Nothing Was Wasted

After Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 men plus women and children, he instructed his disciples: “Gather together the fragments left over, so that nothing is wasted.” (Joh 6:12) Jesus showed appreciation for Jehovah’s provisions by not wasting them.
In modern times, the Governing Body strives to imitate Jesus by making wise use of dedicated resources. For example, when building world headquarters in Warwick, New York, the brothers chose designs that allowed for the best use of donated funds.

HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . .

HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . . when we are at Christian meetings?

Ordinary and maintenance costs are the largest part of the total cost of a building. To the extent that we save water, paper, light, and energy in our Kingdom Hall, we can contribute as individuals to fully realize the benefits and goals of this building, and to exploit its potential. In this way we avoid waste, and at the same time help to give glory to the name of Jehovah.

HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . . when we obtain publications for our personal use? (km 5/09 3 ¶4)

4 As for publications for personal use, request only what you actually need. Write your name in the space provided. That will help you keep track of your personal copy. If you use the Watchtower Library on CD-ROM and have saved your personal copies of the magazines, you may not feel a need to request personal copies of the Watchtower and Awake! bound volumes.

HOW CAN WE AVOID WASTE . . . when we pick up literature items for use in the ministry? (mwb17.02 “Make Wise Use of Bible Literature” ¶1)

 Jesus taught: “You received free, give free.” (Mt 10:8) We adhere to that clear direction by not charging people for a copy of the Bible or our Bible-based literature. (2Co 2:17) Nevertheless, these publications contain precious truths from God’s Word. Great effort and expense are involved in printing literature and shipping it to congregations around the world. Therefore, we should take only what we need.

when we share in the ministry? (mwb17.02 “Make Wise Use of Bible Literature” ¶2 and the box)

 Use discernment when giving literature to others, even at public witnessing locations. (Mt 7:6) Instead of simply handing out literature to passersby, make an effort to converse with them to determine their interest. Can you answer yes to at least one of the questions in the accompanying box? If you are unable to determine someone’s interest, it is best to give him a tract. Of course, if he asks for a magazine or another publication, we will gladly give him a copy.—Pr 3:27, 28.