With many of us here on JWN in a fading state trying to stay halfway connected to JW relatives - I thought it would be informative and helpful to know what the WT society is telling Jehovah's Witnesses about WHO or WHO should not be their close friends. So if you experience even more shunning than normal - this article may be influencing some JW's to do this. You won't find any new information here- but the wT society is definitely trying to control wHO Witnesses hang out with.
In the article " Is Your Recreation Beneficial " ? it states on pg.12 , paragraph 14 about Jesus attitude towards people. It states, " While on earth , he ( Jesus ) showed loving consideration for all kinds of people. However, Jesus drew a line between being friendly and being a close friend. While he was friendly toward people in general, he was a close friend only to those who met SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS. The only individuals whom Jesus embraced as friends were those who followed him and served Jehovah. " Translation : If a person doesn't serve Jehovah or the WT society , he or she is not a friend.
It continues in paragraph 15, " Hence, when you consider whether you should choose a certain individual as a close friend or NOT, it would be wise to keep Jesus' statement in mind. Ask yourself such questions as : ' Does this individual demonstrate in words and deeds that he is obeying the commands of Jehovah and Jesus ? Does he or she have the same Bible-based values and morals that I have ? Will being in his company encourage me to put the Kingdom first in my life and to be a loyal servant of Jehovah ? ' If you are sure that the answers to those questions are yes, you have found a good companion with whom to enjoy your leisure activities. " Translation : If a person isn't attending meetings, going out in service, studying his or her Watchtower they probably do not have good morals and values and will stumble you as a JW if you hang around them enjoying leisure activities.
Towards the end of the article it states, " And concerning COMPANY, we need to determine: ' With whom will I share in entertainment ? Are such companions good or BAD ? ' It continues, " So, then, when it comes to recreation, let us strive to do the RIGHT thing at the RIGHT time and with the RIGHT people. " Sigh. Translation : If you hang out with inactive or apostate people who don't share our views those companions are BAD ! The only RIGHT companions are JW's who actively are involved in side the congregation.
So- I just wanted to give a heads up to those of you who have JW relatives. if they seem to be getting aloof, it may come from being exposed to the " thought police " articles like this one. Have any of you noticed JW relatives shunning you more and becoming more reclusive from your prescence ? As always I welcome any and all thoughts here. Take care, Peace out, Mr. Flipper