we fall behind, then the accumulated burden of unassumed obligations can become too great to be borne. So know that your primary obligations are to preach the good news of God’s kingdom and to lead exemplary Christian lives. Then determine if your place in the congregation gives additional obligations, and what they are. Next, make a practical schedule to spend some time on each and stick to it. None can be pushed aside. Follow Jesus’ example, for we are under obligation “to go on walking just as that one walked.”—1 John 2:6.

²² But how does one reach out for additional obligations? What do these involve, and how can they be cared for? This will be taken up for consideration in the following article.

The Additional Obligations of the Overseer

“Shepherd the flock of God in your care, . . . eagerly; . . . becoming examples to the flock.”—1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

1. (a) For what additional obligations has God made provision? (b) What causes some Christians to reach out for these additional obligations?

IN THE previous article it was established that there are obligations resting on all Christians. All are obligated to God by reason of their indebtedness to God, by reason of their dedication vow and by reason of God’s commands or laws in the Christian system of things. In addition to the primary obligations that rest upon all Christians, God has made provision for Christians to reach out and take on additional obligations as congregation, circuit or district overseers, full-time pioneer ministers, missionaries or members of one of the Watch Tower Society’s Bethel homes. What is it that causes some to reach for additional obligations? It is a desire to do more. “If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a fine work.” (1 Tim. 3:1) This desire is voluntary but comes from a feeling of obligation to God. The depth of one’s love and devotion, the degree of appreciation and thankfulness to God, according to the full awareness of one’s indebtedness to God, all move one to see to what extent he is obligated to utilize his time and abilities to the greatest possible extent in Jehovah’s service.—Col. 1:9-11.

2, 3. (a) What scriptures indicate that the Christian should want to increase his service? (b) How did Jesus show that others should take on the obligations of shepherding?

² Our dedication obligates us to seek the right kind of work. God’s undeserved kindness obligates the mature Christian to take on more good works. “By this undeserved kindness, indeed, you have been saved through faith; . . . it is God’s gift. . . . For we are a product of his work and were created in union with Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to walk in them.” (Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 1:28, 29) And “to be made mighty” and to be “filled with all the fullness that God gives” implies a growing to greater capacity and taking on of greater responsibility. (Eph. 3:16, 19) Even as the “gifts in men”