Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-18-08 WT Study (March 15, 2008, pages 21-25)(WISE)Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
"WHO IS WISE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG YOU?"
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom."
--JAS. 3:13
Opening Comments
The WTS teaches that wisdom can only come through their "organization."
*** w07 11/1 p. 29 par. 7 Searching Into “the Deep Things of God” ***
We should not think that “deep things” are necessarily difficult things. Knowledge of “the deep things of God” is obscured from most people, not because the wisdom of God is too difficult to acquire, but because Satan deceives people into rejecting the help that Jehovah provides through His organization.—2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
*** w97 11/15 p. 18 par. 20 Faith Moves Us to Action! ***
Wisdom from above is “ready to obey,” promoting obedience to divine teaching and cooperation with Jehovah’s organization.
*** w92 12/1 p. 31 Spiritual Liberation in Colombia ***
They are very grateful for the practical wisdom Jehovah provides through the Bible and his organization.
START OF ARTICLE
Q. 1, 2. What can be said about many who are considered wise?
WHOM do you think of as truly wise? Perhaps your parents, an aged man, or maybe a college professor? Your view of who is wise may be influenced by your background and circumstances. However, God's servants are primarily interested in his viewpoint.
2 Not all whom the world considers wise are truly wise in God's eyes. For example, Job spoke to men who viewed themselves as speaking words of wisdom, but he concluded: "I do not find anyone wise among you." (Job 17:10) As to some who rejected the knowledge of God, the apostle Paul wrote: "Although asserting they were wise, they be- came foolish." (Rom. 1 :22) And through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah himself said pointedly: "Woe to those wise in their own eyes." -Isa. 5:21.
Parents--really only the father is wise.
Aged man--no aged women?
College professor--implied male?
God's servants--only jws
The world--all non-jws
OT example--Job
"knowledge of God"--knowledge of WTS
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.—John 6:68.
Q. 3, 4. For one to be truly wise, what is required?
3 Clearly, we need to determine what makes one truly wise and thus a recipient of God's favor. Proverbs 9:10 offers us this insight: "The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is." The wise must have a proper fear of God and a respect for his standards. However, more is needed than just intellectual acceptance of God's existence and ways. The disciple James stimulates our thinking about this; (Read James 3:13. ) Notice the expression: "let him show out of his fine conduct his works." True wisdom should be seen in what you do and say every day.
4. True wisdom involves exercising sound judgment and applying knowledge and understanding in a successful way. What actions will reveal that we possess such wisdom? James lists a number of things that will be evident in the actions of those who are wise.* What did he say that can help us to have good relations with fellow believers, as well as with people outside the congregation?
* The context indicates that James had first in mind the older men, or "teachers," of the congregation. (Jas. 3:1) These men should certainly be
"respect for his standards"--as interpreted by the WTS. For example, where in the Bible does it say that Christian men cannot have beards?
Notice this human standard from 33 years ago. The days of the hippies are gone but still the WTS dictates that men who want privileges better not have a beard.
*** w75 8/15 pp. 500-501 par. 9 Do Not Let Yourself Be Ensnared by Fads and Entertainment ***
Extreme hair styles can easily lead one into a trap of the Devil also, and cause others to stumble. For example, a young man in the United States was making fine progress in his study of the Bible, and he was moved to share with an experienced Witness in preaching to others about the good things he was learning from the Bible. From early youth he had let his beard grow, and since some in the business community wore beards, he felt that his wearing one in preaching to others would be acceptable generally. But in speaking to a lady he was unable to do more than introduce himself, when she said: “I’m sorry, young man, I do not want to become involved in student revolt.” No amount of explanation after this sufficed to clear up the misimpression. After the conversation ended with the closing of the door, he asked the experienced Witness what had happened. He was invited to consider his appearance in relation to what he claimed to be, a servant of God. Not wanting to be responsible for even one person’s being stumbled so as to miss the way to everlasting life, this new Kingdom publisher shaved off his beard. Would you be willing to do the same or to make similar adjustments if your appearance gave the wrong impression in a certain community?
"good relations with fellow believers"--believers are only jws and this article shows that there is dissension in the congregations, most likely between the elders and between congregations.
Actions Identify the Truly Wise
Q. 5. How will a truly wise person conduct himself?
5. It merits repeating that James tied wisdom to fine conduct. Because the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, a wise person strives to conduct himself in harmony with God's ways and standards. We are not born with godly wisdom. Still, we can gain it by regular Bible study and meditation. These will help us to do what Ephesians 5:1 urges: "Become imitators' of God." The more we conduct ourselves in harmony with Jehovah's personality, the more we will display wisdom in our actions. Jehovah's ways are vastly superior to those of humans. (Isa. 55: 8, 9) So as we copy Jehovah's way of doing things, outsiders will see that there is something different about us.
God's ways and standards--as interpreted by the WTS.
regular Bible study--but not without the "aid" of WTS publications and definitely not with the aid of non-WTS publications. Regular? Do you think jws will use the night for the book study for Bible study?
copy Jehovah's way--aren't Christians to imitate Jesus?
outsiders--all non-jws, "worldly" people
*** w94 2/15 p. 24 Keep Your Distance When Danger Threatens ***
We must also be on guard against extended association with worldly people. Perhaps it is a neighbor, a school friend, a workmate, or a business associate. We may reason, ‘He respects the Witnesses, he leads a clean life, and we do talk about the truth occasionally.’ Yet, the experience of others proves that in time we may even find ourselves preferring such worldly company to that of a spiritual brother or sister. What are some of the dangers of such a friendship?
Q. 6. Why is mildness evidence of godliness, and what does this quality involve?6. James shows that one way to be like Jehovah is to have " a mildness that belongs to wisdom." Although mildness involves being gentle, at the same time a Christian can have strength of character, which helps him to act in a balanced way. Though limitless in strength, God is mild, and we are not afraid to approach him. God's Son reflected his Father's mildness so well that he could say: "Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls."-Matt. 11:28,29; Phil. 2:5-8.
A Christian--only jws
Q. 7. Why can we look to Moses as a good example of mildness?
7. The Bible tells of others who were outstanding in mildness, or meekness. Moses was one. He had great responsibility, yet he is described as "by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground." (Num. 11:29; 12:3) And recall the strength that Jehovah gave Moses to carry out His will. Jehovah was pleased to use mild individuals to fulfill his purpose.
OT example--Moses
Q. 8. How can imperfect people display the "mildness that belongs to wisdom"?
8. Clearly, it is possible for imperfect humans to display the "mildness that belongs to wisdom." What about us ? How can we improve in showing this quality? Mildness is part of the fruitage of Jehovah's holy spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) We can pray for his spirit and consciously exert effort to display its fruitage, trusting that God will help us to improve in showing mildness. We find solid motivation to do so in the psalmist's assurance: "[God] will teach the meek ones his way."-Ps. 25:9.
imperfect--term the WTS uses to excuse the serious flaws of elders and the organization. But imperfection is not a loophole for organizations other than the WTS.
*** w89 9/1 p. 7 “Full of Blasphemous Names” ***
All such expectations were proved false when World War II erupted in 1939. The League failed. It was merely a human organization made up of imperfect men.
*** w91 11/1 p. 31 Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Earthly Organization? ***
We give glory to Jehovah for what he has accomplished in this regard in an organization made up of imperfect humans.
*** w07 4/1 p. 30 par. 17 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds ***
Jehovah God knows that the men he has appointed as overseers are imperfect. Yet, he is using them, and by means of his spirit, he shepherds his people on earth.
Q. 9, 10. What effort is needed for us to display godly mildness, and why?
9. Nevertheless, it may take real effort to improve in this area. Because of our background, some of us may not be inclined to be mild. Moreover, people around us may encourage an opposite viewpoint, saying that a person has to "fight fire with fire." However, is this really wise? If a small fire broke out in your house, would you douse it with oil or with cool water? Pouring oil on the fire would make matters worse, whereas dousing it with cool water would likely bring the desired result. Likewise, the Bible counsels us: "An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up." (Prov. 15:1,18) The next time irritations arise, either inside or outside the congregation, can we see how we can show true wisdom by reacting in a mild way?-2 Tim. 2:24.
10. As noted above, many who are influenced by the spirit of the world are far from gentle, peaceful, and calm. Rather, we find harsh and arrogant people in abundance. James was aware of this, and he gave warnings so that individuals in the congregation could avoid being corrupted by such a spirit. What more can we learn from the counsel he gave?
some of us--heavens, not the elders!
irritations arise--I have heard about the anger and yelling at many an elders' meeting.
spirit of the world--yes, the contamination comes from non-jws
we find harsh and arrogant people in abundance--yes, such things couldn't possibly originate in jw congregations, could they? Let's blame it on the "worldly" people.
Characteristics of the Unwise
Q. 11. What characteristics are in conflict with godly wisdom?
11. James wrote very frankly about characteristics that are in direct conflict with godly wisdom. (Read James 3:14.) Jealousy and contentiousness are fleshly traits, not spiritual ones. Consider what occurs when fleshly thinking prevails. Six "Christian" groups control parts of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, supposedly built where Jesus was put to death and buried. Their relationship has been one of ongoing contention. In 2006, Time magazine told of an earlier situation when monks there "brawled for hours, ...clubbing each other with giant candlestick holders." So great is their distrust of one another that the key to the church is entrusted to a Muslim.
Of course, jw congregations who share a kingdom hall, never have any battles?! I went to several congregations that shared that talked about the lack of spirituality of the other congregation, how they did not pull their weight financially, how one congregation got stuck with the maintenance and cleaning, etc., etc.
Q. 12. When wisdom is lacking, what might happen?
12. Such extreme displays of contentiousness should certainly not be found in the true Christian congregation. Nevertheless, imperfections have at times caused some to manifest a stubbornness for their own views. That could lead to a degree of quarreling and strife. The apostle Paul noticed this in the congregation at Corinth, so he wrote: "Whereas there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?" (I Cor. 3:3) That sad situation did exist for a time in this congregation in the first century. Therefore, we need to be on guard that such a spirit does not enter a congregation today.
"true Christian congregation"--only jws
The caution statement in this article indicates that this must be a pervasive problem in the WTS or why have an article on it. There is a congregation close by that has 3 congregations in one building and each BOE views the other 2 as a strain on the finances but are not carrying their share of the load. That one congregation is talking about leaving and building their "own" building. Where is the love?
Q. 13, 14. Give examples of how a fleshly spirit might be shown.
13. How could such a spirit creep in? It could begin in small ways. For example, when a Kingdom Hall is being built, differences of opinion might arise as to how things should be done. One brother could become contentious if his suggestion is not accepted, perhaps becoming vocal in his criticism of decisions made. He may even refuse to do any further work on the project! One acting that way would be forgetting that accomplishing a task involving the congregation usually depends more on the peaceful spirit of the congregation than on the specific method used. A mild spirit is what Jehovah will bless, not contentiousness. -1 Tim. 6:4, 5.
Kingdom Hall build--I have worked on about 20 and each time the local elders are having a turf war with each other, or are telling the rank and file what will happen, or one elder has changed the plans unilaterally without telling the other elders, let alone the congregation. I have seen animosity for years between such groups. What have you observed.
Or what about a heavy handed CO telling a congregation what they will do on a build, and all the money came from the rank and file, not a penny from his pocket?
14. Another example might be if elders in a congregation observe that one elder, though having served for some years, now clearly does not meet the Scriptural qualifications. Noting that the brother has received specific counsel in the past but has failed to improve, the visiting circuit overseer agrees and joins in the recommendation that he be deleted as an elder. How will he view that? Will he accept the elders' unanimous conclusion and Scriptural counsel in a spirit of humility and mildness and be determined to meet the Scriptural qualifications so that he might serve again? Or will he harbor resentment and jealousy over no longer having the privilege that he once had? Why would a brother act as if he qualified as an older man when in reality he did not? How much wiser it would be to show humility and be understanding!
I have seen elders removed because they would not go along with the unloving, unscriptural decisions of an elder body. We must have unity you know. One PO told the BOE that it was "his way or the highway." Any dissenters would be removed.
How bad and in what areas would make an elder be removed? This fits with the 10 long-time elders removed in this area by the CO; failure to toe the WTS line.
Is that why in many congregations there are more ex-elders than elders?
Q. 15. Why do you feel that the inspired counsel of James 3:15, 16 is so important?
15. Granted, there are other ways that a similar attitude could appear. But whatever situation develops, we must work to avoid such traits. (Read James 3:15, 16.) The disciple James called such attitudes "earthly" because they are fleshly, devoid of spirituality. They are "animal" in that they are the product of fleshly inclinations, similar to characteristics of unreasoning creatures. Such attitudes are "demonic," for they reflect the disposition of God's spirit enemies. How unfitting for a Christian to display those characteristics!
attitudes--earthly, fleshly, devoid of spirituality, animal, demonic
And so are people described that defy or resist the unscriptural directions of the WTS. WTS = God, defying the WTS = defying God.
a Christian--only jws are Christians per the WTS
Q. 16. What adjustments may we need to make, and how can we succeed in doing so?
16. Each member of the congregation would do well to make a self examination and work to eliminate such traits. As teachers in the congregation, overseers should be conscious of the need to rid themselves of negative attitudes. It is not easy to succeed in this because of our imperfection and the influence of this world. Doing so might be likened to trying to climb a muddy, slippery slope. Without something to hold on to, we could just slide backward. However, with a firm grip on the counsel found in the Bible, as well as with the help offered by God's earth-wide congregation, we can move forward. -Ps. 73:23, 24
self-examination--each jw will be "lovingly" assisted by the elders and self-appointed judges in the congregation. On top of that, many elder bodies are not cooperative with the CO and WTS directives.
According to the NT, God's earth-wide congregation is made up only of those Christians called to heaven. Where does the great crowd fit in?
*** it-1 p. 498 Congregation ***
Whereas the Law covenant mediated by Moses and under which the congregation of Israel was regulated was fulfilled by Christ and was taken out of the way by Jehovah God (Mt 5:17; 2Co 3:14; Col 2:13, 14), members of the Christian congregation of God partake of the benefits of the new covenant mediated by the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ. (Mt 26:28; Heb 12:22-24; Ac 3:19-23) Also, while the priests and kings of Israel were anointed with oil (Ex 30:22-30; 2Ki 9:6), those chosen by God to be members of the Christian congregation are anointed with holy spirit (2Co 1:21, 22; 1Jo 2:20) and are adopted by Jehovah God as his sons.—Eph 1:5.Basically the Hebrew congregation was composed of natural Israelites. Persons comprising the anointed Christian congregation of God are spiritual Israelites, forming the tribes of spiritual Israel. (Re 7:4-8)
As there were requirements for membership in the Hebrew congregation of God, so there are requisites for membership in the Christian “congregation of God.” Those making it up are spiritual virgins who keep following the Lamb, Jesus Christ, no matter where he goes, “and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish.”—Re 14:1-5.
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Qualities That the Wise Seek to Display
Q. 17. How do the wise usually react when confronted with evil?
17. Read James 3:17. We can benefit by considering some of the qualities that come from displaying "the wisdom from above." Being chaste involves being pure and undefiled in our actions and motives. We need to reject evil things immediately. Doing so should be an automatic reaction. Perhaps you have had a doctor use a reflex hammer to tap the tendon just below your kneecap. Your leg reflexively straightens with a kick. It is automatic; you do not have to think about it. It should be similar when we are tempted to do evil. Our chasteness and Bible-trained Conscience should reflexively move us to reject what is bad. (Rom. 12:9) The Bible provides examples of those who reacted in this way, such as Joseph and Jesus.-Gen. 39:7-9; Matt. 4:8-10.
"reject evil things immediately"--a plague of pornography seems to have invaded the WTS. In Texas we visited a congregation that had its elder body removed due to child pornography. The replacement elders had to relocate and were not happy.
I know of 2 jw men in this area that used the internet to prey sexually on juveniles...thank goodness the law enforcement authorities were on the ball and caught them. But their families blamed it on the internet, as if a drunk driver would blame the car he was driving when he killed someone?
Q. 18. What does it mean (a) to be peaceable? (b) to be a peacemaker?
18. Divine wisdom requires that we also be peaceable. This involves our avoiding aggressiveness, a belligerent attitude, or actions that would disrupt peace. James expands on this point when he says: "The fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under peaceful conditions for those who are making peace." (Jas. 3:18) Notice the expression "making peace." In the congregation, are we known as peacemakers or as peacebreakers? Do we frequently have differences or disagreements with others, being easily offended or offending others? Do we insist that others accept us as we are, or do we humbly work to eliminate personality traits that others rightly find offensive? Are we known to go out of our way to promote peace, being quick to forgive and putting errors behind us? Honest self examination can help us to see if we need to improve in displaying divine wisdom in this regard.
Elders are not peacemakers, but interferers, demanding that the innocent party let themselves be wronged, such as child sexualyl abused, abused wives, people who have been defrauded. Keeping the peace financially by reinstated a pedophile who was in business with 10 elders and the business was going down the drain. The reputation of the WTS is more important than the emotional, physical, spiritual health of any individual.
"accept us as we are"--of course the elders are accepted as they are, imperfect, right?
"quick to forgive and putting errors behind us"--they would love that all the 23,000 plus abuse victims do the same, of course, for the sake of "Jehovah's name" as if not answering the cries of the abused has anything to do with what God wants.
Q. 19. How does one come to be known as a reasonable person?
19. James included being reasonable in the description of what reflects the wisdom from above. Are we known for being inclined to give in to others when no Scriptural principle is involved, not being quick to insist that our own personal standards be followed? Do we have a reputation for being gentle and easy to talk to? These are indications that we have learned to be reasonable.
"no Scriptural principle is involved"--and who decides if their is one involved? Are they suggesting we violate our personal conscience? What if a scriptural principle is involved, aren't jws told to "wait on Jehovah" to fix it? Is that why men can't wear beards, because there is no scriptural principle involved, just the personal standards of some of the FDS?
"How does one come to be known as a reasonable person"--by doing everything the WTS, DO,CO, elders say even if they are wrong they must be obeyed comparing them to King Saul.
Q. 20. What will result as we manifest the godly qualities just discussed?
20. What delightful conditions can exist in a congregation as brothers and sisters work at displaying ever more the godly qualities about which James wrote! (Ps.133:1-3) Being mild, peaceable, and reasonable with one another will surely result in improved relationships and will make it evident that we have "the wisdom from above." We will next look at how learning to view others as Jehovah does can help us in this regard
Evidently, there aren't "delightful conditions" in the congregations of jws. Why do their relationships need to be improved; aren't they the only group showing true love to each other, the happiest people on earth? Will learning how to view others as God does help when the WTS sets itself up as "God's representative on earth" telling the rank and file how to judge their fellow members, disfellowshipping is one policy to start with?
Can You Explain?
What makes a Christian truly wise?
How can we improve in showing godly wisdom?
What characteristics are seen in those who do not display "the wisdom from above"?
What qualities are you determined to cultivate even more?
Concluding Comments
No earthshaking doctrines this week but a clear indication that peace does not reign between congregations, within elder bodies, and the rank and file. Could it be the stress of wondering when the end will get here? I had another older jw tell me the end had to be near because of all the disasters, disasters that were greater in their youth. But they are in their 80's and "never expected they would die in this system." Yes, a generation is approaching death that had been promised they would never die. In 1920, millions were told they would never die....88 years ago. How many are still alive today?
*** w07 5/15 p. 26 par. 2 The Resurrection—Is It Real to You? ***
For some, though, death is less certain than many today realize. Why? Because an unnumbered “great crowd” will survive “the great tribulation,” soon to come. (Revelation 7:9, 10, 14) They will live on afterward, with eternity in view. Thus, death is no certainty for them. Moreover, “death is to be brought to nothing.”—1 Corinthians 15:26.
*** w89 6/15 p. 6 ‘We Know They Will Rise in the Resurrection’ ***
Millions of these are now looking forward to the swiftly approaching “war of the great day of God the Almighty,” which will cleanse this earth of all unrighteousness. By God’s undeserved kindness, they will survive that great tribulation without ever dying at all.—Revelation 16:14; 21:14; Proverbs 2:21, 22.
*** w96 2/1 p. 31 My Lifelong Hope—Never to Die ***
My burning desire is to live to see Jehovah’s name cleared of all reproach. Will I realize my lifelong hope of never dying? That, of course, remains to be seen. However, I am confident that many, yes, millions will eventually experience that blessing. So as long as I continue to live, I will treasure the prospect of being counted among those who will never die.—John 11:26.\
Love, Blondie