Thanks Trotafox!
And here is just but ONE way the wbts [ Notice how small that is! ] instructs/ feeds it's followers to give the DOUBLE HONOR to the "authorive" elders. And I'm not saying that all elders are as evil as this elder was. I'm just showing how the JWs get the view that somehow, to not view an elder as being appointed by God is not "having confidence in god's borg". Notice too that the wbts Capitalize themselves, their governing body, and their branch committees, but never Capitalize Holy Spirit!
WT 3/15/1990
20 Since February 1, 1976, each of the branches of the Watch Tower Society has had a Branch Committee made up of capable men appointed by the Governing Body. As representatives of the Governing Body for the country or countries under the supervision of their branch, these brothers must be faithful, loyal men. This reminds us of the capable, God-fearing, trustworthy men who helped Moses judge the people in ancient Israel. (Exodus 18:17-26) Members of a Branch Committee implement instructions received by means of the Society's books and magazines and Our Kingdom Ministry, as well as in general letters and special letters dealing with local problems. Branch Committees keep the Governing Body up-to-date on the progress of the work in each land and on problems that may arise. Such reports from all over the world help the Governing Body to decide what subjects should be considered in the Society's publications.
21 Under the direction of the holy spirit, Branch Committees recommend mature, spiritual men to serve as circuit and district overseers. After being appointed directly by the Governing Body, they serve as traveling overseers. These brothers visit circuits and congregations in order to build them up spiritually and help them apply instructions received from the Governing Body. (Compare Acts 16:4; Romans 1:11, 12.) Traveling overseers submit reports to the branch office. With the help of the holy spirit and the inspired Scriptures, they share with local elders in recommending qualified brothers for appointment as ministerial servants and elders by the Governing Body or by its representatives.-Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5; compare 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:14.
22 In turn, those making up bodies of elders 'pay attention to themselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed them overseers.' (Acts 20:28) These overseers faithfully seek to apply instructions received from Jehovah God and Jesus Christ by means of the faithful and discreet slave and its Governing Body. Jehovah is blessing this theocratic arrangement, for 'the congregations continue to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day.'-Acts 16:5.
23 How fine it is that through the Governing Body, Jehovah God and the Master, Jesus Christ, are manifesting support of God's people! (Psalm 94:14) As part of Jehovah's organization, we individually benefit from such support. (Psalm 145:14) This should strengthen our resolve to cooperate with God's arrangements.
The definition of "govern" for ya! ( just for the truth of it)
Function: verb
1 a : to exercise continuous sovereign authority over; especially : to control and direct the making and administration of policy in b : to rule without sovereign power and usually without having the authority to determine basic policy
2 a : archaic : MANIPULATE b : to control the speed of (as a machine) especially by automatic means
3 a : to control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct of b : to exert a determining or guiding influence in or over <income must govern expenditure> c : to hold in check : RESTRAIN
4 : to require (a word) to be in a certain case
5 : to serve as a precedent or deciding principle for <customs that govern human decisions>
intransitive senses
1 : to prevail or have decisive influence : CONTROL
2 : to exercise authority
Isn't it ironic.
This is all supposedely God's arrangement...with Jesus Christ heading it all!
If I go on and quote the tons of food the wbts feed IT'S followers on how to view and what attitude to display towards all elders, ya might need a place to hurl. I'll spare you this time.
peace to you,
somebody
