[From ws15/02 p. 5 for April 6-12]
“This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me.” (Mt 15:8 NWT)
“Therefore, all the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say.” (Mt 23:3 NWT)
You may wonder why I’ve broken with custom by not citing this week’s Watchtower Study theme text above. I felt that with this particular study, there was something more important worth focusing on.
This study article contains many fine scriptural points. It is a really good message. Unfortunately, there is a danger that the reader might confuse the message with the messenger. This would not prove beneficial.
Jesus is Humble
The opening paragraphs of the article focus on the need to imitate Jesus. There can be no argument that as a role model, he is without peer.
First we examine his humility.
“Humility begins with the way we think about ourselves. ‘Humility is to know how lowly we really are before God,’ says one Bible dictionary. If we are truly humble before God, we will also refrain from estimating ourselves to be above our fellow humans.” – Par. 4
We cannot always control what people say about us. The Pharisees had many negative things to say about Jesus. Others praised him. However, when it was within his power to do something about it, our Lord did not hesitate to adjust the thinking of those he taught. He displayed humility by rejecting undue or inappropriate praise.
“And one of the rulers questioned him, saying: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?” 19 Jesus said to him: “Why do you call me good? Nobody is good except one, God.” (Lu 18:18, 19)
As a ruler of the people, this man was accustomed to titles himself. He chose to apply one to Jesus, calling him “Good Teacher”. In all probability, he thought he was rendering due honor to the Christ, yet Jesus knew that such an honorific was inappropriate. Any title or distinction we get should come from God, not men, and certainly not from ourselves. Jesus rejected it and thus avoided the bad precedent it would have set. He immediately took the opportunity to correct the thinking of the ruler and all those present who might otherwise fall into the easy human pattern of exalting others over ourselves as rulers.
In this regard, what pattern is the present Governing Body setting? Simply put, a governing body is a body that governs or rules. This title alone puts them at odds with Scripture. (See Mt 23:8) This current Governing Body has now claimed the appointment of “Faithful and Discreet Slave” for themselves. “The Faithful Slave” or more simply, “The Slave”, has taken on the characteristic of a title among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Commonly uttered phrases like, “We want to obey The Slave…” or “Let’s find out what The Slave has to say on that…” are proof of this fact. All this they have done despite the clear indication in Scripture that the faithful and discreet slave isn’t identified until the master returns. (See Mt 24:46)
I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness in an era when we disdained creature worship. We were uncomfortable with praise. Even sincere comments of appreciation following a public talk made me uneasy. We were all good-for-nothing slaves, just doing what we ought to do; thankful that God’s love was so extensive as to encompass even such unworthy creatures as we. (Lu 17:10) If you feel similarly, then perhaps you too are troubled by the amount of praise that is being heaped upon the Governing Body in recent years. One only has to watch one of the monthly broadcasts on tv.jw.org to see numerous examples of speakers and interviewees waxing on about the “privilege” it is to serve with and learn from members of the Governing Body. Since the content of these broadcasts is wholly within the GB’s scope to regulate, it would appear they are not imitating our Lord Jesus in correcting those who would give them undue praise. In fact, they encourage it. These are, after all, their broadcasts.
None of Jesus’ disciples ever referred to his or her time with him as a privilege. This term, so often used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to describe any form of special service, is inappropriate because it creates a de facto class system within our brotherhood. The Bible speaks of assignments, not privileges. We do what we do because we can and we ought to. (1Ti 1:12) Privilege bespeaks exclusion. A privileged class and a non-privileged one. Yet, access to Jesus was open to all. The offer to serve with him in his kingdom as one of his brothers is likewise open to all. The hope of being God’s son was not for a privileged few but for all who are willing to drink of the water of life.
“…To anyone thirsting I will give from the fountain of the water of life free. 7 Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I shall be his God and he will be my son.” (Re 21:6, 7)
One final word about all this. It is by our expressions and ultimately our works that we manifest what is in our heart. (Lu 6:45; Mt 7:15-20) If a Jehovah’s Witness publicly denies that the Governing Body is the Faithful and Discreet Slave, he will be persecuted with the greatest punishment at our disposal in a modern world that enforces human rights. By public announcement, he will be declared untouchable. Thus ostracized, he will be forced to live, cut off from all Witness family and friends, unless of course, he should recant. Is this imitating the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ? Is it not the way of the world? The way worldly rulers in less reputable regimens enforce their authority? The way the Christian part of Babylon the Great used to enforce its clerical authority?
Shunning Materialism
Another evidence of Jesus’ humility is mentioned in par. 7: “Jesus chose to live in humble circumstances unencumbered by many material things. (Matt. 8:20)” This is an excellent message for us to apply to our own lives, adjusting our mental attitude to be content with what we have so as to better serve the Lord without distractions. (1Ti 6:8)
However, what of the messenger? Is he “unencumbered by many material things”? There was a time when I took great pride in explaining to the Catholics I preached to in South America with their block-spanning, town-dwarfing churches that the Watchtower, Bible & Track Society didn’t own any of the Kingdom Halls we met in. Each hall was wholly owned by the local congregation. Not anymore. The Organization has unilaterally and summarily assumed ownership of all Kingdom Halls. It has directed all bodies of elders to “donate” to headquarters any discretionary reserve funds saved up by the local congregation. It has also directed all congregations to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the Kingdom Hall construction work. It has built Patterson and is now building a new luxurious headquarters in a resort-like setting at Warwick, NY. It just purchased a multi-million dollar FAA training facility in Palm Coast, Florida and tour groups there are told of ten other properties across the U.S. which are being purchased.
We have seen the “rental” for the use of our own assembly halls soar in the last year. In our own area costs have almost tripled. One circuit was told they had to come up with $14,000 for the hall rental for their one-day assembly. Ostensibly, the sky-rocketing increases are to be used for the construction of new assembly halls, but wouldn’t it make more sense to save these monies and return to the older and cheaper method of renting high school auditoriums? Do we really need all these possessions? Think of the savings and convenience that would result from not having 1 or 2 hour travel times to distant assembly halls.
Whatever the case, the ongoing call for more donations is putting a significant financial burden on the brotherhood, and for what? Throughout North American and Europe we see the work slowing down. We are at stagnation regarding growth in many countries. Unless the trend unexpectedly reverses, we’ll soon see negative growth, despite the Organization’s recent efforts to redefine the statistical indicators.
The excuse often given for all this construction and real estate investment is that we are merely following the leading of Jehovah’s spirit, trying to keep up with the fast-moving celestial chariot. But if that is the case then how do we explain fiascos like the abandonment of the Spanish branch? After consuming an enormous investment of free labor and donated funds amounting to millions of dollars, the Governing Body decided to close down and sell the Spanish branch facility because the government wanted them to contribute to the country’s old age pension fund—which incidentally would have been to the benefit of our own aging membership.[i] Our claim requires us to accept the belief that this was all what Jehovah intended to happen.
Lowliness of Mind
Paragraph 7 also mentions how Jesus’ humility was evident in his willingness to perform even menial tasks. Then, to bring this forward to our day, the “messenger” refers to a traveling overseer from the year 1894 who after many years in the service was called to work in the henhouse of the Kingdom farm in upstate New York. There can be no doubt that this brother was a fine example of one who imitated the humility displayed by Jesus Christ. But why do we have to go back over 100 years to find such an example?
Paragraph 10 carries the excellent message: “Humble Christians are not interested in seeking prominence in this system. They would rather lead a simple life, even doing what the world might consider menial work so that they can serve Jehovah to the fullest extent possible.”
This is the message. Is the messenger complying with the message? Across North America, and one presumes around the world, millions are being spent to purchase and set up huge projection screen systems for all the regional conventions. The purpose of any gathering should be to draw us closer to Jesus. However, if the purpose is to draw us closer to the Organization, then one can see the justification for projecting sky-high images of Governing Body members and other prominent organization leaders.
There was a time when we did not even know the names of the Governing Body members, much less their faces. We felt no need to. They were just men like ourselves. We worshipped God and praised the Christ. That has all changed. Now it is all about the Organization. We walk around with jw.org badges on our lapels; hand out business cards with the jw.org logo affixed; make sure that we only use the latest literature that carries the jw.org logo; and tell people to obey the Organization – a.k.a. the Governing Body.
Imitating the humility of Jesus does not mean we must submit to men. As Jesus humbly submitted to God, so we must humbly submit to him. He is our head. (1Co 11:3)
This is not the message which the Governing Body is conveying however.
“Above all, we can show humility by our obedience. It takes lowliness of mind to ‘be obedient to those who are taking the lead’ in the congregation and to accept and follow the direction we receive from Jehovah’s organization.” – Par. 10
“It takes lowliness of mind…to accept and follow the direction we receive from Jehovah’s organization.” No mention is made of Jesus, yet 1 Corinthians 11:3 says nothing about a fourth “head” in the chain of command.
Jesus Is Tender
The message for the rest of the article concerns imitating Jesus’ tenderness. It is a truly fine message and many scriptures are quoted to support what is said. Let us hope that those reading and studying this article together will not be distracted off message by what many may see as hypocrisy.
“Hence, an elder who is tenderly compassionate does not try to control the sheep, making rules or using guilt to pressure them to do more when their circumstances do not permit them to. [sic] Rather, he endeavors to bring joy to their hearts, trusting that their love for Jehovah will move them to serve him as fully as possible.” – Par. 17
Well said! But if this is how the elder is to act, how much more so the elder’s elder, so to speak. How often do we hear of brothers and sisters going to a district (now regional) convention only to come home depressed and guilt-laden that they are not doing enough and are unworthy? In this, the messenger is demonstrably off message.
In Summary
The Bible-based message in this Watchtower Study is excellent. The principles found in the numerous scriptures cited demand our serious consideration. Let us not be distracted by the actions of the messenger. This is yet another occasion when the words of our Master ring true.
“Therefore, all the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say.” (Mt 23:3)
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[i] If we are to claim that Jehovah is guiding this work, then what can be said for the lack of provision made for those many long-time servants who ministered to the flock as circuit overseers and district overseers, and who are now turned out to pasture at the age of 70 to fend for themselves on the pittance which is given to special pioneers? These ones trusted that “mother” would take care of them, and many are now living in abject poverty. Let us not blame Jehovah for our failure to provide for such ones. (2Co 8:20,21)
Reblogged this on agapeheartvisions and commented:
…”And the truth will make you free!!”
JW. org logo reminds me of a business plug, where as the cross reminds me of Jesus.
“We were all good-for-nothing slaves, just doing what we ought to do”, I took the opportunity to read this scripture during the WT study & refer it to ALL JW’s, saying that none of us deserves any praise or reward for anything we do. I remember an elder telling me not so long ago when a bunch of bros & sis’ were aux pioneering that one particular sister tore shreds off him after the meeting because he missed reading her name at the service meeting. She missed out on a bit of praise & special attention & became angry because… Read more »
I think you’re right. I heard about a brother on vacation who wore his jw.org badge on his baseball cap wherever he went. (Mt 23:5) We look down on others who wear the cross prominently as a sign of their faith or religious affiliation. We may even criticise it as a showy and inappropriate display of piety. Yet they might counter that the cross represents Jesus, specifically the life he sacrificed for us. The question then is, What does the JW.ORG logo represent?
Good point Meleti. It certainly isn’t representing Jesus. I think the cross represents faith in Christ more than the JW.org logo does. I now tend to think so what whether Jesus died on a stake or a cross. It’s not about the implement of torture & death but what Christ accomplished on our behalf with the ransom sacrifice he made in love for us all. I always considered the stake/cross to be a bit of a nit picking issue. I was actually surprised the other day when I came across a statement in the Insight books on “Mediator” that Christ… Read more »
*** w03 6/1 p. 4 What Is Happening to Charity? *** To Give or Not to Give It would be a shame, however, to allow the actions of a few individuals or organizations to squelch our genuine concern and compassion for others. The Bible says: “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation.” (James 1:27) Yes, active concern for the poor and disadvantaged is an integral part of Christianity. Still, you might wonder, ‘Should I continue to give to charity,… Read more »
The above articles are subtle, but not very. Two easily perceived points are that preaching is more important than charity and that appreciation for disaster relief should motivate us to donate our insurance checks to the organization.
As we all know on this site christian discipleship does involve more than giving to charity but it also involves much more than preaching and thats where the Jws have it wrong . To be his follower we must love god and our nieghbour like jesus did … . .and love is manifest in deeds and truth . . Jesus said many will say to me did we not prophesy in your name but he said get away from you i never knew you .matthew 7 v 21 to 23 . As for the policy of donations to the organisation… Read more »
I have been told this by people with firsthand knowledge, but these ones will hardly expose themselves on our site. So it must remain in the realm of rumor until someone is willing to confirm with proof. However, perhaps the Organization would be willing to quell the rumor by telling us what really happens to the insurance money. This would be only fair because they derive a lot of good press–mainly from our own publications and broadcasts–from the disaster relief work they organize. There is nothing wrong with being reimbursed for disaster relief efforts by monies derived from paid insurance… Read more »
Good comment meleti thats spot on . Im just not convinced that the the organisation is a real charity . Who benefits from it. Of course i cant say for certain i dont know what goes on on secret but in all my years as a JW i dont think i wItnessed even one charitable act from our congregation as far as i remember …it was just about preaching . All this while the born agains in our area were going around our nearest city at midnight providing hot food and drink for those who were down and out .… Read more »
I have seen brothers come to the aid of someone in need, but when I served as an elder and the topic came up of whether we should do something as a congregation, the direction from the C.O. was always not to get involved. Let the local publishers act on their own, but organizationally, we do not set up a charitable relief effort. The only thing we ever did using congregation funds was to buy flowers for the funeral of a congregation member and even that generated some discussion as to whether it was a proper use of dedicated funds.… Read more »
Meleti from what ive seen apart from the odd brother they seem to be against charitable works . My son was sponsering a child in south america he did it off his own bat he was only a young man in his early twenties he didnt have a lot of money . When he told me what he was doing i felt so proud to be his father . In fact i felt so proud that i mentioned it to one of the brothers who was a well respected figure in the congregation the guy had been an elder for… Read more »
It comes straight from the organization. I know, because I had it myself. It is not printed directly, but it is passed down as part of our oral tradition, which is often stronger than the printed one, because it is reiterated frequently and can be brought to bear on any situation instantly. To my shame, I remember encouraging a publisher about to get baptised to see his volunteer work at a local community center because it would detract time from his preaching work which was of course far more important. By keeping us with the expectation that the end is… Read more »
Actually, disaster relief is yet another revenue stream. Brothers donate their time to rebuild homes. Brothers donate the materials to rebuild the homes. When the insurance money comes in, the home owners are expected to sign it over to the Organization.
I thought that was a rumour,can you confidently say that’s true Meleti?
Faithful prophets were often outcasts. God’s prophets—faithful individuals—often found themselves outcasts, reproved and disfellowshipped by the governmental and priestly organizations. Jeremiah, for example, was accused of disloyalty when he urged fellow Jews to leave the ‘organization’ of his day, telling them “that everyone remaining in Jerusalem would die…but anyone surrendering to the Babylonians would live”.(Jer. 38:2 LB) Those loyal to the organization viewed Jeremiah as an apostate rebel and turned a deaf ear to his advice. Rather than join with the Babylonians as God commanded, they felt safer staying within Jerusalem, the headquarters of Jehovah’s organization where His king and… Read more »
The GB are looking and behaving more like the religions they have been critical of,just on the amount of money that’s flowing through,very little is spent on the bro and sis,I’ve been around the truth since I was 5 and Ime about to turn 53, in all that time I have never heard of financial help given to anyone to get them out of trouble,to help with hospital or aged care,sure some is given for disaster relief but when the realisation of how much coin is being collected,the disaster relief is a very small portion,it’s costing a lot to maintain… Read more »
That’s why it’s so important to identify the ‘distgusting destroyer’ (gr. bdelugma* tes eremoseos**) .. because when each of us see it , we have to flee .. and like in the first century, at one point it will be too late … As we know, it was the roman armies / gentiles in the temple in the first century ..so are there any ‘gentiles’ in the temple today ? 1Cor 3:16, 17 .. *’a foul thing, a detestable thing, of idols and things pertaining to idolatry’ Is there anybody we put on a pidestall ? **’a making desolate, desolation’… Read more »
One of the problems with the wait on jehovah concept is this . The jews im sure in both Jerimiahs day and jesus had the same feelings . They trusted that they had the true religion and trusted that god would never abandon his temple things got that bad though that god had to go to extreme measures 2 chronicles 36 v 14 to 21 .also ..matthew 23 v 37 to 24 v1 .God tried to readjust the religion and its leaders but they would not listen to those he had sent . The leaders like pashur and the pharisees… Read more »
I couldn’t agree more, Kev.
Excellent comments and debate, I knew using the “wait on Jehovah” quote would raise some eyebrows, and I agree with your feedback! To be sure I’m in the same situation as most of you brothers and sisters on here who are “spiritually awake” or like I have said before out of the cell mentally but still in the prison for the sake of family and friends. So I’m just trying to cope with the reality I find myself in and this site has been a blessing in that regard. I must confess that because of the respectful manner of everyone… Read more »
Hi Gogetter ( like that name). You asked “I must comment that I find it interesting that we all have come to relatively the same conclusions about the organization and the GB, but yet I like many of you come here daily to read and discuss the latest Watchtower article or other JW issues and wonder why do we do this if we truly feel that Jehovah and Jesus have nothing to do with them?” Well, it is because my wife and daughter are still in and I like to maintain informed about the information being discussed every week (as… Read more »
Menrov,I can relate with you on this. It is the same with me, my wife still thinks that this is Jehovah’s organization. I come here to see what it is that they are filling her heads with. Sometime, I see something of which I can reason with her about . It is usually small in nature but I am hoping that in time it will sprout some independent thinking abilities.
Menrov Thank you for your comments. I would respectfully like to point out that all the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi worked from within the corrupted nation of Israel and suffered at the hands of their brothers. Jehovah never commanded them to leave the situation but kept them their not only to be prophets but to be a witness. I believe that “the wheat and the weeds” are to be found in every man made group or organization and it matters not for the most part where you choose to go, as long as you are known by Jesus and… Read more »
Hi Gogetter, as Jesus is our judge, it is up to HIm to judge our decisions. I respect your choice even if I personally might disagree with the reasons. Each decision comes at a price. I wish you all the blessings ! cheers
“I stay because of family and friends that I have spent well over 40 yrs. shoulder to shoulder with, and can not abandon them.
Yes this would be much easier if the fear of being labeled an Apostate and disfellowshipping was not hanging over our heads”
Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and follow him John 14:6, Acts 4:12, the rewards, Matt 19:29, will out weigh the cost. Matt 10:35-40.
Thanks Meleti, when looking at the text used in the opening (1 Pe. 2:21) I noticed only a part of this verse is quoted; The who verse reads: 21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. (NWT) Funny of course as the model of Christ was meant to ALL WHO WERE CALLED. Par 1 is actually saying that we should imitate Jesus as it will draw as closer to the Father. There is no scriptural support for this statement provided, as of course… Read more »
Matt 7:21-23 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Is it possible that a person could find themselves in that situation through “allowing” themselves to be deceived? 2 Thess 2:10 “and in… Read more »
Its a really good scriptural study apart from one or two points . We would do well to cultivate these lovely qualities in our lives as christians . The big problem as i see it and experienced first hand is this .There are those in this religion who have no intentions of cultivating them .and those who try to put on humility and be obedient are easy targets for those who want to be top dog and use and abuse the brothers ..Ive had it first hand and when i started to resist I was branded as no good and… Read more »
Gogetter, I used to think that the Gb were also a captive of a concept, well maybe to a point however there is no excuse for their lies, and yes they have lied outright to the flock, they have been deceptive in their changing of their history and their misquotes of others, they have blamed the sheep for their expectations and have never taken any responsibility for their own failures. They throw faithful ones out of the congregation for disagreement and for mostly wanting to worship in spirit and truth. They are only interested in the organization survival and have… Read more »
Good points Katrina. Most wonder how this could happen? Well, a bad tree brings bad fruit, right? I guess most current JW’s ask themselves that question because of the concept that the organisation was the ONLY organisation on earth that is His own. Is it because most of us who are/were JW’s (myself included) wanted to believe that God is truly in charge of all the good things in the world and that Satan was in charge of all the evil? Such a concept sounds so clarifying and is easy to grasp, right? In the beginning, all to-be Christians are… Read more »
Excellent thoughts Katrina!
I think most of us have already left spiritually speaking, but go for what? I get so confused as to what to do, I dread going to the meetings because it creates confusion, love for the brothers, some good points then the stink bombs, I don’t think it is good for ones emotional or mental health, can’t eat at the table of demons and at the table of God, that is a clear message and I think this is what we are doing, maybe some may think I am being harsh but that is what I feel and can’t handle… Read more »
It is truly disturbing to all who are “awake” in the congregation to see the above mentioned real estate holdings and sales including the building of the Warwick HQ that will certainly be resort like in many ways, and to wonder why Jehovah is permitting this to take place. We can truly see that we are so far removed from the first century Christian congregation example and even the simplicity of Jesus teachings that we may find ourselves very frustrated, confused, and even depressed. We should remember that the scriptures contain a full history of very similar situations with God’s… Read more »
Today I found the perfect response to those who say we should wait on Jehovah to correct a wrong teaching.
“Therefore, if someone knows how to do what is right, and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.” (James 4:17)
There is also Paul’s admonition to ” overturn powerfully entrenched things ” No mentioning of “waiting on Jehovah” before doing this.
I love it Meleti! I can’t wait to use this scripture the next time I’m questioned about the stand that I have taken…
I agree fully with Meleti comment on the statement that “we need to wait on Jehovah” . Such a view is still based on the assumption that the organisation is somehow managed / directed by Jehovah. The concept that the Father will appoint an organisation to be His Own is not found in the scriptures. The only master of the christian congregation is Jesus. But such a congregation is not synonym for a global lead religion. If things are unclean, do not touch it. Your comment: I say we take the good scriptural information from the WT articles like this… Read more »
Luke 12:42-44 “The Lord answered, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Compare the parable of the ten minas, Luke 19:17 “Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.”
Thank you for a very sobering post and one with which I completely agree. While growing up and attending meetings, I didn’t even KNOW there was a Governing Body let alone their names. At that time there was an all encompassing humility in the organization that is simply not there today. I echo umbertoecho 🙂 in that I am so completely unhappy when I attend meetings that I too am wondering when it is time to leave. It’s become painfully obvious to me that the religion I loved from my youth is not even close to what we have today.… Read more »
One can’t help but laugh at the transparent irony (hypocrisy?) of it all. On one hand we have the constant call for the R&F to keep our eye simple and forgo good paying jobs and careers. Meanwhile the WTBS is * Taking ownership of all kingdom halls and instituting required donations – anyone can recognize this as a tithing arrangement at the congregation level * Profiting immensely from the sale of valuable real estate in Brooklyn and building a new sprawling combine in Warwick. * Embarking on an expensive five year plan to build new kingdom halls in a country… Read more »
At what point do we get our of “her”? I too, have come to realize that the GB are taking the place of Christ as so many others in the congregations do. They are quiet for all the reasons you have mentioned. But I really wonder how long we must attend meetings that have become so far removed from what we were supposed to do and how we were intended to learn and encourage each other. I went to the special meeting last month, the one directed from Bethel to Australasia. I could not have chosen a worse day to… Read more »
Whats this special meeting ive never heard of such a meeting with an environment such as you describe . Ive been out for about 3 years now it sounds like its really gone down hill . Kev
Sorry to hear about this experience, But it is what can be expected nowadays in the organisation. I understand that some decide to remain in for family reasons. I tried but mentally and emotionally I could not longer do that. That route was far more damaging to me than to become inactive, no longer attending etc.
Where to go? true, that can be a challenge. An answer will come, in due course. But in the meantime, protect yourself and your spiritual health. Cheers
Great analysis of this study article as always, thank you! If I remember correctly the GB applies Matt. 24:46 to Jesus “invisible” return in 1914 and inspection of slave in 1919 so they don’t view this as future. They also teach (most R&F don’t realize this) that the NT is for and applies to ONLY the anointed ruling class (144,000) in the new covenant and applies to the “other sheep” by extension only. (we are not part of the New Covenant) The reason I think the GB has come out from behind the incognito curtain is much like when the… Read more »
“Therefore, all the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say.” (Mt 23:3)
Excellent commentary, one can’t help but feel distracted the hypocrisy stinks, but the message is a sweet odor and will endeavor to concentrate on that, thank you.
“It takes lowliness of mind…to accept and follow the direction we receive from Jehovah’s organization.” No mention is made of Jesus, yet 1 Corinthians 11:3 says nothing about a fourth “head” in the chain of command. Well 1 Corinthians 11:3 or not your everlasting life depends on obeying your governing body. “In effect, Jesus also conveys Jehovah’s voice to us as he directs the congregation through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) We need to take this guidance and direction seriously, for our everlasting life depends on our obedience”.—Heb. 5:9. Watchtower August 15, 2014, page 21 “Get out of… Read more »