[Watchtower study for the week of March 24, 2014 – w14 1/15 p.22]
This is a good Watchtower study which encourages all to reach out in any way they can and to use the gift God has given each one to help others. — 1 Peter 4:10
It speaks of those older ones who have acquired wisdom and knowledge following years of faithful service and encourages them to use whatever power and capability they possess to continue to help others, possibly serving in a foreign land, or a foreign language congregation in their home country.
Many of the frequent, thoughtful contributors to this site are such ones. Men and women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who have progressed in spiritual knowledge and discernment and who are willing and able to help younger ones to come to a greater knowledge of the truth. The irony is that if they were to follow this article’s counsel to the letter, these ones would get tossed out of the very Organization they are serving. The reason is, of course, that with growing knowledge from careful and honest Bible study, such ones have come to a greater knowledge of the truth from God’s word and in some important ways this truth varies from what our publications would have us teach.
How can you go to a foreign land to teach interested ones about the Bible, while knowingly teaching some things which are contrary to Bible truth? An honest person cannot do this. What options are there? How did sincere Christians in centuries past teach Bible truth that conflicted with Church doctrine? In those days, they were not only in danger of being disfellowshipped, but of being imprisoned by the Church authority; or worse, executed. They had to pursue the course of truth by acting courageously, but cautiously. The truth was taught in an underground manner.
We will explore this theme in an upcoming post, since many have asked about this.
Archived Comments
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Comment by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-03-23 21:49:48
My in law's retired early and forsook everything to finally go into the pioneer work as a couple may feel a little down after this WT. They are now forced to go back into the work force in their late 50's and 60's after 3 years in the regular pioneer work .They prepared as well as anyone could and yet " time and unforeseen occurrence befalls us all ". They simply cannot afford to any longer because they literally have one foot out in the street.
Par.6 "If you are an experienced Christian, you have great potential. Consider what you understand now that you did not know 30 or 40 years ago."
"The irony is that if they were to follow this article’s counsel to the letter, these ones would get tossed out of the very Organization they are serving."
I am not sure if witnesses who were around in 75' believe that 30 or 40 years ago that feel that their understanding of the WT's "truth" has grown. Most doctrines have been abandoned or changed from 30 or 40 years ago. However, it does appear that many, like you Meleti, have "awakened" spiritually to see the JW religion for what it really is. Who would be inclined to devote the rest of their lives to the JW's "spiritual" activities.
I devoted all my youth to pioneering, serving where the need was greater and other "kingdom" interests. I have many bitter moments and at times I want justice from the men who I believe took much of my life ( and the lives of my dear brothers and sisters) . I try to keep in mind that God is not unjust; He will not forget my work and the love I have shown Him as I have helped His people and continue to help them. ( Heb 6:10 NIV) My heart was definitely in the right place even if I was misguided.
Thanks again for this site Meleti and Apollos.This site is definitely a labor of love.
Comment by Katrina on 2014-03-23 22:50:09
well that is the point "Jehovah will not forget the love that YOU showed for him"
One was doing this for Jehovah, not men!
And yes it is hard once one come to the knowledge that the very ones that they trusted as the FDS has made so many mistakes, back peddling all to keep this operation of error going, the 1914 false doctrine.
But one can look back and say yes, I did this because I loved Jehovah, and as hard as it has been on many b/s myself included, YOU know that YOU did this work for the right motive, because you loved and still do love Jehovah believe in his kingdom, and care for others.
That is something they cannot take away for us. Hang in there, all will be revealed even more so as we get closer to Christ authentic return.
And be thankful that Jehovah has opened your eyes to the truth.
In that way you may be able to help the many other b/s when things become apparent that all is not as it should be.
I believe the GB are showing themselves up by sheer ego, and self importance through their own publications, problem is that many want to remain ignorant or just ignore the blatant wrongs because of fear.
You can be a source of encouragement to many, by being privileged to have your eyes opened. Sadly some that we do hold dear will turn on us, as the bible say, persons will be enemies even of our own household. But that will be their choice.
Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2014-03-23 23:22:00
Do not put faith in your companion Or trust a close friend. Guard what you say to the one who lies in your embrace.
For a son despises his father, A daughter rises up against her mother, And a daughter-in-law is against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his household.
But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Although I have fallen, I will rise up; Although I dwell in the darkness, Jehovah will be my light.
(Micah 7:5-8)
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-03-23 23:57:51
"An underground manner". Intriguing. I look forward to your post.
Matthew 10:16 "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves" NIT
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-03-24 01:26:39
I read a comment recently from a former elder, who over the course of his many years in serice to the organization, was responsible for a total of 52, including family members, now being in the "truth", which he now deeply regrets. He said it had taken him time, but he had come to terms with the guilt he has had to over-come. His comment caught me unawares.
He also said that though he studied with them, he now realizes that they chose to believe and are perhaps choosing to stay in the organization (or leave) and are thus responsible for their own actions.
I find it incredible the insights gained from the most unexpected encounters.
Comment by Bobcat on 2014-03-24 04:09:21
Meleti:
I look forward to your thoughts also. Thanks in advance for your efforts.
Comment by on 2014-03-24 05:52:28
Yes in an underground manner . Im very much looking forward to hearing your reasoning on this one meleti .kev . Also some nice comments here about having the right motive . Despite having it wrong . Paul was like that . Thats why he was taken from the pharisaical religion of his day by jesus i think theres a paralell here .kev
Reply by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-03-24 09:09:14
I love your comments Kev :)
Reply by kev c on 2014-03-24 17:51:44
Thanks sister it was your comments that brought my response. And your labour was not in vain even though we now know that we didnt have thing quite right. The main thing is that we love our brothers and sisters when we have the chance . 1 john 4 v 7. Beloved ones let us continue loving one another. Because love is from god and everyone who loves has been born from god AND. Gains the knowledge of god. Your comments are very much appreciated. And encouraging. Kev
Comment by brendaevans32 on 2014-03-30 17:20:04
I am very much looking forward to your thoughts on this Meleti, and everyone else.
As many have already commented, I would like to add my voice. Folk are doing something for Jehovah and not a man made organisation/committee. How many times I have heard that Jehovah does not expect any more from you than what He knows you can give. So, to Jehovah, we will have different ways to show we can serve Him - I have been told this quite regularly by the sister I have Bible Study with.
However, it is so different when you get really close and suddenly, you feel obligated to satisfy people, and answer the questions the way you think the elders and the congregation expect you to answer.
In saying this, even at the meetings, I would try to answer following my own beliefs (this got more difficult, you find yourself answering hoping to satisfy the congregation).
You do feel that truth is taught in an underground manner - that it is studied, discussed and thought about 'under the radar' of current contemporary teachings by the organisations who have so much responsibility in trying to ensure that the right teaching gets out. But, history has shown time and again how much the truth will not endure being suppressed. And how true those lovely words - 'The truth shall set you free.' For always and for ever, loving slaves of and for the truth. Never slaves to a lie.
I am very very appreciative of this website - the restraints are off, and you can put down your true feelings - those of keeping it simple, which then leads to wholesome thoughts which many readers do benefit from.
The blinkers are off, there is a freedom to give loving and true thoughts to Jehovah and Jesus, and how we can serve Him
Thank you everyone.