The September Kingdom Ministry, for week beginning October 4, discusses the video "Respect Jehovah's Authority."
I have seen this video myself, and for those still on a guilt trip, it will serve to re-inforce that the Society is backed by Jehovah. The first few minutes of the video are a brief introduction from a member of the Governing Body (I forget which one).
This video was released in 2002, at a time when the Governing Body and the organization were under very strong criticism over their handling of child abuse, and also when several Witnesses in good standing were disfellowshipped for "causing divisions." by appearing on TV documentaries testifying to the Society's coverup on child abuse.
I wondered why the Society waited for almost 2 years to review this video in the meeting - well, it is no coincedence, that this happens to go nicely with the Bible Reading regarding the Israelites murmuring and the Korah, Dathan and Abiram incident.
The video's contents are slightly unusual, as there are direct references to the elders remaining loyal. Remember too, that the last KM school held two years ago, was released online as an MP3 file, by one of Jehovah's glorious ones - an elder. There are references to people who may find it difficult to ignore disfellowshipped relatives. The video is like a movie, with special effects. If you have watched it, note the loaded language used - a recipe that cults use when they feel threatened or under attack.
The video thrives and plays on the fear induced in its members, particularly those who do not agree with the Society's teachings or policies.
Witnesses viewing this video will, if they are in compromising situations where loyalty to the Borg is a challenge, imagine that they are acting like Korah, Dathan and Abiram.
Week Starting October 4
25 min: "We must respect Jehovah's Authority." Read Jude 11, limiting introductory comments to no more than two minutes. Then get right into an audience discussion using all of the questions in the article. Highlight the point that to retain Jehovah's approval, we must avoid Korah's rebellious attitude and imitate the example of his sons who let nothing take precedence over their loyalty to Jehovah.
Song 99 and concluding prayer.
And now the questions box...
We Must Respect Jehovah's Authority
With what do you associate the ancient names Korah, Dathan, and Abiram? Rebellion!
Against what? Godly authority. The details of thier tragic course are recorded in Numbers
chapter 16, and an overview of the matter is provided in the article "Loyally Submit To
Godly Authority" in the August 1, 2002 Watchtower. You would find it beneficial to read
this material and then view the sobering portrayal of it in the video Respect Jehovah's
Authority. You will see the conflict that developed between the faithful sons of Korah and
their rebellious father, who was on a collision course with the Soverign of the universe.
Thsi true-life drama should inspire all of us to develop our loyalty to Jehovah even more fully.
As you watch the video, look for the evidence that Korah and his fellow rebels failed in
the test of loyalty in six crucial areas:
(1) How did they disrespect godly authority?
(2) How did they let pride, ambition, and jealousy affect them?
(3) How did they focus on the deficiencies of those appointed by Jehovah?
(4) What complaining attitude had they developed?
(5) Why had they become dissatisfied with privileges of service?
(6) How did they let friends and family take precedence over loyalty to God?
Consider how the lessons learned in this Bible drama apply to our personal view of godly
authority today:
(1) How should we respond to the decisions of elders in the congregation, and why?
(2) How can we counteract any improper motives within us?
(3) How should we react to the imperfections of those appointed to take the lead?
(4) What should we do if a complaining spirit begins to develop in our heart?
(5) How should we feel about any privileges of service we have been given?
(6) Who should never take priority over our loyalty to God, and when might this become a difficult test for us?
After this information is discussed in the congregation, why not watch the video again?
Let it doubly impress upon your mind the reasons why we must always respect Jehovah's authority! - Ps. 18:25; 37:28
Note the buzzwords and phrases so readily apparent in this article:
Godly authority, loyally submit, find it beneficial,
a collision course with the Soverign of the Universe,
develop our loyalty to Jehovah even more fully,
focus on the deficiencies, complaining attitude, dissatisfied with privileges of service,
take precedence over loyalty to Jehovah, counteract any improper motives,
react to imperfections, complaining spirit, doubly impress.
Well, what are they really trying to say? Let's use those buzz words again...
If you are in the organization and are on a collision course with the Soverign of the Universe then you need to develop your loyalty to Jehovah
more fully, and those whom he has appointed to take the lead. By loyally submitting to godly authority, you will not develop a complaining spirit,
or feel disatisfied with privileges of service. If a complaining spirit develops in your heart, remember the tragic course of Korah, Dathan and
Abiram. Ignore your disfellowshipped relatives, they could take priority over your loyalty to God and his organization.