“Now this is the basis for judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. 20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”” (Joh 3:19-21 RNWT)
Perhaps what comes to your mind at reading this are the Pharisees of Jesus’ day—or perhaps you’re thinking of their modern-day counterparts. Those ones imagined themselves walking in light surely. However, when Jesus showed up their bad works, they would not change, but instead tried to silence him. They preferred the darkness so that their works would not be reproved.
Whatever a person or group of people pretend to be—ministers of righteousness, the chosen of God, his appointed ones—their true nature is revealed by how they deal with light. If they love the light they will be drawn to it, for they will want their works to be manifest as being in harmony with God. If however, they hate the light, then they will do what they can to avoid being exposed by it for they do not wish to be reproved. Such ones are wicked—practicers of vile things.
A person or group of people demonstrates a hatred for light by refusing to defend their beliefs openly. They may engage in discussion, but if they find they cannot win—as the Pharisees never could with Jesus—they will not admit wrong; they will not allow themselves to be reproved. Instead, those who love darkness will coerce, intimidate and threaten those who bring the light. Their goal is to extinguish it so as to continue existing under a cloak of darkness. This darkness gives them a false sense of security, for they foolishly think that the dark hides them from the eyes of God.
We do not need to openly condemn anyone. We merely have to shine a light on someone and see how they react. If they cannot successfully defend their doctrines from Scripture; if they use intimidation, threats and punishment as tools to extinguish the light; then they manifest themselves as lovers of darkness. That, as Jesus says, is the basis for their judgment.
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Comment by Mailman on 2014-08-25 10:32:32
20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”” (Joh 3:19-21 RNWT)
Take the example of Moses' staff that turned into a snake. While Pharaoh's
magicians were able to make their own serpents, Moses' snake proved to be the true one as it swallowed the magician's serpents. In similar vein, if the Organization's beliefs and doctrines are the truth, they will stand open scrutiny once exposed to the light for the truth cannot be extinguished by falsehood under the light.
But if the Governing Body, as protected by their loyal and supportive elders, would always evade that scenario and resort to tactics that do not align with the light, then do we need to say more?
Comment by Mailman on 2014-08-25 10:49:31
Shouldn't the Governing Body be thankful for and appreciative of the sincere questions raised by the brothers? The sad part here is that whenever questions on doctrines and practices are raised, instead of answering the questions with objectivity, the elders become suspicious with the brother's motive (e.g. apostate thinking) thinking that the person is threatening the unity of the congregation.
On the other hand, are we not delighted to hear thought-provoking questions from those who are studying the bible with us? Are we not enthusiastic researching the answers for very challenging questions raised by our students?
The GB would rather preserve the unity of the organization, at the expense of hiding and preserving teachings that are not supported by the Bible or though supported by it but misapplied based on past GB members pronouncements.
The leaders of the WT have become overly allergic to damaging questions which when exposed to light can make a brother's belief fall apart.
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-08-25 13:55:34
"We merely have to shine a light on someone and see how they react. If they cannot successfully defend their doctrines from Scripture; if they use intimidation, threats and punishment as tools to extinguish the light; then they manifest themselves as lovers of darkness."
Meleti, would you explain in more detail what you mean by this statement? Are you saying we should "shine a light" on our brothers and sisters at the KH and see their reaction? And if their reaction is to "use intimidation, threats, and punishment as tools to extinguish the light of truth, then they manifest themselves as lovers of darkness"? If so, what do we do then?
Because if this is what you are saying, it has very grave implications.
If that is not what you mean, can you be more specific on WHO and HOW we shine a light on someone and see how they react, "So that his works may not be reproved, or "so that his works may be made manifest" especially since "this is the basis for judgement" and is "in harmony with God.” (John 3:19-21 RNWT)
Who is the "someone" we shine a light on?
In regard to the judgement, could that be judgement on THEM for their reaction and judgement on US for whether we shine the light or not?
Since this is new meaning, or new knowledge for all of us, WHEN do we act on it? Now, as the knowledge is revealed to us and we come to a clearer understanding of Scripture, or put it off and wait for some future sign or event? When is the "judgement" to take place? Now or future?
Very good and thought provoking article Meleti! There is room for much discussion here. I wonder should you move it to the discussion board?Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-25 15:51:20
"Meleti, would you explain in more detail what you mean by this statement? Are you saying we should “shine a light” on our brothers and sisters at the KH and see their reaction?"
No, I'm not suggesting we should go about testing others.
"Who is the “someone” we shine a light on?"
Anyone, really. This principle is universal. We don't have to be the ones shining the light either. As observers, we can see how different ones react when presented with truth.
"In regard to the judgement, could that be judgement on THEM for their reaction and judgement on US for whether we shine the light or not?"
Jesus indicates that the judgment is God's and the basis for that judgment is the way the individual reacts to the light that has come into the world.
"Since this is new meaning, or new knowledge for all of us, WHEN do we act on it? Now, as the knowledge is revealed to us and we come to a clearer understanding of Scripture, or put it off and wait for some future sign or event? When is the “judgement” to take place? Now or future?"
I think perhaps you might be reading too much into what I've said. God's judgment is future, of course. No specific action is being called for here. This principle is helpful for ourselves first of all. If we find that we react negatively when truth is being revealed, trying to justify ourselves, or ostracizing others because we cannot prove our own point of view, then we may be guilty of loving the darkness and in danger of adverse judgment from God. If, on the other hand, we are being taught something we believe is false--like we as Christians are not God's children--and we use the Bible to show the person teaching us that this is false, and instead of calmly using the Bible himself to support his teaching, he turns on us with angry threats and name-calling, then we can be warned to be wary of the person and guide ourselves with caution.
I hope I have explained myself better.Reply by kev c on 2014-08-26 03:05:53
Hey meleti this thing You might be reading too much into what ive said .what do you mean by that explain please .????? Ha ha ha i love this site . Kev