Inspired by many on JWN board, my goal is to every Sunday study the article and find the manipulative parts. If you would like to join me that would be great! We can then find them together and then find what the scriptures or insights truly means with research, our own understanding, or maybe how it should be interpreted to one’s self. The benefit here is yes we have Critical Thinking Skills and/or we have the power of Holy Spirit.
Please ALL comments are welcome, for example:
For ones believing in God who uses prayer and Holy Spirit, others scriptures or interpretations are welcome!
For ones who don’t believe in God but enjoy theology using the scripture insight for their ethical principles, other sources, quotes, or words of wisdom are welcome!
Watchtower (Study) — September 15, 2011 for November 21-27 Are You Known By Jehovah
{paragraph 8, 9} 8 We may have desires that we long to see fulfilled. Marriage, having children, and good health are all natural and appropriate desires. For many, though, one or more of those desires may go unfulfilled. If that is so in our case, how we deal with the situation may be a measure of our faith.
9 How unwise it would be to seek to fulfill these desires in a way contrary to godly wisdom. That would be to one’s spiritual detriment. Some, for instance, have chosen forms of health care that conflict with Jehovah’s counsel. Others have taken on employment that keeps them away from their families or congregation meetings. Or what of developing a romantic relationship with an unbeliever? If a Christian follows such a course, is he truly seeking to be known by Jehovah? How would Jehovah have felt if Abraham had become impatient about the fulfillment of God’s promises to him? What if Abraham had taken matters into his own hands to settle down again and make a celebrated name for himself rather than wait on Jehovah? (Compare Genesis 11:4.) Would he have continued to be favorably known by Jehovah?
My examination is: Having lack of faith to Governing Body in reality is thinking for one’s self; making choices beyond their set of rules and regulation.
{paragraph 12} Nevertheless, while the nation of Israel was en route to the Promised Land, Korah perceived what he imagined to be problems in God’s arrangement. Then 250 other leading men in the nation sided with Korah in trying to make changes. Korah and the others must have felt secure about their relationship with Jehovah. They told Moses: “That is enough of you, because the whole assembly are all of them holy and Jehovah is in their midst.” (Num. 16:1-3) What an over confident and prideful attitude! Moses told them: “Jehovah will make known who belongs to him.” (Read Numbers 16:5.) By the end of the next day, Korah and all those who had sided with him in rebellion were dead.—Num.16:31-35.
My examination is: Hmmm did they ever think about how they even began as an organization? Who started their religious beliefs and who lead their rebellion (at the time) as a whole? What about their over confident and prideful attitude when they say “We are God’s chosen people!” “We are the only ones who have the Truth!”
Wasn’t Moses directly chosen by God himself? Who is to say God chose the members of the Governing Body but themselves?
{Paragraph 13} If a human overseer in God’s organization provides you with instructions that seem extremely detailed, you might at times feel frustrated. Jehovah, however, is a perfect overseer, who delegates generously and trusts his servants. When he gives many details, he does so for good reason. Take note, though, that Moses did not become irritated with Jehovah for giving that level of detail, as if Jehovah were demeaning him or stifling his creativity or freedom. Rather, Moses made sure that the workers “did just so” in following God’s directions. (Ex. 39:32) What a humble course! Moses recognized that it was Jehovah’s work and that he was just a tool being used to get that work done.
My examination is: So here Overseers are compared to Moses. Who chose the Overseers among you? The Governing Body? Who pacifically chose the Governing Body members? Doesn’t God also direct individuals with Holy Spirit or a since of reasoning? I was asked this once on JWN and it got me thinking really hard about how careful I watch who takes the lead over me. As well as reading Steven Hassen books and Raymond Franz books.
{Paragraph 16} That account [referring to Moses and Korah] provides a serious warning for elders and others in the congregation today. Waiting on Jehovah and following directions from those appointed to take the lead requires humility. Do we show that we are as humble and mild-tempered as Moses was? Can we acknowledge the position of those taking the lead among us and submit to directions we receive? Are we able to rise above our personal feelings when faced with disappointments? If so, we too will be known favorably by Jehovah. Our humility and submission will endear us to him.
My examination is: This paragraph here sums up how much control they have on their members.