

⁴ Jesus indicated that the field would include “people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) In a parable about the sowing of Kingdom seed, he had said: “The field is the world.” (Matthew 13:38) Thus, Christians would be Kingdom “witnesses” of him everywhere. They would again “go continually,” this time “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The apostle Paul was “intensely occupied with the word,” and we can be sure that other Christians were too.​—Acts 18:5.

5. How did Jesus show that he expected his disciples to be intensely occupied with the witnessing work until the end of the present system?

⁵ Jesus expected witnessing activity to occupy Christians intensely until the end of the present system of things. This is shown in what he predicted about the Christian ministry and the territory it would cover. Jesus said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”​—Matthew 24:14.

6. How long will the Kingdom-preaching work be done, and how should this affect our attitude toward it?

⁶ When Jesus gave the command to engage in Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making activity earth wide, he knew that such fine work would one day reach its climax, just as it did for the Jewish field. But it would accomplish its purpose. “Then,” as he said, “the end will come.” Thus, until the end, Jehovah’s Witnesses confidently and joyfully continue in the work assigned. That helps them to continue in the work in our day until it is finished.

How to Do the Work

7. What theme marked Jesus’ ministry and that of his disciples?

⁷ Jesus taught his first disciples how to perform their public ministry. They zealously responded to his order to “go.” When training them for their witnessing work, Jesus said: “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’” (Matthew 10:7) That gave their message the same Kingdom theme that had marked his ministry. It would be good news for honesthearted ones. Once Jesus’ followers started their work, did he quit? No, indeed, for “when Jesus had finished giving instructions to his twelve disciples, he set out from there to teach and preach in their cities.”​—Matthew 11:1.

8. (a) Where and how were Kingdom proclaimers to make their approach? (b) Why is it appropriate to take the good news to a person’s house? (c) What advantages are there in properly greeting a householder?

⁸ Where and how were these Kingdom proclaimers to make their approach? Jesus told them: “When you are entering into the house, greet the household.” (Matthew 10:12) Going to a person’s house with the good news dignifies the householder, giving him an opportunity to deal with the Kingdom message on his home ground. Not only are the customary and accepted forms of greeting the polite and considerate ways to start a conversation but there is also an advantage to be gained from having a friendly and cheerful greeting turn an uninvited call into a welcome one. (Compare Matthew 28:9; Luke 1:28.) The tone of voice and reply of the person at the door also tell you much about his or her attitude. You need to take note of that before continuing because such knowledge makes it easier to adapt your comments to the householder’s needs.​—Compare Acts 22:1, 2; 23:6.

9. What shows that not all would hear the Kingdom message with appreciation, and what was to be the reaction to those not showing interest in it?

⁹ Jesus let his disciples know that not all people in a territory would respond favorably. He said: “Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving.” If all were to accept the Kingdom message, there would be no reason to use the expression “search out.” What was to be the reaction to those who did not show interest in the message? “Wherever anyone does not take you in or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city shake the dust off your feet,” departing in peace and leaving the consequences to Jehovah’s judgment.​—Matthew 10:11, 14.

The Situation Today

10. What has been said about the Kingdom-preaching activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

¹⁰ In faithful compliance with the Christian commission, Jehovah’s Witnesses are covering the earth with the Kingdom message. Thus, A. P. Wisse, a journalist in the Netherlands, commented: “They are different from other people. Part of this difference is the result of their zealous evangelizing. They view true Christianity not as a religion with cathedrals, with parishioners who each has his own fixed place and whose religion does not ask much more of him than to listen. They speak with Paul’s outspokenness to anyone who will listen.” Such zeal for the ministry surely has been blessed by Jehovah God.

11, 12. (a) What results have been produced in the ministry in recent years? (b) As we grow in numbers, what is happening to available territory in which to preach? (c) What questions are raised?

¹¹ Over 3,000,000 Kingdom publishers now work with zeal in 210 lands. We see a fine increase in new disciples​—1,246,204 having been baptized in the last seven years. The blessing of Jehovah on diligent effort is evident. (Isaiah 60:8-10, 22) Why, in at least 40 countries and islands, there is one Witness to every 300 inhabitants or less, or one to about 100 households! Moreover, in some areas of such countries as Canada and Guadeloupe, the ratio is one Witness to 45 or 50 people in a congregation’s territory​—only about 15 homes or less for each publisher to call on! Many of these territories are covered every month. Even in lands with higher ratios, some urban areas are getting very frequent coverage in our witness work. In Seoul, Republic of Korea, some city territories are worked every five days! As we grow numerically, and as more and more Witnesses take up the pioneer and auxiliary pioneer work, we will be calling at the doors of our neighbors with increasing frequency. Does that present problems?

¹² It must be admitted that there are problems in some areas, both for Jehovah’s Witnesses and for those on whom we call. Adding to the problems is the growing apathy among the people in many lands. Well, as we increase in numbers, do we slowly give up doing our fine work? Do we conclude that our work is almost done and that we have already ‘searched out’ all who will respond and become disciples? Are you personally getting tired and perhaps even frustrated at calling on the same unresponsive people? What can be done to keep up our excellent level of activity?

Maintaining the Right Attitude

13, 14. (a) How should we view the developing situation of frequently worked territory? (b) Why are we not deterred by those who are “unresponsive”? (c) How can we follow the apostolic example in facing those who resent our calls?

¹³ The solution mainly involves our attitude as witnesses of Jehovah. For one thing, let us always look at the bright side. The more frequent coverage of territory because of a high ratio of publishers to population was sure to develop in many places as our work reaches its climax. But have we not prayed for this? (2 Thessalonians 3:1) What we now see should make us rejoice and should convince us that we are in the final stages of the disciple-making work! The Kingdom is being preached, as Jesus foretold. And even in places where people will ‘not listen to our words,’ they are being put on notice by means of our Kingdom-preaching activity. Remember, besides making disciples, we are proclaiming the good news “for a witness.”​—Matthew 10:14; 24:14.

¹⁴ Furthermore, it is to be expected that a growing number will reject the Kingdom message as the end nears. The predictions are clear, and the experiences of both Jesus and Paul assure us that there would be those who would be “unresponsive” and whose hearts would be “unreceptive.” So, at this time we must be careful that we are not unresponsive to our commission. Even to those who are unresponsive, we are to go “again and again.” (Isaiah 6:9-11; Matthew 13:14, 15; Proverbs 10:21) True, it takes courage to go often to people who resent our calls. However, no territory situation anywhere should ever say to us, ‘Stop speaking.’ Rather, like the apostles, we should pray for boldness to “keep speaking”​—despite resentment or hostility —​until the work is done.​—Acts 4:18-20, 24-31.

15. What encouragement is given at Galatians 6:9, and how should it affect our view of visiting our neighbors with the good news?

¹⁵ Basically, there are only two kinds of people in all our territories​—those who at the moment are interested and those who are not. Therefore, we need to keep up the work of ‘searching out the deserving ones.’ Doing this is among the many excellent works that we are to produce as Christians to show our love for Jehovah and our loyalty to him. Therefore, “let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.” (Galatians 6:9) Since we are now so close to the end of this system, it is not the time to give up or get tired of visiting our neighbors with the good news of the Kingdom. Jehovah has not yet said that the work is finished.

Why We Need to “Keep Speaking”

16. (a) What are some of the circumstances that can change the response of people in a territory? (b) What local examples of change in response can you give?

¹⁶ We will also be helped to maintain a good attitude if we remember that loyalty to Jehovah is displayed by zealous Kingdom-preaching activities. Moreover, territories keep changing in various ways. People move, or their circumstances may change. They may not have been interested the last time we called, but loss of employment, the death of a loved one, a significant change in the struggle between the superpowers, a serious illness​—these and other changes can mean that they will be responsive the next time we call. Others, having learned that a friend or loved one has become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, may now want to talk with us to learn what we believe that could have produced this change.

17. How are some now reacting to the Kingdom message? Give any local examples.

¹⁷ Remember, too, that those who have grown up in recent years now have families, are taking life seriously, and are asking questions that only God’s Word can answer. For example, one young mother invited two Witnesses into her home and said: ‘As a little girl, I could never understand why my mother turned the Witnesses away and told them she was not interested, when all you wanted to do was talk about the Bible. I made up my mind then that when I grew up, got married, and had my own home, I would ask Jehovah’s Witnesses to come in and explain the Bible to me.’

18. How does the changing religious scene affect the territory in which we preach and teach?

¹⁸ Have you noticed that some people who would not talk to us for years and thought they were “saved” are now asking us sincere questions? Why? A change has taken place in their religious thinking. They are saying that they have been quite disillusioned and stunned by exposures of immoral conduct, political activities, and waste of church funds by some prominent television evangelists they once trusted. Likely, there will be more of this as conditions within Babylon the Great continue to deteriorate until the time of her destruction.​—Revelation 18:1-8.

19, 20. What shows why we should not feel discouraged about going back again and again to people who reject the message?

¹⁹ In any case, we should not become discouraged when most people are unreceptive. After we have left them, probably we are still on their minds. In Canada one householder visited by two Witnesses made it quite clear she was not interested. Later, she started thinking about what they had said and wanted to find them so they could answer questions raised in her mind. She got into her car and went looking for them up and down the streets of her neighborhood but was unable to locate them. Did she give up? No, she stopped at a friend’s house to ask if they had been there. They had not, but the friend said that there was a Witness at her place of work and she would put the interested woman in touch with the Witness. The result was a series of visits at the interested person’s home, to which she invited friends, neighbors, relatives, and fellow workers. As many as 15 persons have been present at times, and some 430 books and Bibles as well as 2,015 magazines have been placed.

²⁰ Many appreciate our calls. In a letter to a branch office of the Watch Tower Society, one woman said: “Thank you for having instilled a great dedication in the hearts of those of your faith. Thank you for coming around . . . and sharing the love of the Lord with others. That simple act does so very much for others. . . . Even though some may be cruel, others indifferent, and others receptive, . . . it truly does a world of good to have someone come by to remind you of spiritual things. I find this thing good, to speak of the Lord one with another.” In another letter, a householder asked us ‘not to give up on people,’ no matter how they treat us. “So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.” (Galatians 6:9) This work has Jehovah’s approval and blessing, and our participating in it proves our love for him and our neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-39) So let us carry the work to completion.​—Compare Philippians 1:6.

21. (a) Where, likely, is at least part of the challenge in going again to frequently worked territories? (b) What will we discuss in the next article?

²¹ We must face the fact that it may not always be the people that make it seem hard to work territory frequently. Sometimes it is we ourselves. Do we start out with negative ideas, feeling that we know all the people and what their reactions will be? That can affect our attitude and likely our tone of voice and facial expression. Are we still using the same methods and wording we have used for years? Now that the territory is changing, what once had success may not reach other ‘deserving ones.’ Perhaps we need a fresh approach and a new look at our work. Next, let us see what we can do so that we ‘do not give up but may reap in due season.’

Can You Explain?

◻ Why should we not “give up” in going to our neighbors with the good news?

◻ Who told us to make disciples the way we do, and what are the basic features of that method?

◻ What situation has developed in many territories, and what will help us maintain the right attitude about that situation?

◻ Why should we “keep speaking” the good news “without letup”?

Pay Constant Attention to Your Teaching

“Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.”​—1 TIMOTHY 4:16.

1. Why is this no time for us to slow down in our Kingdom-preaching work?

JEHOVAH is now speeding up the ingathering of sheeplike ones. Surely, then, this is no time for his people to slow down in their Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. (Isaiah 60:8, 22; Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) We need to act in accord with the spirit of what God is doing in our time. As the end draws nearer, we will be getting back to our neighbors more often. Indeed, increased witnessing activity by so many more publishers and pioneers is now stirring up the world field. And the momentum of this joyous ingathering will yet grow.​—Isaiah 60:11; compare Psalm 126:5, 6.

2. (a) According to Isaiah 40:28-31, what source of energy can we draw upon for the needed strength to finish the Kingdom-preaching work? (b) What is a good reason for paying extra attention to the quality of our ministry at this time?

² Rather than succumb to any feeling of being ‘tired out’ because some territory is being covered frequently, we should recognize that this is the time for us to pray to Jehovah for the needed “dynamic energy” to finish the work. (Isaiah 40:28-31; 1 John 5:14) True, millions of the “great crowd” of “other sheep” have already been gathered. But what was once successful in assisting certain people may no longer be effective in helping others still in our territories. (Revelation 7:9, 10; John 10:16) Hence, the quality of our ministry needs extra attention.

3. How can fresh enthusiasm be injected into our field ministry?

³ With renewed determination, we can concentrate on improving our effectiveness in the ministry. This can inject fresh enthusiasm into our field service. But how can it be done? By ‘paying constant attention to ourselves and our teaching,’ not just performing our ministry routinely. (1 Timothy 4:16) Our lips must offer more than a perfunctory “sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) We should be skillful at our work. (Proverbs 22:29) What is needed, then, is the skillful working of our territory. Here are some aspects of our ministry to which we need to “pay constant attention.”

How to Develop “New” Territory

4. In what way can we develop “new” territory in our congregation’s assignment?

⁴ Let us look at the situation in a practical way. In many places, there is no new or rarely worked territory. So why not develop “new” territory within the congregation’s assignment? How? Well, when we call frequently, we cannot act as if we have never called at that home before by saying only what we have usually said at the doors. Likely, the householder will recognize us anyway if we have repeatedly covered the territory. The book Reasoning From the Scriptures gives over 40 introductions that we can use in our ministry. We must prepare them well as something fresh and appealing by tying them in with matters of local and current interest. Rather than feel apologetic about calling often, we need to have a positive attitude and make our territory “new” with good-quality presentations. But will this help if householders are unfriendly?

5. (a) How can we make a previously unfriendly attitude work to our advantage? (b) What have you found to work well locally? (c) Why are listening and honest commendation helpful?

⁵ Knowing a householder’s past attitude could result in negative feelings about calling again. But why not make that knowledge work to your advantage? How? Perhaps by alluding to it first and then building on what was said during the previous call. You might say: “Good morning, Mr. Harris!” If it seems fitting, you could add: “How have you been?” Then you might say: “When I was here last week, you told me that your church looked after all your spiritual needs and that you are an involved member. As a neighbor who also takes religion seriously, may I ask what your church is saying about the hope for survival in the nuclear age?” Then, let him tell you. Commend the householder when you honestly can. Listening to him and commending him may change his attitude. Often, people will allow another visit if they themselves can do some of the talking. Of course, you will want to adapt your message to what the householder says.

6. (a) How can we train householders to expect us to call regularly? (b) What key expressions can help us to succeed? (c) What works well in the local territory?

⁶ By what you say, you can train householders to expect us to call regularly. Try saying: “Hello, Mrs. Fredericks! How are you today? On this visit to our neighbors, we are discussing . . . ” Or you might say: “Good morning! We are making our regular weekly calls. It’s good to be back. Your neighbors have enjoyed the new subject we are discussing on this visit.” Then continue. This also serves to make the territory “new” for you. The actual wording may differ somewhat in your land, but this gives the main idea. Why not make the most of it, to your advantage?

7. (a) When leaving, how do some Witnesses prepare the householder for another visit? (b) In this regard, what works well in the local territory?

⁷ So as to prepare the householder for the next call, some Witnesses have success with a conclusion like this: “We look forward to visiting you again soon.” To those who were somewhat reluctant to talk to you at first, you might say: “I’ve enjoyed our discussion. You surely made some good points. This took a few minutes, but at least we did not talk about bad news, which we can hear at any time. It was truly wholesome.” Doubtless, you will develop other appropriate ways to speak with householders. At any rate, by positive expressions, good-quality presentations, and friendliness, endeavor to help the public not to resent our regular calls.

Bear Thorough Witness

8, 9. What suggestions are given for thoroughly searching out deserving ones?

⁸ Another thing we can pay attention to that will keep our enthusiasm high is thoroughness in searching out deserving ones. (Acts 8:25; 20:24) For instance, a brother might ask for the man of the house if a woman or a child should come to the door on weekends or in the evening. Probably, it is the wife that we have talked to most of the time. So we can make a fresh start with a household by speaking with the family head. We can then adapt the message to him, saying such things as, “What do you think will assure your family of a happy future?” or, “Note how the Bible promotes family unity.” Commend the man for good ideas he may express.

⁹ Another way to find “new” territory is to seek out other family members living under the same roof​—a grandmother, a nephew or a cousin going to school, a sister-in-law who works during the week. It has also been practical to note how many electric meters or mailboxes there are at a dwelling. These may indicate where people have renovated a basement, an attic, or other area to rent out. Try to contact those renting ​—students, single workers, widows, and others. This too helps to stretch available territory.

10. What is another way to stretch our house-to-house territory, and what have some done to contact night workers?

¹⁰ One more way to stretch house-to-house territory is to give it a rest at times as we participate in other features of our ministry. For variety, we might work territory with a direct offer of a free family home Bible study. Some people who are not at home when we call can be found at their place of business or employment. And witnessing in business areas can be very fruitful. Some of these people may also be contacted if we do street witnessing at appropriate, productive hours. In Canada pioneers have had good results from late-evening calls on employees at all-night gasoline stations, stores, and hotels where desk clerks are not usually busy at that time and often appreciate having something to read. Of course, sisters especially would need to avoid certain areas during late hours.

11. (a) What are some Witnesses doing where many are not at home on the first call? (b) What effect can diligence in making not-at-home calls have on our territory, with what results in the ministry?

¹¹ What about those not at home when we call? Here again, we must be thorough. Some Witnesses use their well-kept house-to-house records right after their door-to-door work and go back to places where people were not at home earlier that day. Often, householders have returned home, or night workers are awake by that time. In many areas, 50 percent or more are not at home during the day. So we can, in effect, double that territory by making not-at-home calls at different hours until we do find someone at home. Pioneers and experienced publishers agree that diligence in working not-at-homes often yields better results than does our initial coverage of territory. By paying attention to this aspect of our ministry, we will likely reap many blessings.​—Proverbs 10:22.

Those Who Complain

12. How should we react when people complain that we are calling too frequently? Why?

¹² What can be said to people who complain that we are calling too frequently? Above all, we must display understanding. (Matthew 7:12) To them, it seems that we have returned quite soon. But it is good to remember that even years ago people were saying, ‘You were here last week,’ when we knew very well that it had been six months or more since we had called. Besides, frequent calls can spur interest. In Guadeloupe a man ran after a Witness to say: “I have observed you now for many weeks. Usually, I do not listen to the Witnesses, but I have to know why you visit the people so often!” A new Bible study resulted.

13, 14. How are some fellow believers handling matters when householders complain?

¹³ Some brothers have kindly told complainers the exact date of the previous call and have offered the latest magazines, making it clear that the articles differ from those in the journals we had the last time we called. Reasoning with such householders, we might say that perhaps they have received many newspapers and magazines since our last visit, but these have not always contained good news. We could explain that we are bringing good news and that our visits are not lengthy. But if a householder is too busy, we could say: “If this is not the best time to speak with you, I can see you on our next call in a week or so.”

¹⁴ What else might be said? This depends on the householder’s attitude and the usual courtesy expected where we live. One sister in Japan explains our frequent calls this way: ‘Television news will report on the course of a typhoon again and again, repeating the information frequently for the benefit of those who might have missed previous broadcasts. This is done because lives are involved. The frequency of the reports increases as the storm draws closer. So, as the storm of Armageddon draws near, the warning message must be declared as often as possible to save lives.’ Of course, we would make such a statement kindly and with sincerity, hoping to reach the heart of the listener.

Meeting the Challenge of Apathy

15. (a) What can be a growing challenge when we work our territory often? (b) Why are some people apathetic?

¹⁵ As the frequency of our visits increases, a growing challenge is the apathy we often encounter. But an examination of some of the causes of apathy can encourage us to note that it may yet be possible to reach the hearts of some of these people. Their apathy may mirror their frustration and hopelessness. They may feel that there is no way out of the present world situation, reasoning that they will just live out their lives in the best way they can. Others are disgusted because some religious leaders get involved in politics, are guilty of immoral behavior, or fail to take a firm stand against sexual immorality. So these householders are disillusioned and just live for today.

16. How might the heart of an apathetic person be reached?

¹⁶ We know that early Christian ministers successfully coped with the same attitude, for some people then said: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die.” (1 Corinthians 15:32) Hence, we know that we have just what such persons need to hear. Still, how can we reach their heart? One way is to put away our Bible literature for the moment, letting them see us do so. Then we might ask them such well-thought-out questions as these: “Do you think there is some solution to present-day problems? Is it that most people simply have not yet found solutions? Do you think we should be positive and keep searching?” To others, we could say: “Surely you agree that it is better to live with hope than without any prospect of better things. What do you hope to see?” We might ask: “What do you yourself feel is the biggest obstacle to world unity and peace?” Still others could be asked: “Do you think all religions are like what you have described?” Many times such questions will cause householders to express their views. Then, when they respond, be sure to listen. Yes, let them pour their heart out to you. Many of them are ‘sighing and groaning over all the detestable things now being done.’​—Ezekiel 9:4.

17. How may our publications be used to reach some even when they at first insist that they are not interested?

¹⁷ Another approach to apathy is to take note of a point or objection made by the householder and return with a magazine or other Watch Tower publication dealing with the matter. At first, it might even be a nonreligious subject, such as an article on sudden infant death or the dying off of the forests. Explain that you were thinking of what interested the householder and recalled this article. Then point out key ideas in the material. One woman who had just rejected our literature accepted a magazine only seconds later. Why? Because the Witness asked if the woman knew that there were 55 million abortions annually. Shocked to learn this, she asked for the magazine containing that information.

Seeing It to Completion

18, 19. (a) To what additional points should we ‘pay attention’ as we perform our ministry? (b) What prejudiced ideas do some people have about us and our beliefs, and how can we answer them?

¹⁸ Above all, we need to be patient with people. Talk slowly and with warmth. Manifest love and kindness. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Before going to the next door, think over what took place at the previous one to see where improvement is possible. Be understanding, for many people have wrong ideas about Jehovah’s Witnesses. They may say: ‘You avoid politics and civic duties,’ ‘You refuse military service,’ or, ‘You break up families.’ But this attitude is like that of the world toward our fellow believers of the first century. Show householders this, perhaps using quotations under the heading “Neutrality” in the Reasoning book.

¹⁹ Concerning the early Christians, historian Will Durant wrote: “To a Christian his religion was something apart from and superior to political society; his highest allegiance belonged not to Caesar but to Christ. . . . The detachment of the Christian from earthly affairs seemed to the pagan a flight from civic duty, a weakening of the national fiber and will. Tertullian advised Christians to refuse military service; . . . Christians were exhorted by their leaders to avoid non-Christians, to shun their festival games as barbarous, and their theaters as stews of obscenity. . . . Christianity [when making converts] was charged with breaking up the home.”​—Caesar and Christ, page 647.

20, 21. (a) What do we want to be sure of when people do not respond? (b) Why should we “not give up” but continue our fine work of Kingdom preaching?

²⁰ Some people will not listen, no matter what we say. But that should be because of their rejection of the Kingdom message, not because of our failure to make good-quality presentations in our ministry. (Luke 10:8-11; Acts 17:32; Ezekiel 3:17-19) We should do our best with God’s help, and Jehovah will see the work through to its completion.​—Compare Philippians 1:6.

²¹ With full confidence, then, continue to have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) “Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” (1 Timothy 4:16) Above all, “let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out.”​—Galatians 6:9.

Can You Recall?

◻ What are some ways to maintain a positive attitude in frequently worked territory?

◻ How can we more thoroughly search out deserving ones?

◻ How can we try to deal with those who complain that we call too often?

◻ In what ways can we meet the challenge of apathy?

◻ What will improve the quality of our ministry?