The WTS is hung up on "works" leading to salvation....of course, only through THEIR organization.
Basically, we need to be aware of what "works" we are involved in to expect this (or any) salvation. We cannot lie, cheat, steal, or murder etc, and expect to have these behaviors and actions all forgiven by Jesus as a Christian. There would be no common sense in that at all.
Other than not engaging in the sins and crimes I mentioned above, we CAN be available to help others, the best we can according to our own personal circumstances. This can take any number of ways to accomplish---but a willing heart coupled with a Christian compassion---are a great place to start.
Not that I'm looking for a pat on the back....but for an example...my hubby and I are working on something that we can do to lend our hands to be of assistance to others in our small community. Most of you know that I certainly have my physical limitations---as does my hubby,---being Senior Citizens... but we are willing to help with something we have been thinking about for a while now. We have to make some phone calls and try to make some connections to see if things can come together the best way for everyone. I am rather excited about this.....and one thing I might mention is that neither one of us has a specific religion or attends any particular church (and haven't in over 30 years!)
But---knocking ourselves out by trying to place literature and try to convince people to become JWs---is and was fruitless and a waste of time, money and energy. Been there--done that--and have nothing to show but a stack of 30 years of time slips that were sent in the WTS headquarters.....those slips that measured our spirituality.
Somehow I don't feel that this would or ever DID satisfy Jesus, or what He meant as He taught His followers to "feed the hungry and clothe the needy" that He said we would always have among us. We CAN teach His values and love for all mankind (regardless of THEIR religion) at the same time while offering ourselves to help them when and where we can.
This would teach those who did not know the love of Christ---and to learn in such a way that it would be meaningful to them. Christ's message would certainly be spread to others in this way...and not through tedious "studies" or months and months of lessons printed out in book form with questions and answers!
I feel THESE are the "works" that Jesus spoke of, and NOT through attending the mindless and repetitive meetings three times a week--demonstrating, promoting, and learning "how to make recruits" for the WTS. The men who run the WTS will consistantly tell JWs that THIS is what "pleases Jehovah"....but as yet, I haven't heard HIS viewpoint on this......hearing this ONLY from the WTS camp.
Learning how to be a JW does not fill any hungry bellies or put warm clothing on cold bodies. I have a strong feeling that our salvation will come from Jesus, as we act with love and warmth towards the neighbors in our own areas by sharing what we have from our hearts and the sacrifice of true giving of ourselves.....kind of like a "pay it forward" situation.
Do we stand a better chance of "gaining a brother" through true Christian actions and heartfelt giving.....or do we stand a chance of getting a cold shoulder as we knock on our "neighbor's" doors to peddle WTS literature and tell them how despicable God says their religion is?
WHO'S instructions are YOU following?
Jesus's or the WTS?