Comments You Will Not Hear at the 7-24-05 WT Study (June 15, 2005 date) Review comments will be in RED and parentheses ()
WT quotes from today’s WT will be in BLACK and quotes ""
Quotes from other sources will be in blue **NOTE CHANGE IN COLORS: RED—REVIEW COMMENTS; BLACK—ORIGINAL ARTICLE*** http://www.biblegateway.com/ PARENTS, PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUR FAMILY "If anyone does not provide for those who are his own, . . . he has disownedthe faith.''-1 TIMOTHY 5:8.
Opening Comments Start of ArticleWatch for this: snippet scriptures
Relationship with Jesus or Jehovah: Jehovah’s Witnesses or Christians
Remember this is an article written by men without children (99.9%).
In the WT world, who really provides for their family; feeds, dresses, cleans, works outside the home at a 40/hr/wk job, laundry, does dishes, helps with homework, kisses and hugs, reads to the children, studies with them, teaches them a presentation, gets the book bags ready, etc., etc. And if the father is an elder or MS, who makes sure his clothes are laid out, his book bag is ready, keeps the kids in line not to aggravate father before the meeting?
Look around or remember, were the elders at the meetings 20 minutes early? One maybe?
START OF ARTICLE VOMIT ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!WHEN you look around in the Christian congregation before a meeting begins,
you may see clean and well-dressed children settling into their seats
alongside their parents
. Is it not pleasant to see the love evident in suchfamilies
—the love for Jehovah and for one another? It is easy to forget,though, how much effort goes into getting a family to the meetings on time.
Christian congregation
—Kingdom Hall of JWs only
Clean and well-dressed children— girls in feminine dresses and boys in suits with ties Settling into their seats alongside their parents— not all children sit with their parents (especially teenagers), an issue the WTS has addressed for over 35 years. km 5/01 p. 5 "Listen and Take In More Instruction"Parents should arrange for their entire family—including teenagers—to sit together so that they can properly supervise their children.—Prov. 29:15.
km
5/00 p. 5 Be Attentive to Sacred PronouncementsAt our conventions, children should not be "let on the loose." (Prov. 29:15) Parents, arrange for your entire family to sit together—teenagers included.
km
8/95 p. 2 Parents Who Rejoice!Sit with your parents during the meetings, and pay close attention by following along in the publications being studied.
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5/89 p. 7 Help Young Ones Benefit From the ConventionEven during prayers, some children play and distract others. Ask yourself, ‘What are my children doing during the prayers? Should they be allowed to leave their seats during the program?’ Concerned parents find it wise to sit close to their young ones. This enables them to exercise proper supervision so that they do not become a distraction to others. Even when parents have convention-related responsibilities, they should make every effort to sit with their children during the sessions.
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7/89 p. 4 Meetings Benefit Our ChildrenConcerned parents will arrange for the family to sit together during meetings and see to it that their children maintain proper decorum at all times.
km 5/86 p. 4 1986 "Divine Peace" District Convention
At one convention a group of young sisters in their early teens were observed sitting together, apart from their parents. They did not listen to the program or even join in the songs and prayers. Rather, they talked with one another and ate snacks throughout the session, taking little interest in what was being presented from the platform. Their conduct was very distracting to those around them. This illustrates the problems that can develop if parents are permissive and do not sit with or control their children.
km 5/82 p. 5 1982 "Kingdom Truth" District Conventions
It is good when children are sitting with their parents and paying attention to the program. As parents, do we always arrange to have our children sit with us and keep them with us, even before and after the sessions?
km 5/77 p. 4 "Joyful Workers" District Assembly
Parents can shoulder their weighty responsibility in this by arranging to have their children sit with them and be with them before and after the sessions. This will prevent children from thoughtlessly or deliberately committing acts of vandalism, as has happened at assemblies where children have been allowed to roam freely about the assembly grounds.
km 3/76 p. 4 "Sacred Service" District Assemblies
When children are sitting with their parents at assemblies and paying attention, this is a fine thing to see. But this is not something that can be left to chance. As parents, do we always arrange to have our children sit with us and keep them with us, even before and after the sessions? Or do we just let them roam around the assembly grounds at will?
km 6/76 p. 2 Your Service Meetings
Stress the role of elders and ministerial servants in taking the lead in showing proper respect for meetings; being at the Kingdom Hall early, being seated during meetings and not carrying on other business, unless of an urgent nature that cannot be done at other appropriate time; keeping meetings on time; parents encouraged to sit with children during meetings, children should be taught by parents to be attentive, should not be allowed to unduly disrupt meetings.
km 9/71 p. 2 Your Service Meetings
To help children have proper respect and viewpoint, parents should sit with them at meetings.
Love for Jehovah
— no love for Jesus?Love for one another
— as children are hauled off to the restroom to have some love applied to their bottoms?2 In most cases, parents are very busy all day long, and on meeting nights,
family life becomes even busier. There is a meal to prepare, chores to do,
homework to complete
. The parents carry the heaviest load, making sure thateveryone is clean, fed, and ready on time
. Of course, with children theunexpected may happen at the most inopportune moments. The oldest tears his
pants while playing. The youngest spills his food. The children begin to
bicker. (Proverbs 22:15) The result? Even careful parental planning may go
awry. Yet, the family is nearly always at the Kingdom Hall well before the
meeting starts
. How encouraging it is to see them there week after week,year after year, as the children grow up to serve Jehovah!
Blurb on page 18: Many birds labor tirelessly to provide for their young
In most cases, parents are very busy all day long
—and in what cases would parents not be busy?
Meal to prepare— we know who is responsible for that regardless of the fact that she just got home from an 8/hr/day job .Chores to do— how can the children do chores if they have homework they have to get done before 7 p.m. when the family supposedly is out the door to get to the KH on time? Homework— the WTS does not consider homework a valid reason to miss a meeting.w98 9/1 p. 19 Be Sure to Put First Things First!Or you are a student. In your room, your desk is piled high with homework. Most of it was assigned some time ago, but you have procrastinated, and now several assignments are due at once. You are tempted to ask for your parents’ permission to stay home from the meeting to finish your homework.Which would you put first: the extra secular work, the ironing, the homework, or the congregation meeting? What does it mean, spiritually speaking, to put first things first? What is Jehovah’s view? Parents who are conscious of their own spiritual needs help their children to appreciate Christian meetings. As a general rule, they expect their children to do their homework as it is assigned rather than allow assignments to accumulate. On meeting nights the children do their homework as soon as they return home from school. Hobbies and other activities are not permitted to interfere with congregation meetings.km 8/98 p. 1 Youths—Take Advantage of Your SchoolingBe diligent about caring for your homework assignments, but do not allow your schoolwork to interfere with theocratic activities. km 1/94 p. 1 Meeting Attendance—A Serious Responsibility Are some of us allowing unnecessary secular work, tiredness, homework, a slight physical indisposition, or a little bad weather to interfere with our obligation to attend meetings regularly? km 5/88 p. 1 Help Children to Benefit More From Meetings Some may leave their children at home to do their school homework. The wise parent, however, brings his children to the meetings.The parents carry the heaviest load, making sure that everyone is clean, fed, and ready on time—The parents!!! We know the mother is stuck with this job. Who is usually bringing up the rear, mom, because she has had to get everyone else ready and taken care of before she can even get ready herself, and all that after working 8 hours at a secular job. Nearly always, well before the meeting starts— late how often, once a week? I know of elders who were late for every meeting; long after the mandated 20 minutes before the meeting. Serve Jehovah— Where is Jesus?3 Though your work as a parent is at times difficult, even exhausting, you
may be assured that Jehovah greatly values your efforts. Jehovah is the
Originator of the family arrangement. His Word thus says that every family
"owes its name"—its very existence—to Jehovah. (Ephesians 3:14,15) So when
you parents seek to fulfill your family roles in the right way, you honor
the Sovereign Lord of the universe. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Is that not a
great privilege? It is fitting, then, that we consider the assignment that
Jehovah has given to parents. In this article, we will think of that in
terms of providing for the family. Let us review three ways in which God
expects parents to provide.
Difficult, even exhaustingJehovah values— where is Jesus and for that matter the eldersFulfill your family roles in the right way—family roles ala WTS.w98 4/1 p. 7 The Family—A Human Necessity!Many women have to get a job to make ends meet, but you wives should be aware of the dangers and temptations you might encounter. This world urges you to "fulfill" yourselves and to "do your own thing." It may cause you to become independent and dissatisfied with your God-given role as a mother and homemaker. w70 2/1 p. 68 Fulfill Your Role in Your Family Now suppose a mother does everything she can to give her children proper training, but some of them turn out to be bad because the father fails to fulfill his role by disciplining them and by exercising his authority. Should the mother feel that she is to blame? In such a case the blame rests chiefly upon the father’s shoulders for failing to fulfill his role. Privilege to honor God?— a reminder that we are nothing but lowly worms that God would accept honor from us .Providing Materially4 The apostle Paul wrote: "Certainly if anyone does not provide for those
who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith." (1 Timothy 5:8) When Paul spoke of "anyone" here, whom did he have in mind? Itwas the family head, usually the father. God also gives the woman a
dignified role as helper to her husband. (Genesis 2:18) Women in Bible timesoften helped their husbands to provide for the family. (Proverbs 31: 13, 14,
16) Today, single-parent families are ever more common.* (* In this
discussion, the provider will generally be referred to in the male gender.
However, the principles are also applicable to Christian women who serve as
primary providers.) Many single Christian parents are doing an admirablejob of providing for their household. Of course, it is ideal for a family to
have both parents, with the father taking the lead.Anyone, family head, usually the father—With the violence of those times, are we to believe that there were not many households without a father, that there weren’t women supporting their families, such as Lydia? It is an illusion that women stayed home and just looked after children; families back then did not survive unless everyone contributed to the income of the family. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that women in certain cultures did not need to have outside employment. Woman, dignified role as helper, women provided for the family in Bible times— notice how the WTS leaves out the word "complement"? It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him." (Genesis 2:18)something added to complete or make perfect; either of two parts that mutually complete each other Single-parent families (male gender) even though most are women??? Christian women— only JWs Christian parents— only JWs Ideal, both parents, father taking the lead— and how many "ideal" families are there?5 At 1 Timothy 5:8, what kind of providing did Paul have in mind? The
context suggests that he was speaking directly about the material needs ofthe family. In today's world, there are many obstacles a family head may
face in order to provide in that way. Economic hardships are common
worldwide, as are layoffs, high unemployment rates, and a rising cost of
living. What can help a provider to persevere in the face of suchchallenges?
Context suggests, material needs— could the scripture and has it be interpreted differently? Economic hardships common, layoffs, high unemployment rates and a rising cost of living— how many of those things do most Bethelites face except for recent layoffs? Hidden message— can JWs attend the meetings and provide for their families under these circumstances?6 A provider does well to remember that he is carrying out an assignment
from Jehovah. Paul's inspired words show that a man who is able to obey this command yet refuses to do so is comparable to one who has "disowned the faith." A Christian would do his utmost to avoid such a standing before hisGod. Sadly, though, many people in today's world have "no natural
affection." (2 Timothy 3:1, 3) Indeed, countless fathers shirk their
responsibility, leaving their family in the lurch. Christian husbands do not
share that hardhearted, casual view of providing for their own. Unlike many
of their coworkers, Christian providers see even the most menial of jobs as
being dignified and important, a means of pleasing Jehovah God, since it
enables them to provide for their loved ones.
Assignment from Jehovah— remember WTS=Jehovah, so if you read it here, it is the same as coming from God. Able to obey this command (and go to all 5 meetings) yet refuses to do so, disowned the faith (snippet)A Christian— A JW Countless fathers shirk— including countless JW fathers without any repercussions from the elders Christian husbands— JW husbands Do not share that hardhearted, casual view— see statement above Christian providers— JW providers Most menial jobs, pleasing to God— the only problem is that the JW has to work 2 or 3 menial jobs to pay the rent and utilities, pay for food and transportation, leaving no time for 5 meetings a week.7 Family heads may also find it helpful to contemplate Jesus' perfect
example. Remember, the Bible prophetically refers to Jesus as our "EternalFather." (Isaiah 9:6, 7) As "the last Adam," Jesus effectively replaces "the
first man Adam" as the father of those of mankind who exercise faith. (1
Corinthians 15:45) Unlike Adam, who turned out to be a selfish, self-serving
father, Jesus is the ideal father. The Bible says of him: "By this we havecome to know love, because that one surrendered his soul for us." (1 John
3:16) Yes, Jesus willingly offered up his own life for others. However, he
also on a day-to-day basis put the needs of others ahead of his own in
smaller ways. You parents do well to imitate that self-sacrificing spirit.
Contemplate Jesus’ perfect example— yes, that’s right, a man with no children, no wife, who had his physical needs met by the passel of women who followed him. Are there examples of imperfect human fathers that were self-sacrificing? Surrendered his soul for us— yet many JW men cannot surrender 30 minutes a week for their wives and children because they are so busy pushing WTS paperwork. Put the needs of others ahead of his own— obviously why elders drop by when it is convenient to visit, not calling ahead.8 Parents can learn much about selfless love from Jesus' words to God's
wayward people: "How often I wanted to gather your children together, the
way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings!" (Matthew 23:37)Jesus here painted a vivid word picture of a mother hen sheltering her young
with her wings. Truly, parents may learn much from the protective instincts
of a mother bird, who will readily put herself at risk to protect her chicks
from harm. What parent birds do on a day-to-day basis, though, is alsoremarkable to see. They fly to and fro incessantly in their search for food.
Even when near exhaustion, they drop the food into the gaping beaks of their
hatchlings, who swallow it and usually clamor for more. Many of Jehovah's
creatures are "instinctively wise" in the way they care for the needs of
their young.—Proverbs 30:24.
Gather chicks under her wings— when the chicks need to be gathered, is it the rooster who does it? Sheltering, readily put herself at risk— is it the rooster putting himself at risk? Near exhaustion— how could a parent attend all 5 meetings if they are near exhaustion every day caring for their children? What meetings do the birds attend?9 In a comparable way, Christian parents around the world are showing an
admirably self-sacrificing spirit. You would rather suffer harm yourself than allow any harm to come to your children. Further, you willingly makedaily sacrifices in order to provide for your own. Many of you rise early to
work at exhausting or tedious jobs. You labor to put nutritious food on the table. You struggle to make sure that your children have clean clothing, suitable shelter, and an adequate education. And you keep at it day afterday, year after year. Surely such self-sacrifice and endurance please
Jehovah! (Hebrews 13:16) At the same time, though, you remember that thereare more important ways in which to provide for your own.
Blurb on page 20: Parents must first cultivate their own spirituality
Christian parents— JW parents Rather suffer harm yourself— unless it meant revealing who the confessed pedophiles in the congregation are. Rise early to work at exhausting or tedious jobs— because you lack the education to get better You labor to put nutritious food on the table— let’s not kid ourselves, only mom gets stuck with this job. Suitable shelter —"suitable" as defined by the WTS and its representatives, the elders. Adequate education— only what the government requires and definitely not past HS; well maybe a little trade school Please Jehovah— where is Jesus? Providing Spiritually10 Even more essential than providing materially is providing spiritually.
Jesus said: "Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance
coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." (Matthew 4:4; 5:3) What can you
parents do to provide spiritually?
More essential, providing spirituallyJAMES 2:15-16 If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, 16 yet a certain one of YOU says to them: "Go in peace, keep warm and well fed," but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it?11 On this subject, perhaps no passage of Scripture is quoted more often
than Deuteronomy 6:5-7. Please open your Bible and read those verses. Notethat parents are first told to cultivate their own spirituality, building
love for Jehovah and taking his words to heart. Yes, you need to be a
serious student of God's Word, reading the Bible regularly and meditating onit so that you develop a real understanding of and love for Jehovah's ways,
principles, and laws. As a result, your heart will be full of fascinating Bible truths that will move you to feel joy, awe, and love for Jehovah. Youwill have an abundance of good things to impart to your children. -Luke
6:45.
On this subject, perhaps no passage of Scripture is quoted more often—by the WTS; notice it’s an OT scripture. Parents first cultivate own spirituality— after all the duties to provide for materially, what parent has time? Serious student— how can the average JW be a serious student of the Bible with so many WTS publications to read? Read regularly— see above Full of fascinating Bible truths— after reading WTS publications? Love for Jehovah’s ways, principles, and laws— as delineated by the WTS .12 Spiritually strong parents are prepared to apply the counsel found at
Deuteronomy 6:7, to "inculcate" Jehovah's words in their offspring at every
opportunity. To "inculcate" means to teach and impress by means of
repetition. Jehovah well knows that all of us—children in particular—need repetition in order to learn. Thus, Jesus used repetitionin his ministry. For example, when teaching his disciples to be humble
instead of proud and competitive, he found a variety of ways to repeat the
same principle. He taught by reasoning, by illustrating, even by demonstrating. (Matthew 18:1-4; 20:25-27; John 13:12-15) Remarkably, though,Jesus never showed impatience. Similarly, parents need to find ways to teach
basic truths to their children, patiently repeating Jehovah's principles
until the children absorb and apply them.
Blurb on page 21: Parents can find many occasions to teach their children
about the Creator
Spiritually strong parents— parents who don’t do this are weak spiritually. Inculcate, impress by means of repetition— The WTS certainly believes in this, studying some of their publications 2 or even 3 times; taking old publications, changing a few words, and slapping on a new title. Jesus taught by reasoning, by illustrating, demonstrating— but he didn’t refer to a WTS publication but rather the scriptures. Jesus never showed impatience, patiently repeating— exactly what the WTS does, keeps repeating their dogma until the rank and file absorb and apply it.13 Family study sessions are ideal occasions for such teaching. Indeed, a
regular, upbuilding, happy family Bible study is a mainstay of familyspirituality. Christian families around the world delight in such studies,
making use of the literature provided through Jehovah's organization andtailoring the study to the needs of the children. The book Learn From the
Great Teacher has been an outstanding blessing in this regard, as has the
book Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work* (* Published by Jehovah's Witnesses.) However, the family study is not the only time to teach
children.Family study sessions— except for one maybe 2 families per congregation, an illusionary event in most JW families. Regular, upbuilding, happy— 3 adjectives that don’t apply to any family study. Christian families— JW families Making use of the literature provided through Jehovah’s organization— did you think the Bible was the main textbook?14 As Deuteronomy 6:7 shows, there are many occasions when you parents can
discuss spiritual things with your children. Whether traveling together,
doing chores together, or relaxing together, you may find opportunities toprovide for your children's spiritual needs. Of course, you need not
incessantly "lecture" your children about Bible truths. Rather, try to keep family conversation on an upbuilding, spiritual level. For example, theAwake! magazine contains many articles on a wide variety of subjects. Such
articles may pave the way for conversations about Jehovah's animal creation,
places of natural beauty around the world, and the wonderful variety among human cultures and ways of life. Such conversations may move young ones to read more of the literature provided by the faithful and discreet slave class.—Matthew 24:45-47.Whether traveling, doing chores, relaxing— right make every moment of your child’s life revolve around the WTS publications. You need not incessantly "lecture" your children about Bible truths— Right! Keep family conversation on an upbuilding, spiritual level— but then how would the share the congregation’s juicy gossip that week? Animal creation— right, like the dodos that died during the flood .Conversations may move young ones to read more of the Bible, no, The literature provided by the faithful and discreet slave class.Matthew 24:45-47—most frequently used scripture, once an article15 Engaging in upbuilding conversations with your children will help you to
satisfy another spiritual need. Christian children need to learn to share
their faith effectively with others. In the course of talking about somepoint of interest in The Watchtower or Awake! you may look for opportunities
to relate the material to the ministry. For example, you might ask: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if more people knew this about Jehovah? How do you think we could get someone interested in this subject?" Such discussions mayhelp young ones to develop greater interest in sharing with others what they
are learning. Then, when your children accompany you in the ministry, they
see a living example of putting such conversations into practice. They mayalso learn that the ministry is an interesting and happy work, producing
great satisfaction and joy.—Acts 20:35.Christian children—JW childrenNeed to learn to share their faith effectively— I guess that is more than saying "We have the latest magazines" perhaps even having read them themselves. Relate WT/Awake material to the ministry with your children— would presume that the parents have read the magazines before they go to do the door. Not relate the BIBLE to the ministry? See a living example, ministry is an interesting and happy work, producing great satisfaction and joy— if parents hate it, the kids learn to hate it; if the elders hate it, the rank and file learn to hate.16 Parents also provide for their children's spiritual needs when praying.
Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, and he prayed with them on many
occasions. (Luke 11:1-13) Just think of how much they learned by joining in
prayer with Jehovah's own Son! Similarly, your children can learn a lot from
your prayers. They may learn, for example, that Jehovah wants us to speak to him freely from the heart, approaching him with any concern that we mighthave. Yes, your prayers can help your children to learn a vital spiritual
truth: They can have a relationship with their heavenly Father.—1 Peter 5:7.
Blurb on page 22: Children draw strength and courage from parental approval
Your children can learn a lot from your prayers— how many JW parents even pray before meals at home? One young brother told me the only time he heard his father pray was at the meetings. Speak to him (Jehovah) from the heart— while mom and dad are listening? Tell your troubles to God, he won’t tell them to the elders.Relationship with Jesus? Providing Emotionally17 Of course, children also have pressing emotional needs. God's Word tells
parents how important it is to provide in this respect. For example, younger
women are exhorted "to love their children." Their doing so is related toyoung mothers' being recalled to their senses, or being "mentally sound."
(Titus 2:4, footnote) Indeed, it is sensible to show a child love. This
teaches a child to love and brings lifelong benefits. On the other hand, afailure to show a child love is senseless. It causes great pain and
represents a failure to imitate Jehovah, who shows us immense love despite
our imperfections.—Psalm 103:8-14.Younger women are exhorted to love their children; being mentally sound—Why start out with women? Aren’t the men the head of the household, supposedly taking the lead in showing love? Do we love because it is sensible?Who shows us immense love despite our imperfections— why then don’t the elders?Where is Jesus?18 Jehovah even takes the initiative in loving his earthly children. As 1
John 4:19 says, "he first loved us." You fathers in particular should
imitate Jehovah's example, taking the initiative to build a loving bond with
your children. The Bible urges fathers to avoid exasperating their children,
"that they do not become downhearted." (Colossians 3: 21) Few things are
more exasperating for children than the impression that a parent does not
love or value them. Fathers who are reluctant to express their feelings dowell to remember Jehovah's example. Jehovah even spoke from heaven to
express approval and love for his Son. (Matthew 3:17; 17:5) How encouraging
that must have been for Jesus! Likewise, children draw much strength and
courage from their parents' honest expressions of love and approval.
Jehovah even takes the initiative— Where is Jesus? You fathers, avoid exasperating their children— what is the WTS definition of exasperating?19 Of course, parental love is more than just words. Love is expressed
primarily in action. Providing materially and spiritually can be anexpression of parental love, especially when parents do so in a way that
conveys that love is the primary motivation. Additionally, discipline is a vital expression of parental love. Indeed, "whom Jehovah loves hedisciplines." (Hebrews 12:6) On the other hand, a failure to discipline is
an expression of parental hatred! (Proverbs 13:24) Jehovah always finds theright balance, disciplining "to the proper degree." (Jeremiah 46:28) Such
balance is not always easy for imperfect parents to find. Still, it is worthyour every effort to strive for that balance. Firm, loving discipline helps
a child grow up to live a happy, productive life. (Proverbs 22:6) Is that
not what every Christian parent wants for his child?
More than just words—primarily in actionIn a way that conveys that love is the primary motivation— not because the law requires them to do so. Failure to discipline is an expression of parental hatred— but is corporal punishment an effect means to teach? Is discipline even corporal punishment? Disciplining to the proper degree— see WTS definition; notice how they avoid the word "spanking."w97 10/15 p. 32 Raising Moral Children—Is It Still Possible?Some, though, are not "corrected by mere words." For them, the appropriate punishment for disobedience, administered to the proper degree, may be needed. (Proverbs 17:10; 23:13, 14; 29:19) In making this recommendation, the Bible is not endorsing angry whippings or severe beatings, which may bruise and injure a child. (Proverbs 16:32) Rather, a child should understand why he is being corrected and sense that it is because the parent is with him, on his side.—Compare Hebrews 12:6, 11.g97 8/8 p. 11 Help Your Children to ThriveSome children need little more than a few stern words to bring them into line. Others need firmer measures. But chastisement "to the proper degree" would never include anything that might do a child real harm emotionally or physically.g92 9/8 p. 27 "The Rod of Discipline"—Is It Out-of-Date?Furthermore, effective discipline has boundaries. "I shall have to chastise you to the proper degree," Jehovah says to his people at Jeremiah 46:28. This is especially vital to remember when administering physical discipline. Hitting or shaking an infant can lead to brain damage or even death. Going beyond the intended purpose of discipline—to correct and to teach—may lead to child abuse.And from a book written in 1974, a point the WTS leaves out(18 years previous to this Awake article)The book Father Power, by Dr. Henry Biller and Dennis Meredith, notes: "Physical punishment need only be quite mild to be effective. If it comes from someone he loves and whom he knows loves him, the emotional impact will be enough to make the child think about what he has done." Firm, loving discipline In WTS parlance does discipline = spanking? When Jesus disciplined his disciples, did he "spank" them? Christian parent— JW parent20 When you parents do the important work Jehovah has assigned you—providing for your children's material, spiritual, and emotional needs—the rewards are great. You thereby give your children the best possible opportunity to "choose life" and thereafter to "keep alive." (Deuteronomy 30:19) Those
children who choose to serve Jehovah and stay on the path to life as they
mature bring their parents tremendous joy. (Psalm 127:3-5) Such joy will
last forever! How, though, can young people praise Jehovah now? Thefollowing article will take up that subject.
Choose life— CARROT—everlasting life on a paradise earthLast forever--CARROT Keep alive— not die at ArmageddonWhere is Jesus? Concluding Comments Parents (only men really count)Provide for the needs—needs as defined by the WTS; can you think of some ways the WTS tells you what you "need"?Your family—your immediate family or the "family" at the KH; how many men spend so much time doing WTS duties that their wives get stuck with all the other responsibilities at home?Next week, the second punch in the one-two punch regarding the disappearing "young people" at the KH. "When should you begin praising Jehovah" will be answered.How Would You Answer?What can parents do in order to provide for their children
- materially?
- spiritually?
- emotionally?
1, 2. (a) Why is it encouraging to see families attending Christian meetings
together? (b) What are some challenges that families face in order to get to
meetings on time?
3. How do we know that Jehovah greatly values families?
4. In the family, what arrangements has Jehovah made to provide for the
needs of the children?
5, 6. (a) What are some of the challenges facing those trying to provide
materially for their own? (b) Maintaining what viewpoint toward secular work
will help Christian providers to persevere?
7. Why is it fitting that parents contemplate Jesus' example?
8. 9. (a) What may parents learn from birds about providing selflessly for
their young? (b) How are many Christian parents showing a self-sacrificing
spirit?
10, 11. What is the most important of human needs, and what must Christian
parents do first in order to fill this need in their children?
12. How may parents imitate Jesus' example when it comes to inculcating
Bible truths in their children?
13, 14. What are some occasions when parents can inculcate Bible truths in
their children, using what aids?
15. How might parents help their children to view the Christian ministry as
interesting and rewarding?
16. What may children learn from listening to their parents' prayers?
17. 18. (a) How does the Bible reveal the importance of showing love to
children? (b) How should fathers imitate Jehovah in expressing love for
their children?
19. Why is discipline important, and what balance do Christian parents
strive to find?
20. How can parents give their children the best possible opportunity to
"choose life"?