Recently I saw a post from a JW who challenged his opposers to find anything wrong with the witnesses, "We follow the bible." I say there's following the bible and then there's understanding, isn't there? Can we say that someone is following the bible if the verse is taken out of context or stretched to justify all kinds of behavior?
I think a reading of the use of Matthew 24:45 in the Watchtower literature is a case in point. Here's a few examples from their own literature. in these few verses, the primary direction from the society is revealed. Show complete loyalty, unity, and trust from the direction in their literature. The person is to attend all meetings, read the literature, and go out in field service. The literature purports (without scriptural backing) to be helpful for family life, customes, religion, science, financial planning, Otherwise the person's course leads to disaster.
Is this really what Jesus meant to be gleaned from this little scripture?
Each year, Jehovah’s people receive hundreds of pages of helpful written material prepared under the direction of "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) Such literature deals with family life, customs, religion, science, and many other subjects. Most important, it contains Scriptural counsel on spiritual matters. Watchtower 2003 3/15 p. 10 Should My Child Go to School?
Trusting in Jehovah will include trusting the modern visible channel that he has clearly been using for decades to serve his purposes. As never before, true Christians will then need to place their confidence in fellow worshipers authorized by Jehovah and his reigning King to take the lead. These faithful men will direct God’s people. Ignoring their direction could end in disaster.—Matthew 24:45-47; Hebrews 13:7, 17. - Watchtower 2003 6/1 p. 21 Stand Still and See the Salvation of Jehovah!
9 When encountering financial distress, we can also show our trust in Jehovah by looking to the publications of "the faithful and discreet slave" for help. (Matthew 24:45) From time to time, the Awake! magazine has featured articles containing helpful tips and suggestions for dealing with economic challenges. The article "Out of a Job—What Are the Solutions?" in the August 8, 1991, issue outlined eight practical guidelines that have helped many to keep financially and emotionally stable when faced with a period of unemployment. Of course, such guidelines must be balanced with a proper view of the true importance of money. This was discussed in the article "Something More Vital Than Money," which appeared in the same issue.—Ecclesiastes 7:1 - Watchtower 2003 9/1 p. 15 Trust in Jehovah Completely in Times of Distress
8 Before 1919, congregations of God’s people were administered by elders and deacons, all of whom were democratically elected by members of the congregation. Starting in that year, "the faithful and discreet slave" appointed a service director in each congregation to supervise field service activities. (Matthew 24:45-47) However, in many congregations that arrangement did not work out so well because some elective elders did not fully support the evangelizing work. Hence, in 1932, congregations were instructed to discontinue the electing of elders and deacons. Instead, they were to elect men to serve on a service committee along with the service director. That was like "copper" instead of "wood"—a big improvement! - Watchtower 2002 7/1 pp. 16-17 Jehovah’s Glory Shines on His People
If you were to consult a doctor, would you not listen attentively and make sure that you understood all that he was saying or prescribing? No doubt you would, for your health is at stake. How much more, therefore, should we give profound attention to the things Jehovah is telling us, or prescribing, through his Word, the Bible, and through "the faithful and discreet slave." After all, his counsel concerns our very life! (Matthew 4:4; 24:45-47) Of course, a doctor can be wrong, but "the law of Jehovah is perfect." (Psalm 19:7) We will never be in need of a second opinion. - Watchtower 2002 7/1 p. 21 Is Your Teaching Effective?
Do we eagerly accept explanations of Bible truth as provided by "the faithful and discreet slave"? (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 4:18) - Watchtower 2002 9/1 p. 31 How Should We View Trials?
We also need the guidance of "the faithful and discreet slave
" to feed our minds with spiritual food given "at the proper time." (Matthew 24:45) Through that channel, Jehovah has counseled us to read his Word daily, attend our Christian meetings regularly, and have a meaningful share in preaching the "good news of the kingdom." (Matthew 24:14) - Watchtower 2002 10/15 p. 18 Jehovah Cares for YouThen Philip, directed by holy spirit, helped the eunuch to understand the prophecy of Isaiah. (Acts 8:27-35) What does this illustrate? That our private reading of the Bible is not enough. Jehovah, by his spirit, uses the faithful and discreet slave class to help us to understand his Word at the right time. How is this done?—Matthew 24:45-47; Luke 12:42. - Watchtower 2002 12/1 p. 17 Enjoy Personal Study of God’s Word
How thankful we are that Jehovah has provided abundantly for the instruction and spiritual development of families! Do you take full advantage of all the provisions made through the faithful and discreet slave class?—Matthew 24:45-47.10 One very important need is a regular, consistent family Bible study that is held in a relaxed atmosphere. - Watchtower 2001 01 5/15 p. 23 Building a Spiritually Strong Family
8 First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time"—through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions—we can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge.—Matthew 24:45. - Watchtower 2001 8/1 p. 14 Make Your Advancement Manifest
Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization. Necessarily, over the years there have been corrections and adjustments to our understanding of certain scriptures. The fact is that no one is as spiritually well fed as we are. (Matthew 24:45-47) - Watchtower 2001 10/1 p. 22 What Does It Mean to Be Loyal?
..LOL!!...OUTLAW