Maintain Joy and Perspective "THE THREE COLUMN TECHNIQUE"

LifeLearning

Well-known member
The Awake article says that people alive in 1914 will see Armageddon. But that means you a putting a time limit on it.
If this were an honest mistake it could have been corrected. A humble disciple of Jesus would consider all things and hold fast to what is fine.

Instead the WT labels anyone asking the question an apostate. Interesting that that seems to be an imitation of what the rulers of the nations do, in that the rulers say "misinformation" and censor any one questioning the sacred "science".
 

BARNABY THE DOG.

Well-known member
One thing that sticks in my mind. I was a young 23 year old Pioneer Zealot in 1993 and I was out visiting a Recreational Vehicle (That's Dutch for Back Call) in the Rurals.

This bloke was a real dinky di genuine straight shooter and he said to me "Hang on let me get this straight. The Awake article says that people alive in 1914 will see Armageddon. But that means you a putting a time limit on it. I guarantee you are going to have to change this. Come back here in 2004 and I bet you they will have changed this. "

This bloke was no Academic. He was the town Milkman. And yet he was able to sum up the situation accurately and with no hint of malice. He was in his 50's and was genuinely concerned for me. He was talking to me in a Fatherly tone as if to say "don't get suckered in by this.....THINK".

As I was driving off from his property in my young JW zealot mind I felt so terribly sorry for the guy. I believed Armageddon will definitely come before 2004 and that the Milkman was completely misguided.

In 2015 I was having a chat with one of the Elders who was trying to reactivate me and I related this same experience to him. I said to the Elder that when it came to being faithful and discreet the Milkman acted with more discretion then we did.

The Elder still held the line that we were right and the Milkman was wrong. His words..."Well the generation that saw 1914 is an overlapping generation. And besides which there are still Centenarians from 1914 that are still alive so the Society was definitely right...not the Milkman".

The level of arrogance in the Elder's response was palpable. Even when it was glaringly obvious that we had made a gigantic stuff up there was not even the slightest hint of contrition or accountability. Jaw out. Chin pointing skyward. Arms folded. Chest puffed up. Total unequivocal arrogance.


Jer 6:14 They treated my people's wound superficially, telling them, 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace.
Jer 6:15 Were they ashamed because they did what was repugnant to God? They were not ashamed at all—they don't even know how to blush!
I enjoyed reading your experiences from back in the 90s. “Cometh the hour, Cometh the Milkman”. You describe well my mindset when I was still active in the watchtower. Everyone else was a fool but me. The watchtower lie and it’s methodology of keeping it alive is a true example of Satan’s thinking. It is beyond the pen of man to adequately describe in its manifestation. It’s not by force either, but by guile appealing to every sense of existence and hope known to man. It is complete in itself and there are no avenues open to escape, bar one. And even that is not always known to us, but only to Christ, who assures us that we “will recognise his voice.” Thus he comes to us when we are lost, knowing that our heart is receptive. It really is a remarkable process of salvation that touches the very soul of the one searching.
 

Ms_ladyblue

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.


DOCTRINE CHRISTIAN LIVING AND MORALS WATCHTOWER/ORGANIZATION
Divine Name JehovahFruitages of the SpiritGoverning Body Covid Updates
Ransom Sacrifice of JesusLove Neighbour as SelfFailed Dates/ Predictions
Resurrection HopeNo Adultery/ Fornication/HomosexualityWonky Judicial Decisions
No HellfireNo DrugsChild Abuse
Paradise EarthPray for EnemiesSale of Kingdom Halls
EtcEtcEtc



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.


View attachment 788


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!
Now @4JahandChrist I like the way you explained your technique. Although I‘ve been able to mentally and so far I haven’t had a problem. Thanks for sharing mate!
 

Ms_ladyblue

Well-known member
Absolutely. They even passed a rule not to clap if someone is reinstated as this might be seen as condoning their error.

It took me till I was into my 40's to understand just how many of them are motivated by power. Previously I had always Idealized the Organizational process and hence ended up completely deluding myself. I wish I had of cottoned on to the Power Dynamics at a younger age.....could of saved myself a whole load of trouble.
@4JahandChrist

Personally there’s no reason to clap. Not because of their stated reason. I guess to me it’s like making an announcement that field service will be 9:00 Saturday morning. It’s just an announcement. Afterwards different ones can go up to them and welcome them back.
But then my whole perspective on DF has changed.
 

Ms_ladyblue

Well-known member
One thing that sticks in my mind. I was a young 23 year old Pioneer Zealot in 1993 and I was out visiting a Recreational Vehicle (That's Dutch for Back Call) in the Rurals.

This bloke was a real dinky di genuine straight shooter and he said to me "Hang on let me get this straight. The Awake article says that people alive in 1914 will see Armageddon. But that means you a putting a time limit on it. I guarantee you are going to have to change this. Come back here in 2004 and I bet you they will have changed this. "

This bloke was no Academic. He was the town Milkman. And yet he was able to sum up the situation accurately and with no hint of malice. He was in his 50's and was genuinely concerned for me. He was talking to me in a Fatherly tone as if to say "don't get suckered in by this.....THINK".

As I was driving off from his property in my young JW zealot mind I felt so terribly sorry for the guy. I believed Armageddon will definitely come before 2004 and that the Milkman was completely misguided.

In 2015 I was having a chat with one of the Elders who was trying to reactivate me and I related this same experience to him. I said to the Elder that when it came to being faithful and discreet the Milkman acted with more discretion then we did.

The Elder still held the line that we were right and the Milkman was wrong. His words..."Well the generation that saw 1914 is an overlapping generation. And besides which there are still Centenarians from 1914 that are still alive so the Society was definitely right...not the Milkman".

The level of arrogance in the Elder's response was palpable. Even when it was glaringly obvious that we had made a gigantic stuff up there was not even the slightest hint of contrition or accountability. Jaw out. Chin pointing skyward. Arms folded. Chest puffed up. Total unequivocal arrogance.


Jer 6:14 They treated my people's wound superficially, telling them, 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace.
Jer 6:15 Were they ashamed because they did what was repugnant to God? They were not ashamed at all—they don't even know how to blush!
@4JahandChrist
I think when this was first posted I must’ve overlooked it. This was a really good experience, up until 2015, when by then and particularly in 2004 nothing happened.

I wonder what the Milkman’s response would have been if you’d went back and explained the overlapping generation scenario? I would love to see the look on his face! Even better I would’ve loved hearing you ex-Splane it to him! 😂
 
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Ana

Well-known member
Tenemos ansias de Jehová. Yo al menos anhelo un vida mejor y a la vez agradezco tanto lo que tengo. Mi Dios, mi familia y aquellos con los que puedo compartir a nuestro Padre. Vosotros aquí!! Y todos tan lejos... La palabra acerca mucho y si, vale! también aleja, pero nos ha acercado, y eso está muy bueno. Seguiremos pues, creciendo juntos!! Abrazo para todos!!💗
 

BARNABY THE DOG.

Well-known member
@4JahandChrist
I think when this was first posted I must’ve overlooked it. This was a really good experience, up until 2015, when by then and particularly in 2004 nothing happened.

I wonder what the Milkman’s response would have been if you’d went back and explained the overlapping generation scenario? I would love to see the look on his face! Even better I would’ve loved hearing you ex-Splane it to him! 😂
I have watched McSplane’s “Overlapping Generation” McSplanation, several times because I felt sorry for him. He seemed so alone out there, like a sole surviving soldier from some disastrous attack planned by generals miles behind the front line and who knew nothing of the conditions out at the front. His discomfort, discombobulation, is engraved in his face as with a child caught out in a lie and asked to McSplane himself. It really is amazing in its audacity; every generation written down in the bible from Adam to Christ, and suddenly, at the end of it all, we have an “overlapping” generation - it’s breath-taking.
 

יהוה_saves

Well-known member
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".
why does Watch Tower even have to be in a column? what does enumerating Watchtower’s crimes have to do with saving your spiritual backside?
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 about those who leave Watchtower do so because they actually are separating the Truth from the Lie and are acting appropriately on that? Is there a column for something that resembles that?
The goal of having the list written out is to create what I call "Snap Back"
snap back to what?
 
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N

no way

Guest
why does Watch Tower even have to be in a column? what does enumerating Watchtower’s crimes have to do with saving your spiritual backside?

What about those who leave Watchtower do so because they actually are separating the Truth from the Lie and are acting appropriately on that? Is there a column for something that resembles that?

snap back to what?
If we feel the org is betraying it's past reputation with selling out to the beast. Then there is nothing more to discuss.
 

Ms_ladyblue

Well-known member
why does Watch Tower even have to be in a column? what does enumerating Watchtower’s crimes have to do with saving your spiritual backside?

What about those who leave Watchtower do so because they actually are separating the Truth from the Lie and are acting appropriately on that? Is there a column for something that resembles that?

snap back to what?
@Asadour

I didn’t know whether to tap on the ‘laugh’ emoji or ‘love’ emoji. 😂 😍

So, you know how I feel. ☺️
 

יהוה_saves

Well-known member
If we feel the org is betraying it's past reputation with selling out to the beast. Then there is nothing more to discuss.
i agrée. Except that i don’t think feelings have anything to do with it. The org either sold out to the beast or it didn’t. I don’t feel that it did. My feelings are not relevant. That said, the org didn’t betray its reputation. Do you honestly think it would ever betray its reputation? Not on your life! It betrayed God, and that is the entire point, isn’t it. Its reputation occupies an elevated position over God. I wholly agrée there’s nothing left to discuss, unless, ofc, one prefers living in a perpetual state of cog diss. Again, i don’t judge. I may react but i don’t judge.

@Ms_ladyblue

can you do both? teeeeeeeheeeeeeeeee.

the Gov Body has the same access to the same information on vaccine topics like graphene oxide, artificial sub 1 proteins, VAERS, EUDRA. . .that any one of us has/have.

It’s just this latest elders’ letter proclaiming the kill shot to be “effective” . . . sigh. . . it got me really REALLY upset- i’m sad, i mourn and grieve for our brothers and sisters. I love them deeply. Last night i heard a that wonderful JW friend of mine succumbed to the old Sudden Adult Death Syndrome syndrome. He was 60 years old. So this vaccine, that the Gov Body says is effective- effective at what again? How many JWs have to die so that these unholy men get to retain their positions and promènence?

And the recent PIMO Bethel elder letter made it clear, there is no holy spirit at Bethel. they’re a bunch of entiteled MEN!!! It’s just a publishing company comprised of men who blasphemously attached Jehovah’s name to a poison that has already killed thousands of his sheep and millions of his created humans.
 

Ms_ladyblue

Well-known member
i agrée. Except that i don’t think feelings have anything to do with it. The org either sold out to the beast or it didn’t. I don’t feel that it did. My feelings are not relevant. That said, the org didn’t betray its reputation. Do you honestly think it would ever betray its reputation? Not on your life! It betrayed God, and that is the entire point, isn’t it. Its reputation occupies an elevated position over God. I wholly agrée there’s nothing left to discuss, unless, ofc, one prefers living in a perpetual state of cog diss. Again, i don’t judge. I may react but i don’t judge.

@Ms_ladyblue

can you do both? teeeeeeeheeeeeeeeee.

the Gov Body has the same access to the same information on vaccine topics like graphene oxide, artificial sub 1 proteins, VAERS, EUDRA. . .that any one of us has/have.

It’s just this latest elders’ letter proclaiming the kill shot to be “effective” . . . sigh. . . it got me really REALLY upset- i’m sad, i mourn and grieve for our brothers and sisters. I love them deeply. Last night i heard a that wonderful JW friend of mine succumbed to the old Sudden Adult Death Syndrome syndrome. He was 60 years old. So this vaccine, that the Gov Body says is effective- effective at what again? How many JWs have to die so that these unholy men get to retain their positions and promènence?

And the recent PIMO Bethel elder letter made it clear, there is no holy spirit at Bethel. they’re a bunch of entiteled MEN!!! It’s just a publishing company comprised of men who blasphemously attached Jehovah’s name to a poison that has already killed thousands of his sheep and millions of his created humans.
It’s only EFFECTIVE in either killing or injuring people. 🥺
 
N

no way

Guest
i agrée. Except that i don’t think feelings have anything to do with it. The org either sold out to the beast or it didn’t. I don’t feel that it did. My feelings are not relevant. That said, the org didn’t betray its reputation. Do you honestly think it would ever betray its reputation? Not on your life! It betrayed God, and that is the entire point, isn’t it. Its reputation occupies an elevated position over God. I wholly agrée there’s nothing left to discuss, unless, ofc, one prefers living in a perpetual state of cog diss. Again, i don’t judge. I may react but i don’t judge.

@Ms_ladyblue

can you do both? teeeeeeeheeeeeeeeee.

the Gov Body has the same access to the same information on vaccine topics like graphene oxide, artificial sub 1 proteins, VAERS, EUDRA. . .that any one of us has/have.

It’s just this latest elders’ letter proclaiming the kill shot to be “effective” . . . sigh. . . it got me really REALLY upset- i’m sad, i mourn and grieve for our brothers and sisters. I love them deeply. Last night i heard a that wonderful JW friend of mine succumbed to the old Sudden Adult Death Syndrome syndrome. He was 60 years old. So this vaccine, that the Gov Body says is effective- effective at what again? How many JWs have to die so that these unholy men get to retain their positions and promènence?

And the recent PIMO Bethel elder letter made it clear, there is no holy spirit at Bethel. they’re a bunch of entiteled MEN!!! It’s just a publishing company comprised of men who blasphemously attached Jehovah’s name to a poison that has already killed thousands of his sheep and millions of his created humans.
feel = believe
 

SpicySpice

Well-known member
the Public speaker applied 2 Tim 3 1-5 to people in the World who protested the Covid Lockdowns
I really need to apply your amazing technique as this absolutely makes my blood boil!! 😤😂 Honestly I think these little inserts about politics and covid (left leaning too) are just tidbits and glimpses to the true ugliness beneath the surface. Asadour I believe said their updates and stance made her recoil in disgust, and I had the exact same reaction "stop touching the unclean thing" kind of reaction. I think if I had applied this technique sooner I might have been able to last longer.


....ehh who am I kidding I'm too emotional I probably would have gotten mad anyway🤣🤣
 

Ms_ladyblue

Well-known member
I really need to apply your amazing technique as this absolutely makes my blood boil!! 😤😂 Honestly I think these little inserts about politics and covid (left leaning too) are just tidbits and glimpses to the true ugliness beneath the surface. Asadour I believe said their updates and stance made her recoil in disgust, and I had the exact same reaction "stop touching the unclean thing" kind of reaction. I think if I had applied this technique sooner I might have been able to last longer.


....ehh who am I kidding I'm too emotional I probably would have gotten mad anyway🤣🤣
@SpicySpice

I have a feeling that his “amazing technique“ especially concerning that third column is piling up high!!!

Revelation 18:4,5 “And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.“

“For her sins have MASSED TOGETHER CLEAR UP TO HEAVEN, and God has called her acts of injustice (*crimes) to mind.”
 
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