People 
| Time, Why Do You Punish Me? |
| Written by Jeffrey Byrge |
| Sunday, 02 August 2009 08:17 |
Simply put, being a Jehovah's Witness is a guarantee that there will never be time for you. If you have questions, you don't really have time for research, in fact, one is not allowed to go on the internet or express doubts anyway, so as to get answers. Now, that doesn't mean you don't "study", but you only get to "study" Jehovah’s Witness publications, study for the meetings, study for field service, weekly family study (usually out of the WT to be studied at the meeting that week) is always called studying as long as it is always out of a Jehovah’s Witness produced, Jehovah’s Witness approved publication that is obviously Jehovah’s Witness friendly. According to the self congratulating Governing Body: *** w96 7/1 p. 21 par. 9 The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near *** 9 The table of showbread reminds the great crowd that to remain spiritually healthy, they must regularly partake of spiritual food from the Bible and from publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.”
*** w86 8/1 p. 27 Is Your Young Child ‘Growing to Salvation’? *** We can see one reason from Peter’s words: “As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it you may grow to salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2, 3) The exhortation to “form a longing” suggests that our children will not naturally have a longing for spiritual things. We may have to form, or develop, such a longing in them. Yet, as the text also shows, salvation is involved. Just as children have to learn to like healthful food if they are to grow to healthy adulthood, so they must learn to enjoy spiritual food if they are to “grow to salvation.”
*** w07 4/1 p. 22 par. 5 Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave *** “On arriving” to inspect the “slave” in 1918, Christ found a spirit-anointed remnant of faithful disciples who since 1879 had been using this journal and other Bible-based publications to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” He acknowledged them as his collective instrument, or “slave,” and in 1919 entrusted them with the management of all his earthly belongings. (just don't ask what they were teaching or believing in 1919, its practically all changed, because it was wrong.)
*** w07 4/15 p. 24 par. 17 Let the Congregation Praise Jehovah ***
17 Jehovah continues to use and support his congregation. He is blessing the composite group of anointed Christians on earth today. This can be seen from the rich supply of spiritual food that God’s people enjoy. (Luke 12:42) He is blessing the worldwide brotherhood as a whole. And he is blessing the local congregations, where we praise our Creator by our actions and upbuilding spiritual comments. There we receive education and training so that we can praise God in other settings, when we are not physically in the midst of our local congregation.
...and the coup de grace *** w00 10/1 pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8 Buying Out Time for Reading and Study *** 7 By and large, most of us can buy out time for study at the expense of nonessential activities. We might ask ourselves, ‘How much time do I spend reading secular magazines or newspapers, watching television programs, listening to music, or playing video games? Do I spend more time in front of the computer than I do reading the Bible?’ Paul says: “Cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.” (Ephesians 5:17) Unreasonable use of television appears to be a major reason why many Witnesses do not devote sufficient time to personal study and Bible reading.—Psalm 101:3; 119:37, 47, 48. 8 Some may say that they cannot study all the time, that they need some recreation. While this is true, it might be good to consider the amount of time we spend relaxing and compare it with the time spent actually studying or reading the Bible. The result might be surprising. Recreation and relaxation, while necessary, must be kept in their proper place. Their purpose is to refresh us for renewed spiritual activities. Many television programs and video games leave a person exhausted, whereas reading and studying God’s Word is refreshing and invigorating.—Psalm 19:7, 8.
That's right, recreation that doesn't involve reading or studying about Jehovah’s Witnesses will only exhaust you. Reading about Jehovah’s Witnesses all the time is the only thing to really refresh and invigorate you. Makes total sense.....
It's Only A Matter Of TimeJehovah's Witnesses are the only religion that I have ever heard of that tracks the amount of time you set aside for god. In fact, the Governing Body makes a distinction between the types of activities that you can count towards one's monthly report. While they are quick to note that your relationship with god is personal, thats about where it ends. Everything is to be known, reported, and measured. Although a pioneer is told that they are no better then your average publisher, try telling that to a publisher who barely puts in 5 hours of service a month while taking care of a young family at home, while having to see pioneers paraded all the time as better, simply because they put in more time in field service. You can't be an appointed servant or elder unless you at least average 8 hours with an explanation, or 10 hours generally. Your wife and kids need to "set the example" by doing the same. But if they get tired, or you need to catch up on yardwork or homework? Anyone who has ever been a Jehovah’s Witness knows the answer to who wins that one, from the Jehovah’s Witness point of view. Not that you will find one scriptural mandate at all for this. Yet, the bible does speak of time, and its proper use. There is an interesting passage in Psalms 90 that the Governing Body uses all the time, simply because it mentions time. However, the context of Psalms 90 is all about recognizing that our time is limited, the oldest a man or woman will typically live is 70-80 years, and the Psalmist is asked to do something.... (from the New World Translation) (Psalm 90:10-12) 10 In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, Yet their insistence is on trouble and hurtful things; For it must quickly pass by, and away we fly. 11 Who is there knowing the strength of your anger And your fury according to the fear of you? 12 Show [us] just how to count our days in such a way That we may bring a heart of wisdom in. This is a most appropriate prayer. What is the wisest use of the limited time we have? If it is spent in propping up a cult whose sole aim is to insulate and perpetuate itself at the expense of sincere people who frequently come and go, then you are wasting your time, and your life. Ask REAL questions, not the Jehovah’s Witness approved questions at the bottom of a WT. Remember, you weren't told all about this religion before you got baptized, and there is a good reason for that, from the Governing Body's point of view. But the fact remains, what they teach is wrong, it has changed, and much of it is a lie. It would be time well spent to heed the warnings of those who have left due to conscience. Out of regard for those still in, many former Jehovah’s Witnesses (who are the last thing from evil) simply ask Jehovah’s Witnesses to see if these things are so. There is no evil agenda, just people scattered about who saw the same thing and were determined to learn a lesson: No more wasting of their time supporting a cult that doesn't care about you at all. No more demonizing of people who spend their time researching the real origins of Governing Body dogma, why they have changed, and why they will continue to change. Or, you can continue to report your personal service to god each month like an employee of a corporation. It's up to you, and how much time you want to spend being honest with yourself. Hits: 784 Trackback(0)
Comments (11)
  written by Judy , August 02, 2009 aaaaahhhhh time! It is my friend now! When I was in the "cult" I always wondered when I would have time to just sit & relax.... and think....maybe ponder .... hmmm... oops...but it's time to study for the book study, hurry..hurry... underline the answers, look up a few scriptures that I can apply with my answers... time to go to book study.... 2 hrs later and 10pm... I am home! Time for bed. 6AM up & at em...got to get to work! 5PM going home.... time to do yard work, house cleaning (no meeting tonight) grocery shopping & then fix dinner & hit the sack! Oh darn I forgot that I need to study for theocratic school tomorrow... and I have a part on it... oh darn.... another late night...oh...where oh where does my time go? hmmm? Did you feel the tension & the pressure in my words? Well if you did, then you have an idea of what it's like to be a JW.... the pressure is always on to do MORE MORE MORE for the Society & less less less for your self. NOW I enjoy my time! I can sit on my back porch on the weekends & do absolutely NOTHING if I want.... I tell ya.... I could get used to this " having time for myself & my family & friends".... THIS is living! I am having a good time now! and I remain EverSoGrateful that my time is MINE !!!!!!! report abuse
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 written by Blueeyes54 , August 03, 2009  smile report abuse
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 written by Whathehadas , August 04, 2009 Excellent JeffB! You hit the nail on the head with a sledge hammer. The JW organization is built on a time structure. There is always a time requirement for virtually everything in the witness world. "We are a busy people" is the proclaimed moniker for JWs. Yes seek the Kingdom first 23hrs and 55 mins a day, and all the other things like your time will be given to you. report abuse
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 written by John White , August 04, 2009 Only someone who has been associated with JW's can understand just how true this is - there's very little time for personal interests. Everyone is led to believe the the new system is coming "VERY SOON NOW" (actual quote from a recent Watchtower). Talk about crying wolf! No one does it better than JW's or longer (over 100 years of crying wolf). And, all of us (at least at one time) simply parroted this BECAUSE we were mislead and never read anything written outside the JW literature. Of course, once that happens, the house of cards (incorrectly called "the Truth") comes tumpling down and you're left wondering how the leaders can continue to promote the many falsehoods contained within this religion. report abuse
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 written by Jeffrey Byrge , August 04, 2009 Blueeyes54 I am glad that you do all that you do, and I do not doubt your motives. I am also reminded that Jesus exposed, not the sheep, but the leaders, who Jesus exposed as (Matthew 23:3-4) . . .. 4 They bind up heavy loads and put them upon the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger. This pretty much sums up the Governing Body. report abuse
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written by EverSoGrateful , August 05, 2009 Remember the watchtower.... Millions now living will never die? Well that was about the TIME I was inducted.... so I held off having children, pursuing a great job or career, cause that was what we were told to do.... NOW if I were to mention that to someone at the hall they would say... well they never MADE you do it , it was ONLY A SUGGESTION! HA! Tell that to the millions of people who did just what I did & now as I get older, I have no children, or grandchildren to enjoy & no retirement! THANKS ALOT WATCHTOWER! I wish I could sue them for millions! They have it too! THey are a multi Million dollar PUBLISHING COMPANY for Gods sake.... people WAKE UP!!!!!!! report abuse
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written by Blueeys54 , August 08, 2009 Thank you Jeff for those kind words. The subject of the GB stands on its's own as it's very complicated. You were writing about time. If you want to discuss exposure of the leaders, well now that's another matter. One day I will write my life in W and you'll find that I consistantly exposed the leaders and that is why they hate me. We suffer together that we are glorified together. My family has suffered a lot already. One day you'll know when I am ready to tell it. But thank you for caring. report abuse
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written by AllTimeJeff , August 08, 2009 blueeyes54 I would be remiss not to point out that without the Governing Body's requirements concerning time, then there is no subject. It is a most legitimate subject regarding Jehovah's Witnesses. Beyond that, I can wish you peace and healing to whatever has happened with regards to your family. In spite of this, the issues regarding the GB and how they affect their sheep are legit. report abuse
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written by John White , August 12, 2009 It's truly amazing when you come to realize what the opposers said all along, that is, that this oganization is "man-made", not of God, is the real truth. Once you realize that, there's no reason to adhere to it. It will cause you to re-examine their teachings and all that they try to hide from the rank and file - most of it being revealed via research on the Internet. Thanks to the thousands of ex-Witnesses (some with many many decades of experience and roles) in exposing the real truths (aka "lies") that this religion has promoted. My prediction is that in less than a decade, many JW's will leave this religion due to the information that can be learned on the Internet - in the privacy of one's own home. The leaders of JW's should all be ashamed of themselves for this scam. They have told people they don't need an education beyond high schoole (with some being encouraged to even drop out of high school at one time) and shouldn't have children (nor marry for that matter)... why? Because the new system is so close. Goodness, they are responsible for screwing up so many people's lives, it isn't even funny! If I was one the JW leaders, I would have a hard time looking myself in the mirror! report abuse
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 written by St. George of England , March 14, 2010 "The Devil finds work for idle hands". So thinks the GB. While you are working 24/7 for them you are not trawling 'apostate' websites as I am learning the truth about the organisation I have been with since 1950! report abuse
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written by St. George of England , March 14, 2010 "The Devil makes work for idle hands". This is why the GB want you to work 24/7 for them instead of trawling 'apostate' websites as I am doing, finding out the truth about the organisation I have been associated with since 1950! report abuse
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So what do you want to write about today? Do you have some time? As I write this on a Sunday morning, I can't help but remember all the time, blood, sweat and tears I gave to this cult. The hours studying, travelling, are all part of the process which turns off your brain. Do you need a break? I recall a CO saying from the platform that when we are tired, it isn't one's spiritual activities or "sacred service" that is the issue, it is the "worldly things we have to deal with, like jobs, school, and the like. I have to ask, does the Governing Body want one to believe that no one will be working in paradise, or learning? Or is it simply a matter of a leadership that doesn't understand, and doesn't care about the real life stress its flock is undergoing?
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