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Serving Unitedly as an Association of BrothersThe Watchtower—1975 | December 1
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For example, when both Ananias and his wife expired through divine action, it was “the younger men” who carried them off and buried them. (Acts 5:5, 6, 10) The apostle Peter, after urging his fellow elders to serve as humble examples to the flock, said: “In like manner, you younger men, be in subjection to the older men.” (1 Pet. 5:1-5) Timothy, who was quite young in comparison to the apostle Paul, is spoken of as among those serving Paul as his “assistants” or “helpers” or ‘ministering’ to him. (Acts 19:22, NE; AT; JB; NW) Onesimus, the runaway slave, whom the aged Paul called “my child,” had ‘looked after or waited on Paul,’ “ministering” to him, as a son would for a father, while Paul was in prison. (Philem. 9, 10, 13, NE; AT; NW; compare 2 Timothy 1:16-18.) By working humbly along with these older, more experienced servants of God, the younger men gained rich benefits and training.
23. Are only younger ones to display such lowliness of mind?
23 Though their tasks may have appeared to be of little honor or prestige, their course is one that exemplifies the right attitude for all to have, of whatever age they may be. The apostle Peter, therefore, after counseling younger men to be subordinate to their elders, goes on to say: “But all of you gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones [superior appearing ones, Int], but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”—1 Pet. 5:5.
24. What grand benefits result from this course, and how does it contribute markedly to Christian unity?
24 How pleasant it is to serve together when a humble and modest spirit prevails in a congregation! What a force for persons effectively working together as a body the spirit of brotherhood proves to be when it is manifested by Christian elders, eliminating tendencies toward time-wasting contention or angry debates! (1 Tim. 2:8) Surely there is much here for all of us to meditate upon. Do we seek the genuine greatness that comes from such humble service motivated by brotherly love? Let us each show it by our being helpful, considerate, interested in all, including the lowly ones, granting to all their due measure of personal dignity and worth. (Rom. 12:10, 15, 16) We thereby prove ourselves true disciples of the One who excels in service, God’s Son, Christ Jesus.
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What Does It Mean to Be a “Minister”?The Watchtower—1975 | December 1
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What Does It Mean to Be a “Minister”?
1, 2. (a) What ideas does the word “minister” bring to mind in different countries? (b) What do we need to note about the modern use of the word as compared with its earlier use?
WHEN you see or hear the word “minister” in some languages, of what do you think? In the language of some lands, the corresponding word refers only to a political official, such as a “Minister of Justice” or a “Prime Minister.” But in lands with languages that are based on or strongly influenced by Latin (where the term originated), the word “minister” may also call to one’s mind a religious official, generally a Protestant or Evangelical clergyman.
2 Actually, the word “minister” as used
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