Special Need for Discernment

With proper discernment, we can act in harmony with Jesus Christ's words:  "Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and  [God's] righteousness, and these other [material ] things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) Jesus also said:  "The lamp of the body is your eye.  When your eye is simple, your whole body is bright." (Luke 11:34) The eye is a figurative lamp. A  "simple" eye is sincere, focused.  With such an eye, we can show discernment and walk without stumbling spiritually.  

Instead of keeping their eye simple, some have complicated their lives and the lives of others with tempting business dealings. But we should remember  that the Christian congregation is "a pillar and a support of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) Like a building's columns, the congregation uphold God's truth, not anyone's business enterprise. Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses have not been established as locations to promote commercial interests, goods, or services.  We must refrain from pursuing personal business affairs in the Kingdom Halls, Congregation Book Studies, assemblies, and conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses are places for Christian association and spiritual discussion.  If we were  to use spiritual  relationships to promote any sort of commercialism, would this not show at least some lack of appreciation for spiritual values?  Congregational connections should never be exploited for financial gain. 

Some have used theocratic contacts to sell health or beauty aids, vitamin products, telecommunication services,  construction materials, travel plans, computer programs and equipment, and so forth.  However, congregation meetings are not place for selling or promoting commercial products or services. We can discern the underlying principle if we remember that Jesus  "drove all those with sheep and cattle out of the temple, and he poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. And he said to those selling the doves: "Take these things away from here! Stop making the house of my Father a house of merchandise!' " -John 2:15, 16.

Next time: What About Investments?

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997