[Watchtower study for the week of May 5, 2014 – w14 3/15 p. 7]
How pleasant to have a Watchtower study with sound counsel and no false teachings or questionable scriptural applications. That many sound facetious, but I assure you it is not. A quick overview of the past months of Watchtower Commentator posts will reveal just have rare this is.
Par. 1,2 – These point to Jesus as the perfect example of a self-sacrificing spirit in a human. “And think of the blessings we enjoy because we are part of a worldwide brotherhood that displays the spirit of self-sacrifice!” I’m willing to cut them some slack on this statement. There are many in this worldwide brotherhood who are far from the spirit Jesus displayed, but there are also many outstanding Christians who do strive to imitate the Lord. We should focus on these individuals, rather than credit the organization which is implied here. But again, a minor point.
Par. 3,4 – Sound reasoning. The illustration of rust on iron seems appropriate to the topic.
Par. 5-7 – I appreciate the reasoning and application of James’ illustration of a man looking in a mirror. Someone has thought this through and it shows. I particularly appreciate that the solution presented involved peering into and studying God’s word. It would have been easy to insert “and our publications” here, but the author restrained himself. Kudos!
Par. 8- 12 – The warning example of King Saul is most appropriate to this discussion. However, I wonder how many will see parallels between that Leader of God’s people, Israel, and those assuming a leadership role over Jehovah’s Witnesses today. The parallel is not perfect. After all, Saul was specifically chosen by God for the role, he didn’t presume to take it upon himself. However, he was more concerned about saving face before the people than of pleasing God. He did not bring himself to apologize for wrongdoing but instead blamed others. He became complacent, resting on his laurels, thinking that past achievements covered for recent errors. He was not open to counsel and tried to kill those he saw as a threat to his authority.
Par. 13-16 – We now turn to the example of Peter. He was warned—together with the other apostles—against the tendency they displayed of wishing to “lord it over” their brothers. Peter proudly proclaimed that when the hour of test came, he would not deny the Christ. He judged himself worthy as if he had already passed the test. He was humbled. In light of this, consider this statement from The Watchtower of July 15, 2013, p. 25, par. 18:
“When Jesus comes for judgment during the great tribulation, he will find that the faithful slave [Now— the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses] has been loyally dispensing timely spiritual food to the domestics. Jesus will then delight in making the second appointment—over all his belongings. Those who make up the faithful slave [individual Governing Body members] will get this appointment when they receive their heavenly reward, becoming co-rulers with Christ.”
Par. 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.” There are many points of counsel which are over-stressed and over-emphasized in our publications. I only wish that this were one of them, for perhaps if it had been these past twenty or thirty years, we wouldn’t be experiencing the problems which are reported on widely and repeatedly.
[Personal Note] This article has a different feel about it. For example, while Jehovah’s name is mentioned 8 times in the article, Jesus is referred to by name 17 times. The ratio is usually 3 to 1 in favor of God’s name, so this in itself is unusual. The article also makes no mention of the organization, its leadership, the Governing Body, the faithful slave, or the elders, nor are there any calls for obedience to the leadership, nor for our self-sacrifice to be manifest by getting out in the door-to-door work with greater frequency. It gives one hope that there are still individuals—a remnant—at the higher levels of the organization who recognize to whom “the knee should be bent”. (Romans 11:1-5)
Archived Comments
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Comment by MakeSureOfAllThings on 2014-05-04 19:05:07
This one, for sure, is a great article and as you said, it has a different feel to it. As always thanks for your study notes and comments. They are always enlightening.
Comment by MakeSureOfAllThings on 2014-05-04 19:06:33
Reblogged this on Make Sure of All Things and commented:
As usual, some good study notes from the Beroean Picks blog. Highly recommended.
Comment by kianswee on 2014-05-04 20:04:55
A good article,without all the "obey & be submissive" etc add-ons is,I agree,a rarity.Heard a "donation pledge" is in the cards this month.Hmm,wonder if there's a connection.....
Comment by Chris on 2014-05-04 21:40:12
Maybe now we can focus on Jesus instead of the organization. That's what makes me envy other churches is their relationship with our whole reason for being. Jesus!!!
Comment by on 2014-05-05 05:02:18
On the whole hats off to whoever wrote this article theres some very good counsel in it .It would be very nice to see every brother and sister apply these things including those in positions of responsibility eg the GB down to the elders . I hope this study isnt forgotten washed away in a sea of watchtowers just like the man in the mirror .I found the counsel about reading and studying the bible daily ironic though as that was my downfall in the religion . Again thanks and credit where its due to the person who wrote this kev
Comment by GodsWordIsTruth on 2014-05-05 22:21:16
This Watchtower is such a relief after weeks of heavy (indoctrination) topics. I definitely won’t mind sitting there this week
The theme scripture is ’”If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.”—MATT. 16:24.” I have been struggling to find balance with this scripture my whole life as a JW. I gave up college, passed on jobs and even missed out on quality and quantity time with my parents because they were on the JW treadmill. Those were huge sacrifices.
I think about those who made painful decisions regarding their medical affairs based on the ever changing guidelines of the GB. Others who made the made a “self sacrifice” to refuse military or alternative service and accept imprisonment instead based on the GB’s “divine instructions ”.
Nowadays, I balance the Jesus' words at Matt 16:24 with Paul’s words at Romans 12:1, 2 “ I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”
I will gladly take the yoke of Christ and disown myself for him . Now I tell others that I am willingly to die for my faith in Christ and no longer for my “beliefs”. I realize now that Jesus is not asking me for a sacrifice on top of his sacrifice. Jehovah is not asking me to sacrifice my life now for a hope for the future. I don’t feel like the things I give to God now is even a sacrifice. I do it because I love him and I am moved to do it . Even in all my years of pioneering ( and I love the ministry very much) I don’t ever believe I felt the way that I do now.
“Self sacrifices” to appease God for a reward sounds kinda creepy to me these days O_o
Comment by JimmyG on 2014-05-07 00:25:54
Just a comment on the 'personal note'. "The elders" get a mention in paragraph 12. A minor observation.
Comment by kianswee on 2014-05-09 23:50:41
Meleti,regarding your "personal note" - you quoted Romans 11:1-5.May I also add Philippians 2:10?
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-05-10 12:41:02
A little on the nose, but that was my point. :)
Comment by XKhanX on 2014-05-11 03:46:42
Hi Meleti
Always enjoyed your postings.
This to me is just another one of those guilt trip articles-questioning whether we are sacrificing enough for jehovah aka wt organisation. There is nothing uplifting in it and one goes away with a heavy burden to do more ie volunteer to clean the Kingdom Hall if we have not done it before. James 1:23,24 are one of my favorite scriptures on Christian living,on how to be a better christian. To use it as a tool for constant minute-fault-picking at ourselves will only result in misery and rob us of any Christian joy. This is what I see in many JWs I know-joyless and a having a false sense of contentment. How I wish the articles can be more uplifting and encouraging like how it used to be years ago!
Comment by Anonymous on 2014-05-11 14:07:24
Meleti, the article was indeed good. But I couldn't help but read some of it and think to myself: "The organization that is teaching us - does it teach itself?" (Romans 2:21) Here's what I mean:
In speaking about Saul's initial humble and modest attitude, Paragraph 8 says: " . . . He refused to punish Israelites who spoke out against his kingship, even though he could have felt justified in defending his God-given position . . ." When individual Witnesses use scripture to openly criticize some teaching or position put forth by the Governing Body, does the organization modestly and humbly refuse to punish such ones, even though they claim God-given authority?
Paragraph 9 says: " . . . 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. (1 Sam. 15:30) . . ."
When an individual in the ministry or a fellow Witness uses scripture to point out a flaw of disobedience or incomplete obedience how do Witnesses react? For example, take the institutionalized lack of obedience (or incomplete obedience) manifested by not partaking of the bread and the wine at the memorial. Don't Witnesses try to justify themselves and the organization? -"Oh but we are obeying Jesus by attending the memorial". "We attend the memorial in obedience to Jesus' command.". Speaking about saul blaming others for his error, do you remember 1975? Who did the organization blame for the false 1975 "expectation"?
Paragraph 11 says: "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 . . . If we receive counsel, let us take care not to justify our actions, minimize the problem, or shift blame . . . it is much better to be open to counsel." But isn't this exactly what JWs are encouraged to do with regard to any faults they see in the organization or its teachings? When a JW points to some fault or wrong about the organization, others automatically label him as being negative or divisive. He is told to focus on the positives and other loyal JWs try to justify the organization's actions by trying to minimize the seriousness of the issue. They also try to shift blame by pointing a finger at the wrongs of christendom in an attempt to justify the organization by making comparisons. The organization is not open to counsel from any of its members.
Paragraph 14 says: " . . . Peter put the others down and elevated himself by claiming that he alone would prove to be faithful." Need I spell out the comparison with the Governing Body's view of itself and the organization?
Paragraph 17 had me scratching my head. It says: "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 . . ." I don't know about you , but it seems rather ironic that this counsel is being given by the very organization that has instituted a pioneer system which fosters and appeals to the human desire for prominence. Pioneers are announced from the platform, given special meetings, given a special text book, often favored with privileges ahead of non-pioneers - need I go on? So through its pioneer program, the organization is actually fostering and appealing to, the very mindset it is counseling against in this paragraph.
I ask again: "Does the organization that is teaching us, not teach itself?
Comment by anderestimme on 2014-05-11 17:31:01
I found this comment from paragraph 3 interesting: "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."
Are they implying that even sinless humans were inherently selfish? If so, "perfection" ain't what it's cracked up to be.