Tuesday, December 2 2025 Should I speak up, or keep quiet?

[PJ54]

​

Tuesday, December 2 2025​

Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt.—Col. 4:6.

If we express ourselves with tact and mildness, people may be more willing to listen and to continue the conversation. Of course, if someone wants to win a debate or to ridicule our beliefs, we are not obligated to answer him further. (Prov. 26:4) But such a person may be the exception; some—perhaps many—will listen. Clearly, there is great value in making mildness a personal goal. Pray to Jehovah for the strength you need to remain mild when responding to controversial questions or unjust criticism. Remember, your mild attitude can prevent differences of opinion from escalating into arguments. And your mild, respectful answer may actually move some listeners to change their view about us and about Bible truths. Be “always ready to make a defense” of your beliefs, “doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Pet. 3:15) Yes, let mildness be your strength! w23.09 19 ¶18-19
Examining the Scriptures Daily—2025​

Should I speak up, or keep quiet?

From the December, 2002, Watchman's Mailbag I must ask, would not my views, like yours on certain subjects, be considered apostasy? And if...

questions-4jehovahs-witnesses.blogspot.com

Should I speak up, or keep quiet?​

From the December, 2002, Watchman's Mailbag

I must ask, would not my views, like yours on certain subjects, be considered apostasy? And if I were to be disfellowshipped for having these views, how would my family and myself be able to serve Jehovah from outside his protected organization? Would we not be in more danger from Satan's attacks while outside the congregation? Your answers to these pertinent questions are urgently required, replies like "just keep quiet about it" my conscience could not allow, as I feel I've found the truth again, and I cant keep quiet about it.
______________________________________

Solomon wrote that there is an appointed time to speak and a time to be quiet. Jesus also advised his followers to be wise as serpents yet innocent as doves. Whatever "truth" you have found, if it causes you to be disfellowshipped from the congregation for "preaching" to others, perhaps it is wise to remain silent. Of course, we all lack wisdom at times. That's why James reassures us that if we supplicate God for his wisdom, that he will give it to us without reproaching us for our lack of wisdom.

Paul also gave some counsel that might help you see the course of wisdom in this regard. He wrote Timothy, saying: "I desire that in every place the men carry on prayer, lifting up loyal hands, apart from wrath and debates." Now, ask yourself, if I preach my views to the congregation, even if I am totally convinced of the rightness of my position, what will be the likely outcome? Will it result in the congregation being built up and encouraged, or will it result in dissension, resentment, needless struggle and debate? If you will honestly supply yourself the answer to that question you should be empowered to know the right course to take.
Posted 19th April 2011 by Unknown

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Should I speak up, or keep quiet?

From the December, 2002, Watchman's Mailbag I must ask, would not my views, like yours on certain subjects, be considered apostasy? And if...

questions-4jehovahs-witnesses.blogspot.com

Should I speak up, or keep quiet?​

From the December, 2002, Watchman's Mailbag

I must ask, would not my views, like yours on certain subjects, be considered apostasy? And if I were to be disfellowshipped for having these views, how would my family and myself be able to serve Jehovah from outside his protected organization? Would we not be in more danger from Satan's attacks while outside the congregation? Your answers to these pertinent questions are urgently required, replies like "just keep quiet about it" my conscience could not allow, as I feel I've found the truth again, and I cant keep quiet about it.
______________________________________

Solomon wrote that there is an appointed time to speak and a time to be quiet. Jesus also advised his followers to be wise as serpents yet innocent as doves. Whatever "truth" you have found, if it causes you to be disfellowshipped from the congregation for "preaching" to others, perhaps it is wise to remain silent. Of course, we all lack wisdom at times. That's why James reassures us that if we supplicate God for his wisdom, that he will give it to us without reproaching us for our lack of wisdom.

Paul also gave some counsel that might help you see the course of wisdom in this regard. He wrote Timothy, saying: "I desire that in every place the men carry on prayer, lifting up loyal hands, apart from wrath and debates." Now, ask yourself, if I preach my views to the congregation, even if I am totally convinced of the rightness of my position, what will be the likely outcome? Will it result in the congregation being built up and encouraged, or will it result in dissension, resentment, needless struggle and debate? If you will honestly supply yourself the answer to that question you should be empowered to know the right course to take.
Posted 19th April 2011 by Unknown

It's a shame the GB didn't have this attitude back in 2020

 

[MickHewitt]

Should I speak up, or keep quiet?

From the December, 2002, Watchman's Mailbag I must ask, would not my views, like yours on certain subjects, be considered apostasy? And if...

questions-4jehovahs-witnesses.blogspot.com

Should I speak up, or keep quiet?​

From the December, 2002, Watchman's Mailbag

I must ask, would not my views, like yours on certain subjects, be considered apostasy? And if I were to be disfellowshipped for having these views, how would my family and myself be able to serve Jehovah from outside his protected organization? Would we not be in more danger from Satan's attacks while outside the congregation? Your answers to these pertinent questions are urgently required, replies like "just keep quiet about it" my conscience could not allow, as I feel I've found the truth again, and I cant keep quiet about it.
______________________________________

Solomon wrote that there is an appointed time to speak and a time to be quiet. Jesus also advised his followers to be wise as serpents yet innocent as doves. Whatever "truth" you have found, if it causes you to be disfellowshipped from the congregation for "preaching" to others, perhaps it is wise to remain silent. Of course, we all lack wisdom at times. That's why James reassures us that if we supplicate God for his wisdom, that he will give it to us without reproaching us for our lack of wisdom.

Paul also gave some counsel that might help you see the course of wisdom in this regard. He wrote Timothy, saying: "I desire that in every place the men carry on prayer, lifting up loyal hands, apart from wrath and debates." Now, ask yourself, if I preach my views to the congregation, even if I am totally convinced of the rightness of my position, what will be the likely outcome? Will it result in the congregation being built up and encouraged, or will it result in dissension, resentment, needless struggle and debate? If you will honestly supply yourself the answer to that question you should be empowered to know the right course to take.
Posted 19th April 2011 by Unknown

Personally I have felt the best time to speak is when inspired to do so. The worst thing I do is to post for the sake of posting which produces the most bland commentary....chortle. I'm sure this is common to all of us. When attending meetings instead of replying what is on the watchtower script we reply because the one on the platform asks a question not scripted and you feel your hand jumping out of it's socket to reply. I used to love those moments. Yet as the years fell way to being made into a watchtower automaton the excitement of being inspired disappeared. That's why I love it here. The truth truly does set one free!

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Personally I have felt the best time to speak is when inspired to do so. The worst thing I do is to post for the sake of posting which produces the most bland commentary....chortle. I'm sure this is common to all of us. When attending meetings instead of replying what is on the watchtower script we reply because the one on the platform asks a question not scripted and you feel your hand jumping out of it's socket to reply. I used to love those moments. Yet as the years fell way to being made into a watchtower automaton the excitement of being inspired disappeared. That's why I love it here. The truth truly does set one free!

That is EXACTLY right Mick!! I remember those days well, it used to be so interesting listening to other people's answers, I used to learn so much from the Watchtower studies. I remember when they even said we weren't allowed to reference other scriptures anymore and had to stick with what was in the paragraphs, that idea too contributed to making the Watchtower "boring" and it's never been the same since!

 

[Ana]

Ultimamente este parece ser un tema de conversación repetitivo en el foro. He pensado al respecto, aunque tampoco es que me quite el sueño, pues entiendo que los que miembros aquí han basado sus decisiones tras mucho orar a Jehová pidiendo orientación y eso, merece mis respetos, así que considero que la decisión es muy personal. El que ha tenido la bendición de formar parte de una buena congregación lo tendrá mucho mas fácil a la hora de elegir. No quiero decir con eso que todos los miembros de una congregación tengan que ser malos o buenos, pero el grupo de ancianos puede crear una diferencia notable. Espera en Jehová fue la frase preferida de los míos y cuando eres un niño ese espera puede hacerse muy largo y difícil de gestionar. A la vez ese consejo fue la única opción que nos queda a todos. Yo fui obediente y esperé "solo" en Jehová y en silencio, además. Nunca en 40 años una denuncia judicial a mi comité de ancianos ni a mi familia, testigo entonces, ni a la directiva de la WT de quien provenían todas las indicaciones a seguir. Todo muy silencioso y obediente.
No es necesario que entre en disputas con ellos a nivel profético para hacer tambalear los pilares de su fe, pues mi mera existencia con la experiencia personal que arrastro les produce cortocircuitos y una sorprendente capacidad de mirar para otro lado sin contestar nada con un mínimo de empatía. Y como la congregación está programada para tener un comportamiento de grupo, cada vez que volví a las reuniones en diferentes congregaciones, alguien intentaba darte su abrigo con un: me alegra de que hayas regresado a la verdad.
La verdad... tiene guasa la cosa, la verdad de quien? me pregunto yo. Y la respuesta que encuentro es que la verdad no puede ser subjetiva y me vengo al foro tan ricamente , donde al menos me dejan escribir en una lengua diferente para contar las dos caras de la verdad. Así seguimos otro día mas de la dulce espera silenciosa. Buenos días a todo mis queridos! Que la verdad siempre os marque la diferencia. Besos.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

“SHOULD I SPEAK UP OR STAY SILENT?”

My observation on that title would read ‘It depends very much upon what one has to say!” Silence is silvern, speech is golden.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Ultimamente este parece ser un tema de conversación repetitivo en el foro. He pensado al respecto, aunque tampoco es que me quite el sueño, pues entiendo que los que miembros aquí han basado sus decisiones tras mucho orar a Jehová pidiendo orientación y eso, merece mis respetos, así que considero que la decisión es muy personal. El que ha tenido la bendición de formar parte de una buena congregación lo tendrá mucho mas fácil a la hora de elegir. No quiero decir con eso que todos los miembros de una congregación tengan que ser malos o buenos, pero el grupo de ancianos puede crear una diferencia notable. Espera en Jehová fue la frase preferida de los míos y cuando eres un niño ese espera puede hacerse muy largo y difícil de gestionar. A la vez ese consejo fue la única opción que nos queda a todos. Yo fui obediente y esperé "solo" en Jehová y en silencio, además. Nunca en 40 años una denuncia judicial a mi comité de ancianos ni a mi familia, testigo entonces, ni a la directiva de la WT de quien provenían todas las indicaciones a seguir. Todo muy silencioso y obediente.
No es necesario que entre en disputas con ellos a nivel profético para hacer tambalear los pilares de su fe, pues mi mera existencia con la experiencia personal que arrastro les produce cortocircuitos y una sorprendente capacidad de mirar para otro lado sin contestar nada con un mínimo de empatía. Y como la congregación está programada para tener un comportamiento de grupo, cada vez que volví a las reuniones en diferentes congregaciones, alguien intentaba darte su abrigo con un: me alegra de que hayas regresado a la verdad.
La verdad... tiene guasa la cosa, la verdad de quien? me pregunto yo. Y la respuesta que encuentro es que la verdad no puede ser subjetiva y me vengo al foro tan ricamente , donde al menos me dejan escribir en una lengua diferente para contar las dos caras de la verdad. Así seguimos otro día mas de la dulce espera silenciosa. Buenos días a todo mis queridos! Que la verdad siempre os marque la diferencia. Besos.

“Waiting upon Jehovah” is not a call to shut one’s mouth and remain silent in expectation upon what it to come, as the watchtower would have us believe. Rather, It is a time to actively study for one’s self to prove the Word to be true. That is our responsibility.

What the ‘waiting’ is for, is for Jehovah to decide when the “time” is complete and the purpose of the wait achieved. And the purpose of the wait is to prove the prophesy uttered at Eden to be fulfilled. Whether we want to be part of that is down to us to prove one way or the other through our heart condition. It’s not a secret.

If we stop to think about watchtowers meaning put upon the phrase “wait upon Jehovah” it simply translates as “we do not know.” However, the truth of the matter is that Jehovah has never hidden from His people that which they need to know to please Him. If Jehovah did so, that would leave us to fail, would it not? When has Jehovah ever allowed that except when we have gone against His word? Has watchtower acted against Jehovah’s word? There then, is the answer.

 

[Ana]

“Waiting upon Jehovah” is not a call to shut one’s mouth and remain silent in expectation upon what it to come, as the watchtower would have us believe. Rather, It is a time to actively study for one’s self to prove the Word to be true. That is our responsibility.

What the ‘waiting’ is for, is for Jehovah to decide when the “time” is complete and the purpose of the wait achieved. And the purpose of the wait is to prove the prophesy uttered at Eden to be fulfilled. Whether we want to be part of that is down to us to prove one way or the other through our heart condition. It’s not a secret.

If we stop to think about watchtowers meaning put upon the phrase “wait upon Jehovah” it simply translates as “we do not know.” However, the truth of the matter is that Jehovah has never hidden from His people that which they need to know to please Him. If Jehovah did so, that would leave us to fail, would it not? When has Jehovah ever allowed that except when we have gone against His word? Has watchtower acted against Jehovah’s word? There then, is the answer.

Y cuando esa responsabilidad de asegurarse de todas las cosas es la única opción la respuesta cae por su propio peso.

 

[Watchman]

I might point out that this article was written in 2002, just a few months after I came online as e-watchman. Initially, I posted articles anonymously. But by 2005, I did speak out by sending an 8-page letter to every Kingdom Hall in the English-speaking world with my name on it.

By the way, the 2011 date at the bottom of the post is because I moved old mailbag questions from e-watchman.com and archived them on Google's BlogSpot

 

[SusanB]

No doubt all of the prophets considered the blowback from speaking the warnings. At the same time, Jehovah spoke to them by divine means. Today, he “speaks” to us through the pages of his word. And yet, we are to care for his word as it truly is, holy, inspiring, full of hope as well as warnings. We have a weighty task to handle it aright and yet we are imperfect. Before we can speak we must first listen to Jehovah.

He does give us his spirit and one way to get more of that spirit is to continue to delve into his word and to use our reasoning abilities to do the best we can. I don’t believe he asks more of us than that. So, @Ana is right, that “speaking up” is an individual conscience matter requiring prayer and reasoning on the scriptures. And yet, I do fear for those who are staying in the congregations when they know they are being misled and they are being led to idolatry. Everything is a balance and having courage is required as well. It is a comfort to know that we can trust that Jehovah will help us as long as we seek his righteous and are willing to be corrected by his word and continue to be motivated by putting first things first, namely the sanctification of His name and the vindication of His sovereignty.

Psalm 58:1: “Can you speak about righteousness when you are silent? Can you judge in uprightness, you sons of men?”

Psalm 73:8-10: “They scoff and say evil things. They arrogantly threaten oppression. They speak as if they were as high as heaven, And their tongues swagger about in the earth. So his people turn aside to them, And they drink from their abundant water.”

Proverbs 15:2-4: “The tongue of the wise makes good use of knowledge, But the mouth of the stupid blurts out foolishness. The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, Watching both the bad and the good. A calm tongue is a tree of life, But twisted speech causes despair.”

Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up in behalf of the speechless; Defend the rights of all who are perishing. Speak up and judge righteously; Defend the rights of the lowly and the poor.”

Malachi 3:16: “At that time those who fear Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and for those meditating on his name.”

2 Timothy 2:14-17: “Keep reminding them of these things, instructing them before God not to fight about words, something of no usefulness at all because it harms those listening. Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright. But reject empty speeches that violate what is holy, for they will lead to more and more ungodliness, and their word will spread like gangrene. Hy·me·naeʹus and Phi·leʹtus are among them.”

 

[SusanB]

I often seem to continue to think about certain posts and this one is no exception. Some of the brothers and sisters were born into the “truth” but some, like me, came out of false religion. So, in my view, if I accepted that there is more good in staying with people who are erring in a spiritual way, then I would still be a Catholic. In fact, when I disassociated from the Church, I was contacted by several people, including a priest. Their reasoning to stay was exactly the same. Change the Church from within and wait for God to correct his people. But once I knew the truth about so many things like the Trinity, etc., there was no way I could stay silent while watching lambs being led to the slaughter. I feel the same way now and when I recognize that brothers and sisters teach newcomers to take a stand for the truth meaning stand against false teachings, then I recognize it is hypocrisy to teach that to anyone when one is not doing that themselves. But they say, “it must be Jehovah’s ORG because they have accomplished the preaching work.” But the scriptures do not say Jehovah is backing any organization in between the Jewish system and God’s Kingdom. The scriptures do tell us that there is a faithful slave, a title some have taken for themselves before Jesus has even come. We do not know who he will say is faithful and who he will say is wicked. But we can put them to the test as per Revelation 2:2. What is that test? Isn’t it by seeing if they are acting and speaking in harmony with the scriptures? What other test could there be? In my mind, faith is shown by doing what we know from the scriptures is right and then accepting the persecution that comes with it having FAITH that Jehovah will help us and it will all turn out to his glory.

Revelation 2:2-4: “I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary. Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.”

 

[Ana]

Sin duda, todos los profetas consideraron la reacción negativa de pronunciar las advertencias. Al mismo tiempo, Jehová les habló por medios divinos. Hoy, él "nos habla" a través de las páginas de su palabra. Y, sin embargo, debemos cuidar su palabra tal como es, santa, inspiradora, llena de esperanza y advertencias. Tenemos una tarea pesada para manejarlo correctamente y, sin embargo, somos imperfectos. Antes de poder hablar, primero debemos escuchar a Jehová.

Nos da su espíritu y una forma de conseguir más de ese espíritu es seguir profundizando en su palabra y usar nuestras habilidades de razonamiento para hacer lo mejor posible. No creo que nos pida más que eso. Así que, @Ana tiene razón, "alzar la voz" es un asunto de conciencia individual que requiere oración y razonamiento sobre las escrituras. Y, sin embargo, temo por quienes permanecen en las congregaciones cuando saben que están siendo engañados y llevados a la idolatría. Todo es un equilibrio y también se requiere valor. Es un consuelo saber que podemos confiar en que Jehová nos ayudará siempre que busquemos a sus justos y estemos dispuestos a ser corregidos por su palabra y sigamos motivados por poner lo primero en primer lugar, es decir, la santificación de Su nombre y la reivindicación de Su soberanía.

Salmo 58:1: "¿Puedes hablar de justicia cuando estés en silencio? ¿Podéis juzgar con rectitud, hijos de hombres?"

Salmo 73:8-10: "Se burlan y dicen cosas malas. Amenazan con la opresión con arrogancia. Hablan como si fueran tan altos como el cielo, y sus lenguas se pavonean por la tierra. Así que su pueblo se aparta hacia ellos, y beben de su abundante agua."

Proverbios 15:2-4: "La lengua de los sabios hace buen uso del conocimiento, pero la boca del tonto suelta tonterías. Los ojos de Jehová están en todas partes, vigilando tanto lo malo como lo bueno. Una lengua tranquila es un árbol de la vida, pero el habla retorcida causa desesperación."

Proverbios 31:8-9: "Hablad en favor de los que no tienen palabras; Defiendan los derechos de todos los que están pereciendo. Habla y juzga con justicia; Defender los derechos de los humildes y los pobres."

Malaquías 3:16: "En aquel tiempo, los que temían a Jehová hablaban entre ellos, cada uno con su compañero, y Jehová seguía prestando atención y escuchando. Y ante él se escribió un libro de recuerdo para los que temían a Jehová y para los que meditaban en su nombre."

2 Timoteo 2:14-17: "Recordadles constantemente estas cosas, instruiéndoles ante Dios a no pelear por palabras, algo que no sirva de nada porque perjudica a quienes escuchan. Haz todo lo posible por presentarte aprobado ante Dios, un obrero sin nada de lo que avergonzarse, manejando bien la palabra de la verdad. Pero rechaza los discursos vacíos que violan lo sagrado, porque conducirán a más y más impiedad, y su palabra se extenderá como gangrena. Hy·me·naeʹus y Phi·leʹtus están entre ellos."

Romanos 11:25-Porque no quiero, hermanos, que ignoren este secreto sagrado, para que no sean discretos a sus propios ojos: que un embotamiento de las sensibilidades le ha sucedido en parte a Israel hasta que el número pleno de gente de las naciones haya entrado, 26 y de esta manera todo Israel será salvo. Así como está escrito: "Saldrá de Sión el libertador y apartará de Jacob las prácticas impías. 27 Y este es el pacto de parte mía con ellos, cuando les quite sus pecados".

 

[SusanB]

Romanos 1:25-Porque no quiero, hermanos, que ignoren este secreto sagrado, para que no sean discretos a sus propios ojos: que un embotamiento de las sensibilidades le ha sucedido en parte a Israel hasta que el número pleno de gente de las naciones haya entrado, 26 y de esta manera todo Israel será salvo. Así como está escrito: "Saldrá de Sión el libertador y apartará de Jacob las prácticas impías. 27 Y este es el pacto de parte mía con ellos, cuando les quite sus pecados".

Hi Ana, Thank you for the scripture. If you can still correct it, you may want to quote Romans 11:25 not 1:25. The entire chapter is very good to read and interesting to contemplate.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

Personally I have felt the best time to speak is when inspired to do so. ....chortle.

Sorta, like Jeremiah? (Chortle)

In our case, prior to Covid, there were organizational policies and direction that we couldn't fully support. However, open opposition didn't seem prudent, but, things changed dramatically with the covid direction to the point that we could no longer keep silent. Can't say we were "inspired" to do so......likely more like Jeremiah felt.

(Jeremiah 20:9) . . .But in my heart it became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I was tired of holding it in; I could no longer endure it.

 

[Ana]

Hi Ana, Thank you for the scripture. If you can still correct it, you may want to quote Romans 11:25 not 1:25. The entire chapter is very good to read and interesting to contemplate.

hecho! corregido, todo este capitulo es revelador.

 

[GlennH]

Good morning all.

Yesterday's post by @PJ54 from Unknown hit me with such power and authority I ended up spending the whole day pondering from "In the beginning..." to "...be with the holy ones.". After reading @SusanB supplement to it, it was one of those times when I didn't want to add anything. Just overjoyed that Jehovah has communicated his purpose, ordering, priorities, and ranking of things to mankind and that he will help me come into harmony with each given the present circumstances.

With respect to this post, I'd like to share my experience since I started studying about 6 1/2 years ago. It was not until I learned that speech was a gift from Jehovah and he hated bad speech that I was obligated to use that gift in a way pleasing to him. I was not born with a bridle in my mouth and I have to remember to put it in upon awakening. My work is in getting clear what I have heard or read versus what I think I have heard or read and applying Jehovah's counsel. This also applies to information received by any of my senses.

There was a Morning Worship talk about identifying the lie in any information we receive and therefore, any information coming after that dependent on that lie was a lie. It turns out I had been applying it (60% correctly) most of my life much to the chagrin of those around me. It never fails when I apply it to all things Jehovah. I have not hesitated to speak up to people identifying themselves as one of Jehovah's Witnesses that I had personal contact with over the years when my conscience would be violated. Specifics are not important. I vowed to Jehovah to always rejoice in the trurh. One of my favorite moments in the Bible is when Jesus greeted Nathanael saying there was no deceit in that man.

I always marvel at the way Jesus answered questions posed to him. I try to practice, instead of treating a question posed to me as an opportunity to spew forth facts, but as an opportunity to encourage the questioner to seek the answer. It is not easy for me.

I am going to plagiarize @Watchman, just once. Please forgive.

May Jehovah bless your search for the truth today.

 

[MickHewitt]

Sorta, like Jeremiah? (Chortle)

In our case, prior to Covid, there organizational policies and direction that we couldn't fully support. However, open opposition didn't seem prudent, but, things changed dramatically with the covid direction to the point that we could no longer keep silent. Can't say we were "inspired" to do so......likely more like Jeremiah felt.

(Jeremiah 20:9) . . .But in my heart it became like a burning fire shut up in my bones, And I was tired of holding it in; I could no longer endure it.

I was not the only one who rejoiced when hearing your presentations of spiritual logic to representatives of Bethel.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I often seem to continue to think about certain posts and this one is no exception. Some of the brothers and sisters were born into the “truth” but some, like me, came out of false religion. So, in my view, if I accepted that there is more good in staying with people who are erring in a spiritual way, then I would still be a Catholic. In fact, when I disassociated from the Church, I was contacted by several people, including a priest. Their reasoning to stay was exactly the same. Change the Church from within and wait for God to correct his people. But once I knew the truth about so many things like the Trinity, etc., there was no way I could stay silent while watching lambs being led to the slaughter. I feel the same way now and when I recognize that brothers and sisters teach newcomers to take a stand for the truth meaning stand against false teachings, then I recognize it is hypocrisy to teach that to anyone when one is not doing that themselves. But they say, “it must be Jehovah’s ORG because they have accomplished the preaching work.” But the scriptures do not say Jehovah is backing any organization in between the Jewish system and God’s Kingdom. The scriptures do tell us that there is a faithful slave, a title some have taken for themselves before Jesus has even come. We do not know who he will say is faithful and who he will say is wicked. But we can put them to the test as per Revelation 2:2. What is that test? Isn’t it by seeing if they are acting and speaking in harmony with the scriptures? What other test could there be? In my mind, faith is shown by doing what we know from the scriptures is right and then accepting the persecution that comes with it having FAITH that Jehovah will help us and it will all turn out to his glory.

Revelation 2:2-4: “I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary. Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.”

Interesting scripture. Do you think its application is similar to what we are discussing here in that there is a perfunctory form of worship going on in watchtower but that it is without “love”. Love being in the context you appear to suggest as ‘understanding’ accurately what the WORD necessitates from us in terms of fidelity to Jehovah. Watchtower therefore “Having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” It is not possible therefore to serve Jehovah in what ever way unless we grasp its meaning?

Fidelity has meaning does it not. We ‘recognise’ truth when it is spoken. It moves us from deep within because it is part of us. Is this not what we see within watchtower as perfunctory attendance? We went because we were told it was true, but within, we lacked the essence of the Word that carries with it, meaning and application?

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

So, in my view, if I accepted that there is more good in staying with people who are erring in a spiritual way, then I would still be a Catholic.

Great point, Susan!!!

 

[noname]

The decision to speak or stay silent should be well thought out. Every action or inaction has a consequence, in the least, comparable to one another. Or because so and so speaks then everyone should speak or so and so is silent so everyone must be silent is false reasoning because everyone is truly independent in the life God has given us and our life circumstances, stature and placement in the community differs widely from everyone else.
To be silent is gentleness, to speak is active force. Like speaking, when you cast a stone upon a lake it waves and ripples out in a circle until it reaches the shore washing the sand back and forth, emanating from the place you let the stone fall. To be silent is the wind that naturally carries the tops of the waters slowly into many directions without any assistance or guidance from yourself, you simply wait, spectate and protect. Since our energies are limited each day, and our words and voice has power, it is wise to thoroughly contemplate what consequences to what is spoken will be and to what purpose am I trying to fulfill with my words. What purpose or path will my speaking guide the waters to, or will it just hit a dam and I have wasted my time and energy that could be directed at worship to the Creator.
For instance, the wilderness Israelite Phinehas spoke, while Hannah stayed silent. Jesus when being questioned at court stayed silent, while Stephen spoke.

 

[Nomex]

So, in my view, if I accepted that there is more good in staying with people who are erring in a spiritual way, then I would still be a Catholic. In fact, when I disassociated from the Church, I was contacted by several people, including a priest. Their reasoning to stay was exactly the same. Change the Church from within and wait for God to correct his people. But once I knew the truth about so many things like the Trinity, etc., there was no way I could stay silent while watching lambs being led to the slaughter.

It's funny you brought this out, because I was thinking about almost the exact same thing, from a different perspective, I was raised in the truth, but this very thought had occurred to me, while thinking about this in another thread. Obviously the thought would have been from my perspective but what you wrote is basically identical to what I was thinking about this subject. "Hear, hear!"

 

[SusanB]

Interesting scripture. Do you think its application is similar to what we are discussing here in that there is a perfunctory form of worship going on in watchtower but that it is without “love”. Love being in the context you appear to suggest as ‘understanding’ accurately what the WORD necessitates from us in terms of fidelity to Jehovah. Watchtower therefore “Having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” It is not possible therefore to serve Jehovah in what ever way unless we grasp its meaning?

Fidelity has meaning does it not. We ‘recognise’ truth when it is spoken. It moves us from deep within because it is part of us. Is this not what we see within watchtower as perfunctory attendance? We went because we were told it was true, but within, we lacked the essence of the Word that carries with it, meaning and application?

Hi Bro BTD, To answer your question about how I would view application of Revelation 2:2-4 is that it reminded me of how zealous I was and many are when they first learn the truth. When I learned that the Catholic religion I grew up in had been a lie, it became important to me to abandon and expose the lies. In fact, I was told that in the ORG many new ones are a bit too zealous and sometimes go a little overboard in sharing their faith thereby irritating relatives and friends. But so many brothers and sisters are doing the opposite today that there is an acronym for it, PIMO. As you probably already know PIMO means “Physically In and Mentallly Out.” I can only guess that they attend meetings but don’t really engage or participate.

So, in my mind, Jesus commendation and then admonition could be something to think about today. For those who are PIMO, they do remind me of the Ephesus congregation addressed in Revelation Chapter 2 because they too are showing endurance as well as many other good qualities but perhaps the question that we all can ask ourselves is whether we have lost the love for Jehovah and his precious truths that we had when we first learned about them. It is a warning that Jesus recorded for the anointed ones with particular emphasis on our time period and I just thought it deserved to be quoted. But really all of the commendations and warnings in Revelation 2 and 3 are very important to us all.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Hi Bro BTD, To answer your question about how I would view application of Revelation 2:2-4 is that it reminded me of how zealous I was and many are when they first learn the truth. When I learned that the Catholic religion I grew up in had been a lie, it became important to me to abandon and expose the lies. In fact, I was told that in the ORG many new ones are a bit too zealous and sometimes go a little overboard in sharing their faith thereby irritating relatives and friends. But so many brothers and sisters are doing the opposite today that there is an acronym for it, PIMO. As you probably already know PIMO means “Physically In and Mentallly Out.” I can only guess that they attend meetings but don’t really engage or participate.

So, in my mind, Jesus commendation and then admonition could be something to think about today. For those who are PIMO, they do remind me of the Ephesus congregation addressed in Revelation Chapter 2 because they too are showing endurance as well as many other good qualities but perhaps the question that we all can ask ourselves is whether we have lost the love for Jehovah and his precious truths that we had when we first learned about them. It is a warning that Jesus recorded for the anointed ones with particular emphasis on our time period and I just thought it deserved to be quoted. But really all of the commendations and warnings in Revelation 2 and 3 are very important to us all.

“ Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.”

Thank you Susan. My thinking process is very black and white. Whether that is a good or bad thing is debatable. I could not be a pimo anymore than you could stay in the Catholic Church. However, it takes an exhausting degree of introspection to determine where this could be possible for someone to stay within watchtower, given the extensive and equally exhausting list of spiritual hygiene etiquette required just to enter the temple. I can not find an answer to ignoring ones spiritual need.

Assimilation into the spiritual reasoning of the attributes of Jehovah is surely a one-way street. One can not go back from understanding the word. Once one has insight, one also has obligation to respond, and which you make clear on that principle. Also, the condition of attendance at the hall is one of keeping silent unless asked. This is contrary to reasoning. A doctor would not attend a patient and withhold treatment on the basis of that one not asking for it because they do not know what medicine is available to them to alleviate their illness. So just what is the motive for staying silent? It appears to be a point whereby everyone in the congregation agrees that there is scriptural reason for leaving. Yet the scriptures are also clear that some will stay, regardless of what is recognised as being in opposition. And yet, having said that, that much is already clear right now to those questioning their faith. So if one leaves now, or at the point of revelation of corruption, one still leaves some behind.

Others quote the “where would we go” clause - even watchtower, leaving one’s insight to Jehovah to rectify so that they can remain safely ignoring any suggestion to re-examine their faith to Jehovah. I do not see that as practicable because the scriptures point out that it is our responsibility to “make sure of all things”.

The last critical point for me is that motivation to serve Jehovah comes from within. It does not come from learning, but from the soul. Learning justifies the course of action of course and guides it, but It does not create it. We all have the spirit within us, to train and inform - whether we utilise it or not is up to us. One can not contain it. It must be spoken out to be effective. How strange is it that if one speaks it out in the Kingdom Hall, one is thrown out as apostate.