This is one subject that really annoyed me when I was a Jehovah's Witness - and I find it STILL annoys me after being out 7 years from the JW's. The title of this JW only WT study article is " Have Regard For Those Who Are Working Hard Among You ". In my opinion there always seemed to be a double standard in which rank and file publishers were always told to be patient with elders shortcomings - however if rank and file publishers slipped up - elders would be into admonishing and disciplining them like flies attracted to dung with no delay.
Notice this quote from page 25 , paragraph 7 , " Christian shepherds today imitate Paul by cherishing the flock. By nature, some sheep may NOT be WARM and COMPANIONABLE . Still, the elders TRY to show insight and " find good " in them. True, BEING IMPERFECT , an elder may STRUGGLE to have a positive view of each one. Yet, as he tries his best to be gentle toward all, should he not be COMMENDED for his effort to be a good shepherd under Christ ? " My view : Not if he's an a$$hole himself. Look : I realize there were LOTS of elders who were decent, kind guys. But I find it quite the double standard here that elders are told " Yes, some brothers and sisters are not warm , but struggle to have a positive view of them" . What about the shoe being on the other foot ? Is it EVER said in the WT magazine that SOME ELDERS may NOT be WARM and COMPANIONABLE ? Publishers are imperfect too , but you never see the WT society making excuses for them if they find it hard to deal with elders. What if publishers are STRUGGLING to show respect to elders ? They get counseled for it. But what if elders DO NOT show respect for the publishers? It usually goes unnoticed , or at least nobody challenges them on it. And why ? Because rank and file publishers are intimidated by these men thinking they are appointed by God or holy spirit ! So it's an excuse for elders to abuse their power and dominate over congregation members ! Okay, now I'll exhale.
Notice a contradiction in paragraph 17, it states, " Of course, ELDERS ARE IMPERFECT and may say things that they later regret. So when an elder approaches someone with words of admonition, he likely does so after giving the matter MUCH CONSIDERATION and PRAYING over it. If you have been admonished, do you appreciate that elder's loving concern ? " O.K. I have a question : If elders have given MUCH CONSIDERATION and PRAYER before giving admonition how do they many times say things they later regret ? I thought that praying for holy spirit is supposed to FIX that ?? Unbelievable. You get my point.
In finishing check this jewel of an illustration out in paragraph 18, " Suppose you had a health problem that seemed medically inexplicable. Then a physician correctly identified the problem, but the diagnosis was rather hard to accept. Would you hold a grudge against that doctor ? No ! Even if he recommended an operation, you would likely agree to the treatment, believing it to be for your benefit. The WAY the doctor conveyed the information may have a bearing on your feelings , but would you let that determine your decision ? Probably not. Likewise, do NOT allow the wAY you are admonished to prevent you from listening to those whom Jehovah and Jesus may be using to let you know how you can help protect yourself spiritually. " Sigh. Translation : The WT society excuses elders for the WAY or MANNER they counsel rank and file publishers because they are always right - just like doctors !! First time I've ever seen elders compared to doctors. Good lord.
So- I rest my case . I'm exhausted just writing this. One reason I left this mind control cult was injustices suffered by me and others by elders who shot off with their own opinions to me not based on the Bible. No way are they appointed by " holy spirit ". As always I look eagerly to your comments and experiences as well and any takes or observations on this article. Take care everybody, Peace out, Mr. Flipper