Are witnesses only interested in the prize? (page 4)

M.J.

Studies are run like a paradise promotion sales job. Pretty shameless, actually.

It brings to mind the story of Job. The key question posed was, "Does Job fear God for nothing?" (Job 1:9)

Do JWs serve God for nothing? Or for the rewards?

blondie

I call it "the carrot" and it is used sometimes in every article at least once. jws go d2d to insure their own everlasting life, not that of the people they talk to. They just fall short of saying that everlasting life is dependent on going to their meetings...but they are moving that direction.

*** w03 3/15 p. 9 Before and After—Her Life Turned Around ***By means of his holy spirit and through the Kingdom-preaching work, Jehovah personally draws us to his Son and gives us the hope of everlasting life.

*** w92 9/1 p. 15 par. 19 An Inspired Pattern of Christian Missionary Work ***Today, we should give similar encouragement to new disciples. We can strengthen them to endure trials by holding before them the prospect of everlasting life on earth under the rule of that same Kingdom of God concerning which Paul and Barnabas preached.

*** w88 1/1 pp. 28-29 par. 14 Keep On Preaching the Kingdom ***So it is with the watchman class today, the remnant of anointed followers of Jesus Christ. All of these, together with more than three million of their companions who have the hope of surviving the end of this system of things and receiving everlasting life on earth, must never slack off from preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom and warning of the coming execution of his judgment. In this way they avoid bloodguilt.

*** w97 1/15 p. 24 par. 5 Helping Others to Learn God’s Requirements ***Similarly, the work of preaching and disciple making is an obligation, a requirement, on which our very lives depend.

*** w60 2/15 p. 103 How Does God’s Spirit Operate Today? ***This spirit-begotten remnant are commissioned by the spirit to preach the Christian truths they have learned from God’s Word. "The spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones." (Isa. 61:1) The good news is regarding God’s kingdom and the change it will bring upon the earth. They cannot keep silent, for their salvation depends upon their preaching as Christ did.

*** w54 12/1 p. 721 par. 3 The Fight for Freedom to Preach World-wide ***Are not the modern-day witnesses of Jehovah in the same position as those ancient servants of God? Yes, exactly! We must fight world-wide for our lives. Since our lives are at stake we fight for freedom to preach. Jehovah has commanded us to preach the good news. Our lives depend on faithfully preaching it!

ibme

Abandoned,

Hello,

If your question was, Are witnesses interested in the prize?. My answer would be, yes.
Everyone is interested in a prize.

But your question is, Are witnesses ONLY interested in the prize?

To that I say, No.

A year or so ago I heard you say, (and I agree) that there are many good people that go to the kingdom hall. It’s the WBTS that is the problem. Again I agree.

In all fairness. Most thought, in good faith, that they were doing the correct thing.

The bible does offer that viewpoint.

However, every soul is responsible for the direction of its life. If it is mentally capable.

It’s too bad that after the WBTS, like may other religious organization, come to recognize that they found something in the bible that could attract people they used it in a selfish way.

Me thinkin’ me talkin’ too much

Thanks

writetoknow

So if your statements are true about reward then why would you be offend at people that want a reward isn't that human?

On the other hand, perhaps you judge by two standards and that gives you the right to hate?

writetoknow

People that are selfish believe all people are selfish that is call projection in psychology.

journey-on

Why go out in field service? Why go to meetings? Why get baptized? Isn't everything to get the gift of everlasting life?

From my personal observations, some do it for SHOW. They like to impress the rest of the congregation. They like looking better than others...."Look! I put in 30 hours this month....Look! I've got 4 Bible Studies...Look! I've got a whole notebook full of return visits!....Look! I'm on time for all the meetings, perfectly coifed and dressed, with children glowing like angels in their shined shoes and polished faces!...Look! My husband is an elder.....or....Look! my wife is the perfect Jdub example....Look! We hobnob with the C.O. and the D.O. and all the rest of the "elite".

When the rest of the peons elevate you to "Best JDub of the Year" status, THAT'S your reward. When you get invited to all the best social functions, THAT'S your reward. When you're in with the "in crowd", THAT'S your reward.

Frequent_Fader_Miles

Why go out in field service? Why go to meetings? Why get baptized? Isn't everything to get the gift of everlasting life?

In the true sense, a "gift" is something to be given freely. The way I see it, a gift and a reward are two different things. You're not supposed to earn a gift, while reward is something awarded in return for something else. A prize is also earned.

If everlasting life is truly a gift, then meetings, field service, baptism etc. should not be prerequisites.

uninformed

In my experience, it was all about the prize. At least it is for my parents. Withought faith in the prize their lives would make no sense.
If my mom thought for one moment that she won't one day be young and beautiful again she'd melt like the wicked witch of the west.
changeling

I agree. It was about the prize. Payment for works. Works reward system of worshipping the WT.

Brant

uninformed

Why go out in field service? Why go to meetings? Why get baptized? Isn't everything to get the gift of everlasting life?
From my personal observations, some do it for SHOW. They like to impress the rest of the congregation. They like looking better than others...."Look! I put in 30 hours this month....Look! I've got 4 Bible Studies...Look! I've got a whole notebook full of return visits!....Look! I'm on time for all the meetings, perfectly coifed and dressed, with children glowing like angels in their shined shoes and polished faces!...Look! My husband is an elder.....or....Look! my wife is the perfect Jdub example....Look! We hobnob with the C.O. and the D.O. and all the rest of the "elite".
When the rest of the peons elevate you to "Best JDub of the Year" status, THAT'S your reward. When you get invited to all the best social functions, THAT'S your reward. When you're in with the "in crowd", THAT'S your reward.

another great post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

brant

writetoknow

It like the person that stops smoking they just can't understand why people smoke. Often, they become self-righteous towards smokers. What is required is to first understand were all humans and we were once mislead as well.

Are witnesses only interested in the prize?

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