I remember when that article came out in the 10/15/1996 WT p. 8, if the WTS says "report" means that they have received CO letters from all over pointing out the problem. "As noted, the main thrust of Paul’s argument is that when a man marries, he relinquishes a measure of the freedom he had as a single man that permitted him to be in “constant attendance upon the Lord without distraction.” 1 Corinthians 7:35) Reports show that some married elders have not always been balanced in reasoning on Paul’s inspired words. In their desire to accomplish what they feel good elders should do, they may overlook some of their husbandly duties. Some would find it difficult to refuse a congregation privilege, even if accepting it would clearly be to the spiritual detriment of their wives. They enjoy the privileges that go with marriage, but are they willing to fulfill the responsibilities that go with it?
Certainly, zeal as an elder is commendable. Still, is a Christian balanced if, in discharging his duties in the congregation, he disregards his Scriptural responsibilities toward his wife? While desiring to support those in the congregation, a balanced elder will also be concerned about his wife’s spirituality. Some elders’ wives have become spiritually weak, and some have experienced spiritual “shipwreck.” 1 Timothy 1:19) While a wife is responsible for working out her own salvation, in some cases the spiritual problem could have been avoided if the elder had ‘fed and cherished’ his wife, “as the Christ also does the congregation.” (Ephesians 5:28,29)) To be sure, elders must ‘pay attention to themselves and to all the flock. (Acts 20:28)) If they are married, this includes their wives. (notice how many times the WTS says balanced, without giving any examples and specific ways to do things differently).