The notion of "spirit-direction" versus "spirit-inspiration" is something crucial to the JW organization, but is never defined clearly in any written WTS publications.
The Watchtower Society defines spirit-inspiration literally as "God-breathed". In other words, something that is inspired is literally and directly instigated by God. The inspired person no longer has control of his or her will, but is inevitably pushed along by God.
On the other hand, the Society never clearly defines the notion of "spirit-direction". Obviously, this is to avoid being pinned down on exactly what it means.
Nevertheless, many JWs think that "spirit-direction" is a sort of close but inferior uncle to "spirit-inspiration". The notion implies that God, in some mysterious manner, inserts urges into a person's brain such that he ("she" is not worthy of consideration) might accept God's slight pushing and then act in accord with the divine will. However, because "free will" enters into the equation, the man might or might not give in to the urges, and so might or might not act in accord with the divine will.
Set forth in such unambiguous terms, it is evident that the notion of "spirit direction" as defined by actual Watchtower practice is meaningless. In the real world, almost all JW congregations display gross evidences that they have nothing to do with the God they claim to worship. But that is a topic for another post.
AlanF
