“Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
[From ws 11/18 p.13 January 14 – 20, 2019]
This article is a rare type of article. One with very little of any consequence to highlight as scripturally incorrect, or scripturally unsupported.
There are, however, a few items to draw our attention.
Paragraph 1 is interesting as it says the following.
“True, we are convinced that these “critical times hard to deal with” are evidence that we are living “in the last days” and that each passing day brings us one step closer to the new world. (2 Timothy 3:1)”
This statement is interesting in several ways. The writer is presuming to speak for all Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet, he makes no attempt to prove we are living “in the last days”, but rather appeals to emotion saying that because times are difficult for many, they must be the last days. Indeed, what is noticeable by its absence is any reference to 1914 as the beginning of the last days.
Of course, this statement ignores the fact that 2 Timothy 3:1 was fulfilled in the first century, and that the Scriptures give no indication that it should have a second fulfillment.
The statement that “each passing day brings us one step closer to the new world” is hardly headline news. It is true whether the new world is a year away or 100 years away. Yet, it is designed to reinforce the JW trademark idea that the end is “imminent”.
Paragraph 12 also should be considered. Here it says, “Second, we need to listen to what Jehovah tells us through his Word and organization”. Notice how “Organization” is tacked on to something we know to be true. It assumes an equivalency which is not there. How exactly does Jehovah tell us to do something through the Organization? They state they are not inspired, so to say “we need to listen to what Jehovah tells us through his organization” is nonsensical.
What did Jesus say that has a bearing on this question? Luke 11:13 records Jesus as saying “Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” According to this scripture, obtaining Holy Spirit is dependent on asking God in prayer, not whether you are a member of a self-appointed elite. Furthermore, there is no monopoly on receiving Holy Spirit, unlike what the Organization would have us believe.
Paragraph 17 has an interesting statement when it says: “Jehovah extends his promise of life to any righteous person who displays faith and trust in Him.” Note the phrase “any righteous person”. Is this also a softening in the previous stance that only Witnesses will survive Armageddon? Is more emphasis being put on the actions of the individual rather than if they are a Witness and fulfilling the desires of the Organization? Time will tell.
Our final point is from paragraph 19. There point 2 on how we can maintain trust in Jehovah states: by “paying careful attention to Jehovah’s Word and any direction we receive through his organization”. We will definitely do well to pay careful attention to Jehovah’s Word. However, it is a different matter for those claiming to be his Organization. Given how untrustworthy the predictions of the Organization have been, it would likely reduce our trust in Jehovah were we to pay “careful attention” to all directions from the Organization. Rather than “any direction”, we would need to be highly selective, otherwise we could become another casualty of the Organization with our faith and trust in Jehovah shattered.
Will take all advice/opinions suggested and given on board and possibly in sequence with the oral aspect coming first depending on what that leads.
I have always had the mindset that I never signed a document binding me to the organization with the exception of the baptismal slip given to me before baptism which I now want to eagerly see what its content entails.
I appreciate you all for the the advice given, will get the family updated as this unfolds.
Hi Safe… can you not just fade away? I did it and it was so peaceful. Sure you will get elder visits and texts and phone calls, you can just ignore it all.
This is a big decision and you have to do what you feel is right for you.
Be very careful when dealing with wolves (elders) in sheep clothing
They will use whatever you give them against you
And They will make sure you look bad to all your family and friends in the congregation
By just fading away, they have nothing to attack you with
Paragraph 19 “We can acquire and maintain such trust if we strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by (2) paying careful attention to Jehovah’s Word and any direction we receive through his organization” From their own words, Watchtower 2017 February p.27 paragraph 12 “The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction.” It is disgusting and idolatrous to put human organizational direction, prone to error, in the same sentence let alone on the same level with Jehovah’s Word as they continually put forth. To trust in such an organization will always lead… Read more »
Sorry for posting this here, I only hope this would be resignation letter as an Ms get reviewed by the beroean family. This letter of mine really has to follow me now on every meeting days due to the fact that I am being cajouled and pestered to take the appointment of being an elder which I turned down once in front of the C.O and the congregation secretary. Another visit of the C.O is in a month time and I believe there will another call to serve as an elder again. The CBOE tod me two weeks back that… Read more »
SafeguardYourHeart, they are sure to continue to pester you over this because turning down a “privilege” is unacceptable to them. For them the only reason would be either that you feel guilty over some “secret sin” or that you are rejecting the organization. To them, when such a “wonderful privilege” is offered, it comes from Jehovah himself. This is their reasoning. So turning down the offer to serve as an elder and worse, resigning from an assignment already granted, is tantamount to turning away from God. This reasoning is warped, of course, and entirely based on the premise that they… Read more »
Hi Syh, I resigned as an elder a few years ago, but I would not put it in writing as it may give others something to use against you. In my case, I could not teach the things that I did not agree with. Little did I realise how many weeks contained something I could not agree with. Since then, the C/O and BOE have not pressurised me. They just ignore me, at least most of the time. I do wonder how long it would take some to call if I did not appear at all. The more you say,… Read more »
Hi SYH,
To resign, you have to submit a letter. Like LJ, I resigned as an Elder almost 2 years ago. So, to resign, you HAVE to drop a letter.
Just make it short and sweet and be careful how you word it.
Best wishes,
WS
(P.S.- If you need any help or ideas, ask Eric for my email, and I will gladly help??)
Timing is similar, Warp. And I would make the same offer to Syh.
I would totally agree with Leonardo Josephus. Give them as little as possible, and nothing in writing for this.
Hopefully they may leave you alone.