HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR LIFE? TS IT not apparent that most of mankind are living their lives for themselves? Jesus did not hold back, but was whole- souled in his service to God. When we read They are using their lives as they see fit, the historical accounts of his ministry in the without concern for others. But what about us? The apostle Paul wrote to fellow servants Gospels, how impressed we are with his ener- of Jehovah, saying: "None of us, in fact, lives Fesus" snew That he thad whe am hoste thine, with regard to himself only, and no one dies and he did not spare himself in finishing his with regard to himself only; for both if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we assignment. Should we not today be imitat- ing his example, especially since we have die to Jehovah, Therefore both if we live and such a short time left now in which to com- if we die, we belong to Jehovah."-Rom. plete the Kingdom-preaching? 14:7, 8. Yes, the end of this system is so very near! This is something for all of us to give Is that not reason to increase our activity? serious thought to: It would be entirely in- In this regard we can learn something from appropriate for us, while professing to be a runner who puts on a final burst of speed Jehovah's people, to try to live our lives with regard to ourselves only. As the apostle near the finish of a race. Look at Jesus, who apparently stepped up his activity during Paul wrote: "You do not belong to your- selves, for you were bought with a price. By his final days on earth. In fact, over 27 per- cent of the material in the Gospels is de- all means, glorify God."-1 Cor. 6:19, 20. voted to just the last week of Jesus' earthly Are we not thankful that Jehovah God ministry!-Matt. 21:1-27:50: Mark 11:1-15: has purchased us and that we now belong to 37; Luke 19:29-23:46; John 11:55-19:30. Him? He has bought us with the life of his By carefully and prayerfully examining own dear Son so that eternal death does not our own circumstances, we also may find have to be our lot, but we have before us the opportunity to enjoy everlasting life. (John that we can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period before 3:16, 36) How are you affected by this lov- ing provision of God? Does it not cause you the present system ends. Many of our broth- ers and sisters are doing just that. This is to want to show Jehovah your deep apprecia- evident from the rapidly inereasing number tion? The apostle Peter noted that if we have of pioneers. the proper mental disposition we will be Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have moved to "live the remainder of [our] time been new peaks in pioneers every month. in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, Now there are 20,394 regular and special but for God's will."_1 Pet. 4:2. pioneers in the United States, an all-time Is that what you are doing? Are you living no longer simply to satisfy personal ambi- peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does tions or desires, but to do God's will? Are that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard there ways in which you could share more of brothers selling their homes and property fully in doing the will of God? and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. God'& Will for Us Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short Jehovah makes clear in his Word that his time remaining before the wicked world's will for us today includes accomplishing a end,-1 John 2:17. great work of Kingdom-preaching before the Circumstances such as poor health or re- end of this system comes. (Matt. 24:14) Jesus Christ did a similar work. He said: sponsibilities in connection with your family may limit what you can do in the field min- "Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this istry. And yet, the pioneer ranks include I was sent forth."_Luke 4:43. many who have health limitations, as well as some persons with families. But these broth- KINGDOM MINISTRY. MAY 1974