Wednesday, September 6

You are my hope, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah;
I have trusted in you since my youth.—Ps. 71:5.

Experienced elders stress the importance of beginning to train brothers when they are young—in their early teens—by giving them assignments in the congregation
that fit their age.

Such early training will help young ones to keep their eyes on spiritual goals when they reach the late teens and are bombarded with many distractions. (Ps. 71:17)

An elder will also stimulate a learner’s desire to serve by explaining to him not only what to do but also why to do it. By giving reasons, elders will be imitating the Great Teacher, Jesus. For example, before giving his apostles the commission to make disciples, Jesus gave them a reason why they should obey.

He stated: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” Then he added:

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations.”

—Matt. 28:18, 19.

w15 4/15 2:5, 6​