So one of my Uncles called me because I pointed out to my parents that the WT is now talking about retirement. My uncle is an elder and he called the CO to confirm if the WT is saying the end is not going to come for a long time so we should start planning for retirement.
The CO said that was not the intention of the article. The article makes it very plain that the END IS STILL VERY CLOSE............([probably in the next year or two, for sure during Trump's presidency...His words not mine)
I don't think the Watchtower is telling everyone that the end is not coming because in the same article they stress the end is close.
For example in paragraph 10 it says this;
As the present system of things draws closer to its end, we can expect economic conditions to worsen. Political turmoil,
armed conflicts, natural disasters, or new pandemics might lead to
unexpected expenses or to the loss of our job, our possessions, or our
home. We may have to find new work in our current location or consider
moving our family to another area in order to provide for them. What can
help us to make decisions that show our trust in Jehovah’s hand?
In paragraph 17 is says this;
Jehovah’s loyal servants can count on his ability and his desire to
satisfy their material needs. As we approach the end of this system of
things, we can expect our confidence in Jehovah to be tested. No matter
what happens, though, let us be determined to trust that Jehovah will
use his power to provide for us materially. We can be certain that his
mighty hand and his outstretched arm will never be too short to reach
us.
The article is just comparing the lack of faith among Israel when they left Egypt and complained about their situation and didn't trust in Jehovah. They stressed how Jehovah provided quail and manna so don't worry about the future. They have a picture of a bunch of quail being provided by Jehovah. (it sucks being a quail)
The article before this one shows that the Watchtower is not encouraging the members to focus on retirement but on pioneering because the end is near. for example in the previous study in paragraph 7,8 it give this example;
Note how Javier, a
a brother in South America, saw the need to walk by faith. He says: “I
had applied for a prestigious job that would double my salary and
provide considerable personal satisfaction.” However, Javier had the
deep desire to pioneer. He continues: “I was recommended for an
interview with the national manager. Before the interview, I prayed for
help, convinced that Jehovah knew what was best for me. I wanted to progress professionally, but I did not want this job if it would not help me reach my spiritual goals.”
8
Javier relates: “During the interview, the manager told me that I would
regularly have to work overtime. I kindly pointed out that I couldn’t
do that because of my ministry.” Yes, Javier rejected the offer. Two
weeks later, he started pioneering. And later that year, he found a
part-time job. He says: “Jehovah heard my prayers and provided a job
that fit my pioneer schedule. I am truly happy to have work that allows
me to dedicate more time to serve Jehovah and my brothers.”
So they are still encouraging PART TIME JOBS instead of a regular full time job with benefits like retirement.
The have a bunch of other examples, you know, ....KEVIN, ROSA, etc., but not Andre.
Rosa wants to marry a non-jw but decided that Special Pioneering was a better option,so that's what she did.
So no, the Watchtower is not encouraging the members to seek retirement because the Last Days are far away.
Like the CO said; "The end will come during TRUMP'S PRESIDENCY"
I think the writer that mentioned retirement made a BIG BO-BO. Because they are still hunkering down on pioneering because the END IS CLOSE!
