BLONDIE’S COMMENTS YOU WILL NOT HEAR AT THE MARCH 26, 2017 WT Study (JANUARY 2017) (REMAIN MODEST)
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THE WATCHTOWER (STUDY EDITION) JANUARY 2017
You Can Remain Modest Under Test
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You Can Remain Modest Under Test
“Walk in modesty with your God!”—MIC. 6:8.
HOW CAN MODESTY HELP US TO . . .
succeed in our assignments?
cope with criticism or praise?
make decisions in the face of uncertainty?
1-3. What did the unnamed prophet from Judah fail to do, and what was the result? (See opening picture.)
SOMETIME during King Jeroboam’s reign, Jehovah sent a certain prophet from Judah to deliver a scathing judgment message to that apostate king of Israel. The humble prophet faithfully delivered God’s message, and Jehovah protected his servant from Jeroboam’s violent wrath.—1 Ki. 13:1-10.
COMMENTS
Remembering history, Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon’s when Solomon’s son Rheoboam was punished by god taking away ten tribes and giving them to Jeroboam to rule over. Jeroboam wanting to consolidate his kingdom sent up 2 cities in the south and north for Israelites to go and worship at using calves. That is why god was angry with Jeroboam and why a priest from Judah had to be sent, had god’s approval. Although “humble” and “faithful” this priest had seen god’s protection yet he listened to some old man he didn’t know?
2 On his way home, the prophet unexpectedly met up with an old man from nearby Bethel. The man claimed to be a prophet of Jehovah. He deceived the younger man into disobeying Jehovah’s strict instructions ‘not to eat bread or drink water in Israel’ and ‘not to return by the way that he came.’ Jehovah was not pleased. Later, on his way home, a lion came across Jehovah’s prophet on the road and killed him.—1 Ki. 13:11-24.
COMMENTS
So who was the old man and how did he know where this priest was and how did this old man know what restrictions god had placed on this priest?
3 Why did the once modest prophet presumptuously go along with that deceitful older man? The Bible does not say. But it could be that he completely forgot that he was supposed to be ‘walking modestly with God.’ (Read Micah 6:8.) In the Bible, walking with Jehovah conveys the idea of trusting in him, supporting his sovereignty, and following his lead. A modest person is keenly aware that he can and must be in constant communication with his loving and almighty Father. The prophet could have asked Jehovah to clarify His instructions, but the Scriptures do not say that he did so. At times, we too have to make difficult decisions, and the right course to take may not be clear. Modestly seeking Jehovah’s guidance helps us to avoid making grave mistakes.
COMMENTS
So, “the Bible does not say” “but it could be” the WTS is presumtuous enough to add to the bible and read this priest’s mind from years ago? How would the prophet clarified things, through prayer, how would he know god’s answer, there were no faithful priests/prophets in the ten-tribe kingdom then. If jws today wanted clarification, god=organization and the governing body outranking the bible itself.
4. What will we learn in this article?
4 In the preceding article, we learned why modesty is still important for Christians and what displaying it involves. What situations, though, might put our modesty to the test? And how can we cultivate this desirable quality, so that we remain modest even under pressure? To answer these questions, we will consider three common situations that can put modesty to the test, and we will see how we can act wisely in each case.—Prov. 11:2.
COMMENTS
Once again this article concentrates on men in the organization that have authority but using examples of women who are modest….did you catch that?
WHEN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE
5, 6. How did Barzillai manifest modesty?
5 Changes in personal circumstances or of assignments can test our modesty. When David asked 80-year-old Barzillai to accept an invitation to live in the royal court, Barzillai must have been greatly honored. Accepting David’s invitation would have allowed him to continue to enjoy the king’s association. Yet, Barzillai declined. Why? Because of his advanced age, he told David that he did not want to become a burden to the king. So Barzillai recommended that Chimham, presumably one of his sons, take his place.—2 Sam. 19:31-37.
COMMENTS
Must have or presumably = phrase meaning the bible does not say but the GB knows
Yes, the honor of being in the royal court, in the king’s association….but for how long if he was 80, his family would enjoy that honor longer if his son was the one took his place…
Is the GB getting older elders or male Bethelites conditioned to step aside for younger elders or Bethelites so not to be a burden?
6 Modesty helped Barzillai to make a reasonable decision. He did not turn down David’s invitation because he felt inadequate to shoulder responsibility or because he wanted to enjoy a quiet life in retirement. He simply recognized and accepted his changing circumstances and his limitations. He did not want to take on more than he reasonably could. (Read Galatians 6:4, 5.) If we focus on position, prominence, or recognition, it only provides a breeding ground for egotism, competition, and eventual disappointment. (Gal. 5:26) Modesty, however, helps all to focus their collective abilities and efforts on bringing glory to God and doing what is best to help others.—1 Cor. 10:31.
COMMENTS
So what were his changing circumstances, dementia, Alzheimers, needing a cane or a wheelchair, his limitations, remember the old ways and not willing to adopt the new?
So do only older male jws focus on position, prominence, or recognition and are the main cause of competition, egotism? Are elders not concentrating on collective efforts and abilities?
7, 8. How can modesty help us to avoid becoming self-reliant?
7 Greater responsibility often comes with greater authority, and that can test our modesty. When Nehemiah heard about the plight of the people in Jerusalem, he fervently prayed to Jehovah. (Neh. 1:4, 11) Jehovah’s blessing came when King Artaxerxes appointed Nehemiah governor of the region. Yet, despite his prominent position, personal wealth, and considerable authority, Nehemiah never relied on his own experience or abilities. He kept walking with God. He continually sought Jehovah’s direction by consulting God’s Law. (Neh. 8:1, 8, 9) Nehemiah did not domineer over others; rather, he served them at his own expense.—Neh. 5:14-19.
COMMENTS
Nehemiah had greater authority but not from god but from Persian King Artaxerxes which he gained from…prominence, personal wealth, authority.
Today consulting with god means consulting with god’s appointed representatives on earth found in the WT organization and a group of 7 men called the “governing body” (phrase not in the bible). Nehemiah consulted god’s law…not with a group of Jews.
8 Nehemiah’s example demonstrates how modesty can help us to keep from becoming self-reliant when we receive a change of assignment or additional responsibility. Relying just on his own experience, an elder could begin to care for congregation matters without first approaching Jehovah in prayer. Others might make a decision first and then pray for Jehovah to bless their decision. Is that being modest, however? A modest person will always remember his place before God and his role in God’s arrangement. Our abilities are not the important thing. Especially when we are faced with a familiar situation or problem, we have to be careful not to rely on ourselves. (Read Proverbs 3:5, 6.) As members of God’s household, we learn to think in terms of fulfilling roles in a family or as part of a congregation rather than achieving a rank or climbing a corporate ladder.—1 Tim. 3:15.
COMMENTS
The key word seems to be self-reliant, but not to rely on god but on his word as explained by the WTS GB.
So the problem lies with the elder bodies not the rank and file. How do they know that the elders aren’t praying, is that a column on the time slip? So the elders are praying for a specific thing, is that wrong? It is exactly like “achieving a rank or climbing a corporate ladder” because the WTS operates like a business. It is not how effective individual jws are in the ministry that matters, for males it is moving on up, not an elder after 20 years, you must be spiritually weak.
RECEIVING CRITICISM OR PRAISE
9, 10. How can modesty help us to cope with unfair criticism?
9 It can be hard to control our feelings when we have to put up with unfair criticism. Hannah often cried because Peninnah, her rival, relentlessly taunted her. Hannah’s husband loved her, but she was barren. Later, when she was praying at the tabernacle, High Priest Eli mistakenly accused her of being drunk. Imagine that! Yet, despite all of this, modest Hannah kept herself restrained and was respectful in her response to Eli. Her touching prayer is preserved in the Bible. It is full of expressions of faith, praise, and appreciation.—1 Sam. 1:5-7, 12-16; 2:1-10.
COMMENTS
So the WTS uses a woman as an example for male jws who are hurt because they aren’t appointed. So was Eli a good example of judging others? (This is one of the places a woman’s words were recorded in the bible)
Insight, Volume 1 p. 706
Lax in Disciplining Sons. As a father and high priest in Israel, Eli is lax in applying Jehovah’s discipline. His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, serve as officiating priests, but they are “good-for-nothing men,” only interested in satisfying their bellies and unclean sexual desires. They are not content with the portion of the sacrifice assigned to them by God’s law, and even serve themselves ahead of Jehovah by having an attendant demand raw meat from the offerer before making the fat smoke upon the altar. Eli’s greedy, sensual sons use their position at the tent of meeting to carry on vice and theft at the expense of Jehovah’s pure worship. Even when his corrupt sons have immoral intercourse with the women who serve at the entrance of the tabernacle, Eli does not oust them from office but merely rebukes them mildly. Eli keeps honoring his sons more than Jehovah.—1Sa 2:12-17, 22-25, 29.
10 Modesty can also help us to “keep conquering the evil with the good.” (Rom. 12:21) Life in Satan’s system is often unfair, and we need to fight against becoming incensed by the conduct of evildoers. (Ps. 37:1) When problems arise between spiritual brothers or sisters, the pain can be much deeper. A modest person will imitate Jesus. “When he was being insulted,” the Bible says, “he did not insult in return . . . , but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously.” (1 Pet. 2:23) Jesus knew that vengeance belongs to Jehovah. (Rom. 12:19) Christians are likewise admonished to be humble and not to “pay back injury for injury.”—1 Pet. 3:8, 9.
COMMENTS
Note that in writing the WTS/GB counsels jws not to be angry toward evildoers…admits that jws at the KH can and do hurt other jws. How many jws are running feuds with other jws in the KH because of deliberate cruelty?
11, 12. (a) How can modesty help us to deal with flattery or excessive praise? (b) How should modesty govern our choice of dress and grooming as well as our behavior?
11 Excessive flattery or praise can test our modesty as well. Consider Esther’s excellent response to a surprising turn of events. She was strikingly beautiful and was pampered with luxurious treatments for a year. She was in daily association with many young women from all over the Persian Empire who were competing for the attention of the king. Yet, she remained respectful and composed. She did not become vain or immodest even after the king selected her to be his queen.—Esther 2:9, 12, 15, 17.
Does our dress and grooming show respect for Jehovah and others, or does it show a lack of modesty? (See paragraph 12)
COMMENTS
So there is some kind of flattery that is less than excessive? Why pick an OT woman again for an example obviously meant for male jws in the congregation? Why not an example of a man being humble toward another man in the congregation? Notice tight pants brothers also have the wrong color shoes, not black? No mention of short skirts, dyed hair, makeup, slacks regarding sisters.
12 Modesty helps us always to dress, groom, and comport ourselves in a decent and respectable manner. We realize that we win people’s hearts, not by boasting or drawing undue attention to ourselves, but by displaying a “quiet and mild spirit.” (Read 1 Peter 3:3, 4; Jer. 9:23, 24) Vain sentiments in our hearts will eventually show up in our actions. We might drop hints, for example, implying that we enjoy special privileges, possess inside information, or have special relationships with responsible brothers. Or we might explain things in such a way that only we get the credit for ideas or accomplishments that others also contributed to. Again, Jesus set a wonderful example. A good portion of what he said was either a quotation from or an allusion to the Hebrew Scriptures. He modestly spoke that way so that his hearers would know that what he said was coming from Jehovah and was not the product of his own intellect or wisdom.—John 8:28.
COMMENTS
Wow, the brothers are getting way out of line and tight pants is the least of it. Hinting or implying about “special privileges” (not d2d privileges, anyone can do that even children), taking credit for group projects, “product of his own intellect” wow wow.
COPING WITH UNCERTAINTY
13, 14. How can modesty help us to make better decisions?
13 Another test of our modesty might come when decisions are made. While the apostle Paul was staying in Caesarea, the prophet Agabus told him that if he continued on to Jerusalem, he would end up being arrested. He might even be killed. Fearing the worst, the brothers begged Paul not to go. However, Paul would not be dissuaded. He was neither overconfident nor paralyzed with fear. He trusted in Jehovah completely and was prepared to see his assignment through, wherever Jehovah would allow it to take him. On hearing this, the brothers modestly stopped objecting to Paul’s decision to go on to Jerusalem.—Acts 21:10-14.
COMMENTS
Were the brothers bad, after Agabus was a prophet….but Paul knew that his assignment was from god….and if god wanted him to live he would. So I see it as meaning the brothers go above what god says not trusting in him.
14 Modesty can also help us to make good decisions even when we cannot fully know or control how things will turn out. As an example, if we enter some feature of the full-time service, what will happen to us if we get sick? What if our aging parents need our help? How will we look after ourselves in our old age? No amount of prayer or research will reveal a complete answer to questions like these. (Eccl. 8:16, 17) Our confidence in Jehovah will help us not only to acknowledge but also to accept our limitations. After doing research, consulting others, and praying for guidance, we need to take steps in the direction that God’s spirit is leading us. (Read Ecclesiastes 11:4-6.) That gives Jehovah something to bless, or he can gently redirect our goals.—Prov. 16:3, 9.
COMMENTS
If we get sick---no health insurance, who will pay when we can’t?
Aging parents—should jws depend on those in their parents’ congregation to carry that responsibilty?
Our old age---remember the new system will be here before you get old? I was 23 in 1975, and the end has not come yet, this year I turn 65 and medicare will help me that anyone at the KH.
Another term that keeps cropping up: LIMITATIONS
Who knows but us where the spirit is leading us? Do elders and others pressure you to take the path they feel is right?
CULTIVATING MODESTY
15. How does reflecting on Jehovah help to keep us humble?
15 Since modesty has so many advantages, how can we cultivate it to an even greater degree? Let us consider four ways. First, we will develop greater modesty and reverence for Jehovah by appreciatively reflecting on his vastly superior qualities and position. (Isa. 8:13) Remember, we are walking with Almighty God, not an angel or a man. That realization will move us ‘to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.’—1 Pet. 5:6.
COMMENTS
So position matters or qualities? Walking with God not a man (GB are 7 men) What is the hierarchy?
God
Jesus
144,000
angels
GB on earth
Other anointed male jws
Elders
MS
All baptized men
Baptized women
16. How will meditating on God’s love motivate us to be modest?
16 Second, meditating on Jehovah’s love will help us to cultivate modesty. The apostle Paul wrote that Jehovah surrounded the less honorable parts of the human body “with greater honor.” (1 Cor. 12:23, 24) Similarly, Jehovah cares for each one of us despite our limitations. He does not compare us with others or withhold his love when we make mistakes. Because of Jehovah’s love, we can feel secure wherever we serve in his household.
COMMENTS
So what body part were you in the congregation? Were you treated with greater honor? Were you compared with other and did others withhold their love when we made mistakes.
All I can think of is the shunning, official and unofficial that goes on in every jw KH.
17. What effect will learning to look for the good in others have on us?
17 Third, appreciation for our role in Jehovah’s service will grow as we, in imitation of our God, look for the good in others. Instead of seeking the spotlight or always stepping in to take over, we will more often find ourselves modestly seeking the advice of others and yielding to their suggestions. (Prov. 13:10) We will rejoice with them when they receive privileges. And we will praise Jehovah as we see how he blesses “the entire association of [our] brothers in the world.”—1 Pet. 5:9.
COMMENTS
Who thinks they have the authority to judge others, looking for the bad, taking the spotlight and taking over (e.g., BOE meetings), not seeking the advice or suggestions, but as one COBOE said, “It’s my way or the highway.”
18. How can we train our conscience to have a godly sense of decency?
18 Fourth, our personal sense of decency and respectability will be refined when we train our conscience according to Bible principles. We will develop good judgment by modestly learning to see things from Jehovah’s viewpoint. Through regular study, prayer, and application of what we learn, we can gradually strengthen our conscience. (1 Tim. 1:5) We learn to put others first. If we do our part, Jehovah promises that he will ‘finish our training,’ helping us to develop modesty and other godly qualities.—1 Pet. 5:10.
COMMENTS
Bible principles or bible rules? See things from god’s viewpoint or the GB’s? Put others first or that elders deserve double honor?
19. What will help us to remain modest forever?
19 A single presumptuous act cost the unnamed prophet from Judah his life and his good standing with God. It is possible, though, to remain modest under test. Faithful ones before us and modest ones today have proved that it can be done. The longer we walk with Jehovah, the deeper our modesty should become. (Prov. 8:13) Whatever our place right now, walking with Jehovah is in itself a wonderful and matchless privilege. Cherish that honor, and continue to do your best to walk modestly with Jehovah forever.
COMMENTS AND CONCLUDING COMMENTS
But the David committed 2 serious sins, adultery and murder, but he was allowed to live. And then he conducted a census, and 70,000 died but not David. Where was David’s modesty on those 3 different occasions?
All I can say is that the elders are not being modest in doing what the GB has requested or demanded regarding money, property, privileges, assignments.
Is this still the practice regard older elders in the congregation or after 9 years are they farming them out, deleting them as elders because of their “limitations”?
w08 8/15 p. 20-21
Consider Johan, who at 80 years of age cares full-time for his faithful, now invalid, wife, Sannie.* Sisters take turns staying with Sannie so that Johan can go to meetings and in the ministry. Recently, however, Johan felt that he was near the breaking point emotionally and began thinking that he should no longer serve as a congregation elder. “What’s the point of my being an elder?” he asked as tears welled up in his eyes. “I no longer perform any useful function in the congregation.” His fellow elders assured him that his experience and judgment were invaluable. They urged him to continue serving as an elder, even if his participation was limited. Greatly encouraged, Johan continues to serve as an elder, to the blessing of the congregation.
Love, Blondie
