keeping a simple eye

15. How can followers of Jesus demonstrate that they are keeping a simple eye, and why is this the course of wisdom?

¹⁵ Followers of Jesus today see the wisdom of keeping a simple eye. They therefore avoid weighing themselves down with unnecessary debt and with mundane pursuits that consume too much attention and energy. (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Many have taken steps to simplify their lifestyle so that they can devote more time to the Christian ministry, perhaps even serving as full-time Kingdom proclaimers. There could hardly be a wiser course to pursue, for keeping Kingdom interests in their rightful place results in the greatest happiness and satisfaction.—Matthew 6:33.

OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE AND MINISTRY–MEETING WORKBOOK JULY 2016

 LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

Keeping Our Life Simple Helps Us Praise God

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Today, it is easy to complicate our lives with many things. Time and energy are required to shop for, pay for, use, maintain, and safeguard possessions. Jesus lived a simple life so that material possessions would not needlessly pull him away from his ministry.—Mt 8:20.

How could you simplify your life so that you can do more in the ministry? With some adjustments, could someone in your household join the pioneer ranks? Even if you are currently in full-time service, have you gradually allowed material things to complicate your life? A simple life in Jehovah’s service is a happy, contented life.—1Ti 6:7-9.

1 Timothy 6:7-9

⁷  For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. ⁸  So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things. ⁹  But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin.

Write down ways that you can simplify your life.

\The Bible associates wisdom with modesty, which includes being aware of our limitations. (Proverbs 11:2) Jesus was modest and realistic in what he expected of himself. He knew that he was not going to convert everyone who heard his message. (Matthew 10:32-39) He also realized that there was a limit to the number of people that he would personally be able to reach. So he wisely entrusted the disciple-making work to his followers. (Matthew 28:18-20) He modestly acknowledged that they would “do works greater than” his own, for they would reach more people over a greater area and for a longer period of time. (John 14:12) Jesus also recognized that he was not beyond needing help. He accepted the aid of the angels who came to minister to him in the wilderness and of the angel who came to strengthen him in Gethsemane. In his moment of greatest need, the Son of God cried out for help.

—Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; Hebrews 5:7.

¹⁷ We too need to be modest and realistic in what we expect of ourselves. We certainly want to work whole-souled and to exert ourselves vigorously in the preaching and disciple-making work. (Luke 13:24; Colossians 3:23) At the same time, we need to remember that Jehovah does not compare us with one another, nor should we. (Galatians 6:4) Practical wisdom will help us to set realistic goals in accord with our abilities and circumstances. In addition, wisdom will guide those in positions of responsibility to acknowledge that they have limitations and that they need help and support from time to time. Modesty will enable such ones to accept the help graciously, recognizing that Jehovah may well use a fellow believer to become “a strengthening aid” to them.—Colossians 4:11.