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“Gifts in Men” to Care for Jehovah’s SheepThe Watchtower—1999 | June 1
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“Gifts in Men” to Care for Jehovah’s Sheep
“When he ascended on high he carried away captives; he gave gifts in men.”—EPHESIANS 4:8.
1. What expression did a Christian sister make about the elders in her congregation?
“THANK you for caring so much about us. Your smiles, your warmth, and your concern are so genuine. You are always there to lend a hearing ear and share words from the Bible that lift our spirits. I pray that I never take you for granted.” So wrote a Christian sister to the elders in her congregation. Clearly, the love shown by caring Christian shepherds had touched her heart.—1 Peter 5:2, 3.
2, 3. (a) According to Isaiah 32:1, 2, how do compassionate elders care for Jehovah’s sheep? (b) When can an elder be considered a gift?
2 Elders are a provision from Jehovah to look after his sheep. (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Jehovah’s sheep are dear to him—so dear, in fact, that he purchased them with the precious blood of Jesus. Little wonder, then, that Jehovah is pleased when elders treat his flock with tenderness. (Acts 20:28, 29) Notice the prophetic description of these elders, or “princes”: “Each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” (Isaiah 32:1, 2) Yes, they are to protect, refresh, and comfort his sheep. Elders who compassionately shepherd the flock are thus endeavoring to live up to what God expects of them.
3 Such elders are referred to in the Bible as “gifts in men.” (Ephesians 4:8) When you think of a gift, you think of something given to fill a need or to bring happiness to the one receiving it. An elder can be considered a gift when he uses his abilities to provide needed assistance and to contribute to the happiness of the flock. How can he do this? The answer, found in Paul’s words at Ephesians 4:7-16, magnifies Jehovah’s loving concern for his sheep.
“Gifts in Men”—From Where?
4. In fulfillment of Psalm 68:18, in what way did Jehovah ‘ascend on high,’ and who were the “gifts in the form of men”?
4 When Paul used the expression “gifts in men,” he was quoting King David, who had said of Jehovah: “You have ascended on high; you have carried away captives; you have taken gifts in the form of men.” (Psalm 68:18) After the Israelites had been in the Promised Land for some years, Jehovah figuratively “ascended” Mount Zion and made Jerusalem the capital of the kingdom of Israel with David as its king. But who were the “gifts in the form of men”? They were men taken captive during the conquest of the land. Some of these captives were later made available to the Levites to help with the work at the tabernacle.—Ezra 8:20.
5. (a) How does Paul indicate that Psalm 68:18 has a fulfillment in the Christian congregation? (b) In what way did Jesus ‘ascend on high’?
5 In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul indicates that the psalmist’s words have a greater fulfillment in the Christian congregation. Paraphrasing Psalm 68:18, Paul writes: “Now to each one of us undeserved kindness was given according to how the Christ measured out the free gift. Wherefore he says: ‘When he ascended on high he carried away captives; he gave gifts in men.’” (Ephesians 4:7, 8) Paul here applies this psalm to Jesus as God’s representative. Jesus “conquered the world” by his faithful course. (John 16:33) He also triumphed over death and over Satan by reason of God’s resurrecting him from the dead. (Acts 2:24; Hebrews 2:14) In 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus ascended “far above all the heavens”—higher than all other heavenly creatures. (Ephesians 4:9, 10; Philippians 2:9-11) As a conqueror, Jesus took “captives” from the enemy. How so?
6. Starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., how did the ascended Jesus begin despoiling Satan’s house, and what did he do with the “captives”?
6 When on earth, Jesus demonstrated his power over Satan by delivering those held in bondage to the demons. It was as if Jesus invaded Satan’s house, bound him, and seized his goods. (Matthew 12:22-29) Just think, once resurrected and entrusted with ‘all authority in heaven and on earth,’ what plundering Jesus could then do! (Matthew 28:18) Starting at Pentecost 33 C.E., the ascended Jesus, as God’s representative, began despoiling Satan’s house by ‘carrying away captives’—men who had long been in slavery to sin and death and under Satan’s control. These “captives” willingly became “Christ’s slaves, doing the will of God whole-souled.” (Ephesians 6:6) Jesus, in effect, wrenched them from Satan’s control and, on Jehovah’s behalf, gave them to the congregation as “gifts in men.” Imagine Satan’s helpless rage as they were snatched from under his very nose!
7. (a) In what capacities do the “gifts in men” serve in the congregations? (b) What opportunity has Jehovah given to each man who serves as an elder?
7 Do we find such “gifts in men” in the congregation today? Indeed, we do! We find them serving as elders, working hard as ‘evangelizers, shepherds, and teachers’ in the more than 87,000 congregations of God’s people earth wide. (Ephesians 4:11) Satan would like nothing better than for them to mistreat the flock. But that is not why God through Christ has given them to the congregation. Rather, Jehovah has provided these men for the well-being of the congregation, and they are accountable to him for the sheep entrusted to them. (Hebrews 13:17) If you serve as an elder, Jehovah has given you a wonderful opportunity to prove yourself a gift, or blessing, to your brothers. You can do so by fulfilling four important responsibilities.
When There Is a Need for “Readjustment”
8. In what ways do we all need to be readjusted at times?
8 First, the “gifts in men” are provided “with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones,” says Paul. (Ephesians 4:12) The Greek noun rendered “readjustment” refers to putting something “into proper alignment.” As imperfect humans, we all need to be readjusted from time to time—to have our thinking, attitudes, or conduct brought “into proper alignment” with God’s thinking and will. Jehovah has lovingly provided “gifts in men” to help us make the needed adjustments. How do they do this?
9. How can an elder help to readjust a sheep who has erred?
9 At times, an elder may be called upon to help a sheep who has erred, who perhaps has ‘taken some false step before he is aware of it.’ How can an elder help? “Try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness,” says Galatians 6:1. Hence, when offering counsel, an elder would not scold the erring one, employing harsh words. Counsel should encourage, not “terrify,” the one receiving it. (2 Corinthians 10:9; compare Job 33:7.) The individual may already feel ashamed, so a loving shepherd avoids crushing that one’s spirit. When counsel, even firm reproof, is clearly motivated by and given in love, it is likely to realign the thinking or conduct of the erring one, thus restoring him.—2 Timothy 4:2.
10. What does readjusting others involve?
10 In providing “gifts in men” for our readjustment, Jehovah had in mind that elders be refreshing spiritually and worthy of imitation by his people. (1 Corinthians 16:17, 18; Philippians 3:17) Readjusting others involves not only correcting those taking a wrong course but also helping faithful ones to stick to the right course.a Today, with so many problems that tend to dishearten, many need encouragement to hold on. Some may need tender help to align their thinking with God’s. For example, some faithful Christians struggle with deep feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. Such “depressed souls” may feel that Jehovah could never love them and that even their best efforts to serve God could never be acceptable to him. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) But this way of thinking is not in alignment with how God truly feels about his worshipers.
11. What can elders do to help those who struggle with feelings of unworthiness?
11 Elders, what can you do to help such ones? Kindly share with them Scriptural proof that Jehovah cares for each of his servants and reassure them that these Bible texts apply to them personally. (Luke 12:6, 7, 24) Help them to see that Jehovah has ‘drawn’ them to serve him, so surely he must see value in them. (John 6:44) Assure them that they are not alone—many faithful servants of Jehovah have had similar feelings. The prophet Elijah was once so deeply depressed that he wanted to die. (1 Kings 19:1-4) Some anointed Christians in the first century felt ‘condemned’ by their own hearts. (1 John 3:20) There is comfort in knowing that faithful ones in Bible times had “feelings like ours.” (James 5:17) You can also review encouraging articles in The Watchtower and Awake! with the downhearted. Your loving efforts to restore the confidence of such ones will not go unnoticed by the God who has given you as “gifts in men.”—Hebrews 6:10.
“Building Up” the Flock
12. What is indicated by the expression “the building up of the body of the Christ,” and what is the key to building up the flock?
12 Second, the “gifts in men” are given with a view to “the building up of the body of the Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12) Paul here employs a figure of speech. “Building up” calls to mind construction, and “the body of the Christ” refers to people—the members of the anointed Christian congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:23, 29, 30) Elders need to help their brothers to grow strong spiritually. Their objective is ‘to build up and not to tear down’ the flock. (2 Corinthians 10:8) The key to building up the flock is love, for “love builds up.”—1 Corinthians 8:1.
13. What does it mean to be empathetic, and why is it important for elders to show empathy?
13 One facet of love that helps elders to build up the flock is empathy. To be empathetic means to feel for others—to identify with their thoughts and feelings, considering their limitations. (1 Peter 3:8) Why is it important for elders to have empathy? Above all because Jehovah—the one who gives the “gifts in men”—is a God of empathy. When his servants are suffering or in pain, he feels for them. (Exodus 3:7; Isaiah 63:9) He is considerate of their limitations. (Psalm 103:14) How, then, can elders show empathy?
14. In what ways can elders show empathy to others?
14 When someone discouraged comes to them, they listen, acknowledging that one’s feelings. They try to understand the background, personality, and circumstances of their brothers. Then when elders give upbuilding Scriptural help, the sheep will find it easy to accept because it comes from shepherds who truly understand and care about them. (Proverbs 16:23) Empathy also moves elders to consider the limitations of others and the feelings that may result therefrom. For example, some conscientious Christians may feel guilty because they are not able to do more in serving God, perhaps because of old age or poor health. On the other hand, some may need encouragement to improve their ministry. (Hebrews 5:12; 6:1) Empathy will move elders to find “delightful words” that build others up. (Ecclesiastes 12:10) When Jehovah’s sheep are built up and motivated, their love for God will move them to do all they can in serving him!
Men Who Promote Unity
15. What is signified by the expression “oneness in the faith”?
15 Third, the “gifts in men” are provided so that “we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God.” (Ephesians 4:13) The phrase “oneness in the faith” signifies unity not only of beliefs but also of believers. This, then, is another reason why God has given us “gifts in men”—to promote unity among his people. How do they do this?
16. Why is it important for elders to maintain unity among themselves?
16 To begin with, they must maintain unity among themselves. If the shepherds are divided, the sheep may suffer neglect. Precious time that could be spent in shepherding the flock may be unnecessarily taken up by lengthy meetings and debates over incidental matters. (1 Timothy 2:8) Elders may not automatically agree on every matter they discuss, for they are men having personalities that may vary widely. Unity does not preclude their having different opinions or even expressing them in a balanced way during an open-minded discussion. Elders preserve their unity by listening respectfully to one another without prejudgment. And as long as no Bible principle is being violated, each should be willing to yield to and support the final decision of the body of elders. A yielding spirit shows that they are guided by the “wisdom from above,” which is “peaceable, reasonable.”—James 3:17, 18.
17. How can the elders help to preserve unity in the congregation?
17 Elders are also alert to promote unity in the congregation. When divisive influences—such as hurtful gossip, a tendency to impute wrong motives, or a contentious spirit—threaten peace, they readily offer helpful counsel. (Philippians 2:2, 3) For instance, elders may be aware of individuals who are overly critical or who are prone to meddle in the affairs of others, thus becoming busybodies. (1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Peter 4:15) The elders will try to help such ones to recognize that this course is contrary to what we have been taught by God and that each one must “carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5, 7; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12) Using the Scriptures, they will explain that Jehovah leaves many things to our individual conscience, and none of us should judge others over such matters. (Matthew 7:1, 2; James 4:10-12) To serve together in unity, there must be an atmosphere of trust and respect in the congregation. By offering Scriptural counsel when needed, the “gifts in men” help us to preserve our peace and unity.—Romans 14:19.
Protecting the Flock
18, 19. (a) The “gifts in men” protect us from whom? (b) From what other danger do the sheep need to be protected, and how do elders act to protect the sheep?
18 Fourth, Jehovah provides the “gifts in men” to protect us from being influenced “by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in contriving error.” (Ephesians 4:14) The original word for “trickery” is said to mean “cheating at dice” or “skill in manipulating the dice.” Does that not remind us of how clever apostates operate? Using slick arguments, they manipulate the Scriptures in an attempt to lure true Christians away from their faith. Elders must be on the watch for such “oppressive wolves”!—Acts 20:29, 30.
19 Jehovah’s sheep need to be protected from other dangers as well. The ancient shepherd David fearlessly protected his father’s flock from predators. (1 Samuel 17:34-36) Today, too, occasions may arise when concerned Christian shepherds have to show courage in order to protect the flock from any who might mistreat or oppress Jehovah’s sheep, particularly the more vulnerable ones. Elders will be quick to remove from the congregation willful sinners who deliberately use trickery, deceit, and scheming in order to perpetrate wickedness.b—1 Corinthians 5:9-13; compare Psalm 101:7.
20. Why can we feel secure in the care of the “gifts in men”?
20 How thankful we are for the “gifts in men”! In their loving care, we can feel secure, for they tenderly readjust us, lovingly build us up, readily preserve our unity, and courageously protect us. But how should the “gifts in men” view their role in the congregation? And how can we show that we appreciate them? These questions will be discussed in the next article.
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Appreciating the “Gifts in Men”The Watchtower—1999 | June 1
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Appreciating the “Gifts in Men”
“Have regard for those who are working hard among you and . . . give them more than extraordinary consideration in love because of their work.”—1 THESSALONIANS 5:12, 13.
1. According to Acts 20:35, what power does giving have? Illustrate.
“THERE is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Can you recall the last time you experienced the truthfulness of those words of Jesus? Perhaps it was a gift you gave to someone you dearly love. You had chosen it carefully, for you wanted it to be something your loved one would cherish. The look of delight on your loved one’s face—how it warmed your heart! When properly motivated, giving is an expression of love, and expressing love has the power to bring us happiness.
2, 3. (a) Why may it be said that no one is happier than Jehovah, and how can the provision of “gifts in men” cause his heart to rejoice? (b) What would we not want to do with a gift from God?
2 Who, then, could be happier than Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift”? (James 1:17; 1 Timothy 1:11) Every gift he gives is motivated by love. (1 John 4:8) That certainly is true of the gift that God through Christ has given to the congregation—the “gifts in men.” (Ephesians 4:8) The provision of elders to look after the flock is an expression of God’s deep love for his people. These men are chosen carefully—they must meet Scriptural qualifications. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) They know that they must “treat the flock with tenderness,” for then the sheep will have reason to feel grateful for such loving shepherds. (Acts 20:29; Psalm 100:3) When Jehovah sees that his sheep have hearts filled with such gratitude, surely his own heart must rejoice!—Proverbs 27:11.
3 We certainly would not want to diminish the value of a gift from God; neither would we want to be unappreciative of his gifts. Two questions thus arise: How should elders view their role in the congregation? And how can the rest of the flock show that they appreciate the “gifts in men”?
‘We Are Your Fellow Workers’
4, 5. (a) To what does Paul liken the congregation, and why is this a fitting illustration? (b) What does Paul’s illustration show as to the way we should view and treat one another?
4 Jehovah has entrusted the “gifts in men” with a measure of authority in the congregation. Of course, elders do not want to misuse their authority, but they know that it is all too easy as imperfect humans to do so. How, then, should they view themselves in relation to the rest of the flock? Consider the illustration used by the apostle Paul. After discussing why the “gifts in men” are provided, Paul wrote: “Let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. From him all the body, by being harmoniously joined together and being made to cooperate through every joint that gives what is needed, according to the functioning of each respective member in due measure, makes for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15, 16) So Paul likens the congregation, including elders and other members, to a human body. Why is this a fitting illustration?
5 A human body is made up of many different members but has just one head. However, nothing in the body—not a muscle, not a nerve, not a vein—is useless. Each member is valuable and contributes something to the health and beauty of the whole. Similarly, the congregation is made up of many different members, but each member—whether young or old, strong or frail—can contribute something to the overall spiritual health and beauty of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) No one need feel that he is too insignificant to matter. At the other extreme, none should feel superior, for we all—shepherds and sheep alike—are part of the body, and there is but one head, Christ. Paul thus paints a warm picture of the love, care, and respect that we should have for one another. Recognizing this helps elders to have a humble, balanced view of their role in the congregation.
6. Although having apostolic authority, how did Paul display a humble spirit?
6 These “gifts in men” do not seek to control the lives or faith of their fellow worshipers. Paul, although having apostolic authority, humbly told the Corinthians: “Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.” (2 Corinthians 1:24) Paul did not wish to control the faith and way of life of his brothers. Really, he saw no need to do so, for he expressed confidence that they were already faithful men and women who were in Jehovah’s organization because they wanted to do what was right. Hence, speaking of himself and his traveling companion Timothy, Paul was, in effect, saying: ‘It is our job to work with you to serve God with joy.’ (2 Corinthians 1:1) What a humble spirit!
7. What do humble elders realize about their role in the congregation, and what confidence do they have in their fellow workers?
7 “Gifts in men” today have the same job. They are ‘fellow workers for our joy.’ Humble elders realize that it is not for them to decide how much others are able to do in service to God. They know that while they may encourage others to expand or improve their ministry, service to God should stem from a willing heart. (Compare 2 Corinthians 9:7.) They are confident that if their fellow workers are joyful, they will do all they can. It is thus their heartfelt desire to help their brothers to “serve Jehovah with rejoicing.”—Psalm 100:2.
Helping All to Serve With Joy
8. What are some ways in which elders can help their brothers to serve Jehovah with joy?
8 Elders, how can you help your brothers to serve with joy? You can encourage by example. (1 Peter 5:3) Let your zeal and joy in the ministry show, and others may be heartened to imitate your example. Commend others for their whole-souled efforts. (Ephesians 4:29) Warm and genuine commendation helps others to feel useful and needed. It encourages the sheep to want to do their best to serve God. Avoid unfavorable comparisons. (Galatians 6:4) Such comparisons tend to discourage rather than motivate others to improve. Besides, Jehovah’s sheep are individuals—with different circumstances and abilities. Like Paul, express confidence in your brothers. Love “believes all things,” so we do well to believe that our brothers love God and want to please him. (1 Corinthians 13:7) When you ‘show honor to others,’ you draw out the best in them. (Romans 12:10) Be assured that when the sheep are encouraged and refreshed, most will do all they can in serving God, and they will find joy in that service.—Matthew 11:28-30.
9. What view of fellow elders will help each elder to serve with joy?
9 Humbly viewing yourself as a ‘fellow worker’ will help you to serve with joy and to appreciate the unique gifts of your fellow elders. Each elder has his own talents and abilities that he can use for the benefit of the congregation. (1 Peter 4:10) One may be gifted in teaching. Another may be an effective organizer. Yet another may be exceptionally approachable because of his warmth and compassion. The fact is, no elder has every gift to the same degree. Does having a particular gift—say, the gift of teaching—make one elder superior to another? Not at all! (1 Corinthians 4:7) On the other hand, there is no need to begrudge the gift another has or to feel inadequate when another elder’s ability brings him commendation from others. Remember, you yourself have gifts that Jehovah sees in you. And he can help you to cultivate those gifts and use them for the benefit of your brothers.—Philippians 4:13.
‘Be Obedient and Be Submissive’
10. Why is it only fitting that we express appreciation for the “gifts in men”?
10 When we receive a gift, it is only fitting to express appreciation. “Show yourselves thankful,” says Colossians 3:15. What, then, about the “gifts in men,” the precious gift that Jehovah has given us? Of course, we are primarily thankful to Jehovah, the generous Gift-Giver. But what about the “gifts in men” themselves? How can we show that we appreciate them?
11. (a) How may we demonstrate our appreciation for the “gifts in men”? (b) What is the significance of the expressions “be obedient” and “be submissive”?
11 We can demonstrate our appreciation for the “gifts in men” by being quick to heed their Bible-based counsel and decisions. The Bible advises us: “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.” (Hebrews 13:17) Notice that we must not only “be obedient” but also “be submissive” to those taking the lead. The Greek word for “be submissive” literally means “be you yielding under.” Commenting on the expressions “be obedient” and “be submissive,” Bible scholar R. C. H. Lenski says: “One obeys when one agrees with what he is told to do, is persuaded of its correctness and profitableness; one yields . . . when he has a contrary opinion.” When we understand and agree with the direction of those taking the lead, obedience may come readily. But what if we do not understand the reason behind a particular decision?
12. Why should we be submissive, or yielding, even when we do not fully understand the reason behind a particular decision?
12 Here is where we may need to be submissive, or yielding. Why? For one thing, we need to trust that these spiritually qualified men have our best interests at heart. After all, they well know that they must render an account to Jehovah for the sheep committed to their care. (James 3:1) In addition, we do well to remember that we may not know all the confidential facts that led them to an informed decision.—Proverbs 18:13.
13. What can help us to be submissive when it comes to the judicial decisions of the elders?
13 What about being submissive when it comes to judicial decisions? Granted, this may not be easy, especially if a decision is made to disfellowship someone we love—a relative or a close friend. Here again, it is best to yield to the judgment of the “gifts in men.” They are in a position to be more objective than we can be, and they may know more of the facts. These brothers often agonize over such decisions; it is a sobering responsibility to ‘judge for Jehovah.’ (2 Chronicles 19:6) They make every effort to be merciful, for they are mindful that God is “ready to forgive.” (Psalm 86:5) But they must also keep the congregation clean, and the Bible directs that they disfellowship unrepentant wrongdoers. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) In many cases the wrongdoer himself accepts the decision. The discipline may be just what he needs to come to his senses. If we, his loved ones, are submissive when it comes to the decision, we may thereby be helping him to benefit from the discipline.—Hebrews 12:11.
“Give Them More Than Extraordinary Consideration”
14, 15. (a) According to 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13, why do the elders deserve our consideration? (b) Why may it be said that the elders are ‘working hard among us’?
14 We can also demonstrate our appreciation for the “gifts in men” by showing them consideration. In writing to the congregation in Thessalonica, Paul admonished its members: “Have regard for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you; and . . . give them more than extraordinary consideration in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13) “Working hard”—does that not describe the devoted elders who unselfishly give of themselves in our behalf? Consider, for a moment, the heavy load these dear brothers carry.
15 In many cases they are family men who must work secularly in order to provide for their families. (1 Timothy 5:8) If the elder has children, these young ones need time and attention from their father. He may need to help them with their schoolwork, as well as schedule some time for them to expend their youthful energy in wholesome recreation. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) Most important, he cares for the spiritual needs of his family, regularly conducting a family Bible study, working with them in the field ministry, and taking them to Christian meetings. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Ephesians 6:4) Let us not forget that in addition to these responsibilities that are common to many of us, elders have additional duties: preparing for meeting parts, making shepherding calls, caring for the spiritual welfare of the congregation and, when necessary, handling judicial cases. Some carry extra responsibility in connection with circuit assemblies, district conventions, Kingdom Hall construction, and Hospital Liaison Committees. Truly, these brothers are “working hard”!
16. Describe ways in which we can show consideration for the elders.
16 How can we show them consideration? A Bible proverb says: “A word at its right time is O how good!” (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11) So words of sincere appreciation and encouragement can show them that we do not take their hard work for granted. Also, we should be reasonable in what we expect of them. On the one hand, we should feel free to approach them for help. There may be times when ‘our very heart is in severe pain’ and we need Scriptural encouragement, guidance, or counsel from those who are “qualified to teach” God’s Word. (Psalm 55:4; 1 Timothy 3:2) At the same time, we need to remember that there is only so much time that an elder can give us, for he cannot neglect the needs of his own family or of others in the congregation. Having “fellow feeling” for these hardworking brothers, we would not want to make unreasonable demands on them. (1 Peter 3:8) Rather, let us be appreciative for whatever time and attention they can reasonably give us.—Philippians 4:5.
17, 18. What sacrifices are made by many wives whose husbands are elders, and how can we show that we do not take these faithful sisters for granted?
17 What about the wives of the elders? Do they not also deserve our consideration? After all, they are sharing their husbands with the congregation. This often calls for sacrifices on their part. Occasionally, elders must spend evening hours caring for congregation matters when they could otherwise be spending time with their families. In many congregations faithful Christian women are willingly making such sacrifices so that their husbands can care for Jehovah’s sheep.—Compare 2 Corinthians 12:15.
18 How can we show that we do not take these faithful Christian sisters for granted? Certainly by not being unreasonably demanding of their husbands. But let us also not forget the power of simple words of appreciation. Proverbs 16:24 says: “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.” Consider an experience. Following a Christian meeting, a married couple approached an elder and asked to talk to him about their teenage son. While the elder spoke with the couple, his wife waited patiently. Afterward, the mother approached the elder’s wife and said: “I want to thank you for the time that your husband took to help my family.” Those simple, sweet words of appreciation truly touched the heart of that elder’s wife.
19. (a) Elders, as a group, are faithfully fulfilling what objectives? (b) What should all of us be determined to do?
19 The provision of elders to look after the sheep is one of Jehovah’s ‘good gifts.’ (James 1:17) No, these men are not perfect; like all of us, they make mistakes. (1 Kings 8:46) Yet, as a group, elders in the congregations worldwide are faithfully fulfilling the objectives Jehovah had in mind for them—namely, to readjust, build up, unify, and protect the flock. May each elder resolve to continue caring for Jehovah’s sheep tenderly, thereby proving himself a gift, or blessing, to his brothers. And let all of us be determined to show our appreciation for the “gifts in men” by being obedient and submissive to them and by showing them consideration for their hard work. How thankful we can be that Jehovah has lovingly provided men who, in effect, say to his sheep: ‘It is our job to help you serve God with joy’!
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