Tuesdays meeting had a part about the upcoming summer convention. Alot of Q n A about how to dress, to wear your lapel at all times, to be clean, to not eat out bec the worldly vendors would be upset that they are not allowed to sell food inside the arena, to watch your language, conduct at the motels, to walk quietly, to not be in the halls during the sessions, informal witness at every opportunity etc.
Then this man comments and says, "What other religion would clean up the arena before and after a convention? We must not allow others to see garbage on the floors because we are a clean people. Just look at how much garbage was left at St.Peters Square after the inaguration of the new pope. There was a ton of garbage. How much better are Jehovahs people!" (heads nodding)
I thought, WAIT! What kind of a comparison is that? First of all we are talking about approx 2000 people to 1 million people. The sheer numbers alone do not allow for a fair comparison, secondly the arena is beautiful and comfortable. Air conditioned, garbage cans everywhere, perfect bathrooms and a known time limit. This was such an unfair comparison!
I hate that they have to pick apart other religions so much!
You know, too much focus is on appearances. Come on brothers! Talk to my heart, the inside of me, stop trying to develop my outer shell and try to focus FIRST on the inside of a person because that is what will ultimately shine through. I am so tired of this MAINTAIN THE IMAGE talking and OTHERS ARE WATCHING US. It is too superficical and petty.
Jez