It is easy to forget that, despite all our many faults, Jehovah’s Witnesses remain worshippers of the true God Jehovah. We are in fact, the “Israel of God”, a dubious title that may sound flattering, but really puts us in line to receive Jehovah’s discipline as we profane his name throughout the earth.
Take, for example, the words of the prophet Ezekiel, when Jah talked of the impeding destruction he was about to bring upon Judah and Jerusalem, “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: “Not for YOUR sakes am I doing it, O house of Israel, but for my holy name, which YOU have profaned among the nations” (Ezekiel 36:22). This particular prophecy is a parallel of Jehovah disciplining his people before restoring them. The brothers at Bethel apply it’s fulfilment to the 1914-1919 period. —See Watchtower August 15th 1988, p. 24
In reality, however, the early Bible Students hardly had a chance to profane Jehovah’s name among the nations. Back then, the group was not even identified by the name of God. Today, however, decades later, millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are known in every nation and language on Earth. Particularly in recent years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been increasingly profaning his “holy name… among the nations”. If recent trends are anything to go by, we as Jehovah’s Witnesses have just begun profaning his name around the globe – with more sure to come.
God could not accuse Christendom of such a crime. They can only ‘blaspheme’ against their non-existent Trinity Godhead mystery, which exists in the same parallel universe as Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. Besides, they only ever talk about Jesus – rarely his father. Even when they do talk of the ‘Father’, they have erased his name and consider it of no import, and often attribute the actions of Jah to Christ!
We, on the other hand, don’t live in Disney’s Fantasyland – we worship the true God Jehovah, the God of the Bible, and not the pagan God of Rome. Because of this, Jehovah will discipline us for profaning his name. Then Jehovah will “certainly sanctify my great name, which was being profaned among the nations, which YOU profaned in the midst of them; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah”.
When will this sanctification of the name happen? When “I will take YOU out of the nations and collect YOU together out of all the lands and … I will sprinkle upon YOU clean water, and YOU will become clean”. —Ezekiel 36:23, 25
We are Jehovah’s worshippers, and as such, that makes us Jehovah’s people – the Israel of God who profanes Jah’s holy name – whether we like that fact or not.
Does the Israel of God really exist at this time?
Some individuals argue that the true religion doesn’t currently exist. They think that because Jehovah’s Witnesses have wrong expectations about the future, we are merely another part of Babylon the Great. As such, they argue, the true religion must not exist until Jesus presence begins and God’s people are gathered from the nations.
As we have seen from Ezekiel, however, that is most certainly not the case. The true religion does exist, right now – complete with all its faults. Indeed, it is by its faults that we can identify the true religion – the religion that worships Jehovah and profanes his name. It is that people who are scattered throughout the nations as retribution for its sins, and then regathered.
Clearly, prophecy states there is a distinct group of people who worship the true God, profane his name, and can be scattered when disciplined. Additionally, that same group can be refined and then restored again, “and her that was dispersed I will collect together, even her whom I have treated badly. And I shall certainly make her that was limping a remnant, and her that was removed far off a mighty nation” (Micah 4:6-7). That distinct people must already exist, right now. Indeed, it does – it is Jehovah’s Witnesses who will soon be “dispersed” and will become a limping remnant, which must be cleaned and restored.
‘But,’ you may ask, ‘why should I remain part of a people who will profane the name of God and be destroyed?’ That is a good question. Let’s consider it.
Leaving is not the answer
Not only is leaving the organization not the answer – it isn’t even the correct question! The correct question is, ‘what does the Bible say on the matter?’
Jesus, looking at the Temple in Jerusalem, said to his disciples, “By no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.” Indeed, for Jesus knew that the entire Jewish system of things was to be done away with. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent forth to her,—how often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings! But YOU people did not want it. Look! YOUR house is abandoned to YOU.” —Matthew 24:1; 23:37-38
Despite this knowledge, and despite the fact that Jerusalem killed prophets and profaned God’s name, Jesus did not separate himself from the Jewish system. His father even saw to it that he would be raised by Godly parents who would take him to all the Jewish festivals each year (Luke 2:41). Jesus talked with Jewish teachers (Like 2:46), taught in the synagogue (Matthew 13:54), obeyed the Mosaic Law (Matthew 22:38), and chose all his disciples from among the Jews.
Jesus set an example by remaining with his Jewish brothers, worshipping Jehovah with them, and remaining in Israel. Until the Jewish nation was abandoned by God and replaced by the new covenant, Jesus disciples also remained fully Jewish. We should follow such an example. Only when we “see [spiritual] Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies” and we “know that the desolating of her has drawn near” should we figuratively “begin fleeing to the mountains” to escape from the wrath of the nations as they destroy Jehovah’s people. —Matthew 24:20-21
Currently I do not see the Watchtower Society “surrounded by encamped armies” at this time, do you? We do not need to hide ourselves from any calamity right now – and there is currently no sign of impending doom. Until the time when Jehovah’s judgment actually comes upon Jehovah’s Witnesses, we should remain with God’s wayward people.
Being in the truth – a great protection
Despite the many problems among Jehovah’s Witnesses, which were foretold (the letters to the seven congregations during the “Lords day” in Revelation show what sort of problems there will be), being with your brothers is still a great protection. Personally I find that, despite all of our knowledge of the future judgment, my spirituality still suffers if I miss meetings, don’t prepare for meetings, fail to make upbuilding comments, or become irregular at field service. Why is this?
Although Jehovah’s people are presided over by a self-proclaimed Governing Body, this does not mean that all printed material of the Watchtower is tainted. Some of the slaves left in charge “to give [the domestics] their food at the proper time” will indeed be found “doing so” and be subsequently appointed “over all his belongings” when Jesus returns (Matthew 24:45-47). Those faithful slaves are in the organization right now. We cannot say who they are, because Jesus will only decide that in the future. Yet we know that they do exist – and they are doing their jobs.
If we miss meetings, conventions, etc, and ignore scriptural reminders, and barely glance at the publications, we are in fact, missing out on the “food” provided by the future faithful slaves. After all, we are clever enough to know which pieces of food (e.g. Jesus being crowned King in 1914) were provided by potential wicked slaves, and it is not difficult to ignore such teachings, is it? I do not think it is difficult. Interestingly, Jesus also had to endure the nation and his apostles having wrong beliefs. They too had wrong ideas about when Jesus would be crowned King. —John 6:15; Acts 1:6
The Watchtower has, in fact, printed so many fine publications and made so many timely reminders over the years that time would run away with us if we were to list all of the beneficial things brothers at Bethel have done to feed God’s household. Publications like ‘Draw Close to Jehovah’ and ‘Is there a Creator who cares about you?’, as well as the New World Translation and the Insight volumes, stand out as examples of what great things the Watchtower has done for Jehovah’s people. We have not even considered what the Watchtower has accomplished in removing hundreds of years of Churchianity and Babylonian falsehoods.
Do you really want to miss out on the fine “food” provided for you by the faithful slaves?
The faithful prophets – examples for us
This is by no means the first time Jah’s worshippers have gone wayward. In ancient Israel and Judah, Jehovah's people sinned immensely against him. Numerous times the Bible makes statements like, “they kept doing bad things to offend Jehovah”. He, out of his underserved kindness, often rose up prophets to warn and exhort his wayward people to return to him. —2 Kings 17:11; Malachi 3:7
Imagine, however, if Jehovah’s prophets in times past had the same self-righteous attitude as many brothers today! Imagine if they had seen the sinful state of Jehovah’s worshippers, and decided that they themselves were oh-so righteous that they couldn’t possibly live among Jah’s wayward people; and then promptly moved to a neighbouring country. —Compare the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees in John 7:49
What exactly would have happened to the prophets, if they had decided to leave the land, live elsewhere, and separate themselves from the lowly and ignorant sinners? Well, they would have lost the privilege of being used by Jehovah to strengthen his people, lost the privilege of warning them of their impending disaster, and totally failed to encourage them to return to God. Finally, they could not have been used to explain the situation to their brothers once Jehovah finally stepped in – because they were sitting pretty elsewhere.
In ancient times, Judah’s institutional prophets had experienced spiritual blindness due to their sinning. Jehovah said, “…the sun will certainly set upon the prophets, and the day must get dark upon them… for there is no answer from God.” However, the true prophet Micah could proclaim, “on the other hand, I myself have become full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah, and of justice and mightiness, in order to tell to Jacob his revolt and to Israel his sin.” If we isolate ourselves from fellow lovers of Jah, could we lose out on the sort of blessing that Micah received, either now or in the future? —Micah 3:5-8
Let’s not forget that the true prophets would also have been profoundly stupid if they emigrated. Why? Leaving Jah’s people (with all their sins) to lodge with thoroughly pagan people, who do not even know Jehovah, would be exchanging one bad situation for one that is potentially several times worse! How could leaving God’s people to associate with those who have never loved the true God, possibly be an improvement?
How grateful we are that the ancient prophets were not sufficiently selfish, short-sighted, and self-righteous as to leave Jehovah’s people during such critical times!
Do not reject Jehovah’s discipline
Some think that leaving the organization now would be an oh-so-clever way of avoiding the coming discipline from Jehovah. Such shameful weaselling out of Jehovah’s judgment is highly dishonourable.
Talking of Jehovah’s discipline, the wise King said, “The discipline of Jehovah, O my son, do not reject; and do not abhor his reproof”. Why should we not reject it? Because, “the one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even as a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure.” (Proverbs 3:11-12) The King also said, “Anyone shunning discipline is rejecting his own soul, but the one listening to reproof is acquiring heart.” (Proverbs 15:32) Another scripture says, “Happy is the able-bodied man whom you correct, O Jah” (Psalm 94:12). The fact of the matter is that we will benefit if we accept Jehovah’s discipline for our collective sins – instead of trying to avoid it like a coward. We are all culpable for our mistakes, the “sheep have been the ones made to bear guilt” says the prophecy of Joel. —Joel 1:18; See the verse-by-verse commentary on Joel
The ancient prophets petitioned Jehovah for forgiveness – not just of their own sins – but also for the sins of the people. The “very desirable man” Daniel prayed saying, “O Jehovah, do hear. O Jehovah, do forgive. O Jehovah, do pay attention and act. Do not delay, for your own sake, O my God, for your own name has been called upon your city and upon your people.” —Daniel 9:19, 10:19
Talking of discipline from Jehovah, the apostle Paul argued to the Hebrews that “God is dealing with YOU as with sons. For what son is he that a father does not discipline? But if YOU are without the discipline of which all have become partakers, YOU are really illegitimate children, and not sons.” The apostle was talking of discipline in the congregation – but there is no difference between Jah’s discipline now and in the future, when he “shall hold an accounting against [us] for all [our] errors” (Amos 3:2). If we deliberately avoid the discipline of our father, we are, in effect, rejecting Jehovah’s authority over us and saying that we do not wish to be his spiritual sons and daughters – making us figuratively “illegitimate”. If he really was our father, we would accept his discipline and not weasel out of it. “True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.” —Hebrews 12:7-11
We need you
At this time Jehovah’s people need faithful brothers and sisters more than ever. As time progresses and we get deeper and deeper into the last days, the pressures on our brotherhood are only going to increase.
Having spiritual, upbuilding, and positive brothers and sisters to serve their fellow worshippers, is more important now than at any point in history. There is a particular need for brothers to reach-out for privileges to lovingly care for the sheep as ministerial servants and elders. Pioneers and others who can take the lead in preaching about the true God and the Kingdom are also needed urgently.
The Apostle Paul’s words to the young man Timothy are particularly apt: “…become an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.” Can you too become an example in these things? The Apostle continues saying, “continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching… that your advancement may be manifest to all persons. Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” —1 Timothy 4:1-16
The fact is, if you are studying the future judgment view, and your love for truth has compelled you to abandon the 1914 doctrine, you are probably a diligent student of the scriptures. You probably know your Bible well, perhaps gaining much more insight in recent times. Perhaps this happened since you learned of the possible future judgment. Whatever the case, you have things that Jehovah can use in the congregation. Right now your brothers and sisters can benefit from your knowledge, leadership, and love of Jehovah, the truth, and the Bible.
Finally, let’s not forget that you will “save both yourself and those who listen to you”. This doesn’t just apply to your public ministry – both now and during the future tribulation, you may save the lives of your own brothers.
What talents do you possess?
We used to believe that Jesus had already come in 1914, had cleansed his house, and by 1919 had kicked out the wicked slaves and appointed the faithful slave (the Governing Body) “over all his belongings” (Luke 12:44). Now, however, we know that no such event took place, but will actually happen to faithful individual worshippers of Jah in the future. So where does that leave us now?
Now, we are at a different point in time. Right now we are living during this part of Jesus’ illustration of the man who travels abroad:
“For it is just as when a man, about to travel abroad, summoned slaves of his and committed to them his belongings. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, to still another one, to each one according to his own ability, and he went abroad.” —Matthew 25:14-15
Jesus is the man who travelled abroad – to heaven – and commissioned his slaves to “Feed my little sheep” during his absence (John 21:17). Eventually, of course, it was foretold that “there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching… they will turn their ears away from the truth… to false stories.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) Today that “period of time” has expired and many people now again know the “truth”, the “healthful teaching” about Jehovah God. A people has reappeared who worship Jah, profane his name (Ezekiel 20:39), and must be disciplined.
With this reappearance of truth comes the reappearance of the obligation Jesus placed on those who worship his father – to “Feed my little sheep”. Obviously this obligation is primarily to anointed ones, but all true Christians are ministers to their fellow brothers. All of us have been given various “talents” – literally. The apostle Paul once spoke of the gifts we receive from God, saying “the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for a beneficial purpose. For example, to one there is given through the spirit speech of wisdom, to another speech of knowledge… to another faith… to another prophesying, to another discernment of inspired utterances”, etc.
The question you need to ask yourself is: am I using my gifts – or talents – effectively in obeying Jesus’ commands to minister, to teach, and to preach? Or I am burying my talents in a field?
It would be a mistake to bury our talents and not use them as Jesus commanded. Ceasing our association with our fellow lovers of Jah would be a big mistake. This is especially so when we consider what is shortly about to occur.
The uncertain future
Let’s imagine the tribulation has arrived. The demons have been thrown down to earth in a great rage (Revelation 12:12). Jehovah’s people are devastated (Joel 1:4), the organization is non-functional (Joel 1:9; Daniel 8:12), and the anointed ones are figuratively preaching in sackcloth (Revelation 11:2-3). Meanwhile, Babylon the Great and her disgusting Churchianity are still operating – the exact opposite of what we expected to happen. —1 Peter 4:17
How confused the brothers and sisters will be! Some will be so confused that many will take refuge in the spiritual land of Edom – Christendom – before Jehovah’s angel eventually calls them out of that “Babylon”. —Revelation 18:4; See the essay Obadiah: The Lost Prophecy
At that time, who will be in the best position to help the friends understand what is happening and why it is happening?
If a person who has been out of the organization for many years, perhaps is disassociated or disfellowshipped, approaches them and proclaims ‘the Watchtower was wrong all these years about 1914 – what I am about to tell you is the truth’ – how many do you suppose will listen? Will that person be reducing the confusion, or adding to it? Would the brothers have any reason to trust that person whatsoever? Would they not view them as an opportunist taking advantage of what has happened? I would!
Now consider a different scenario. Suppose there is a brother or sister who has been loyally serving the true God with his/her brothers and sisters for many years. That person has been a tower of spiritual strength and an example of true Christian love to many in the congregation. That person also seems to have much spiritual insight on Biblical matters – even if they do not always seem to exactly fit with what the Watchtower has said. Now, that person says to their fellow congregation members, ‘Brothers and sisters, you may be confused with what is happening right now, but please allow me to reassure you. I knew this would happen but have kept quiet all these years for your protection – it is, in fact, part of Jehovah’s plan. Please allow me to explain it to you from the scriptures.’
Now – which scenario do you think would work out for the best? Who would be trusted the most? Who could accomplish the most good, both now and in the future? Obviously, the person the brothers have come to know and trust over the years is the one who will accomplish the most good. On the other hand, the former person could, potentially, do more harm than good.
Build up the trust of your brothers and sisters now – prior to the Tribulation. After all, at that time they will need you more than ever. For “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones” (Matthew 24:24). Will you be there to help them avoid the coming pit-falls? I hope so.
This leads us to another important question.
Should I tell others?
While the idea of a future judgment, and the learning the truth about 1914 plus other matters, is very exciting, we must use caution. Telling others may not be the right thing to do. Even Jesus Christ restrained himself from telling his disciples everything. He said, “I have many things yet to say to YOU, but YOU are not able to bear them at present.” —John 16:12
Likewise today, there are many things we may know that our brothers are simply not ready to know, and are unable “to bear them at present.” Informing others of the fallacy of certain teachings – regardless of the fact that Jehovah is allowing such a situation to act as a test – may stumble someone right out of the truth, and they may cease to associate with Jehovah’s people.
Jesus also said, “It is unavoidable that causes for stumbling should come. Nevertheless, woe to the one through whom they come!” Notice that Jesus did not just condemn those who originally caused the stumbling. Anyone who allows such things to come through them is also guilty. He continues, “It would be of more advantage to him if a millstone were suspended from his neck and he were thrown into the sea than for him to stumble one of these little ones.” —Luke 7:1-2
Spreading information on the fallacy of 1914, etc, among brothers and sisters in your local congregation is wrong. Your local elders will be bound to take judicial action against you – and rightly so. They are charged with protecting the flock from stumbling. Indiscriminately spreading things that the brotherhood is currently not able to bear is dangerous and should not be attempted. When Jesus presence really begins, you will have ample opportunity to explain to your brothers what is happening and why.
We already have an example of what can happen if we try to tell others what we have learned. Many brothers and sisters were incensed when the Society’s spiritual adultery with the United Nations came to light. Due to their perfectly righteous indignation, they have understandably wanted to tell others – particularly to call the Watchtower to account. After all, something ought to be done about it!
Unfortunately, it seems that the “man of lawlessness” really is “sitting in the temple of the [true] God”. Some who have merely questioned the Society on its UN involvement have been disfellowshipped or otherwise found themselves under scrutiny of elders, who mistakenly think (in this instance) that they are looking out for the spiritual welfare of the sheep.
At this time it would seem to be wise to keep quiet about these matters. There is “a time to keep quiet and a time to speak”. Now is the time to keep quiet (Ecclesiastes 3:7). After all, we now know that the apostasy at Bethel is irreversible, and informing others of the UN issue would simply accomplish nothing. Why cause problems and upset others? Why potentially stumble someone? Jesus will sort it out himself shortly.
Call for reform?
While they are wary of not stumbling others, some brothers and sisters wish to call for a reform of the organization. They believe that it would be accomplishing Jehovah’s will.
In reality, any attempts at halting the apostasy, reversing it, or ‘reforming’ the organization are doomed to failure. King Josiah attempted a ‘reform’ of Jah’s people, but doing so did not alter the outcome. After he had cleansed the land of all pagan altars, and begun repair work on the Temple, the prophetess Huldah effectively stated, ‘Calamity will come as a consequence of disobedience to Jehovah’s Law. But because you, King Josiah, humbled yourself, you will be gathered to your graveyard in peace and will not see the calamity.’ —2 Kings 22:3-20; see Insight volume II, pages 117-118 (entry ‘Josiah’)
King Josiah’s attempt failed. His work at cleaning up Jah’s people ultimately only ended up sparing himself from seeing the calamity. Similarly our personal efforts will only affect the outcome for ourselves, not the organization as a whole.
Ultimately it is Jehovah’s people, and Jehovah will sort us out. Indeed, it is foretold to happen. Only Christ has the power – and authority – to launch such a wide ‘reform’ among his Father’s worshippers, and only he would be successful in such an endeavour. Anybody else’s attempt is presumptuous and will fail.
When can I tell others?
Still, our new-found knowledge can be “like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I got tired of holding in, and I was unable to endure it” (Jeremiah 20:9). So, is there any occasion when we can share what we have learned with others?
In my opinion, it would take exceptional circumstances to occur before you spread any information on the future judgment view, the UN/NGO issue, or any related subject, to one of the friends.
Perhaps a particular brother or sister has been treated harshly by an elder, or has serious doubts over the 1914 doctrine (and its’ many interrelated, complex, and contradictory interpretations). That is the sort of time we may be tempted to say something.
Yet, telling them everything would probably cause more problems – and raise more questions – than anything else! It would be much more beneficial to use our new-found knowledge to reason with such ones, and perhaps give them a small glimpse of the future judgment view without actually revealing it. They will, after all, find out everything when Jesus presence begins.
For example, if a brother or sister has been offended or stumbled by an elder, or from seeing a ‘silent lamb’ report in the press, we can easily refer to the Bible book of Jude. The letter of Jude includes the famous statement, “put up a hard fight for the faith”. —Jude 3
You could ask the brother or sister the question, “Why did Jude make that admonition? Was it because of attacks from outside the congregation, from apostates or other opposers?”
Then, with Bible in hand, read Jude verse four, saying, “Jude tells us his reason for saying that, he said, “My reason is that certain men have slipped in”. Notice there that men had slipped “in” to the congregation – not slipped out – so they were not apostates. Nor are they any opposers from outside.”
Finally read verse twelve, saying, “Notice who Jude says some of these men are. In verse twelve he says “These are the rocks hidden below water in your love feasts while they feast with you, shepherds that feed themselves without fear”. Did you notice what position in the congregation some of these “rocks hidden below water” would have?” Hopefully the brother or sister will see the point. The Bible clearly teaches that some elders – “shepherds” – can be, in fact, ungodly men who may shipwreck the faith of others.
It is quite easy to spiritually assist brothers and sisters who are troubled by the current situation among God’s people. Having knowledge of the future judgment may, in fact, make it easier for you to help such ones – even if we never directly mention the so-called ‘truth about the truth’. —Compare Mark 9:42
Positive things you can do – right now
While we wait for Christ to come and clean the spiritual temple, we need to fulfil our commission and use all of our talents to the full. So what else can we do now?
Be an example of brotherly love
Be a strength and tower to your brothers – really be there for them when they need you. “A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress” said the wise King (Proverbs 17:17). If love is lacking in our own congregation, can we do something about it? After all, “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.” (James 1:27) If there are any persons in your congregation undergoing “tribulation”, why not do something practical to help them?
A good example of such a Christian in ancient times can be found in the book of Acts, “in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha… She abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy that she was rendering.” This sister was so well loved that the Bible record says she “abounded” in good deeds to others. What a privilege! Would you not like to have such a reputation? “But in those days she happened to fall sick and die. So they bathed her and laid her in an upper chamber. … And when [Peter] arrived, they led him up into the upper chamber; and all the widows presented themselves to him weeping and exhibiting many inner garments and outer garments that [Tabitha] used to make while she was with them.” Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) probably used her skills at making garments to assist her brothers and sisters. “Peter put everybody outside and, bending his knees, he prayed, and, turning to the body, he said: “Tabitha, rise!” She opened her eyes and, as she caught sight of Peter, she sat up. Giving her his hand, he raised her up, and he called the holy ones and the widows and presented her alive. This became known throughout all Joppa, and many became believers on the Lord.” —Acts 9:36-42
Obviously doing good deeds today will not assure us of a swift resurrection, but this example shows that such good deeds are not unnoticed by Jehovah God.
Study God’s Word
The apostle Paul recommended to Timothy, “Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them” (1 Timothy 4:15). Being thoroughly absorbed in God’s word is not only beneficial for ourselves, but can also be of great benefit to others. By really studying the Bible – free of the 1914 blindness – we can find many great gems and important points throughout the scriptures. We can use our knowledge to make excellent comments at the Kingdom Hall, and can know our way around the scriptures well enough to help and encourage our fellow worshippers.
As all scripture is inspired of God, we can use it to gain wisdom. “The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom” says Proverbs. “My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself… if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and… if you keep seeking for it as for silver… in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment.” —Proverbs 2:1-6, 9:10
We would do well to read God’s word everyday – gain wisdom, receive the Holy Spirit, and use our knowledge to help others.
Care for those who are sick
I am lucky in that my own congregation has done extraordinarily well at looking after the less fortunate ones among us (some anonymous individuals recently bought a poor elderly brother a car!). However, I often hear of other congregations where so-called Christians do not care for the most basic needs of their sick ones, elderly ones, orphans, and widows.
Even more bizarrely, a few members of such congregations are quick to complain that no one is doing anything for such ones – yet still they do nothing themselves! There is only one word for people like that – hypocrites!
If your congregation is failing to look after such ones, and you are also doing nothing about it, then you are nothing. The apostle Paul remarked, “if I have the gift of prophesying and am acquainted with all the sacred secrets and all knowledge, and if I have all the faith so as to transplant mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing”. —1 Corinthians 13:2
Do you have love, or are you “nothing”? Indeed, are you nothing but a hypocrite?
Remember that using the elders as scapegoats is not an excuse. If your elders are failing in these responsibilities, does that mean is it acceptable for you to do so too? If your elders all commit gross sins, does that mean you can too? Obviously not. Then why is their failure a reason for you to fail as a Christian also? The apostle wrote, “…why do you judge your brother? … For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Romans 14:10). When it comes to your approval by God, Jehovah will only be looking at you – and no one else.
There is also a pertinent question for the ‘holier than thou’ “super-fine apostles” that have separated themselves from their sinful fellow worshippers. If we shall “work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith” (Galatians 6:10), how can we do so if we leave God’s people? Who are those related to you in the faith? Those who scorn Jehovah’s name in your local Church, mere members of your family, or other users on an internet message board?
Preach using the Bible.
Anyone who does not obey the following words of Jesus is false Christian because they are disobeying his direct command. He said we must “make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you [including this!]” (Matthew 28:19-20). When was the last time you preached to others? I hope it was recently. And was your preaching effective? I hope it was.
In my congregation territory, something good has happened. Us local Jehovah’s Witnesses are known here for using our Bibles, not for ‘selling’ magazines. Why? It was thanks to a few individuals. Several years ago, a couple of elders and some publishers took the lead in using only the Bible on the ministry. Today, the whole congregation has followed suit. The effect this has had on our ministry is fantastic. For the first time in years some Bible studies have appeared from our formerly non-responsive territory, and many new faces appeared at the last memorial.
Literature and magazines are still used by us, of course, but only as a secondary and inferior preaching method. Why? Because we cannot say that “the [Watchtower magazine] is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword … and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart”. No, for obviously only “the word of God” has such power! Wouldn’t it make sense to use our most powerful tool in the preaching work? —Hebrews 4:12
If such a situation does not exist in your congregation – perhaps the Bible is seldom used in the ministry and it’s always magazines – why not set an example? If you do, others will follow suit. It worked in my congregation, so there is no real reason why it will not work in yours. Perhaps you could speak to others about it and get a few on-board? If you conduct any ministry groups, then you have a unique opportunity to set an example with Bible usage. Jehovah will bless your efforts. Perhaps you could be responsible for a great shout of praise to Jehovah.
Notice that none of the above suggestions are in any way merely serving the organization. All are serving your brothers and the members of the public who are yet to come to know and love their heavenly father.
How unfortunate it would be if we had already left Jehovah’s people – we could accomplish very little, perhaps none, of the above. What a lot of opportunities for multiplying our talents would go to waste!
Concluding thoughts…
It is so easy to get discouraged by the human imperfections and the future prospective “wicked slaves” among our brotherhood. It is especially easy to wind-down in our meeting attendance, become less enthusiastic in field-ministry, and to gradually cut ourselves off from the friends. It is quite possible for our only spiritual activities to simply be reading things on the Internet, with our main spiritual associations to be via JW discussion boards. What a massive waste of the “talents” we possess!
Being in such a state is burying what you have learned, your talents, in the ground, “the one that received just one [talent] went off, and dug in the ground and hid the silver money of his master.” When the real master returns, and he will do so soon, what will you say to him? “I grew afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” To which he will remark to you, “…sluggish slave, you knew, did you, that I reaped where I did not sow and gathered where I did not winnow? …take the talent away from him”. —Matthew 25:18, 25, 28
How much better to use our energies, scriptural knowledge, convictions, love for the truth, and knowledge of future events, to teach others about Jehovah and up-build those who already love and worship him in our local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Doing so would be following the admonition of Jesus Christ when he said, “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” Doing so will even help counter-act the activities of the future prospective wicked slaves, “Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.” —Matthew 5:16, Romans 12:21
How richly rewarded we will be if we stay with our brothers now, and be a pillar of strength to them, both now and in the coming tribulation! Since we have been entrusted with many spiritual “talents”, how good it would be when Jesus really arrives at his house to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” —Matthew 25:21
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