WT 8/25/2002
ADD GODLY DEVOTION TO YOUR ENDURANCE 2 PETER 1:5,6
In days gone by, the WT study article scriptures were quoted in entirety sometimes taking a separate paragraph. Nowadays, there are mostly snippets, only the part they want to emphasize), citations (for the publisher to look uphahathey are lucky the publisher reads the article), and occasionally when it is unavoidable, a complete scripture is quoted. What is missed here is seeing the scripture in context or seeing it at all. Interestingly, the theme scripture is a snippet.
Paragraphs 1-4
Growing up is the theme. Progressing from spiritual babes to being full-grown.
"Spiritual growth . . . begins with taking in accurate knowledge of Gods Word and acting in harmony with what we learn." I can accept that. Then the quote in entirety 2 Peter 1:5-7. Good thing, since that is the basis of the article
EnduranceParagraph 5-6
Once again the WTS points out, "As those living with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus, WE EXPECT TO BE PERSECUTED."
"We must endure if we are to PROVE OUR LOVE FOR JEHOVAH."
"Without endurance, we will not gain everlasting life." Always once, usually more times the WTS lets us know what is important, our own everlasting life. God and Jesus do not figure in this.
While in days gone past the WTS said Millions Now Living Will Never Die, now the mantra is "Yes, we must endure to the end, whether that is to the end of our present life or to the end of this wicked system of things."
"We cannot please Jehovah and we will not (here it comes) gain everlasting life."
WHAT GODLY DEVOTIONS MEANSParagraphs 7,8
Note this: "We must worship Jehovah exclusively, allowing nothing else to occupy his position in our heart." Not even the organization!
"Jehovah does not force us to worship him" but his organization will.
BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (NOT THE ORGANIZATION)Paragraphs 9,10
Note again: "Our relationship with him continues to be the most important thing in our lives (not the organization.)"
KEEP SPIRITUALLY STRONGParagraphs11-13
"demonstrate the depth of our godly devotion" prove, show, by our "works"?
Another mantra "regular Bible study, meeting attendance, and participation in the field ministry" (or another trinity)
"Neglecting any of them may bring on spiritual sickness"
Satan targets individual JWs (ergo their fascination with demon manifestations), "Satan targets those practicing godly devotion."
BEWARE OF THREATS TO GODLY DEVOTIONParagraphs 14-18
"Materialism. . . could embolden some to take improper advantage of the trust show by fellow believerswe might even wrongly conclude that it is all right to press a prosperous Christian for a loan that we are unlikely to be able to repay."
(Are they saying that there are a lot of deadbeats among Gods people?!!)
"Pursuit of pleasuresome benefitsyet such rewards are small compared (are you ready for #3?) with everlasting life.
"Turn away from such individualslovers of pleasure"
"Alcohol, drug abuse, immorality" (another trinity in the WT lexicon)
"Discouragementresentment when we feel slighted or have been strongly chastised or disciplined." (In other words, discouragement is your fault.)
"Misunderstandings and personal offenses may cause anxiety and move some to isolate themselves." "Bearing grudges or harboring ill will" (Nothing is ever said directly to the ones causing the problem to shape up.)
"A breach can be healedif we ask forgiveness and admit that we handled matters improperly." (Do you think the WTS will ever apologize for how they have handled child molestation?!)
FOLLOW JESUS EXAMPLE (Paragraphs 19,20)
"Trials will beset us, but they do not have to sidetrack us from the race for (#4) everlasting life."
"Endurance and godly devotion work together in helping to make our (#5) salvation sure."
PICTURES TODAY
5 pictures showing "Godly devotion is displayed in many ways"
- Young white man in shirt with open collar without tie holding up a Bible (not a natural pose, he couldnt hold it in that position for more than 60 seconds)
- Young black woman praying
- Young mother and child visiting an older ill man (men are never shown visiting the ill; in practice few brothers/elders I know will step into a hospital)
- White missionary (no tie or suit coat, open shirt) studying with a black man in African setting (did the brothers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia leave their suitcoats on in the heat of summer?)
- Asian congregation during meeting (this is suspicious because people are sitting in the front row; here in my area no one sits in the first 3 rows)
- The shadow of a concentration camp uniform rounds out the pictures to remind you of their "godly devotion."
3 picturesBeware of threats to your godly devotion
- White hands caressing a large pile of cash (GB?)
- Cigarettes and booze (Bethelites are some of the biggest boozers I have ever met)
- A woman hiding in her house (isolating oneself)(probably sees the elders coming to 'encourage' her.)
Suggestions for those doomed to go to the WTS.
Count how many times getting "everlasting life" is emphasized. (10 points)
Count how many snippets of scriptures there are. (1 point each)
20 points = get a hot fudge sundae on the way home
30 points = stop at the pub and get the beverage of choice
over 30 points = one Sunday meeting off, go to the beach or the equivalent