PJ54
Well-known member
Saturday, May 13 2023O Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, . . . nor do I aspire to things too great.—Ps. 131:1.
Parents should be careful not to compare one child with another or to ask more of a child than he or she can give. Unfavorable comparisons and unreasonable demands can exasperate a child. (Eph. 6:4) A sister named Sachiko says: “My mother wanted me to get 100 percent on my exams, which I found impossible. Although I left school years ago, at times I still wonder if my best is good enough for Jehovah.” King David said that he did not “aspire to things too great” or to things that were beyond him. His humility and modesty “calmed and quieted” him. (Ps. 131:2) What can parents learn from David’s words? Parents can be humble and modest not only in what they expect of themselves but also in what they expect of their child. Parents can reassure their child by acknowledging his strengths and weaknesses when helping him to set appropriate goals. w21.07 21-22 ¶5-6
Examining the Scriptures Daily—2023
Should brothers continue to reach out?
Originally published the week of October 20th, 2002. Should brothers continue to try to "reach out" in the congregation and become elders ...
questions-4jehovahs-witnesses.blogspot.com
Should brothers continue to reach out?
Originally published the week of October 20th, 2002.Should brothers continue to try to "reach out" in the congregation and become elders and above? What advice would you have for brothers already in those positions who want to assist those in the congregation, yet not publicly go directly against the society's teachings and thus get themselves removed from positions where they can legitimately help others?
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We definitely need brothers who understand what the issues are that many of the friends are trying to deal with. Many of Jehovah's Witnesses are struggling with doubts and troubled by some of the things going on in the organization and the problem is that they feel that they cannot confide in the elders without running the risk of being labeled as 'weak' or 'apostate.' Having shepherds in a congregation that have insight into some of the things troubling Jehovah's sheep can help them not to be judgmental and condemnatory, so that that might be a real source of strength for those of us who have disquieting thoughts.
While, any brothers reaching out for the privilege of serving as an overseer of Jehovah's people are aware that the Scriptures say that overseers will receive a heavier judgment, it is an act of faith. Receiving a heavier judgment doesn't necessarily mean being rejected by God. It just means that elders are more accountable before Jehovah. Paul wrote Timothy and said: "For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith in connection with Jesus Christ."
The Governing Body and responsible brothers at Bethel ultimately have the greatest level of accountability before God and Christ. On a local level there is nothing that can be done to effect any sort of change in the established teachings and policies. Since that is the case, Jehovah would not hold local elders responsible for teaching something that proves to be in error. However, for conscience sake, if an elder is not comfortable dogmatically teaching certain things from the platform, he can usually de-emphasize those things, which actually might be doing the congregation a service.
At some point the organization is going to be thrown into the maelstrom of confusion. That's when the real shepherds will need to use their freeness of speech to try and hold their congregations together. We often refer to Isaiah about elders being a hiding place from the windstorm, I submit to you, that the wind has not begun to blow yet. But, when the tempest begins, we are going to need men who have the courage and conviction to stand up for the truth. So, by all means, earn the brother's trust and respect now, and be there for them when they need you, now, and during the time of trouble.
Posted 17th September 2010 by Unknown
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