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How to Maintain the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.” How did Jesus set a perfect example of self-sacrifice? WHEN Jesus was on earth, he set a perfect example of self-sacrifice. He put aside his own desires and comforts in order to do God’s will. (John 5:30) By remaining faithful to death on the torture stake, he proved that his spirit of self-sacrifice had no limit. How can we display the spirit of self-sacrifice, and why should we do so? 2 As followers of Jesus, we too need to display the spirit of self-sacrifice. What does it mean to have a self-sacrificing spirit? Simply put, it means that a person is willing to give up his own interests in order to help others. In a sense, it is the opposite of selfishness. (Read Matthew 16:24.) An unselfish spirit can help us to place our feelings and personal preferences after those of others. (Phil. 2:3, 4) In fact, Jesus taught that an unselfish spirit is at the heart of our worship. How so? Christian love, which is part of the motivation behind self-sacrifice, is the hallmark of true disciples of Jesus. (John 13:34, 35) And think of the blessings we enjoy because we are part of a worldwide brotherhood that displays the spirit of self-sacrifice! What might undermine our self-sacrificing spirit? 3 Still, we face an enemy that can subtly undermine our self-sacrificing spirit. That enemy is our tendency to be selfish. Recall how Adam and Eve manifested selfishness. Eve acted out of a selfish desire to be like God. Her husband manifested a selfish desire to please her. (Gen. 3:5, 6) After turning Adam and Eve away from true worship, the Devil continued to tempt people to be selfish. He even tried that approach when tempting Jesus. (Matt. 4:1-9) In our day, Satan has successfully misled most people, moving them to manifest selfishness in many ways. This merits our attention because the prevailing selfish spirit could rub off on us. (a) Can we presently eliminate selfish tendencies? Explain. (b) What questions will we consider? 4 Selfishness may be compared to rust that develops on iron. If an iron object is exposed to the elements, it might begin to rust. The real danger lies in ignoring the rust, allowing it to develop to the point of causing structural damage or failure. Similarly, though we cannot presently eliminate our imperfection and selfish tendencies, we must be alert to the dangers involved and continue to fight such tendencies. 9:26, 27) How can we recognize signs of selfishness in ourselves? And how can we to a greater degree cultivate our spirit of self-sacrifice? USE THE BIBLE TO CHECK FOR SELFISHNESS (a) How is the Bible like a mirror? (See opening image.) (b) When checking ourselves for selfishness, what must we avoid? 5 Just as we can use a mirror to check our physical appearance, so we can use the Bible to check our inner person and correct any defects we might find. However, only if we use it properly will a mirror help us with our appearance. For example, if we just glance at a mirror, we might fail to notice a small but significant blemish. Or if we look into a mirror from an angle, we might see the image of someone else. Similarly, to use the Bible to see a defect, such as selfishness, we should do more than read it casually or use it to see someone else’s faults. How do we ‘continue’ in the perfect law? 6 To illustrate, we could read God’s Word regularly, even daily, and still not see traces of selfishness that actually are developing in us. How is that possible? Consider this: In James’ example of the mirror, the problem was not that the man failed to look carefully. James wrote that the man “looks at himself.” Here, James used a Greek word that denotes scrutiny or careful consideration. So in this case, what was the man’s problem? James continued: “He goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is.” Yes, he turned away from the mirror without acting on what he saw. In contrast, the successful man not only “peers into the perfect law” but also “continues in it.” Instead of leaving the perfect law of God’s Word behind, he persists in following its teachings. Jesus made a similar point when he said: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples.” How can we use the Bible to check for traces of selfishness? 7 Therefore, to be successful in fighting traces of selfishness, you must first read God’s Word carefully. That may help you to identify areas needing attention. But you need to go further. Dig deeper by doing research. Once you have a Bible account clearly in mind, put yourself into it by asking such questions as: ‘How would I have acted in this situation? Would I really have acted in a right way?’ Most important, after you meditate on what you have read, strive to apply it. (Matt. 7:24, 25) Let us consider how we can use the accounts of King Saul and the apostle Peter to help us maintain a spirit of self-sacrifice. LEARN FROM KING SAUL’S WARNING EXAMPLE With what attitude did Saul begin his kingship, and how did he demonstrate this? 8 King Saul of Israel serves as a warning for us about how selfishness can eat away at our spirit of self-sacrifice. Saul began his kingship with a modest and humble view of himself. 9:21) He refused to punish Israelites who spoke out against his kingship, even though he could have felt justified in defending his God-given position. 10:27) King Saul accepted the guidance of God’s spirit by leading Israel in a successful battle against the Ammonites. Afterward, he humbly gave Jehovah the credit for the victory. How did Saul come to develop selfish thinking? 9 Later, Saul allowed selfish thinking and pride to develop, like corrosive rust. When he defeated the Amalekites in battle, he put his own desires ahead of obedience to Jehovah. Saul greedily took the spoil instead of destroying it as God had commanded. And Saul arrogantly built a monument to himself. 15:3, 9, 12) When the prophet Samuel told him that Jehovah was displeased, Saul tried to justify himself by focusing on the part of God’s command that he had obeyed and by blaming others for his error. 15:16-21) Additionally, pride made Saul more concerned with saving face before the people than with pleasing God. 15:30) How can we use the account about Saul as a mirror to help us maintain the spirit of self-sacrifice? (a) What does Saul’s experience teach us about maintaining a self-sacrificing spirit? (b) How can we avoid following Saul’s bad course? 10 First, Saul’s experience shows that we cannot be complacent, assuming that if we previously showed a self-sacrificing spirit, we will automatically continue to manifest it. 4:10) Bear in mind that Saul did well and enjoyed God’s favor for a while, but he failed to root out selfish tendencies that began to take hold. Jehovah ultimately rejected Saul for his disobedience. 11 Second, we should beware of focusing only on areas in our life in which we are doing well, ignoring aspects that we need to work on. This would be like using a mirror to admire our new clothes while not noticing some dirt on our face. Even if we might not be as self-satisfied as Saul became, we should definitely work to avoid any tendency that may lead to the same bad course. If we receive counsel, let us take care not to justify our actions, minimize the problem, or shift the blame. Rather than be like Saul, it is much better to be open to counsel. How could the spirit of self-sacrifice help us if we were to commit a serious sin? 12 However, what if we were to commit a serious sin? Saul wanted to preserve his reputation, and this kept him from making a spiritual recovery. In contrast, a spirit of self-sacrifice could help us to overcome embarrassment and get needed help. (Prov. 5:14-16) For example, one brother began viewing pornography at the age of 12, and he continued to do so in secret for over a decade. He relates: “It was very hard to admit to my wife and to the elders what I’d been doing. But now that I have admitted it, I feel that a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders. Some of my friends were disappointed when I was removed as a ministerial servant, as if I had let them down. Yet, I know that Jehovah is more pleased with my service now than when I was watching pornography, and his view is the one that really matters.” PETER OVERCAME SELFISHNESS How did Peter manifest selfish tendencies? 13 The apostle Peter displayed the spirit of self-sacrifice while he was being trained by Jesus. (Luke 5:3-11) Yet, he had to fight selfish tendencies. For instance, he was indignant when the apostles James and John schemed to gain prominent positions alongside Jesus in the Kingdom of God. Perhaps Peter thought that one of those seats should be for him because Jesus had already said that Peter would have a special role. (Matt. 16:18, 19) In any case, Jesus warned James and John, as well as Peter and the rest of the apostles, against selfishly trying to “lord it over” their brothers. 14 Even after Jesus tried to correct Peter’s thinking, Peter continued his struggle with how he viewed himself. When Jesus told the apostles that they would temporarily abandon him, Peter put the others down and elevated himself by claiming that he alone would prove to be faithful. (Matt. 26:31-33) His self-assurance was unfounded, though, for that very night he failed to show a spirit of self-sacrifice. In what amounted to an effort to protect himself, Peter disowned Jesus three times. Why is Peter’s overall example heartening? 15 Despite these struggles and failures, Peter’s life is a heartening example. With personal effort and the help of God’s holy spirit, Peter was able to overcome his misguided tendencies and display self-control and self-sacrificing love. 5:22, 23) He endured trials that could be viewed as more severe than the ones he stumbled over earlier. He showed humility by how he reacted to a public rebuke from the apostle Paul. 2:11-14) And after being rebuked, Peter did not hold a grudge, feeling that his status had been damaged by Paul’s reprimand. Peter continued to express love for Paul. 3:15) Peter’s example can help us to cultivate a spirit of self-sacrifice. How can we display the spirit of self-sacrifice in difficult circumstances? 16 Think about how you react in difficult circumstances. When Peter and the apostles were imprisoned and then flogged because of their preaching, they rejoiced “because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Jesus’] name.” (Acts 5:41) You too can view persecution as an opportunity to imitate Peter and follow in Jesus’ footsteps by displaying the spirit of self-sacrifice. (Read 1 Peter 2:20, 21.) This outlook could even help if you received needed discipline from the elders. Follow Peter’s example rather than take personal offense. (a) What might we ask ourselves about our spiritual goals? (b) What can we do if we sense a measure of selfishness in our heart? 17 You can also benefit from Peter’s example when it comes to spiritual goals. You can pursue such in a way that reflects a spirit of self-sacrifice. Yet, be careful that this pursuit does not become a quest for prominence. So ask yourself, ‘Could my desire to improve or increase my service to Jehovah be tainted by a wish for more personal recognition or authority, as seemed to have been the case when James and John made their request to Jesus?’ 18 If you detect a measure of selfishness in your heart, ask Jehovah to help you to correct your thinking and feelings; then work harder to concentrate on his glory instead of your own. 86:11) You might also pursue goals that would not put you in the limelight. For instance, you might cultivate more fully some aspect of the fruitage of the spirit that you find especially challenging. Or if you prepare diligently for your meeting parts but have little interest in sharing in cleaning the Kingdom Hall, you could set a goal to apply the advice found at Romans 12:16. What can we do so as not to be discouraged by what we see in the mirror of God’s Word? 19 When we look carefully at ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word and see flaws, even evidences of selfishness, we might become discouraged. If that ever happens to you, reflect on the successful man in James’ illustration. James did not stress how quickly the man fixed the problems he detected or even that he was able to correct every blemish; rather, James says that the man ‘continued in the perfect law.’ 1:25) He remembered what he saw in the mirror and kept working to improve. Yes, keep a positive view of yourself and a balanced view of your imperfections. (Read Ecclesiastes 7:20.) Continue to peer into the perfect law, and work to maintain your spirit of self-sacrifice. Jehovah is willing to help you, as he has helped so many of your brothers who, although imperfect, can and do have God’s favor and blessing.
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Kako ostati samopožrtvovan Ako tko hoće ići za mnom, neka se odrekne sebe (MAT. 16:24) Kako nam je Isus svojom samopožrtvovnošću pružio savršen primjer? DOK je živio na Zemlji, Isus nam je svojom samopožrtvovnošću pružio savršen primjer. Svoje želje i udobnost stavljao je u drugi plan kako bi vršio Božju volju (Ivan 5:30). Ostao je vjeran sve do smrti na mučeničkom stupu i tako je pokazao da je njegova samopožrtvovnost neizmjerna (Filip. 2:8). Što znači biti samopožrtvovan i zašto bismo trebali biti samopožrtvovni? 2 Budući da smo Isusovi sljedbenici, i mi trebamo biti samopožrtvovni. Što znači biti samopožrtvovan? Jednostavno rečeno, to znači spremno se odreći vlastitih želja i interesa da bismo pomagali drugima. Samopožrtvovnost je zapravo oprečna sebičnosti. (Pročitaj Mateja 16:24.) Nesebičnost nam pomaže da tuđe osjećaje i želje stavljamo ispred svojih (Filip. 2:3, 4). Ustvari, Isus je naučavao da je nesebičnost temelj naše službe Bogu. Zašto to možemo reći? Kršćanska ljubav, koja potiče Božje sluge da budu samopožrtvovni, znak je prepoznavanja pravih Isusovih učenika (Ivan 13:34, 35). Razmisli samo koliko blagoslova imamo zbog toga što pripadamo međunarodnoj organizaciji čiji su članovi samopožrtvovni. Što može razoriti našu samopožrtvovnost? 3 Međutim, mi imamo neprijatelja koji može neprimjetno razoriti našu samopožrtvovnost. Riječ je o sebičnosti, kojoj smo svi skloni. Prisjeti se kako su Adam i Eva pokazali sebičnost. Eva je postupila sebično jer je željela biti poput Boga. Adam je postupio sebično jer je želio ugoditi svojoj ženi (1. Nakon što je Adama i Evu odvratio od služenja pravom Bogu, Đavo je nastavio poticati ljude da budu sebični. Čak je i Isusa pokušao navesti da postupi sebično (Mat. 4:1-9). Sotona je danas uspio zavesti većinu ljudi i navesti ih da na razne načine pokazuju sebičnost. Dobro je da razmišljamo o tome jer sebičnost koja vlada u svijetu lako može utjecati i na nas (Efež. 2:2). (a) Možemo li danas kod sebe iskorijeniti sklonost sebičnom postupanju? Objasni. (b) Na koja ćemo pitanja dobiti odgovor u ovom članku? 4 Sebičnost se može usporediti s hrđom koja se pojavljuje na željezu. Ako je željezni predmet izložen vanjskim utjecajima, mogao bi početi hrđati. No prava opasnost prijeti ako se hrđa ignorira jer ona s vremenom toliko nagrize predmet da ga uništi. Slično tome, iako zasad kod sebe ne možemo ukloniti nesavršenost i sklonost sebičnom postupanju, moramo biti svjesni koliko su te osobine opasne i nastaviti se boriti protiv njih (1. Kako možemo kod sebe prepoznati znakove sebičnosti? Kako možemo u još većoj mjeri razvijati samopožrtvovnost? KORISTI BIBLIJU KAKO BI PREPOZNAO TRAGOVE SEBIČNOSTI (a) Zašto Bibliju možemo usporediti s ogledalom? (Vidi ilustraciju na početku članka.) (b) Što ne smijemo činiti dok provjeravamo ima li u nama tragova sebičnosti? 5 Kao što pomoću ogledala možemo provjeriti kako izgledamo, tako pomoću Biblije možemo provjeriti kakva je naša osobnost i ispraviti nedostatke koje uočimo. (Pročitaj Jakova 1:22-25.) No ogledalo će nam pomoći samo ako ga ispravno koristimo. Naprimjer, ako se u njemu samo letimično pogledamo, vjerojatno nećemo primijetiti neki malen, ali važan nedostatak. Isto tako, ako gledamo u ogledalo pod određenim kutom, u njemu ćemo vidjeti odraz neke druge osobe. Slično tome, da bismo pomoću Biblije otkrili nedostatak kao što je sebičnost, nije dovoljno da je samo povremeno čitamo ili da prilikom čitanja razmišljamo o manama sukršćana. Kako možemo “prionuti” uz Jehovin “savršeni zakon”? 6 Božju Riječ možemo čitati redovito, čak i svaki dan, a da ipak ne primijetimo da se u nama razvija sebičnost. Kako je to moguće? Razmisli o sljedećem: U primjeru koji je naveo Jakov problem nije bio u tome što se čovjek nije dobro pogledao u ogledalu. Jakov je napisao da taj čovjek “promatra svoje lice”. U ovom retku upotrijebio je grčku riječ koja ukazuje na ispitivanje, pažljivo gledanje. U čemu je onda čovjek pogriješio? Jakov nastavlja: “Kad se promotri, ode i odmah zaboravi kakav je.” Čovjek se okrenuo i otišao, ali nije ništa poduzeo u vezi s onim što je vidio u ogledalu. Za razliku od toga čovjek koji postupa ispravno ne samo da se “zadubi u savršeni zakon” već i “prione uz njega”. On ne zaboravlja “savršeni zakon” zapisan u Božjoj Riječi, nego ga uvijek primjenjuje. Isus je istaknuo sličnu misao kad je rekao: “Ako ostanete u mojoj riječi, zaista ste moji učenici” (Ivan 8:31). Kako nam Biblija može pomoći da se borimo protiv sebičnosti? 7 Dakle, da bi se uspješno borio protiv sebičnosti, najprije moraš pažljivo čitati Božju Riječ. Tako ćeš utvrditi u čemu se trebaš popraviti. No to nije dovoljno. Dublje istraži ono što si pročitao. Nakon što se dobro upoznaš s nekim biblijskim izvještajem, pokušaj se uživjeti u njega. Upitaj se: Kako bih ja postupio u toj situaciji? Jesam li siguran da bih ispravno postupio? A što je najvažnije, nakon što razmisliš o onome što si pročitao, trudi se to primjenjivati (Mat. 7:24, 25). U nastavku ćemo vidjeti kako nam izvještaji o kralju Šaulu i apostolu Petru pomažu da i dalje budemo samopožrtvovni. IZVUCIMO POUKU IZ LOŠEG PRIMJERA KRALJA ŠAULA Kakav je Šaul bio na početku svog kraljevanja i kako to znamo? 8 Primjer izraelskog kralja Šaula služi nam kao upozorenje jer pokazuje da sebičnost može malo-pomalo razoriti našu samopožrtvovnost. Na početku svog kraljevanja Šaul je bio ponizan i imao je skromno mišljenje o sebi (1. Naprimjer, nije htio kazniti Izraelce koji su s prezirom govorili o njemu kao kralju iako je mogao smatrati da ima pravo braniti položaj na koji ga je postavio Bog (1. Osim toga, kralj Šaul prihvatio je vodstvo Božjeg duha i poveo Izraelce u bitku protiv Amonaca. Nakon toga je ponizno pripisao Jehovi zaslugu za pobjedu (1. Kako je Šaul postao sebičan? 9 Šaul je kasnije dopustio da se u njemu počnu razvijati sebičnost i ponos, koji su poput hrđe nagrizali njegovu osobnost. Nakon što je porazio Amalečane, vlastite želje postale su mu važnije od poslušnosti Jehovi. Pohlepno je uzeo plijen umjesto da ga uništi kao što je Bog bio zapovjedio. Osim toga, bio je toliko ohol da si je čak podigao spomenik (1. Kad mu je prorok Samuel rekao da se Jehova razljutio na njega, Šaul se pokušao opravdati. Naglašavao je dio Božje zapovijedi koji je bio izvršio te je okrivio narod za svoju pogrešku (1. Osim toga, zbog ponosa mu je bilo važnije sačuvati ugled u narodu nego ugoditi Bogu (1. Kako nam izvještaj o Šaulu može poslužiti kao ogledalo i pomoći nam da i dalje budemo samopožrtvovni? (a) Kako nam Šaulov primjer može pomoći da i dalje budemo samopožrtvovni? (b) Što trebamo činiti da ne bismo bili poput Šaula? Kao prvo, Šaulov primjer pokazuje da ne smijemo biti pretjerano zadovoljni sami sobom i misliti da ćemo uvijek biti samopožrtvovni ako smo dosad bili takvi (1. Imaj na umu da je Šaul jedno vrijeme ispravno postupao i imao Božju naklonost, ali nije iskorijenio sebične sklonosti koje su se počele javljati u njemu. Jehova ga je na koncu odbacio zbog neposlušnosti. Kao drugo, trebamo paziti da se ne usredotočimo samo na svoje dobre strane, a da istovremeno zanemarimo ono na čemu trebamo raditi. To bi bilo kao da se u ogledalu divimo svojoj novoj odjeći, a ne vidimo prljavštinu na svom licu. Čak i ako nismo samodopadni poput Šaula, svakako se trebamo boriti protiv sklonosti koje bi nas mogle navesti da i mi počnemo neispravno postupati. Ako dobijemo savjet, nemojmo tražiti opravdanje za svoje postupke, umanjivati problem niti prebacivati krivnju na nekog drugog. Nemojmo biti poput Šaula, nego spremno prihvatimo savjet. (Pročitaj Psalam 141:5.) Kako nam samopožrtvovnost može pomoći ako počinimo težak grijeh? No što ako počinimo težak grijeh? Šaul je želio pod svaku cijenu sačuvati svoj ugled, i to ga je spriječilo da se duhovno oporavi. Za razliku od toga samopožrtvovnost nam može pomoći da pobijedimo sram i zatražimo potrebnu pomoć (Izr. 28:13; Jak. 5:14-16). Naprimjer, jedan je brat s 12 godina počeo gledati pornografiju i to je potajno činio više od deset godina. On kaže: “Bilo mi je jako teško priznati svojoj ženi i starješinama što sam radio. No sada kad sam to učinio, osjećam kao da mi je s leđa pao ogroman teret. Neki moji prijatelji bili su razočarani kad su čuli da više nisam sluga pomoćnik, imali su osjećaj da sam ih iznevjerio. Ipak, znam da je Jehova sada zadovoljniji mojom službom nego onda kad sam gledao pornografiju, a njegovo je mišljenje najvažnije.” PETAR JE POBIJEDIO SEBIČNOST Kako je Petrova sebičnost izašla na vidjelo? Apostol Petar pokazivao je samopožrtvovnost dok ga je Isus poučavao (Luka 5:3-11). No ipak se morao boriti protiv sebičnih sklonosti. Naprimjer, naljutio se kad su apostoli Jakov i Ivan pokušali dobiti istaknuti položaj i sjediti pored Isusa u Božjem Kraljevstvu. Petar je možda mislio da on treba dobiti taj položaj jer mu je Isus ranije rekao da će dobiti poseban zadatak (Mat. 16:18, 19). Bilo kako bilo, Isus je upozorio Jakova i Ivana, ali i Petra i ostale apostole, da se moraju boriti protiv sebične želje da gospodare svojom braćom (Mar. 10:35-45). Čak i nakon što ga je Isus opomenuo, Petar se i dalje morao jako truditi da ima ispravno mišljenje o sebi. Naprimjer, kad je Isus rekao apostolima da će ga svi oni nakratko napustiti, Petar je tvrdio da će jedino on ostati vjeran te je tako ponizio druge, a uzvisio sebe (Mat. 26:31-33). No njegova je samouvjerenost bila neutemeljena jer već iste večeri nije postupio samopožrtvovno. Da bi zaštitio sebe, Petar se tri puta odrekao Isusa (Mat. 26:69-75). Zašto nas Petrov primjer može ohrabriti? Usprkos Petrovim nedostacima i pogreškama njegov nas primjer može ohrabriti. Uz velik trud te uz pomoć Božjeg svetog duha on je uspio pobijediti svoje loše sklonosti te pokazati samosvladavanje i samopožrtvovnu ljubav (Gal. 5:22, 23). Izdržao je kušnje za koje se može reći da su bile teže od onih u kojima je ranije pokleknuo. Pokazao je poniznost kad ga je apostol Pavao javno prekorio (Gal. 2:11-14). Nije se ljutio niti je smatrao da su mu Pavlove oštre riječi narušile ugled. Petar je i dalje pokazivao da ljubi Pavla (2. Petrov primjer može nam pomoći da razvijamo samopožrtvovnost. Kako u teškim situacijama možemo pokazati da smo samopožrtvovni? Razmisli o tome kako reagiraš u teškim situacijama. Kad su Petar i drugi apostoli bili zatvoreni i išibani jer su propovijedali, radovali su se “što su bili dostojni podnijeti sramotu zbog [Isusovog] imena” (Djela 5:41). I ti na progonstvo možeš gledati kao na priliku da se ugledaš na Petra i ideš Isusovim stopama, te tako pokažeš da si samopožrtvovan. (Pročitaj 1. Petrovu 2:20, 21.) Takav stav može ti pomoći i ako dobiješ potreban ukor od starješina. Nemoj se uvrijediti, nego se ugledaj na Petra (Prop. 7:9). (a) Koje bismo si pitanje mogli postaviti u vezi sa svojim duhovnim ciljevima? (b) Što možemo učiniti ako u svom srcu primijetimo određenu mjeru sebičnosti? Petrov primjer može ti pomoći i kad je riječ o duhovnim ciljevima. U ostvarivanju tih ciljeva do izražaja može doći tvoja samopožrtvovnost. No pazi da se tvoji duhovni ciljevi ne pretvore u težnju za ugledom. Stoga se upitaj: Želim li napredovati i proširiti svoju službu Jehovi zato da bih stekao veći ugled ili priznanje ljudi, kao što su to po svemu sudeći željeli Jakov i Ivan kad su od Isusa tražili istaknuti položaj? Ako u svom srcu primijetiš određenu mjeru sebičnosti, moli se Jehovi da ti pomogne ispraviti pogrešno razmišljanje, a potom se još više trudi proslaviti njega, a ne sebe (Psal. 86:11). Osim toga, možeš raditi na ciljevima kojima nećeš isticati sebe. Naprimjer, možda bi mogao još više razvijati neki plod duha koji ti je teško pokazivati. Ako se marljivo pripremaš za točke koje imaš na sastanku, ali ne voliš čistiti dvoranu, mogao bi si postaviti cilj da primijeniš savjet zapisan u Rimljanima 12:16. (Pročitaj.) Što možemo činiti da nas ne bi obeshrabrilo ono što vidimo u simboličnom ogledalu? Kad se pažljivo promotrimo u simboličnom ogledalu, odnosno u Božjoj Riječi, i vidimo neke nedostatke, pa čak i znakove sebičnosti, mogli bismo se obeshrabriti. Ako ti se to dogodi, prisjeti se čovjeka iz Jakovljeve usporedbe. Jakov nije naveo koliko je brzo čovjek otklonio nedostatke koje je uočio ni je li uspio ispraviti svaku manu. Umjesto toga rekao je da je čovjek prionuo uz “savršeni zakon” (Jak. 1:25). Čovjek nije zaboravio što je vidio u ogledalu i trudio se to popraviti. Dakle, pozitivno razmišljaj o sebi i uravnoteženo gledaj na svoje nedostatke. (Pročitaj Propovjednika 7:20.) Zadubi se u savršeni zakon i trudi se ostati samopožrtvovan. Jehova će ti rado pomoći, kao što pomaže i velikom broju tvoje braće koja unatoč tome što su nesavršena imaju Božju naklonost i blagoslov.