Comments You Will Not Hear at the APRIL 9, 2006 WT Study (March 1, 2006 issue, pages 17-21)(RECREATION)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxesw = Watchtower
g = Awake
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online)
www.reexamine.org (WT publications online)
www.silentlambs.org (child abuse)
www.ajwrb.org (blood issue)
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
WHOLESOME RECREATION THAT REFRESHES
"Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for
God's glory. "-1 CORINTHIANS 10:31.
Opening Comments
Are you starting to learn the tactics of the WTS.
Christians = only JWs
Jehovah's (God's) people (servants) = only JWs
True Christians = only JWs
Snippets of scriptures, alone or strung together, creating the semblance of another scripture quotation that does not appear in the Bible.
Buzzwords--such as evidently, apparently.........
http://www.jwfiles.com/jw-words.htm
I used to do Paragraph Main Words
1) natural
2) unrestrained
3) corrupt
4) internet
5) encroach
6) acceptable
7) stumble
8) squanders
9) appropriate
10) milestones
11) newly associated...harmful
12) profitable
13) should
14) large
15) proper supervision
16) alcohol
17) music/dance
18) unsupervised
19) occasional
20) Paradise
Picture above title
At the KH: Middle-aged black woman talking to white man with Asian woman (his wife?). Black woman is holding grapes, man is holding bottled water, Asian woman is hold a peach and a garden tool. He is wearing jeans! The older sister in the background has slacks and is raking as a black man is trimming the bushes.
The suggestion, that this is proper recreation is helping to do yard work at the KH.
START OF THE ARTICLE
IT IS natural to want to engage in activities that bring us pleasure. Our happy God, Jehovah, wants us to enjoy life, and he furnishes abundant provisions to make that possible. (1 Timothy 1:11; 6:17) Wise King Solomon wrote: "I have come to know that there is nothing better ... than to rejoice ... and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God."-Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13.
It is natural
Our happy God
Notice the ellipsis (...) in the scripture. What did the WTS leave out?
(Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) 12 I have come to know that there is nothing better [for them] than to rejoice [and to do good during one's life]; 13 and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God.
Why did they leave it out? To save space in the paragraph? What was gained from "tampering" with the scripture?
2 Such rejoicing as one pauses to reflect on good work accomplished is indeed refreshing, especially in pleasant association with family or friends. It may properly be viewed as a "gift of God." Of course, the Creator's providing so abundantly does not give us license to engage in unrestrained merriment. The Bible condemns drunkenness, gluttony, and immorality, warning that those who practice such things "will not inherit God's kingdom."- 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Proverbs 23:20, 21; 1 Peter 4:1-4.
Good work....refreshing...pleasant association with family or friends
Non-JW friends and family?????????????????
*** w93 8/1 pp. 18-19 Let No One Spoil Your Useful Habits ***
Paul would have recognized, though, the potential for "bad associations" in the workplace. We should too. Significantly, Paul quoted an attitude that prevailed among some: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die." (1 Corinthians 15:32) He immediately followed that with his fatherly counsel: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits." How might the workplace and the seeking of enjoyment be linked in creating a potential danger?
Christians want to be friendly with workmates, and many experiences bear out how effective this can be in opening the way for giving a witness. A fellow worker could misinterpret friendliness, however, as inviting association in order to have a good time together. He or she might extend a casual invitation to lunch, to a brief stop after work for a drink, or to some recreation on the weekend. This person might appear kind and clean-cut, and the invitation might seem innocent. Yet, Paul advises us: "Do not be misled."
Some Christians have been. They gradually developed a relaxed attitude toward association with workmates. Maybe it grew out of a common interest in a sport or a hobby. Or a non-Christian on the job might be exceptionally kind and thoughtful, which led to spending increasing amounts of time with that one, even preferring such company to that of some in the congregation. Then the association might lead to missing just one meeting. It could mean being out late one evening and breaking the pattern of sharing in the field ministry in the morning. It could result in watching a film or a video of a type that the Christian normally would refuse. 'Oh, that would never happen to me,' we might think. But most of those who have been misled may first have responded that way. We need to ask ourselves, 'Just how determined am I to apply Paul's counsel?'
What we just considered as to the workplace applies also to our association with neighbors. Certainly, the Christians in ancient Corinth had neighbors. In some communities it is normal to be quite friendly and supportive of neighbors. In rural areas neighbors may rely on one another because of isolation. Family ties are particularly strong in some cultures, giving rise to many invitations to meals. Obviously, a balanced view is important, as Jesus manifested. (Luke 8:20, 21; John 2:12) In our dealings with neighbors and relatives, are we inclined to carry on as we did before we became Christians? Rather, should we not now review such dealings and consciously determine what limits are appropriate?Jesus once likened the word of the Kingdom to seeds that "fell alongside the road, and the birds came and ate them up." (Matthew 13:3, 4, 19) Back then, soil along a road became hard as many feet walked back and forth on it. It is that way with many people. Their lives are filled with neighbors, relatives, and others coming and going, keeping them busy. This, as it were, tramples the soil of their hearts, making it hard for seeds of truth to take root. A similar unresponsiveness could develop in one who is already a Christian.
not give us license to engage in unrestrained merriment....drunkenness, gluttony, and immorality
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/11/77915/1.ashx
Was Rutherford an adulterer?
Drunkard?
Q 1, 2. Why may pleasurable activities be viewed as a "gift of God," yet what
frank warning does the Bible give?
3 In these critical last days, as never before, Christians are faced with the challenge of living circumspectly in a corrupt world without adopting its practices. (John 17:15, 16) As foretold, people of today's generation have become "lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God" to the extent that they take "no note" of the evidence that the "great tribulation" is just ahead. (2 Timothy 3:4, 5; Matthew 24:21, 37-39) Jesus warned his followers: "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare." (Luke 21:34, 35) As servants of God, we are determined to heed Jesus' warning. Unlike those in the ungodly world around us, we strive to stay spiritually awake and to keep in mind Jehovah's great day.-Zephaniah 3:8; Luke
21:36.
Christians...servants of God
Corrupt world...ungodly world around us--All 6 billion plus, including non-JW babiesTake "no note"
What does taking note mean? What is the only way to survive the great tribulation?
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
Q 3. What will help us to stay spiritually awake and to keep in mind Jehovah's
great day?
Blurb on page 18: Choose recreation that produces good fruitage (camping)
4 Keeping free of the corrupt practices of the world is not easy, since the Devil has made them so desirable and accessible. It is especially difficult when we seek entertainment or recreation. Most of what the world offers is designed to appeal to "fleshly desires." (1 Peter 2:11) Harmful entertainment is available in public areas, but it can also penetrate the privacy of the home by means of the printed page, TV, the Internet, and videos. Therefore, God's Word wisely counsels Christians: "Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked." (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Only if we follow this counsel closely can we make sure that harmful entertainment will not entice us, absorb us, yes, even destroy our relationship with Jehovah, ending in our destruction!-James 1:14, 15.
Corrupt practices of the world...so...accessible...most of what the world offers is...harmful...privacy of the home...printed page, TV, the Internet, and videos.
Is it no wonder that many visiting elders check out ("penetrate the privacy of") the homes of the publishers for evidence of what they read and watch...even wondering why the videos are locked away...what are they hiding?
Christians
Destroy our relationship with Jehovah--Where's Jesus? How often does the WTS talk about the other sheep having a relationship with Christ? Can they? Can they be brothers of Christ?
Q 4. (a) Why is it difficult to find acceptable recreation? (b) What counsel
found at Ephesians 5:15, 16 do we want to apply?
5 Since Christians live busy lives, they understandably feel the need on occasion to enjoy some recreational activities. In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:4 says that there is "a time to laugh" and "a time to skip about." So the Bible does not treat recreation as a waste of time. But recreation should refresh us, not endanger our spirituality or encroach on spiritual activities. Mature Christians know from experience that greater happiness comes from giving. They put the doing of Jehovah's will foremost in their lives and experience genuine `refreshment for their souls' in accepting Jesus' kindly yoke.-Matthew 11:29, 30; Acts 20:35.
Christians...mature Christians
Understandably feel the need on occasion
Recreation...not endanger our spirituality or encroach on spiritual activities
Translation: Too many JWs are missing the meetings, field service, conventions...going to recreational events?
I have been told and observed that the attendance on Friday is much lower than on Saturday and Sunday at the conventions. Where are the 'faithful'?
genuine refreshment...Jesus' kindly yoke
Translation: Field service and meeting attendance are true recreation...remember the KH clean up day in the beginning?
Q 5. From what do we receive our greatest refreshment?
Choosing Acceptable Recreation
6 How can we be sure that a certain form of recreation is acceptable for a Christian? Parents provide guidance for their children, and elders help as needed. Really, though, it should not be necessary for others to tell us that a particular book, movie, game, dance, or song is unacceptable. Paul said that "mature people ... through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong." (Hebrews 5:14; 1 Corinthians 14:20) The Bible sets forth guiding principles. Your conscience, trained by God's Word, will help you it you listen to it.-1 Timothy 1:19.
acceptable for a Christian...elders help as needed
They will butt in, follow up on the complaints of the "stumbled," say but do the opposite
Yet I heard from the platform such movies as ET, Star Wars, Scream, vilified and then known that the same elder screened these movies privately in their home.
*** g83 7/8 p. 27 Christ or E.T.? ***
Christ or E.T.?
E.T.-The Extra-Terrestrial burst on the scene in the United States this past summer, attracting theater audiences in record numbers. In only six weeks it grossed nearly $150 million. With spin-offs in E.T. dolls, toys and other merchandise-as well as the movie's release in other parts of the world-it is estimated the public could spend a whopping $1 billion on E.T. Why the E.T. fever?
The movie depicts an ungainly 3-foot (90-cm)-high creature from space, stranded on earth, who befriends a ten-year-old boy named Elliott. E.T.'s friendliness and benign powers, such as healing the boy's cut finger and bringing flowers to life, win the affection of Elliott and his family. Sadly, a wasting illness appears to take the creature's life. But when he is inexplicably "resurrected" before Elliott's eyes audiences cheer. His touching good-bye, when E.T.'s alien friends take him home, leaves hardly a dry eye in the theater.
Interestingly, many have noted parallels in the story to that of the life of Jesus Christ. Said Professor Albert E. Millar, Jr.: "I think the thing that struck me most was the idea of the capacity to heal, and then when E.T. died and was resurrected." We have in E.T., then, an enchanting Messiahlike figure that gives momentary emotional release to our need for a true friend with powers greater than ours. Therein lies the movie's great appeal.
Despite its seemingly Christian message, however, the movie subtly condones youthful misbehavior. In an early scene we find youths playing "Dungeons and Dragons" in a smoke-filled room with a lighted cigarette on the table. Later on, when E.T. gets drunk sampling beer, and Elliott in telepathic sympathy feels the effects, it is all portrayed as something cute. Further, some of the language used by these children is gross profanity. This, along with the supernatural aspects of the movie, has bothered many Christians.
Whether parents or their children see this movie is, of course, a matter of personal choice. But because of the movie's great popularity, let us not forget that it becomes an effective vehicle for sugarcoating youthful conduct that is definitely wrong.
E.T. may be a skillfully constructed and highly entertaining movie. But it provides no substitute for our True Friend, Jesus Christ, who saves us from this dying, wicked world. After all, E.T. is make-believe. Christ is reality.
Should not be necessary for others to tell us.....is unacceptable
The Bible sets forth guiding principles
But you will need the WTS and the elders to show you what they are and how to apply them.
7 Jesus said that "by its fruit the tree is known." (Matthew 12:33) If a recreational pursuit produces the rotten fruitage of an attraction to violence, immorality, or spiritism, it should be rejected. It is also unacceptable if it endangers one's life or health, if it causes economic hardship or discouragement, or if it causes others to stumble. The apostle Paul warned us that if we wound the conscience of our brother, we are sinning. Paul wrote: "When you people thus sin against your brothers and wound their conscience that is weak, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat flesh at all, that I may not make my brother stumble."-1 Corinthians 8:12, 13.
attraction to violence, immorality or spiritism
Toss all those Disney movies..........
http://www.arton5th.com/disney/magic_mirror_on_the_wall_th.jpg
Witches in Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Hercules; can you think of others?
unacceptable if it endangers one's life or health (picture of ice climbing on page 19)
causes economic hardship or discouragement (what the bejeebers does that mean?)
CAUSES OTHERS TO STUMBLE
So how far do you take this? If one sister is stumbled by anyone drinking alcohol, will everyone in the congregation have to become teetotalers?
Q 6, 7. What can help you decide what is acceptable or unacceptable
entertainment?
8 Stores are flooded with electronic games and videos. Some may provide harmless
fun and relaxation, but such entertainment increasingly features what the Bible
condemns. Surely it is not just innocent fun when a game requires that its
players maim and kill or act in a grossly immoral way! Jehovah hates those
"loving violence." (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 3:31; Colossians 3:5, 6) And if playing
a game promotes in you greed or aggression, drains you emotionally, or squanders
valuable time, then recognize the spiritual harm it causes and quickly make
adjustments.-Matthew 18:8, 9.
Flooded.........requires that its players main and kill....
But being taught to believe that all 6 billion non-JWs on the planet will soon be killed forever including innocent children, babies, is better?
But JWs are taught to love and look forward to the destruction of the wicked.
Promotes in you greed or aggression, drains you emotionally or
SQUANDERS VALUABLE TIME
Quickly make adjustments (or the WTS will make the for you)
Q 8. What dangers exist in using electronic games awl videos?
Blurb on page 19: What forms of recreation do Christians reject?
Fulfilling Recreational Needs in Wholesome Ways
9 At times, Christians ask: "What is acceptable recreation? So much of what the
world offers runs counter to Bible standards." Be assured that satisfying
recreation can be found, but it takes effort. It requires forethought and
planning, especially on the part of parents. Many find rewarding relaxation
within the family circle and in the congregation. Enjoying a leisurely meal
while discussing the events of the day or a Bible topic is pleasant and
upbuilding. Picnics, appropriate games, camping trips, or hikes can be arranged.
Such wholesome recreation can be fun and rewarding.
**Christians
What is acceptable recreation (and after saying that we shouldn't have to be told, the WTS tells us)
Leisurely meal
Discussing a Bible topic
Few JWs find discussing Bible topics at the meetings "fun and rewarding"
pleasant and upbuilding
Picnics, appropriate (elder/WTS approved) games, camping trips, or hikes
But do not call them CONGREGATION picnics; they cannot be sponsored by the congregation; an individual must sponsor it and take responsibility for any wrongdoing.
Some congregations will not allow picnics for groups larger than one book study.
Camping trips---------not monster ones with 10 families....
Hikes---but don't get off the path; be sure there are chaperones
10 An elder and his wife who have raised three children report: "From an early
age, our children were involved in choosing where we would go on vacation. At
times, we allowed each child to invite a good friend, which made the vacation
more enjoyable. Certain milestones in our children's lives were recognized.
Periodically, we invited family and friends in the congregation to our home. We
had cookouts and played games. We took drives and walks in the mountains, using
such occasions to learn about Jehovah's creation."
Choosing where we would go on vacation
Somewhere near the district convention
Invite a good friend
Only a JW and not all of those children are good association.
Milestones...recognized--special days that masquerade as birthdays?
Invited family (rarely non-JW, bad association)
Cookouts and played games ("appropriate")
Took drives (in field service) and walks in the mountains (being sure to carry tracts to talk to all they met)
Q 9, 10. What can discerning ones do to fulfill their recreational needs?
11 Can you widen out individually or as a family to include others when making
plans for occasional recreation? Some, such as a widow, a single person, or a
singleparent family, may need encouragement. (Luke 14:12-14) You might also
include a few who are newly associated, being careful, of course, not to expose
others to any harmful influence. (2 Timothy 2:20, 21) If infirm ones find it
difficult to go out, perhaps arrangements can be made to bring a meal to share
with them in their home.-Hebrews 13:1, 2.
Widen out...widow, a single person, or a single-parent family, may need encouragement.
Yes, they are the weak pins in the congregation.
Few who are newly associated
BEING CAREFUL, OF COURSE, NOT TO EXPOSE OTHERS TO ANY HARMFUL INFLUENCE
That was why we weren't invited places...they were afraid we were contaminated because our father was not a JW.
Infirm ones...bring a meal to share (now you know the brothers ain't doing this, they "delegate" it)
12 Gatherings at which guests enjoy a simple meal, hear how others became
Christians, and learn what has helped them to stay faithful to God have proved
unforgettable for many. Bible topics can be brought up for discussion, with all
present, including children, being invited to share. Such discussions can be
profitable interchanges of encouragement without anyone having to feel
uncomfortable or inadequate.
Simple meal (the idea is that JWs are afraid to entertain because they can't afford it or can't put on a big spread)
Hear how others became Christians (JWs)
Learn what has helped them to stay faithful
Bible topics...discussion
After 40 years of being a JW I can tell you that no one wanted to do these things and groaned when a JW host suggested them.
Profitable interchanges...without anyone having to feel uncomfortable or inadequate
Have you played card games at some JW homes and they don't keep score? Yet, they keep score of their hours on a time slip.
Q 11, 12. (a) What can you do to include others in your plans for occasional
recreation? (b) What kind of gatherings have proved unforgettable for many?
13 Jesus set the proper example in showing and accepting hospitality. He always
used such occasions to impart spiritual blessings. (Luke 5:27-39; 10:42;
19:1-10; 24:28-32) His early disciples imitated his example. (Acts 2: 46, 47)
The apostle Paul wrote: "I am longing to see you, that I may impart some
spiritual gift to you in order for you to be made firm; or, rather, that there
may be an interchange of encouragement among you, by each one through the
other's faith, both yours and mine." (Romans 1:11,12) Similarly, our gatherings
should provide the atmosphere for an interchange of encouragement.-Romans 12:
13; 15:1, 2.
Jesus...always used such occasions to impart spiritual blessings
Do you think the Bible recorded every occasion? Do you think Jesus was yapping about prophecy and the Bible every waking moment?
gatherings SHOULD provide the atmosphere for an interchange of encouragement
I went to one of those women parties, like tupperware, and thought for once, someone's reputation would not be shredded....wrong...some engaged sister who was not present was ridiculed; everyone there had to share a story that was not flattering.........unkind gossip; there was laughter. I stood up and told the hostess that I had to leave, that I could not be part of this...I went home sick. How many times I had seen this happen, at parties, in service, at the KH. It made me wonder how many times had I been the topic of such an "interchange of encouragement."
Q 13. How did Jesus and Paul set the example in showing and accepting
hospitality?
Some Reminders and Cautions
14 Having large social events is not advisable, since supervision at such is
often difficult. At a time that does not interfere with spiritual activities, a
few families may decide to enjoy a picnic together or play a game that is not
overly competitive. When some of the elders, ministerial servants, or other
mature ones are present at a social gathering, they provide an influence for
good and the occasion can be even more refreshing.
LARGE SOCIAL EVENTS IS NOT ADVISABLE
How large is large: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30...200 (what about wedding receptions?)
Supervision....difficult
At a time that does not interefere with spiritual activities (Translation: Friday and Saturday nights; Saturday or Sunday mornings, Sunday afternoons)
a FEW families
play a game that is NOT OVERLY COMPETITIVE
ELDERS, MINISTERIAL SERVANTS OR OTHER MATURE ONES ARE PRESENT...provide an influence for good
I guess they have seen how much the brothers drink at parties in this area.
*** km 7/74 p. 3 Social Gatherings ***
There are times when congregations plan group travel for a tour of one of the Society's branch offices, or to an assembly, perhaps with stops along the way for a picnic or for sight-seeing. But, as for activities that are purely recreational, the congregations usually find it best to leave arrangements for such things to individuals. And, since the times for meetings are set by the congregation as a whole, they do not lightly set these aside when certain ones in their midst express a desire to arrange for an outing.
As individuals, our needs as to recreation may vary. But is it wise to give it such prominence that one travels long distances, spending considerable money, in order to be in on every social event? And even of get-togethers that are close to home, if those who attend do not get home until late at night, how many will feel refreshed physically or stimulated spiritually for congregation meetings or field service the next morning?
Q 14. Why are large social events not advisable?
15 At social gatherings, those making the arrangements should not overlook the
need for proper supervision. While you enjoy showing hospitality, would you not
feel very bad if you learned that because of some negligence on your part, a
guest was stumbled by what occurred in your home? Consider the principle
discussed at Deuteronomy 22:8. The Israelite who constructed a new home was
required to build a parapet around the flat roof, which was often used to
entertain guests. Why? "That you may not place bloodguilt upon your house
because someone falling might fall from it." In a similar way, what you
do--without imposing unreasonable restrictions--to protect your guests at a
social gathering should be with their physical and spiritual interests at heart.
proper supervision (is this the third time?)
Some negligence on your part, a guest was stumbled by what occurred in your home
So you have to be watching 10 people all at once, responsible for everything they say and do?
Without imposing unreasonable restrictions
Define what is an "unreasonable restriction"?
Yes, if 2 people of the opposite sex leave separately in their cars and go to a motel afterwards and have mad, indiscriminate sex, you are at fault!
Can you see how they initimidate the rank and file not to have any parties?
Q 15. Why should hosting an event include proper supervision?
16 If alcohol is served at a social gathering, this should be done with great
discretion. Many Christian hosts decide to serve alcoholic drinks only if they
can personally oversee what their guests are served or consume. Nothing should
be permitted that might stumble others or tempt anyone to overindulge.
(Ephesians 5:18, 19) For various reasons, some guests may decide to abstain from
alcohol. Many places have a minimum legal drinking age, and Christians will be
obedient to Caesar's laws even if these regulations seem overly
restrictive.-Romans 13:5.
Alcohol...great discretion
Christians hosts--only JWs
Personally oversee--no open bars or free beer as I see all the time at JW wedding receptions
Don't worry, if they are alcoholics they are sure to bring their own just in case you don't have enough, even hide it.
Minimum legal drinking age--there was a big brouhaha in this area because some JW parents had the idea that they could serve alcohol to their minor children at home.
Q 16. What discretion should be exercised if alcohol is served at a social
gathering?
17 The host should make sure that any music, dancing, or other entertainment is
consistent with Christian principles. Musical tastes differ, and a wide variety
of music is available. However, much of today's music promotes a spirit of
rebellion, immorality, and violence. There is a need for being selective. Decent
music need not necessarily be sedate, but neither should it be sensuous or
vulgar, with emphasis on noise and a loud beat. Be careful that you do not leave
the choice of music to someone who has yet to appreciate the need for keeping
the volume at a moderate level. A dance that involves immodest behavior,
emphasizing erotic movements of the hips and breasts, would obviously not be
proper for a Christian.-1 Timothy 2:8-10.
Music, dancing...consistent with Christian principles...spirit of rebellion...immorality, and violence
I can remember a dance where anything before 1950 was acceptable. I specifically requested a song from the 30's where it said "I get a kick out of cocaine." I thought they would freak.
Neither should it be sensuous--I guess Prince is out.
A dance that involves immodest behavior--like the waltz?
http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3waltz.htm
The waltz as we know it today, was the first unquestionable closed couple dance done in aristocracy with all the other dances before being open dances (no embrace.) The waltz was considered very "scandalous," for the dancers did an embrace and held each other so close that their bodies and even faces touched while they danced. The women were thrown around exuberantly (Adagio type) which at the time was "Immoral and Sinful."
Christian (only JW)
Q 17. (a) If music is played at a social event, why is it important that the
host be very selective? (b) If there is dancing at a gathering, how should
modesty be reflected?
18 Christian parents should find out what is planned for any social gatherings
that their children are invited to attend, and it would be wise to go along with
them in most instances. Sadly, some parents have allowed their children to
attend unsupervised parties where several in attendance have been enticed into
immorality or other unseemly conduct. (Ephesians 6:1-4) Even if youths are in
their late teens and have shown that they can act responsibly, there is still a
need to help them to "flee from the desires incidental to youth."-2 Timothy
2:22.
Christian parents (only JWs)
find out what is planned...wise to go along...unsupervised parties...immorality
Late teens--18 and older
Do they still have those big "flyer" parties where no one knows who is "hosting" it and people come from all over and pay a fee? I can remember the DO at one circuit assembly practically frothing at the mouth and waving the flyer.
Q 18. How can parents safeguard their children by supervising their social
activity?
19 Occasional recreation and entertainment that is wholesome and refreshing can
make life more enjoyable. Jehovah does not deny us this pleasure, but
realistically we know that such activities do not in themselves help us to store
up any spiritual treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21) Jesus helped his
disciples to understand that "seeking first the kingdom and [God's]
righteousness" is the important thing in life, not what we may eat or drink or
wear, "things the nations are eagerly pursuing."-Matthew 6:31-34.
OCCASIONAL recreation--once a month, one every six months, once a year?
Such activities do not in themselves help us store up any spiritual treasures in heaven
TRANSLATION: Then why do them?
Q 19. What reality can help us focus on what we should be "seeking first"?
20 Yes, whether we are "eating or drinking or doing anything else," we can do
"all things for God's glory," thanking the Grand Provider for good things
enjoyed in moderation. (1 Corinthians 10:31) In his Paradise earth just ahead,
there will be endless occasions to enjoy to the full Jehovah's generosity, along
with the wholesome fellowship of all who meet his righteous requirements. -Psalm
145:16; Isaiah 25:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Enjoyed in moderation--define "moderation"
CARROT--In his Paradise earth just ahead (where's Jesus?)
wholesome fellowship of all who meet his righteous requirements--ONLY JWS
Q 20. Faithful servants of Jehovah can anticipate what good things from the
Grand Provider?
Concluding Comments
I grew up in the organization; I lived through all the rules designed to make people fearful of having even the smallest party or recreation that they might STUMBLE SOMEONE.
And the rules in one congregation may be different from that in another because the WTS gives each individual body of elders (BOE) the discretion of making "rules" for the congregation.
So what are you doing this weekend to re-create?
We will be visiting some friends we found here on JWD. Have you been able to re-create with some of your fellow posters?
Love, Blondie
Do You Remember?
- Why is it difficult for Christians today to find recreation that is wholesome?
- What are some forms of recreation that have proved to be satisfying for
Christian families?
- When enjoying wholesome recreation, what reminders and cautions should one
keep in mind?