9 What is often the motive of those who praise the Society or those taking the lead? Is it not often that some application of Scripture benefits them personally? Rather than just leaving well enough alone, they want everybody else to change. Let us illustrate this with a few examples:
10 A male Jehovah's Witness chooses some clothing or grooming style that is not prevalent in the Midwestern United States. The elders feel that he is not a good example and do not give him certain assignments, such as appearing on the platform to tell others how they should live their lives. He becomes resentful and correctly points out that the elders are trying to take away his freedom. What is behind such reasoning? Is it not usually pride, an independent attitude and the rather normal desire to not be a cookie-cutter image of 1950's manhood? While this seemingly is a small thing, a person who does not reason in that way could “allow place for the Watchtower Society.” Dress comfortably, wash your clothes and spend a little extra if you prefer to be fashionable. We should want to do all things for the betterment of human society and hopefully please ourselves along the way.
11 Let us take another example. Frequently you hear the Watchtower Society argue that the Scriptural prohibition against eating blood really applies to transfusions. But what is behind that reasoning? Is it fear—fear of possibly losing control over its members? Are its hopes of winning court cases over medical mismanagement fading? The vast majority of people do not obsess over their narrow interpretation of "God’s law" or look for ways to make it apply to situations that were never anticipated in Bible times. Abstaining from blood to nourish the body is a good idea, particularly if you have some nice restaurants nearby.
12 Some who have a realistic attitude point out that "Jehovah’s organization" is too strict about cutting off social contacts with disfellowshipped persons. But why do these critics feel that way? Do they have a close family tie or loyalty to a friend that they are putting ahead of loyalty to the Watchtower Society's standards and requirements, which were not so strict in the past and loosened up in the 1970's before hardening again in 1981? Well, good for the critics! Consider, too, that continuing to accord social fellowship to an expelled person, particularly a relative, may lead the erring one to conclude that his course is not so serious, and this to his long-term benefit! However, withholding normal human contact may make him become depressed, worthless and suicidal. "Jehovah’s way" is a ridiculous caricature of "tough love," and it serves for the protection of the Watchtower Society's flimsy doctrinal structure and tight grip on its members.
13 Still another person may claim that the Scriptures do not support public preaching from house to house. But is this because he already dislikes this important work and is looking for an excuse to abstain? Well, it might be. Or maybe he actually thinks the Scriptures don't support it. Love of God and neighbor should motivate us to see that banging on doors, by and large, is not the best way to convince people of anything. Again, common sense is needed. The apostle Paul spoke of his own endurance in ‘thoroughly bearing witness to Jews and Greeks’ as he taught publicly and from house to house. Rather than get too excited about this, should we not realize that Paul lived two thousand years in a completely different culture? Look at the thousands who have been gathered into the “one flock” mostly because they were born into it or because they live in a Third World country and lack Internet access. And do not forget the fine benefits we receive in just going about our day-to-day lives and pursuing our personal goals instead of handing out literature published by the Watchtower Society.
14 Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on chronology. People who bother to research the matter point out that Jehovah’s Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents note that the Society set a whole bunch of dates, but nothing happened. They are correct. So who cares what their motive is? Who cares whether they are "encouraging wakefulness on the part of God’s people" or trying to justify themselves for doing something different with their lives? More importantly, what will you do if you hear such criticism? If a person is gobbling up anecdotal evidence and numerical jiggery-pokery to convince himself we are living in “the last days” of this system, or perhaps is using abstract notions of justice to prop up the idea that God actually could cause the death of so many millions of people during the “great tribulation,” then this individual already has prepared his heart to listen to the Watchtower Society.
15 The Watchtower Society has changed dozens of doctrines in the 130-odd years of its existence. Because of its eagerness to keep its membership riled up, it has predicted the imminent arrival of the new system several times, and just doesn't seem to learn. Moreover, the Society's frequent need to revise its understanding drastically gives you a pretty good idea of whether or not it's composed of false prophets. How sensible to take the view that teaching flip-flopping back and forth call into question the whole body of truth! The evidence is far from clear that Jehovah has used and is continuing to use one organization with “the faithful and discreet slave” taking the lead. Hence, don't fall into blind-alley reasoning like Peter, who said: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life."
16 In the so-called "spiritual paradise," among Jehovah’s Witnesses, we can find some good things and a bunch of negatives that you get in a lot of religions. By its bad fruits, the Watchtower Society is exposed for what it really is. Jesus indicated that the good trees would be identified by their fine fruits. And that's a good thought from Jesus! Amazing increases in the quality of life are taking place in many countries. Scientists, artists, blue-collar workers and many others are living proof that most people are trying to live their lives the best way they can.
17 Because they think they are taught by God, Jehovah’s Witnesses fall into the trap of believing they have the one and only way to salvation. Instead, they have their own set of superstitions. And they do not completely abide by what they teach about sexual immorality, drunkenness, stealing, idolatry, racial prejudice, and other worldly pursuits and practices. They like to boast about how they are the only ones obeying the command to preach the good news of Jehovah’s Kingdom. But their emphasis on door-knocking leads them to neglect other important aspects of life.
18 "Jehovah’s truth" may sound beautiful and satisfying, especially the first time you hear about it. So be careful. Resolve in your heart that you will never touch the poison that the Watchtower Society wants you to sip. However, if you want to research it a bit and figure out all the problems with the doctrines, go right ahead. Heed the wise advice of friends, family and former Jehovah's Witnesses to avoid those who would deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of religious servitude. If we love life with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by fanaticism. We will not “allow place for the Watchtower Society” and will look elsewhere. We will not ‘be quickly shaken from our reason’ by some counterfeit teaching.
19 Let us always appreciate our privilege of being alive. We all have people who are important to us in our lives. So maintain close association with them, knowing that they are what counts. May we continue to have the same joy that we had when we were kids and do our best and be nice to other people. As some smart guy so aptly said: “Let no man deprive you of just getting on with your life."