S
Searcher
Guest
Everyone I know has been saying this question. Relatives who are freaked out by the org right now are asking it. Friends who are happy with the org, with blinders on, say it as in, "Why would anyone not agree?!"Where else can we go?". I think the answer is nowhere.
Where else can we go?
I asked that question out loud that a few months ago while looking out the window. And the answer was simple. The only place there is to go is actually, like you mentioned: Jesus. I was so happy to finally recognize this after growing up my whole life as a JW and knowing something was off but not understanding what it was. I felt so blessed!
I think people are so comforted by what they can see. An org seems more tangible. They are given glossy, colorful new publications (or used to be anyways). They can watch videos on their phone. Be reassured over and over in updates. Stay coddled and reassured that in the org, this sort of physical presence on earth, they will absolutely be kept safe.
But it's a sham; it doesn't work like that. The feeling of safety in an earthly organization; a trust in 8 men who don't even know your name and have neither the insight or wisdom to see the future like they often pretend to, is all a lie and a snare. It's not real faith.
When I started finding real faith, it seemed like a scary leap. There's clearly not a lot of people who like you developing it because to do so you have to ask questions and dig and turn to Jesus instead of men. Plenty of friends will reject you over it, just as Jesus said would happen. So you're on your own in a way. Or you're at least surrounded by fewer than before. The earthly "representatives" that served to reassure you that they could tell you everything are not what you have anymore; you realize you don't understand everything in the Bible. You've been told you have the ultimate truth, no need for any alarm; we basically understand everything... Well, no, it's more complicated than that. You have more questions, maybe some worries. Some fear. Real fear. But faith is what overcomes the unknowns. Reading - actually reading - Revelation you realize the end is scary. It doesn't look like all the videos the organization presented to you; of you being nicely clothed and sitting with a group of friends in a basement talking about the time you hung out with worldly people at work. No. It's bigger than that. If you actually read it, you see you should expect suffering. Now hopefully you're able to endure to the end, but some of us will die. You have to come to terms with being faithful even in the face of death, even a gruesome death. Is your faith strong enough to cover that? Well, previously it had not been... But the farther you throw the fleshly representatives and turn to Jesus, the larger your faith grows.
This is just my perspective and experience. I liken it to Peter. He had faith. He used it to step out to meet Jesus on the water. He focused on Jesus. And when he turned his attention back to the earthly things around him and wanted to feel safety, his faith faltered. And I have to suspect that those turning strongly to an org led by men now, it's because they are actually having doubts like Peter did in that moment, and it's because they are in fear. Their faith is lacking as they have these fears and doubts. As Peter cried out and wanted help even though he was safe with Jesus, so these brothers and sisters are frightened and crying out to men to comfort them from their TV and phones, so to speak - even though it's only Jesus who can save, not anyone else, and especially not the GB or the organization.
I never want to turn back to men in this world. It's going to be scary and a lot to endure. But we have to lift up our heads! Jesus is where we go. Jesus is the only Way...