4JahandChrist
Well-known member
Howdy Folks. I thought I'd make a quick post about a simple technique I developed some time ago which I believe helped to save my spiritual backside.
The Three Column Technique is an exercise in "compartmentalization" which essentially is just a big word for organizing the mind in such a way that the "Wheat doesn't get blended with the Chaff. "
When under pressure or during bouts of depression it's very easy for things in the mind to become mixed up and conflated. Some Brothers and Sisters that leave the Truth end up as Atheists. Whilst some of these people are acting out of a bad heart I also believe that many of them simply can't separate Truth from the Lie and during a period of extreme mental duress they throw out the "baby with the bath water". What ostensibly may appear as Godless rebellion can often times be nothing more then a desperate dash for Psychological Survival.
To complete the Three Column Technique all you need is a piece of paper divided into 3 Columns and about 30 minutes of time. If you can manage it, it definitely helps if you can actually complete the exercise physically. 99% of people will simply try and do it mentally but I believe the exercise's real strength is in putting pen to paper.
Column one will be entitled "Doctrine".
In this column make a list of the precious Core Doctrines you have learned during your time in the Truth. Some suggestions might be "The Divine Name"...."The Resurrection Hope" "No eternal torment" "1000 year Reign of Christ" "The Ransom" etc
Column Two will be entitled "Christian Morals and Living".
In this column make a list of the Biblical Morals and Principles that you have learned that have served as a protection and a light to your roadway. Some suggestions might be a list of the "Fruitages of the Spirit" "No Cheating, Lying, Stealing" "No Adultery/Fornication" "No homosexuality" etc
Column Three will be entitled "Watchtower/ Organization".
In this column make a list of some of the Organizational things you have experienced that have hurt, wounded or confused you. Some suggestions might be "Failed Dates", "GB Covid Updates", "Judicial Corruption", "Lack of genuine love" etc As an optional addition I actually put a little slogan underneath the title of Column Three saying "Theocracy unsupported by scripture is nothing but Bureaucracy in Disguise".
So a finished product would look something like this. (Btw I hav'nt made the lists exhaustive as you may have different things that you would personally put in the columns....the things listed must be true to your own experience) You can also pick your favourite Bible verses as an aside to each point.
Once you've completed your list place it somewhere where you can see it regularly such as on the Fridge or inside your bible jacket. The goal of having the list written out is to create what I call "Snap Back". After a while of viewing the list your mind will automatically separate the Wheat from the Chaff and when feeling overwhelmed or perplexed you will be able to Snap Back into a state of Perspective and Spiritual harmony.
As mentioned above, some brothers when faced with issues listed in Column Three get them intermingled with the first two columns and in an attempt to cure their profound levels of dissonance , everything gets swept out together. In other words their mind in a spiritual sense looks like a bowl full of Gumballs. All Three Columns jumbled up together.
The Governing Body could tie their Undies on their head and do a Nudie Run around Patterson but does that alter the beautiful Truths of Column One? If I felt I could no longer associate with the Org, does that in any way alter my commitment to live by the precious qualities, morals and principles of Column Two?
Whether like Meditator, Driven, Jackie etc you are still active to an extent in the ORG; or like Kimmy, Dog etc you are estranged from it; this simple exercise can help us to continue to spiritually grow, mature and focus on our commitment to the first two Columns.
If something happens in the ORG that really messes with my mind , these days I actually say out loud "Well, as bad as it is...that's a Third Column Issue. I won't let it affect my love for the first Two Columns."
Anyway, I hope the relative simplicity of the exercise doesn't put any of you off. For me the simplicity of the Technique is what makes it work so well. With the latest developments during Covid I frequently had to use it to "SNAP BACK" and remind myself how blessed I am to have been taught all the wonderful things in the first Two Columns.
Whether we are still in the ORG or for some reason find ourselves outside of it, it is still possible to continue making spiritual progress by not letting "Third Column Issues" get us down. Remember also that many brothers in the Org are still wholeheartedly committed to the Truths of the first two columns and the Organization despite it's faults and blemishes is still committed to them as well.
Best wishes Brothers. Despite the Craziness surrounding us at moment let's make it our resolve to not allow Third Column Issues get us down!
The Three Column Technique is an exercise in "compartmentalization" which essentially is just a big word for organizing the mind in such a way that the "Wheat doesn't get blended with the Chaff. "
When under pressure or during bouts of depression it's very easy for things in the mind to become mixed up and conflated. Some Brothers and Sisters that leave the Truth end up as Atheists. Whilst some of these people are acting out of a bad heart I also believe that many of them simply can't separate Truth from the Lie and during a period of extreme mental duress they throw out the "baby with the bath water". What ostensibly may appear as Godless rebellion can often times be nothing more then a desperate dash for Psychological Survival.
To complete the Three Column Technique all you need is a piece of paper divided into 3 Columns and about 30 minutes of time. If you can manage it, it definitely helps if you can actually complete the exercise physically. 99% of people will simply try and do it mentally but I believe the exercise's real strength is in putting pen to paper.
Column one will be entitled "Doctrine".
In this column make a list of the precious Core Doctrines you have learned during your time in the Truth. Some suggestions might be "The Divine Name"...."The Resurrection Hope" "No eternal torment" "1000 year Reign of Christ" "The Ransom" etc
Column Two will be entitled "Christian Morals and Living".
In this column make a list of the Biblical Morals and Principles that you have learned that have served as a protection and a light to your roadway. Some suggestions might be a list of the "Fruitages of the Spirit" "No Cheating, Lying, Stealing" "No Adultery/Fornication" "No homosexuality" etc
Column Three will be entitled "Watchtower/ Organization".
In this column make a list of some of the Organizational things you have experienced that have hurt, wounded or confused you. Some suggestions might be "Failed Dates", "GB Covid Updates", "Judicial Corruption", "Lack of genuine love" etc As an optional addition I actually put a little slogan underneath the title of Column Three saying "Theocracy unsupported by scripture is nothing but Bureaucracy in Disguise".
So a finished product would look something like this. (Btw I hav'nt made the lists exhaustive as you may have different things that you would personally put in the columns....the things listed must be true to your own experience) You can also pick your favourite Bible verses as an aside to each point.
DOCTRINE | CHRISTIAN LIVING AND MORALS | WATCHTOWER/ORGANIZATION |
Divine Name Jehovah | Fruitages of the Spirit | Governing Body Covid Updates |
Ransom Sacrifice of Jesus | Love Neighbour as Self | Failed Dates/ Predictions |
Resurrection Hope | No Adultery/ Fornication/Homosexuality | Wonky Judicial Decisions |
No Hellfire | No Drugs | Child Abuse |
Paradise Earth | Pray for Enemies | Sale of Kingdom Halls |
Etc | Etc | Etc |
Once you've completed your list place it somewhere where you can see it regularly such as on the Fridge or inside your bible jacket. The goal of having the list written out is to create what I call "Snap Back". After a while of viewing the list your mind will automatically separate the Wheat from the Chaff and when feeling overwhelmed or perplexed you will be able to Snap Back into a state of Perspective and Spiritual harmony.
As mentioned above, some brothers when faced with issues listed in Column Three get them intermingled with the first two columns and in an attempt to cure their profound levels of dissonance , everything gets swept out together. In other words their mind in a spiritual sense looks like a bowl full of Gumballs. All Three Columns jumbled up together.
The Governing Body could tie their Undies on their head and do a Nudie Run around Patterson but does that alter the beautiful Truths of Column One? If I felt I could no longer associate with the Org, does that in any way alter my commitment to live by the precious qualities, morals and principles of Column Two?
Whether like Meditator, Driven, Jackie etc you are still active to an extent in the ORG; or like Kimmy, Dog etc you are estranged from it; this simple exercise can help us to continue to spiritually grow, mature and focus on our commitment to the first two Columns.
If something happens in the ORG that really messes with my mind , these days I actually say out loud "Well, as bad as it is...that's a Third Column Issue. I won't let it affect my love for the first Two Columns."
Anyway, I hope the relative simplicity of the exercise doesn't put any of you off. For me the simplicity of the Technique is what makes it work so well. With the latest developments during Covid I frequently had to use it to "SNAP BACK" and remind myself how blessed I am to have been taught all the wonderful things in the first Two Columns.
Whether we are still in the ORG or for some reason find ourselves outside of it, it is still possible to continue making spiritual progress by not letting "Third Column Issues" get us down. Remember also that many brothers in the Org are still wholeheartedly committed to the Truths of the first two columns and the Organization despite it's faults and blemishes is still committed to them as well.
Best wishes Brothers. Despite the Craziness surrounding us at moment let's make it our resolve to not allow Third Column Issues get us down!
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