by oompa 25 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Darth: What type of phone?
It is a samsung Delve.....it is like a mini-laptop, with i-tunes access, active gps, multiple e-mail accounts, internet, tons of tv channels, instant weather, voice and writing recognition...and on and on...now my next post will be another attempt to post my first post!.........oompa
rofl....i have been waiting in anticipation for this scan.
Is it a scan?? Or is it just a cut and paste??
I get the feeling that this is old news. lol
Paul
This is just a classic guilt trip article....TIMELY too........oompa
*** km5/74pp.3-6How Are You Using Your Life?***
How Are You Using Your Life?
IS IT not apparent that most of mankind are living their lives for themselves? No, but since WT says it is apparent, it is now. They are using their lives as they see fit, without concern for others. Oh and THEY see fit. So all of mankind has no concern for others? WT says so. But what about us? The apostle Paul wrote to fellow servants of Jehovah, saying: “None of us, in fact, lives with regard to himself only, and no one dies with regard to himself only; for both if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. Therefore both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.”—Rom. 14:7, 8.
This is something for all of us to give serious thought to: It would be entirely inappropriate for us, while professing to be Jehovah’s people, to try to live our lives with regard to ourselves only. As the apostle Paul wrote: “You do not belong to yourselves, for you were bought with a price. By all means, glorify God.”—1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
Are we not thankful that Jehovah God has purchased us and that we now belong to Him? He has bought us with the life of his own dear Son so that eternal death does not have to be our lot, but we have before us the opportunity to enjoy everlasting life. (John 3:16, 36) How are you affected by this loving provision of God? Does it not cause you to want to show Jehovah your deep appreciation? Get ready to give back. The apostle Peter noted that if we have the proper mental disposition we will be moved to “live the remainder of [our] time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, butforGod’swill.”—1 Pet. 4:2.
Is that what you are doing? Insert GUILT here. Are you living no longer simply to satisfy personal ambitions or desires, but to do God’s will? Guilt. Are there ways in which you could share more fully in doing the will of God? Bonus Guilt.
God’s Will for Us
Jehovah makes clear in his Word that his will for us today includes accomplishing a great work of Kingdom-preaching before the end of this system comes. (Matt. 24:14) Jesus Christ did a similar work. He said: “Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, becauseforthisIwassentforth.”—Luke 4:43.
Jesus did not hold back, but was whole-souled in his service to God. When we read the historical accounts of his ministry in the Gospels, how impressed we are with his energy and zeal in doing the Kingdom-preaching! Jesus knew that he had only a short time, and he did not spare himself in finishing his assignment. Should we not today be imitating his example, especially since we have such a short time left now in which to complete the Kingdom-preaching?Just mega-GUILT here.
Yes, the end of this system is so very near! Ya. Is that not reason to increase our activity?Must…do…more. In this regard we can learn something from a runner who puts on a final burst of speed near the finish of a race. Look at Jesus, who apparently stepped up his activity during his final days on earth. In fact, over 27 percent of the material in the Gospels is devoted to just the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry! Very excited about this little statistical nugget.—Matt. 21:1–27:50; Mark 11:1–15:37; Luke 19:29–23:46; John 11:55–19:30.
By carefully and prayerfully examining our own circumstances, we also may find that we can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period before the present system ends.Praise Jah, we CAN do more so we won’t feel so guilty. Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just that. This is evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers.
Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts?My heart is still warm. Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. And quite a few did..good for them…hooray!! Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.So WT said selling your home and property was a fine idea since the time was SO SHORT!—1 John 2:17.
Circumstances such as poor health or responsibilities in connection with your family may limit what you can do in the field ministry. And yet, the pioneer ranks include many who have health limitations, as well as some persons with families. Screw my poor health…I am going door knockin. But these brothers and sisters are able to regulate their lives so that they can care for their responsibilities and still put in the 1,200 hours a year, an average of 100 hours a month in the field ministry, required of pioneers.For me it was just 1000 hours…wish I had them all back.
Therefore, do not be too quick to dismiss the possibility that you, too, may be able to pioneer. Give it careful and prayerful consideration. Perhaps an analysis will reveal that your life is encumbered with needless weightslike jobs, family, and responsibilites that can be put off so that you can pioneer. Particularly may this be the case if you are single, or are married but have no children.—Heb. 12:1.
So, then, ask yourself: How am I using my life? Can I make adjustments that will enable me to pioneer? If I can, will failure to do so indicate to Jehovah that I am living to satisfy personal desires, rather than to do His will?OMG…this is the most priceless of guilt trips! Every one of us wants to be able to say, as did the apostle Paul, “Indeed, the life that I now live in flesh I live by the faith that is toward the Son of God, who loved me and handed himself over for me. I do not shove aside the undeserved kindness of God.” Gal. 2:20, 21.
Real blessings await those who can adjust their affairs to pioneer. First, there is a certain added contentment in sharing full time in the preaching work that God purposes all his servants now to do. Contentment is so contenting. Pioneering enlarges your opportunity to “save” yet scattered prospective members of the “great crowd.” We gotta save em, just gotta!(1 Tim. 4:16; Rev. 7:9, 14) Also, there may open up to you the privilege of being sent as a special pioneer into territory that is not often worked. And for those pioneering, there is the possibility of the opportunity of training at Gilead School and then going on to foreign missionary service.GO LANCE (A@G)!
So do not delay in giving serious consideration to this matter of how you are using your life. See if you can arrange your affairs to pioneer. Why not discuss the matter with persons already pioneering or with elders in your congregation?C’mon people!...you can do this and avoid the guilt.
As you probably are aware, to qualify as a regular pioneer you should have been baptized for at least six months, and have participated in the field service each month for the past six months. Also, it is vital that you have a reputation for fine Christian conduct. Oh please, please let me qualify. Actual standards in place for you to even be able to volunteer?
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km5/74p.3HowAreYouUsingYourLife?***Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17.
Yes, friends of mine sold their home and dragged their three kids off to live in poverty in houses that were barely inhabitable - no electricity or running water or heat at night! Yup, Jehovah's heart just warmed at this.
How Are You Using Your Life?
IS IT not apparent that most of mankind are living their lives for themselves? No, but since WT says it is apparent, it is now. They are using their lives as they see fit, without concern for others.
Good catch, Oompa. Yeah, back in 1974, that Mother Teresa was just partying all over Calcutta, wasn't she, living her life for herself. Geez, the WTS's "insight" into the motivations of "most of mankind" just irritates, doesn't it?
StAnn
That dam Publishing House had a few good marketing schemes didn't they !
The ironic thing about it was the culled followers didn't have any idea what the hell was going on.
The most laughable part of it was the fact they may have indeed spurred on the ministry prior to 1975 but they lost quite a few in the effort the years following.
There was never any solid factual reference anywhere from a historical viewpoint dating back that far in human history
You're right!!
"How are You Abusing Your Life?"
We've all seen the one sentence quote about people selling homes and property numerous times but I think it's more damning when you inculde it in this larger context:
By carefully and prayerfully examining our own circumstances, we also may find that we can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period before the present system ends. Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just that. This is evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers.
Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.
We're in the final period. Other brothers are increasing their service as the time draws close. Look at the numbers. Some are selling their homes and property so they can devote even more to the service. This is good. Why aren't you doing it?
***km5/74p.3HowAreYouUsingYourLife?*** "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17".............................That never happened..The Jehovah`s Witness lady at my door said so!..
...OUTLAW
