I was thinking about my past as a JW today and realized that I never did fit the mold quite right. I studied, went to the meetings, out in service, and all those things so I appeared to be a great example. And I really did love God and wanted to do the right thing. I was used as an "example" in meeting parts and a circuit assembly while still a teenager.
But - I always thought that the truth could conquer any amount of criticism or research so didn't understand why the control in that area. And instead of shunning the "weak" ones I was always drawn to them - my heart tugged for people in tough situations and I made it a point to talk with them at meetings, go visit them at their home. Sometimes I even dropped off food or gave $$ to people who needed it.
My mother would warn me about hanging out with some of the weaker ones - she was worried that they might discourage me - or that it would give a bad appearance. Most of the time I didn't care - in fact, it pissed me off that people would be more concerned about appearances than people.
I argued that it was better to spend time doing charity (or giving to charity) to help a person NOW, and then feed them spiritually later. What good is it to give someone spiritual food if they can't focus on it because they're destitute and in need?
Well - like I said - I wasn't such a good witness after all. But I realize now that's a good thing.