POSTED FOR BLONDIE:
Comments You Will Not Hear at the 8-28-05 WT Study (July 15, 2005 magazine issue date)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
ARE YOU FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS?
"The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much. "-LUKE 16:10.
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
Opening Comments
In this article, try substituting WTS for the words God/Jehovah and see if it takes on a special meaning.
How does God/WTS view the dependability of his worshippers/followers?
As worshippers/followers of Jehovah/the WTS, we show faithfulness by obediently serving the WTS.
This certainly includes our remaining loyal to the Jehovah/the WTS.
START OF ARTICLE
AS THE day progresses, have you ever noticed what happens to a shadow that a tree casts on the ground? Why, the shadow keeps changing in size and direction! Human endeavors and promises are often as unsteady as a shadow. Jehovah God, on the other hand, does not change with time. Referring to him as "the Father of the celestial lights," the disciple James says: "With him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow [or, "variation or shadow caused by a turning," footnote]." (James 1:17) Jehovah is constant and dependable, even in the minutest details. He is "a God of faithfulness." -Deuteronomy 32:4.
Human endeavors and promises are often as unsteady as a shadow...God does not change with time...Father of the celestial lights...not a variation of the shadow...constant..even in the minutest details.
So when you compare the changing explanation of prophecies and 'scriptural' policies, who does the WTS resemble? Unsteady humans or God?
1874 or 1914: Presence of Christ
1914 or yet future: Armageddon
1914 or 1975: Beginning of 1,000 Reign of Christ
1925: Abraham, David, Isaac, and others resurrected instantly as perfect men to rule on earth in Jerusalem or still in the grave?
1879 to 1929: Superior authorities--secular governments
1929 to 1962: Superior authorities--God and Jesus
1962 to present: Superior authorities--secular governments
until 1967: Organ transplants conscience matter
1967 to 1980: Organ transplants disfellowshipping matter (cannabalism)
1980 to present: Organ transplants conscience matter
until 1995: People living in 1914 would still be living to see the beginning of the great tribulation
w51 7/1 p. 404 Vision of the "Time of the End"
He shows the beginning of this time and how the troubles increase, and mentions some of the sorrows to fall on the world, during the time of trouble. The length of time is indicated by him when he said, "Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." (Matt. 24:34, NW) The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a "generation" in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period. So it was on "this generation" that the accumulated judgments were to fall. (Matt. 23:36) This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble.
The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question--from 1914 a generation shall not pass
And again in 1962
w62 3/1 p. 132 God's New World in Our Generation
This generation of mankind that is hearing the good news of God's kingdom and that saw the beginning of world sorrows in 1914 would also see the end of those sorrows in this world's destruction: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." (Matt. 24:34) This is nothing to be sorry over. "As these things start to occur," said Jesus, "raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near."-Luke 21:28.
So while this doomed world is in spasms of fear and perplexity, Jesus' true followers lift up their heads with joy, knowing that this generation that is still alive from A.D. 1914 is the generation Jesus said would see "all things occur," including this world's end. Deliverance for Jesus' true followers into God's new world is due within this generation!
And again in 1974
w74 6/15 p. 359 The Horsemen of the Apocalypse-Their Effect on Our Lives
Jesus stated, as recorded at Matthew 24:34: "Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." The generation that saw the beginning of "these things" in 1914 is now well up in years and, in fact, is near to 'passing away.' Therefore, the time must be close for the "great tribulation" and the 'day of wrath' of God and Jesus Christ. What should you do to survive the coming destruction?
And in 1984
w84 5/15 p. 5 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away
If Jesus used "generation" in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80's or 90's, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive. Some of them "will by no means pass away until all things occur."-Luke 21:32.
Just as Jesus' prophecies regarding Jerusalem were fulfilled within the life span of the generation of the year 33 C.E., so his prophecies regarding "the time of the end" will be fulfilled within the life span of the generation of 1914. (Daniel 12:4)
And in 1992
w92 5/1 p. 7 The 1914 Generation-Why Significant?
Before the 1914 generation passes away, the Kingdom-preaching work will have accomplished its purpose. "Then," foretold Jesus, "there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world's beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short."-Matthew 24:21, 22.
And in 1995
w95 11/1 p. 17 A Time to Keep Awake
Eager to see the end of this evil system, Jehovah's people have at times speculated about the time when the "great tribulation" would break out, even tying this to calculations of what is the lifetime of a generation since 1914. However, we "bring a heart of wisdom in," not by speculating about how many years or days make up a generation, but by thinking about how we "count our days" in bringing joyful praise to Jehovah. (Psalm 90:12) Rather than provide a rule for measuring time, the term "generation" as used by Jesus refers principally to contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics.
And 1997 about information in 1995
w97 6/1 p. 28 Questions From Readers
With similar sincere intentions, God's servants in modern times have tried to derive from what Jesus said about "generation" some clear time element calculated from 1914. For instance, one line of reasoning has been that a generation can be 70 or 80 years, made up of people old enough to grasp the significance of the first world war and other developments; thus we can calculate more or less how near the end is.
However well-meaning such thinking was, did it comply with the advice Jesus went on to give? Jesus said: "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. . . . Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming."-Matthew 24:36-42.
So the recent information in The Watchtower (1995) about "this generation" did not change our understanding of what occurred in 1914. But it did give us a clearer grasp of Jesus' use of the term "generation," helping us to see that his usage was no basis for calculating-counting from 1914-how close to the end we are.
So whose dependability here is called into question, the WTS or God's? Did these teachings appear in the Bible or the WT? The WTS has proved to be unconstant and undependable, "speculating" about things. What if any JW had questioned the teaching of the 1914 Generation before 1995?
2 How does God view the dependability of his worshippers? In the same way as did David, who said of them: "My eyes are upon the faithful ones of the earth, that they may dwell with me. The one walking in a faultless way, he it is who will minister to me." (Psalm101:6) Yes, Jehovah takes delight in the faithfulness of his servants. With good reason, the apostle Paul wrote: "What is looked for in stewards is for a man to be found faithful." (1Corinthians 4:2) What does being faithful entail? In what areas of life should we act in faithfulness? What are the blessings of "walking in a faultless way"?
Blurb on page 26: Faithful in what is least, faithful also in much
God view the dependability of his worshippers--David at least did a better job, he at least admitted his mistakes when confronted with them
Faithfulness--to God or the WTS
What does being faithful entail--being faithful to the WTS/FDS/GB
w65 7/1 p. 412 Faithful and Loyal to God's Organization
All dedicated Christian ministers are stewards, and it is required of stewards, the apostle Paul tells us, that they be found faithful. To be
faithful to God we must be faithful to his visible organization. For most of these ministers their association with God's organization is primarily with the local congregation. What does it mean to be faithful to it?-1 Cor. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:10.It means being dependable in bearing one's share of the burdens of the local congregation. It means being regular in meeting attendance, giving both one's spiritual and material support. It means being willing to accept an assignment and then proving oneself dependable by properly preparing for it and carrying it out, regardless of how humble a part it may be. It also means being dependable in the little details of the field ministry.-Luke 16:10.
3 "Moses as an attendant was faithful," states Hebrews 3:5. What made the prophet Moses faithful? In the construction and setting up of the tabernacle, "Moses proceeded to do according to all that Jehovah had commanded him. He did just so." (Exodus 40:16) As worshippers of Jehovah, we show faithfulness by obediently serving him. This certainly includes our remaining loyal to Jehovah while facing difficult tests or severe trials. However, success in dealing with big tests is not the sole factor that determines our faithfulness. "The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much," stated Jesus, "and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much." (Luke 16:10) We must remain faithful even in seemingly small matters.
Moses--another OT example, aren't there any 'faithful' Christians in the NT?
Worshippers of Jehovah--only JWs
Obediently serving him--obediently serving the WTS
w61 9/1 p. 525 Hold Your Position
If one renders obedient service to someone or some organization, whether willingly or under compulsion, looking up to such as possessing a position of superior rulership and great authority, then that one can Scripturally be said to be a worshiper.
w61 9/1 p. 539 Staying Awake as Approved Slaves
And lastly, we can stay awake by being respectful and obedient to the organization, the Watch Tower Society and its appointed servants.
Seemingly small matters--the WTS decides what is small, this is a phrase the WTS uses too frequently.
w98 7/15 p. 31 Do You Have "an Obedient Heart"?
But what about our conduct in everyday affairs, perhaps in seemingly small matters
4 Obedience each day in "what is least" is important for two reasons. First, it reveals how we feel about Jehovah's sovereignty. Think of the test of loyalty placed before the first human pair, Adam and Eve. It was a requirement that imposed no hardship whatsoever on them. While having access to all sorts of food in the garden of Eden, they were merely to refrain from eating the fruit of just one tree-"the tree of the knowledge of good and bad." (Genesis 2:16, 17) Their faithfulness in obeying that simple command would have demonstrated that the first human couple were for Jehovah's rulership. Following Jehovah's instructions in our day-to-day life shows that we are on the side of Jehovah's sovereignty.
Obedience each day in "what is least"--obedience to whom, the WTS or God?
Reveals how we feel about Jehovah's sovereignty--or the WTS sovereignty?
Simple command
Jehovah's instructions in our day-to-day life--or the WTS instructions?
5 Second, our conduct in "what is least" has a bearing on how we will respond "also in much," that is, when we face bigger issues in life. In this regard, consider what happened to Daniel and his three faithful Hebrew companions--Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were taken into exile in Babylon in 617 B.C.E. While still young, likely in their teens, these four found themselves in the royal court of King Nebuchadnezzar. There they were "appointed a daily allowance from the delicacies of the king and from his drinking wine, even to nourish them for three years, that at the end of these they might stand before the king."-Daniel 1:3-5.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah--4 more OT examples for Christians to imitate.
6 The provisions of the Babylonian king, however, presented a challenge to the four Hebrew youths. Foods prohibited by the Mosaic Law were likely included in the delicacies of the king. (Deuteronomy 14:3-20) The slaughtered animals may not have been bled properly, and partaking of such meat would have violated God's Law. (Deuteronomy 12:23-25) The food may also have been offered to idols, as was the custom among Babylonian worshippers before eating a communion meal.
Likely, may, may not--means the Bible does not say and the WTS is 'expanding' the story as they add to the Bible dramas.
Is it wrong for Christians to eat food offered to idols?
1 CORINTHIANS 10:25-30 25
Everything that is sold in a meat market keep eating, making no inquiry on account of YOUR conscience; 26 for "to Jehovah belong the earth and that which fills it." 27 If anyone of the unbelievers invites YOU and YOU wish to go, proceed to eat everything that is set before YOU, making no inquiry on account of YOUR conscience. 28 But if anyone should say to YOU: "This is something offered in sacrifice," do not eat on account of the one that disclosed it and on account of conscience. 29 "Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other person. For why should it be that my freedom is judged by another person's conscience? 30 If I am partaking with thanks, why am I to be spoken of abusively over that for which I give thanks?
Do Christians (JWs) have to be suspicious of all meat butchered by anyone other than another JW?
7 Dietary restrictions undoubtedly were not of high concern to the royal household of the Babylonian king. However, Daniel and his friends were determined in their hearts not to pollute themselves by eating food forbidden in God's Law to Israel. This was an issue that touched on their loyalty and faithfulness to God. So they requested a diet of vegetables and water, and it was granted to them. (Daniel 1:9-14) To some people today, what those four young men did may seem insignificant. However, their obedience to God showed where they stood on the issue of Jehovah's sovereignty.
Do Christians (JWs) today eat vegetables and water because they can't be sure that their meat was butchered properly by non-JWs for whom "dietary restrictions undoubtedly were not of high concern"?
8 Proving faithful in what might have seemed less significant prepared Daniel's three friends to cope with a greater trial. Turn to chapter 3 of the Bible book of Daniel, and read for yourself how the three Hebrews faced the death penalty for refusing to worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. When brought before the king, they declared their determination with confidence: "If it is to be, our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us. Out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, 0 king, he will rescue us. But if not, let it become known to you, 0 king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will not worship." (Daniel 3:17, 18) Did Jehovah rescue them? The guards who threw the young men into the fiery furnace perished, but the three faithful Hebrews stepped out alive--not even scorched by the heat of the furnace! Their well-established pattern of faithfulness helped prepare them to be faithful during that critical test. Does this not illustrate the importance of being faithful in small things?
Seemingly insignificant--possibly because it was not a capital offense under the Law?
Are JWs being faithful in small things? Do many disregard being "faithful" to the WTS directions when they can't be disfellowshipped for disobeying?
Is the WTS finding ways to "punish" JWs who do things such as marry non-JWs, grow beards, and go to college?
w82 7/15 p. 20 How Do You Guide Your Life?
We also find Bible rules on matters that are not disfellowshipping offenses. For example, Paul wrote that single Christians should marry "only in the Lord," and he ordered that "if anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat." (1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Thessalonians 3:10) Someone might reason, 'Since I would not be expelled for disobeying that advice, these must not be serious rules.' What unwise thinking! God views these rules as serious. Did not Paul tell the Thessalonians to 'mark' and "stop associating with" lazy persons willfully disobeying the rule about working?-2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15.
Faithfulness Regarding "Unrighteous Riches"
9 Before stating the principle that one who is faithful in seemingly small things is also faithful in important matters, Jesus advised his listeners: "Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that, when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places." He followed up with the statement about faithfulness in what is least. Then Jesus said: "Therefore, if you have not proved yourselves faithful in connection with the unrighteous riches, who will entrust you with what is true? ... No house servant can be a slave to two masters; for, either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves to God and to riches."-Luke 16:9-13.
Unrighteous riches--does the WTS despise the donations from wealthy JWs? What about donations from people like Michael Jackson?
http://www.freeminds.org/african/mjackson.htm
Slaves to God and to riches--how many JWs do you know that manage to do both and with the approval of the WTS as long as they make generous donations "furthering Kingdom interests"?
10 According to the context, the original application of Jesus' words found at Luke 16: 10 has to do with the use of "unrighteous
riches," our material resources or possessions. They are called unrighteous because material riches-particularly money-are under the control of sinful humans. Moreover, a desire for acquiring riches can lead to unrighteous acts. We show faithfulness by exercising wisdom in the way we use our material possessions. Rather than using them for selfish purposes, we want to use them in furthering Kingdom interests and in helping those in need. By being faithful in this way, we make friends with Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, the possessors of "the everlasting dwelling places." They will receive us into these places, granting us eternal life either in heaven or in Paradise on earth.
Unrighteous riches--under control of sinful humans
A desire for acquiring riches can lead to unrighteous acts
Rather than using them for selfish purposes--
Use them in furthering Kingdom interests--donations to the WTS are down. With the end of contributions for the publications at the KH level and door to door, the WTS must rely totally on the anonymous donations put in the contribution box at the KHS. With only God watching, JWs who only do what the WTS sees, are not donating. No more big profits from providing food at the assemblies/conventions. Where will the money come from?
And helping those in need--only pre-approved JWs who have not non-JW or JW relatives obligated by scripture to help them; and only non-JWs if there are leftovers and they are related to a JW.
By being faithful in this way, we make friends with Jehovah God and Jesus Christ--we make friends with the WTS! in reality.
Eternal life (carrot)--depends on donating to the WTS.
Donating to Jehovah/Jesus = Donating to WTS
Donating to Jehovah/Jesus = eternal life
Donating to WTS = eternal life
11 Consider, too, what we extend to people with whom we place Bibles or Bible-based literature when we proclaim the Kingdom message and explain to them that we accept contributions to the worldwide work done by Jehovah's people. Are we not extending to them an opportunity to make wise use of their material resources? Though the original application of Luke 16:10 concerns the use of material resources, the principle stated there also applies in other areas of life.
And how will the WTS find the funds?
Place--another buzzword that used to mean "sold," in fact, in the Russell/Rutherford era, they did say "sold" so many books/booklets.
Consider what we extend..when we proclaim the Kingdom message and explain to them that we accept contributions to the worldwide work done by Jehovah's people (JWs only)
An opportunity to make wise use of their material resources--by giving it to the WTS!
Honesty Really Matters
12 The apostle Paul wrote: "We trust we have an honest conscience, as we wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things." (Hebrews 13:18) "All things" certainly include all matters that involve the handling of finances. We pay our debts and our taxes promptly and honestly. Why? We do so because of our conscience and primarily out of love for God and in obedience to his instructions. (Romans 13:5, 6) How do we respond when we find something that does not belong to us? We seek to return it to its rightful owner. What a fine witness this results in when we explain what prompted us to return the individual's possession!
Blurbs on page 28: 'Conduct yourselves honestly in all things'; A fine way to show faithfulness is to prepare well for the field ministry
Honesty in "all things"--pay our debts and taxes promptly, and make mortgage payments to the WTS on time too.
Find something that does not belong to us--the WTS would like to think the only honest people on the face of the earth are JWs.
13 Being faithful and honest in all things calls for honesty at our place of employment. Honesty in our work habits draws attention to the kind of God we represent. We do not "steal" time by being lazy. Rather, we work hard, as to Jehovah. (Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23) It is estimated that in one European land, one third of the employees who request a doctor's letter authorizing sick leave do so fraudulently. True servants of God do not fabricate excuses to avoid going to work. At times, Jehovah's Witnesses are offered promotions because employers observe their honesty and hard work.-Proverbs 10:4.
Honesty in our work habits--I have worked in 2 places with JWs that had bad reputations as lazy workers that stole time. I have worked with many non-JWs who do not "steal time."
These JWs must not be "true servants of Jehovah." But then they are still going to the KH, out in service, and raising their hands to answer at the meetings. As far as the WTS is concerned, these people will live forever in Paradise whereas I will die at Armageddon.
Faithfulness in Our Christian Ministry
14 How do we show faithfulness in the ministry that is entrusted to us? "Let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise," says the Bible, "that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name." (Hebrews 13:15) The foremost way to show faithfulness in the field ministry is to participate in it regularly. Why should we allow a month to pass without witnessing about Jehovah and his purpose? A regular share in the preaching work also helps us to improve our skills and our effectiveness.
Show faithfulness in the ministry--participate regularly
Why should we allow a month to pass without witnessing about Jehovah and his purpose?
The WTS is getting concerned. They are admitting in writing in a study article that there are enough JWs allowing a month to pass to highlight it here. First, asking for donations at the door and now admitting too many JWs are "irregular," not turning time in one month out of 6 months.
Regular share--improve our skills and our effectiveness
There that word is again "effective." If people aren't responding to the WTS "message," it is because the rank and file are deficient.
What happened to witnessing about Jesus and his kingdom?
15 Another fine way to show faithfulness in the field service is to apply the suggestions found in The Watchtower and Our Kingdom Ministry. When we prepare and use the suggested presentations or others that are realistic, do we not find that our ministry is more productive? When we meet someone who shows interest in the Kingdom message, do we promptly follow up on the interest? And what about home Bible studies that we may start with interested people? Are we dependable and faithful in caring for them? Our proving faithful in the ministry can lead to life for us and for those who listen to us. -1 Timothy 4:15,16.
Faithfulness--apply the 'suggestions' found in The Watchtower and Our Kingdom Ministry (once known as the Our Kingdom Service)
Use the suggested presentations or others that are realistic--more productive
Are they suggesting that the WTS presentations are realistic? Maybe 1 out of 25 JWs actually even try using the WT 'suggested' presentations. Most use the simple one they have used for years or try one of their own. I heard a brother counseled once for freelancing and not following the slave's suggestion re using that month's battery of "suggested" presentations.
How many old-timers remember in the 50's when the rank and file had 3 to 8 minute, or 10 to 15 minute, suggested "sermons," as presentations were called then, to use at the door?
w55 10/1 p. 588 Pursuing My Purpose in Life
Now when I see a Burmese publisher stand at a door giving a three- to eight-minute sermon with the Bible in his hand...
w56 4/1 p. 220 Part 31: Ending the Fourth, Beginning the Fifth Decade of Kingdom Operation
Door-to-door sermons from the Bible of three to eight minutes' length were now specially recommended, and also ten- to fifteen-minute sermons in making return visits upon interested persons.
Do we promptly follow up on interest?
First, do they even keep a record of interest? I know some that never write it down or always hand it off to their partner at the door.
Does the average JW get the person's first name at least, write down their address legibly, a brief description of what they look like (m/w, b/w/a/,o/y,) since they won't be back soon (within 1 week, usually more like a month if ever). Do they write down what they "placed" and talked about?
Or do months go by, they read what they wrote, they forgot to put down the house number, don't know what to talk about next since they don't remember what they talked about last or "placed." When they finally find someone home, they don't know if it is the same person they talked to before because they don't know their name or what they looked like.
Interested people--buzzword that has always irritated the "interested people" who find out it is applied to them.
Bible studies--too many JWs don't want to be tied down to Bible studies. Too much work, time and commitment. Interferes with the recreational schedule since most study on weeknights and weekends.
CARROT: Our proving faithful in the ministry can lead to life for us and for those who listen to us.
Keeping Separate From the World
16 In prayer to God, Jesus said of his followers: "I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." (John 17:14-16) We may be firm and determined to keep separate from the world on large issues, such as neutrality, religious holidays and customs, and immorality.
Blurb on page 30: Be modest in dress and grooming
Keep separate from the world on large issues, such as--Let's see the WTS track record on that
NEUTRALITY
UN issue
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
Alternative service (once not allowed/now permitted as a choice for JWs but with the WTS saying it was always an individual choice)
http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/militaryservice.htm
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CUSTOMS
Christmas--until 1926 the WTS celebrated this holiday, even at NY Bethel
JW wives can celebrate with non-JW husbands (see article at end of review)*
IMMORALITY
Reporting child abuse requires 2 eyewitnesses; elders report to secular authorities only if required by secular law
JWs who are raped and don't scream are guilty of fornication/adultery/immorality.
w68 6/1 p. 347 The Christian's View of Self-Defense
If you are a Christian woman, what should you do if, in spite of all precautions, you are set upon by a rapist? If you cannot deter him by
reasoning, or by calling upon the name of Jehovah, then what? As a Christian you are under obligation to resist. This resistance includes screaming and creating as much disturbance as possible to try to frighten off the attacker and attract help. If the attack continues and you cannot break free to flee, then you would be justified even to inflict damage on your assailant if necessary. Resistance is imperative, because the rapist is after, not just money, but your virtue. An issue of integrity to Jehovah's laws is involved here. So by no means would it be proper quietly to submit to rape, as that would be consenting to fornication.-1 Thess. 4:3.
Bestiality and homosexuality were not grounds for a scriptural divorce
w72 1/1 p. 32 Questions from Readers
While both homosexuality and bestiality are disgusting perversions, in the case of neither one is the marriage tie broken. It is broken only by acts that make an individual "one flesh" with a person of the opposite sex other than his or her legal marriage mate.
16 (continued) What, though, about smaller things? Could it be that even without realizing it, we may be influenced by the ways of the world? If we are not careful, for instance, how easily our manner of dress can become undignified and inappropriate! Being faithful calls for "modesty and soundness of mind" in the matter of dress and grooming. (1 Timothy 2:9, 10) Yes, "in no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers."-2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.
And once again the WTS focuses on DRESS and GROOMING rather than the gossip mill that exists in ever JW congregation.
Undignified/inappropriate--now those are terms that can be applied by the elders all over the board. In one congregation, no pierced ears; in another only 2 piercings in each ear; in another only 2 piercings in each 'lower" ear; in another only 2 piercings in each ear but no danglers (dangerous); and that is only for the women.
I can imagine some man saying, JWs were by today and that woman's skirt was 1/2 inch too short and gave me sexual ideas. I'm not ever going to listen to them again. Of course, telling me that every non-JW is going to die soon forever unless they get baptized as a JW had no effect on me.
17 Out of a desire to honor Jehovah, we dress in a dignified way for our congregation meetings. The same is true when we meet in large numbers at our assemblies and conventions. Our dress needs to be practical and presentable. This serves as a witness to others who observe us. Even the angels take note of our activity, as they did of that of Paul and his Christian associates. (1 Corinthians 4:9) In fact, we should always be appropriately attired. To some, faithfulness in the choice of clothing may seem to be a small matter, but in God's eyes it is important.
Honor Jehovah--where's Jesus?
Dignified way--I want details what that means; who decides; is there a chart?
Practical and presentable--What does that mean? Practical, no high heels so women can climb the stairs to the nosebleed sections dragging along 2 or 3 children while daddy sits in trucking cooling his heels?
Why doesn't the WTS give out a dress code? But they do, it is just unwritten.
We should always be appropriately attired--so even when not at the meetings, conventions, field service the WTS will dictate what you wear.
A non-African white sister wore native costume she had gotten on her vacation to Kenya to a picnic once and was counseled by an elder that it was not appropriate, at least until the visiting black sister walked up and asked if she had to go home and change. (blush)
Blessings for Faithfulness
18 True Christians are spoken of as "fine stewards of God's undeserved kindness expressed in various ways." As such, they are "dependent on the strength that God supplies." (1 Peter 4:10, 11) Moreover, as stewards, we are entrusted with what does not personally belong to us--expressions of God's undeserved kindness, including the ministry. In proving ourselves fine stewards, we rely on the strength that God supplies, "the power beyond what is normal." (2 Corinthians 4:7) What fine training to help us face whatever trials the future may bring!
True Christians--only JWs
undeserved kindness--"grace" in other religions
Rely on the strength that God supplies--but only through the WTS organization
w79 4/1 p. 31 Rearing My Sons Without a Husband
Only with the strength and guidance provided by Jehovah through his Word and organization could I successfully have reared my sons without a husband.
w85 6/1 p. 20 Walk With Confidence in Jehovah's Leadership
To turn away from Jehovah and his organization, to spurn the direction of "the faithful and discreet slave," and to rely simply on personal Bible reading and interpretation is to become like a solitary tree in a parched land
19 The psalmist sang: "0 love Jehovah, all you loyal ones of his. The faithful ones Jehovah is safeguarding." (Psalm 31:23) Let us be determined to prove ourselves faithful, fully confident that Jehovah is "a Savior of all sorts of men, especially of faithful ones." -1 Timothy 4:10.
Savior--Where's Jesus?
g76 10/22 p. 28 How Many Saviors Do You Have?
The testimony of the Bible as a whole thus makes it clear that there is but one Savior, Jehovah God.
LUKE 2:11: 11 because there was born to YOU today a Savior, who is Christ [the] Lord, in David's city.
ACTS 5:30-31: 30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom YOU slew, hanging him upon a stake. 31 God exalted this one as Chief Agent and Savior to his right hand, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
ACTS 13:22-23: From the offspring of this [man] according to his promise God has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus,
EPHESIANS 5:23: because a husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation, he being a savior of [this] body...
PHILIPPIANS 3:20: As for us, our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which place also we are eagerly waiting for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
2 TIMOTHY 1:10: but now it has been made clearly evident through the manifestation of our Savior, Christ Jesus...
TITUS 1:4: ...May there be undeserved kindness and peace from God [the] Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
TITUS 2:13: ...and of [the] Savior of us, Christ Jesus. . .
TITUS 3:6: This [spirit] he poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,
2 PETER 1:11: In fact, thus there will be richly supplied to YOU the entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 PETER 2:20: ...by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...
2 PETER 3:18: No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him [be] the glory both now and to the day of eternity.
1 JOHN 4:14: the Father has sent forth his Son as Savior of the world.
Concluding Comments
What have we learned today?
"We must remain faithful even in seemingly small matters"-- such as turning in our time. Why? Because "it reveals how we feel about Jehovah's sovereignty."
MATTHEW 23:24: Blind guides, who strain out the gnat but gulp down the camel!
"We show faithfulness by exercising wisdom in the way we use our material possessions?"
"Rather than using them for selfish purposes, we want to use them in furthering Kingdom interests."
Making friends in the right places who can grant "us eternal life."
Sounds like the WTS is hurting financially. Yes, you can buy your way into paradise. The WTS act as bankers for God and Jesus.
Being sure that the "people with whom we place Bibles (right!) or Bible-based literature" have the same "opportunity to make wise use of their material resources."
Sounds like the WTS thinks the lull in funds is because JWs aren't begging--asking for donations at the door. How many of you do or did ask for donations for the "worldwide work"?
"How easily our manner of dress can become undignified and inappropriate...our dress needs to be practical and presentable...we should ALWAYS be appropriately attired."
And I know all of you see that the root cause of all the unloving, hypocritical acts at the KH are due to the wrong earring, a short hem, and too long sideburn.
Have a good weekend; summer is fleeing.
Love, Blondie
Do You Recall?
- Why should we be "faithful in what is least"?
- How can we prove faithful
- in regard to honesty?
- in the ministry?
- in keeping separate from the world?
Questions
1. What is one of the ways that Jehovah is faithful?
2. (a) Why should we examine ourselves to determine whether we are faithful? (b) What questions about faithfulness will we consider?
3. What determines whether we are faithful?
4, 5. What does our faithfulness in "what is least" reveal?
6. What test did Daniel and his three Hebrew companions face in the Babylonian royal court?
7. What did the obedience of Daniel and his three friends show?
8. (a) What critical test of loyalty did the three Hebrews face? (b) What was the outcome of the test, and what does this illustrate?
9. What is the context of Jesus' words recorded at Luke 16:10?
10. How can we demonstrate faithfulness in our use of "unrighteous riches"?
11. Why should we not hold back from explaining to householders that we accept contributions to the worldwide work done by Jehovah's Witnesses?
12,13. In what areas can we demonstrate honesty?
14, 15. What are some ways that we can prove ourselves faithful in the Christian ministry?
16, 17. In what ways can we show that we are separate from the world?
18, 19. What blessings result from faithfulness?
*w01 12/15 pp. 28-29 Questions From Readers
How can a Christian wife balance loyalty to God with submission to her unbelieving husband if he shares in religious holiday activities? Her doing so will require wisdom and tact. But she is doing the right thing in striving to balance her two obligations. Jesus gave counsel about a parallel situation: "Pay back, therefore, Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God." (Matthew 22:21) Granted, he was dealing with obligations to governments, to which Christians were later told to be in submission. (Romans 13:1) Yet, his counsel finds a parallel in a wife's balancing her obligations to God with her Scriptural submission to her husband, even if he is an unbeliever.No one familiar with the Bible would deny that it stresses that a Christian's first obligation is to Almighty God, to be loyal to him at all times. (Acts 5:29) Still, in many situations a true worshiper can accommodate the requests or demands of an unbeliever in authority while not sharing in a violation of God's elevated laws.We find an instructive example in the three Hebrews, as related in Daniel chapter 3. Their governmental superior, Nebuchadnezzar, decreed that they and others present themselves on the plain of Dura. Realizing that false worship was scheduled, the three Hebrews would likely have preferred to avoid being there. Perhaps Daniel was able to excuse himself, but these three could not. So they complied to the extent of appearing, but they would not-and did not-share in any wrong act.-Daniel 3:1-18.Similarly, around holiday times an unbelieving husband might request or demand that his Christian wife do something she would like to avoid. Consider some examples: He tells her to cook a certain food on the day he and others will celebrate a holiday. Or he demands that the family (including his wife) visit his relatives on that day for a meal or simply as a social call. Or even prior to the holiday, he might say that while his wife is out shopping, she must make some purchases for him-foods unique to the holiday, items to use as presents, or wrapping paper and cards to use with his gifts.Again, the Christian wife ought to be determined not to share in false religious acts, but what about such requests? He is the family head, and God's Word says: "You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord." (Colossians 3:18) In these cases, can she show wifely subjection while being loyal to God? She must decide how to balance obedience to her husband with her overriding obedience to Jehovah.At other times, her husband may ask her to cook a certain food, whether because it is his favorite or because he is used to having that meal in a particular season. She will desire to show love for him and recognition of his headship. Could she do so even if he made the request on the occasion of a holiday? Some Christian wives might be able to do so with a good conscience, simply considering it as a normal task of preparing the daily meal. Certainly, no loyal Christian would attach any holiday significance to it, even if her husband did. Similarly, he might require her to be with him when he visits his relatives at various times each month or year. Could she do so even if it was the day of a holiday? Or would she normally be willing to purchase things at his request, without judging what he intends to do with the items she buys for him while doing her shopping?Of course, a Christian wife should think of others-the effect on them. (Philippians 2:4) She would like to avoid giving any impression that she is linked to the holiday, just as the three Hebrews may likely have preferred that others not see them traveling to the plain of Dura. So she might tactfully try to reason with her husband to see if, out of consideration for her feelings, he might do certain holiday-related things for himself to accommodate a wife who loves and respects him. He might see the wisdom of not putting both of them in a potentially embarrassing situation if she would have to refuse to engage in false religious acts. Yes, calm discussion beforehand might lead to a peaceful solution.-Proverbs 22:3. In the final analysis, the faithful Christian must weigh the facts and then decide what to do. Obedience to God must come first, as it did with the three Hebrews. (1 Corinthians 10:31) But with that in mind, the individual Christian has to decide what noncompromising things can be done at the request of one having authority in the family or in the community.[Footnote] See "Questions From Readers" in The Watchtower of August 1, 2001.
