Comments You Will Not Hear at the 07-02-06 WT Study (May 15, 2006 issue date, pages 26-30)(INTEGRITY)
Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
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)
THE JOYS OF WALKING IN INTEGRITY
"The blessing of Jehovah--that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it."-PROVERBS 10:22.
Opening Comments
The WTS again opens with an OT scripture.
But what does the article's title really mean?
"The Joys of Walking in Integrity"
*** w91 7/15 p. 29 Why Be Clothed With Humility? ***
Humility leads God's people to appreciate his organization and to stay with it as integrity keepers.
So the rank and file have to be reminded of the joys of "walking with" the organization.
1) "Accurate" knowledge of "Bible" teachings--can you think of any flipflop doctrines--doctrines that the WTS has changed at least from A to B back to A again?
2) Release from detrimental habits and practices--like men wearing beards?
3) Happy family life--what is the unofficial policy regarding wives staying with abusive husbands, corporal punishment of children...
4) Assurance that world problems will soon be solved--by God and Jesus and the angels and the 144,000 in heaven destroying eternally all non-JWs, all 6.5 billion adults including their minor childen, even babies.
5) Knowing what brings true happiness--obeying the WTS in all things even when they are wrong..."waiting on Jehovah."
6) An important and effective training program--to obey the WTS in all things.
7) A personal relationship with Jehovah and support from the "united" international brotherhood--where's Jesus in this equation??????????????????????
8) The hope of seeing dead loved ones again--Translation: If you are not a JW, when your loved ones are resurrected, they will find you are not in the paradise.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) Why should we guard against being overly preoccupied with the future?
1) "A PREOCCUPATION with the future ... prevents us from seeing the present as it is," noted one American philosopher. This is true of children who are so preoccupied with the privileges of adulthood that they overlook the benefits of childhood until it is long gone.
Now why couldn't the WTS reference the name of this philosopher and the source of this quote?
Can you guess who it is...............................................?
A preoccupation with the future not only prevents us from seeing the present as it is but often prompts us to rearrange the past.
Eric Hoffer, The Passionate State of Mind, 1954(1902 - 1983)
(The same man who wrote "The True Believer.")
The True Believer(New York: Harper and Row, 1951.)
Hoffer's first book is the one that brought him fame and continues to be his best known. Subtitled "Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements," it is an examination of the types of individuals who tend to join and foster those destructive (and sometimes creative) fanatical causes which have wreaked such havoc in our time.
Other quotes by the same man:
http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/quotes/hoffer.htm
2) Even Jehovah's worshippers are not immune to this pattern of thinking.
Consider what can happen. We long for the fulfillment of God's promise to bring about a paradise on earth. We eagerly await a life free of sickness, old age, pain, and suffering. While it is good to be in expectation of such things, what if we become so preoccupied with future physical blessings that we are blind to our present-day spiritual blessings? What a shame that would be! We could easily become discouraged and feel `sick at heart because our expectations have been postponed' beyond what we imagined. (Proverbs 13:12) Problems and difficulties in life might throw us into the trap of despondency or self-pity. Instead of coping with bad situations, we could develop a complaining attitude. All of this can be avoided by appreciatively meditating on our present blessings.
Do you see where the WTS is going with the idea of being preoccupied with the future?
Jehovah's worshippers--only JWs
We "long" for the fulfillment of God's promise to bring about a paradise earth
We "eagerly" await a life free of sickness, old age, pain, and suffering
And who has fostered that hope since JW children were taught by their parents or people were contacted by JWs with the "paradise" message--the WTS.
preoccupied with future physical blessings that we are blind to our present-day spiritual blessings
become discouraged and feel `sick at heart because "our" expectations have been postponed' beyond what "we" imagined
throw us into the "trap" of despondency or "self-pity". Instead of coping with bad situations, we could develop a "complaining attitude."
And what blessings does the WTS focus on? Here is just one example.
*** g97 4/22 p. 23 Now I'm Happy to Be Alive! ***
My conviction that God will heal all present infirmities in his fast-approaching new world is what makes me happy to be alive now.
Q3) On what will we focus our attention in this article?
3) "The blessing of Jehovah-that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it," states Proverbs 10:22. Is not the spiritually prosperous condition of the modern-day servants of Jehovah a blessing to rejoice over? Let us consider some aspects of our spiritual prosperity and see what they mean to us personally. Taking time to reflect on the favors that Jehovah has showered upon `the righteous one walking in his integrity' will indeed strengthen our resolve to continue serving our heavenly Father joyfully.-Proverbs 20:7.
Where is Jesus in this paragraph?
modern-day servants of Jehovah--only JWs, where are the modern-day Christians?
favors that Jehovah has showered upon...where's Jesus?
'Blessings That Make Us Rich' Now
Q4, 5) Which Bible teaching do you especially appreciate, and why?
4) An accurate knowledge of Bible teachings. The religions of Christendom
generally claim to believe the Bible. However, they fail to agree on what it
teaches. Even members of the same religious group often differ in their views of what the Scriptures really teach. How different their condition is from that of Jehovah's servants! Regardless of our national, cultural, or ethnic background, we worship the God we know by name. He is not some mysterious triune god. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 83:18; Mark 12:29) We are also aware that the paramount issue of God's universal sovereignty is due for settlement and that by maintaining our integrity to him, each one of us is personally involved in that issue. We know the truth about the dead and are free of the morbid fear of a God who is said to torment humans in hellfire or consign them to purgatory.-Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.
Religions of Christendom "generally" claim to believe the Bible...fail to agree on what it teaches...even members of the same religious group often differ in their views
Does the WTS "generally" claim to believe the Bible? What about preferring the NWT, saying that it is more accurate than other Bibles.
If you asked the average JW about what is the official WTS stand on blood transfusions and disfellowshipping, alternative service...
Jehovah's servants--only JWs (where are the Christians in this equation?)
by name...triune...sovereignty (for years WTS taught vindication of God's name not sovereignty)...hellfire...purgatory
The WTS is not the only group to use God's name (Jehovah/Yahweh), not to believe in a triune God, not to teach hellfire/purgatory.
Nontrinitarian groups
Monarchianism
Arianism
Socinianism
Bible Students
Unitarian Christians
American Unitarian Conference
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormon)
Living Church of God
Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship*
Magi Network*
Church of Christ, Scientist
Oneness Pentecostals
Jehovah's Witnesses
Unification Church
Christadelphians
The Way The Church of Yahweh in Christ Jesus
Church of God General Conference (Abrahamic Faith)
Polish Brethren
Doukhobors
Molokan
The Way International
Gospel Assembly Church
New Church
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nontrinitarian#Nontrinitarian_groups
5) Moreover, what a joy it is to know that we are not an accidental product of blind evolution! Rather, we are God's creation, made in his own image. (Genesis 1:26; Malachi 2:10) "I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made," sang the psalmist to his God. "Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware."-Psalm 139:14.
Not an accidental product of blind evolution--------proof or references
made in his own image--are women made in God's image?
*** w01 5/15 p. 21 par. 2 Building a Spiritually Strong Family ***
Adam and Eve were created in God's image.
*** g80 4/8 p. 5 People-How They Began ***
In a particular respect man was in God's image where woman was not-in headship. (1 Cor. 11:3, 7) Both the man and the woman shared in being in God's likeness insofar as each one possessed the divine attributes given at the time of their creation.
Q6, 7) What changes in your life or in the life of others you know have proved to be a blessing?
6) Release from detrimental habits and practices. Warnings about the dangers of smoking, excessive drinking, and sexual promiscuity abound in the media. For the most part, these warnings go unheeded. What happens, though, when a sincere person learns that the true God condemns such things and is saddened by those who practice them? Why, that person is moved to exclude such practices from his life! (Isaiah 63:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:30) While he does this primarily to please Jehovah God, he also receives additional benefits-better health and peace of mind.
While the sanctions against smoking and sexual promiscuity are more clear cut in WTS policies...what constitutes "excessive" drinking? How many people come/came to the meetings with alcohol on their breath? I knew of one elder who was a "known" alcoholic, having been charged with driving under the influence several times (printed each time in the local paper). Yet he was not removed until 40 years into his career as an elder. Imagine that man sitting on judicial committees to judge others?
primarily to please Jehovah God--I knew of many who did those things not caring what God saw, just being sure no one found out and reported them to the elders.
7) Breaking bad habits is very difficult for many. Still, each year tens of
thousands are doing so. They dedicate themselves to Jehovah and submit to water baptism, thus making it public that they have eliminated from their lives the practices that displease God. What an encouragement that is to all of us! Our determination to remain free from enslavement to sinful and hurtful conduct is reinforced.
Dedicate themselves to Jehovah--here are the current baptism questions...where is the holy spirit in this (Matthew 28:19)
*** w85 6/1 p. 30 Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication ***
At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ's example. The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?
Q8) What Bible-based counsel contributes to family happiness?
8) Happy family life. In numerous countries family life is faltering. Many
marriages end in divorce, often leaving behind painfully scarred children. In
some European countries, one-parent families make up close to 20 percent of all households. How has Jehovah helped us walk in the way of integrity in this regard? Please read Ephesians 5:22-6:4, and note the fine counsel that God's Word gives to husbands, wives, and children. Applying what is stated there and elsewhere in the Scriptures certainly strengthens the marriage bond, helps parents to bring up children properly, and contributes to a happy family life. Is that not a blessing to rejoice over?
Many marriages end in divorce--at the KH too, and increasing. One tactic couples do is to informally or legally separate, living in separate locations. Not divorced but the result is the same.
Apply what is stated there and elsewhere in the Scriptures--but do JWs really do that...are the families trotted out at the assemblies/conventions as examples truly practicing what they say from the platform? I have looked back at one congregation I attended, looking at the elder body and MS 20 years ago; only one marriage is still intact, out of 12 families.
bring up children properly--what about corporal punishment, what is the pattern in your congregation?
***Sidepoint: I have observed families in other religions and found many fine and caring families; families without a religious background show caring and support. Is the WTS the only place that blessings can be found?
Q9, 10) How does our outlook for the future differ from that of the world?
9) Assurance that world problems will soon be solved. Despite scientific and technological know-how and the sincere efforts of certain leaders, serious problems of present-day life remain unsolved. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, recently noted that "the list of challenges facing the world grows ever longer and the time to address them grows shorter." He spoke of "dangers that transcend national boundaries like terrorism, environmental degradation and financial instability." Schwab concluded: "Now, more than ever, the world is faced with realities that call for collective and decisive action." As the 21st century moves forward, the overall outlook for mankind's future remains bleak.
"sincere" efforts of "certain" leaders
Don't want to paint them all with the same brush, eh? That is how the WTS justified their association with the UN...all leaders aren't bad.
Do you know what the World Economic Forum is? Sounds impressive but why should we put any credence in this man's words?
December 2004, Newsweek
As the list of challenges facing the world grows ever longer and the time to address them grows shorter, global leadership and governance have reached a defining moment. Dangers that transcend national boundaries like terrorism, environmental degradation and financial instability accentuate the increasing complexity, fragility and interdependence of the world in which we live. Now, more than ever, the world is faced with realities that call for collective and decisive action.
We as a global community have yet to establish a framework for shaping our common global destiny. We need a global governance system that encourages collective action and yet does not blunt the leadership necessary to achieve those goals.
Clearly, our present system of global governance is very poorly equipped to handle the challenges of the global agenda. And it is not hard to see why. "Short-termism" prevails as our public and corporate leaders face an average tenure of ...
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_kmnew/is_200412/ai_n14760292
10) How gratifying to know that Jehovah has instituted an arrangement that is capable of solving all of mankind's problems--the Messianic Kingdom of God! By means of it, the true God will `make wars to cease' and bring about `abundant peace.' (Psalm 46:9; 72:7) The anointed King, Jesus Christ, `will deliver the poor one, the afflicted one, and the lowly one from oppression and from violence.' (Psalm 72:12-14) Under Kingdom rule, there will be no food shortage. (Psalm 72:16) Jehovah "will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4) The Kingdom has already been established in heaven and will shortly take the necessary action to affect every affair on the earth.-Daniel 2:44; Revelation 11:15.
anointed King, Jesus Christ--when did that anointing take place per the WTS?
*** w66 9/1 p. 533 par. 19 Jesus, the "Object of Hostility," Upholds Jehovah's Godship ***
When Jesus was anointed as King-designate by God's spirit at the Jordan River in 29 C.E
wars cease...oppression...violence...no food shortage--are these spiritual blessings the WTS is promoting, not the physical blessings they said the rank and file were too preoccupied with in paragraph 2?
Kingdom has already been been established in heaven (33 CE, 1878 CE, 1914 CE?)
*** jv chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus' baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King
shortly take the necessary action--SOON, VERY SOON, VERY SOON NOW 6.5 billion non-JWs, including small babies and children, will be dead forever, no hope of a resurrection.
Q11, 12) (a) Does pursuit of pleasure bring lasting happiness? Explain. (b) What brings true happiness?
11) Knowing what brings true happiness. What does bring true happiness? One psychologist said that happiness has three components--pleasure, engagement (involvement in such activities as work and family), and meaning (working toward a larger end or goal than self). Of the three, he listed pleasure as the least consequential and observed: "This is newsworthy because so many people build their lives around pursuing pleasure." What is the Bible's view in this regard?
One psychologist--who, said what, where, when? (Martin Seligman, The New Science of Happiness, Time Magazine, 1/9/2005)
http://time-proxy.yaga.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,1015902,00.html
Who is Martin Seligman?
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/
12) King Solomon of ancient Israel stated: "I said, even I, in my heart: `Do
come now, let me try you out with rejoicing. Also, see good.' And, look! that
too was vanity. I said to laughter: `Insanity!' and to rejoicing: `What is this
doing?'" (Ecclesiastes 2:1, 2) Scripturally, whatever happiness pleasure offers is at best temporary. What about involvement in work? We have the most meaningful work to get involved in-the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. (Matthew 24:14; 28: 19, 20) By sharing with others the message of salvation outlined in the Bible, we engage in a work that can result in our own salvation and in that of those who listen to us. (1 Timothy 4:16) As "God's fellow workers," we experience that "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." (1 Corinthians 3:9; Acts 20:35) This work adds meaning to our life and provides the Creator with an answer for his taunter, Satan the Devil. (Proverbs 27:11) Indeed, Jehovah has shown us that godly devotion brings genuine and lasting happiness.-1 Timothy 4:8.
whatever happiness pleasure offers is at best temporary...what about...work?--yes, that is why it is pointless to go to college and get an education because work is not meant to be pleasurable or profitable.
Most meaningful work...preaching and disciple-making--how much "preaching" do JWs do going when people are not home, placing literature but not returning to make "disciples"
Message of salvation--note that "own" salvation is mentioned first
Q13) (a) In what way is the Theocratic Ministry School a blessing for us to rejoice over? (b) How have you benefited from the Theocratic Ministry School?
13) An important and effective training program. Gerhard serves as an elder in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Recalling his youth, he says: "As a young person, I had great problems speaking. When under pressure, I could scarcely articulate and would begin to stutter. I felt inferior and developed a complex. My parents arranged for me to take a speaking course, but their efforts were to no avail. My problem was psychological, not physical. There was, though, a wonderful provision from Jehovah-the Theocratic Ministry School. Enrolling in this school gave me renewed courage. I tried my best to practice what I learned. And it worked! I became freer, lost my complex, and became more courageous in the ministry. Now I even deliver public talks. I am truly grateful to Jehovah, who gave me a new life through this school." Is not the way Jehovah trains us to do his work a reason to be joyful?
great problems speaking...stutter..felt inferior...speaking course...no avail...TMS
The Theocratic Ministry School has always been of variable benefit to JWs. Since the TMS overseer position is considered by many elders as being of little status, many overseers are new and/or young. If specific counsel is given, this program can help. But how many brothers have their talks written for them by their wives and mothers? With few sisters getting more than 2 talks a year, how much training is that? The thing to remember is that the school was started to train men to give public talks, not to teach men and women to be more effective preachers/teachers.
Q14, 15) In times of distress, what help is readily available? Illustrate.
14) A personal relationship with Jehovah and support from the united
international brotherhood. Katrin, who lives in Germany, was greatly dismayed upon hearing reports of a severe earthquake and resultant tsunami in southeast Asia. Her daughter was visiting Thailand when the catastrophe hit. For 32 hours this mother did not know whether her daughter was alive or was among the casualties that mounted hour by hour. How relieved Katrin was finally to receive a telephone call that assured her of her daughter's safety!
personal relationship with Jehovah--where's Jesus?
united--how united can it be when elder bodies can't agree, when elder bodies can't agree with other elder bodies, when COs have a pushing with elder bodies?
15) What helped Katrin during those hours of anxiety? She writes: "I spent
almost all of this time in prayer to Jehovah. I noticed over and over again how much strength and peace of mind this gave me. Moreover, loving spiritual brothers visited me and stood by my side." (Philippians 4:6, 7) How much worse her situation would have been if she had had to spend those agonizing hours without the benefit of prayer to Jehovah and the comfort of a loving spiritual brotherhood! Our intimate relationship with Jehovah and his Son along with our close association with the Christian brotherhood is a unique blessing, too precious to be taken for granted.
loving spiritual brothers visited me and stood by my side--so when the poor rank and file read this, will they wonder where the brothers were when their non-JW mother fell ill and died; or their non-JW husband went in for an operation and the elders were off at a quick-build; or when their non-JW wife had a miscarriage and the elders were busy at a convention.
a unique blessing--yes, no one but JWs rally round their family and friends in time of need, only JWs have a close relationship with God and Jesus, and the only "Christian" brotherhood is the WTS.
Q16) Give an experience that illustrates the value of the resurrection hope.
16) The hope of seeing dead loved ones again. (John 5:28, 29) A young man named Matthias was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Unaware of his blessings, however, he drifted away from the Christian congregation when he was a teenager. He now writes: "I never really had deep discussions with my father. Over the years, we had many arguments. Still, my father always wanted the best for me. He loved me dearly, something I failed to realize at the time. In 1996, as I sat at his bedside, holding his hand and crying bitterly, I told him how sorry I was for all that I had done and that I loved him so much. But he could not hear me. After a short illness, he slipped away in death. If I live to see my father in the resurrection, we will make up for the past. And he will surely be happy to
hear that I now serve as an elder and that my wife and I are privileged to serve as pioneers." What a blessing the resurrection hope is to us!
seeing dead loved ones again--isn't this being "preoccupied with future physical blessings"
Matthias...drifted...my father..loved me...sat at his bedside...sorry...but he could not hear me...he slipped away in death
IF I live to see my father in the resurrection
IF< IF< IF< IF What does he mean by if?
Happy to hear I now serve as an elder....pioneers
So did Matthias come back because he loved God, because he saw the danger in his life choices, or because of GUILT regarding his father and unfinished emotional business?
"He Adds No Pain With It"
Q17) What should meditating on Jehovah's blessings do for us?
17) Concerning his heavenly Father, Jesus Christ said: "He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) If Jehovah God bestows blessings upon even the unrighteous and the wicked, how much more so upon those who walk in the way of integrity! "Jehovah himself will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness," states Psalm 84:11. When we meditate on the special care and concern he has shown for those who love him, how our hearts swell with gratitude and joy!
If God makes it rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, why does the WTS tell its members to only help people in the congregation who are "deserving" or in "good standing" or have been JWs for some time?
Q18) (a) How can it be said that Jehovah adds no pain with his blessing? (b) Why do many of God's loyal ones suffer?
18) "The blessing of Jehovah"-that is what has given spiritual prosperity to his people. And we are assured that "he adds no pain with it." (Proverbs 10:22) Why, then, do tests and trials befall many of God's loyal ones, causing them much pain and suffering? Difficulties and distress come our way for three main reasons. (1) Our own sinful inclination. (Genesis 6:5; 8:21; James 1:14, 15) (2) Satan and his demons. (Ephesians 6:11, 12) (3) The wicked world. (John 15:19) While Jehovah permits bad things to happen to us, he is not the originator of them. In fact, "every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the celestial lights." (James 1:17) Jehovah's blessings are without pain.
Why, then, do tests and trials befall many of God's loyal ones (JWs)
It's your fault--(1) our own sinful inclination
It's the Devil's/demons fault--(2)
It's the world's fault--(3)
It is never the WTS fault for misleading the rank and file down the road.
What about this flipflop doctrine: until 1967, organ transplants were a personal decision without WTS judicial consquences, from 1967-1980 organ transplants were a DFing offense, from 1980 to the present, organ transplants are again a personal decision.
What if you (or someone you cared about) lived between 1967 and 1980 and needed a transplant, turned it down, and died????? Is it your fault (1)? Is it the Devil/demons fault (2)? Is it the world's fault (3)?
Or is it the WTS fault? (4)
Q19) What awaits those who continue to walk in integrity?
19) Experiencing spiritual prosperity always involves drawing close to God. When we develop an intimate relationship with him, we `safely treasure up for ourselves a fine foundation for the future, in order that we may get a firm hold on the real life'-everlasting life. (1 Timothy 6:12, 17-19) In the future new world of God's making, our spiritual riches will be coupled with physical
blessings. The real life will then be the lot of all those who "keep listening
to the voice of Jehovah." (Deuteronomy 28:2) With strengthened determination, let us joyfully continue walking in integrity.
Drawing close to God--Where's Jesus?
future new world--preoccuped with future physical blessings?????????
What Did You Learn?
- Why is it unwise to be overly preoccupied with the future?
- What blessings do we enjoy now?
- Why do God's faithful servants suffer?
Concluding Comments
So don't complain about the WTS; its not their fault (right!)
If you have having problems it is (1) your fault (2) the Devil's fault or (3) the world's fault...don't drag the WTS into it.
It's hard to believe that we are one month into summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Take advantage of the weekend if the weather is nice and get out and about. Our garden is taking off, the beans are forming, the cukes are peeking out and soon little tomatoes. We have been eating fresh strawberries we picked ourselves. Mmmmm.
Love, Blondie