This is based on a talk in the 2002 DC and an article in 10/2003.
Another issue would be blood transfusion. But an article in 1998 is interesting what the WTS considers a test.
Notice what they consider a trial.
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1/15 p. 25 "Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers" Joyfully Assemble ***The final symposium of the convention had the theme "The Quality of Our Faith Tested by Various Trials."
The first part reminded us that all true Christians face persecution. It serves as a witness, strengthens our faith, and affords us an opportunity to demonstrate our loyalty to God.
Though we do not needlessly jeopardize our lives, we would never use unscriptural means to avoid persecution.?1 Peter 3:16.
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5/15 p. 16 The Quality of Your Faith?Tested Now ***Endurance has a job to do, a "work." Its assignment is to make us complete in all respects, aiding us to be well rounded out as Christians. Hence, by letting trials run their course without any attempts to use unscriptural means to bring them to a swift end, our faith is tested and refined. If we have been lacking in patience, compassion, kindness, or love in dealing with situations or with fellow humans, endurance can make us more complete. Yes, the sequence is: Tests produce endurance; endurance increases Christian qualities; these are a cause of joy.?1 Peter 4:14; 2 Peter 1:5-8.
As already noted, however, our faith is also being tested in more subtle ways. Some of the tests are not so direct and easily identifiable. Consider how you would react to some of the following. A brother in Angola who had ten children was in a congregation that for a time was cut off from communication with responsible brothers. Later it became possible for others to visit the congregation. He was asked how he was managing to feed his family. It was not easy for him to answer, and all he would say was that the situation was difficult. Was he able to feed his children at least one meal a day? He replied: "Well, hardly. We have learned to get by with what we have." Then with a voice full of conviction, he said: "But isn?t this what we expect in these last days?" Such faith is remarkable in the world, but it is not unusual among loyal Christians, who have full confidence that the Kingdom promises will be fulfilled.
The great crowd are also being tested in connection with theocratic procedures. The worldwide Christian congregation is directed according to divine principles and theocratic standards. This means first of all recognizing Jesus as the Leader, the one appointed as Head of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 11:3) Willing submission to him and to his Father is manifested through our faith in theocratic appointments and decisions related to our unitedly doing Jehovah?s will. Furthermore, in each local congregation, there are men appointed to take the lead. They are imperfect men whose faults we may readily see; yet we are urged to respect such overseers and to be submissive. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) Do you at times find that challenging? Is this really a test for you? If so, are you benefiting from this test of your faith?
We are also tested in connection with the privilege and requirement to engage regularly in the field ministry
. For us to pass this test, we must realize that having
a full share in the ministry
involves more than a minimal, or token, amount of preaching. Recall Jesus? approving comment about the poor widow who gave her all. (Mark 12:41-44) We might ask ourselves, ?Am I similarly giving of myself in connection with my field ministry?? All of us are to be Witnesses of Jehovah all day long, ready at every opportunity to let our light shine.?Matthew 5:16.
Another test we might face relates to the degree of our appreciation for the increasing light being shed on Bible truth and for the counsel provided by the faithful slave class. (Matthew 24:45) Sometimes this calls for adjustments in personal conduct, such as when it became clear that those who use tobacco would have to quit if they wanted to remain in the congregation. (2 Corinthians 7:1) Or the test may be in our accepting the need to modify our taste in music or certain other forms of entertainment. Will we question the wisdom of the counsel offered? Or will we let God?s spirit mold our thinking and help us to put on the Christian personality??Ephesians 4:20-24; 5:3-5.
For decades, the number of those of the great crowd has been increasing, and after their baptism they are continuing to strengthen their relationship with Jehovah. This involves more than attending a Christian assembly, going to some meetings at the Kingdom Hall, or occasionally sharing in field service. To illustrate: A person may be physically outside of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, but has he truly left it behind? Does he still cling to those things that reflect the spirit of Babylon the Great?a spirit that flouts God?s righteous standards? Does he treat morality and marital faithfulness lightly? Does he emphasize personal and material interests more than spiritual interests? Yes, has he remained unspotted by the world??James 1:27.
But some who became Christians in the past have since then allowed themselves to be fashioned after this system of things. They have not resisted the spirit of the world. (2 Peter 2:20-22) Worldly distractions have absorbed their interest and time, thus impeding their progress. Instead of keeping their minds and hearts fixed firmly on God?s Kingdom and his righteousness, putting such first in life, they have turned aside to pursue materialistic goals. Unless they are moved to acknowledge their weak faith and lukewarm state and to change their course by seeking divine counsel, they are in danger of losing their precious relationship with Jehovah and his organization.?Revelation 3:15-19.
At times, the news media and secular authorities pin false labels on God?s people, misrepresenting our Christian beliefs and way of life. This should not surprise us, for Jesus clearly shows that the ?world would hate us because we are no part of it.? (John 17:14) Will we allow those who are blinded by Satan to intimidate and dishearten us and make us feel ashamed of the good news? Will we permit lies about the truth to affect our regular meeting attendance and our preaching activity? Or will we stand fast and be courageous and more determined than ever to continue declaring the truth about Jehovah and his Kingdom?
