"ALL YOU ARE BROTHERS"

 "Do not be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers."-Matthew 23:8.



"WHO deserves more respect, a missionary or a Bethelite?"  A Christian woman in an Oriental country innocently asked a missionary from Australia.  She wanted to know who should be respected more, a missionary from another country or a local minister serving in the branch office of the Watchtower Society.  That Innocent question, reflecting a class-conscious culture, took the missionary by surprise.  The question of who is greater, however, stems from a desire to know where people stand in the ranks of power and influence.

This concern is by no means new.  Even Jesus' disciples had an ongoing argument about who was the greatest.  (Matthew 20:20-24; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 22:24-27)  They too came from a rather class-conscious culture, that of first-century Judaism.  With such a society in mind, Jesus counseled his disciples:  "Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers."  (Matthew 23:8) A religious title such as "Rabbi," which means "Teacher,"   tends   to engender pride and a sense of superiority in those who obtain It, and envy and a sense of inferiority in those who do not; and the whole spirit and tendency of it is contrary to the 'simplicity that is in Christ,' " noted the Bible scholar Albert Barnes.  Indeed, Christians refrain from addressing overseers among them as "Elder So-and-so,"  using the world "elder" as a flattering title.  (Job 32:21, 22) On the other hand, elders living up to the spirit of Jesus' counsel respect other members of the congregation, just as Jehovah respects loyal worshipers and Jesus Christ respects loyal followers.

Next time: The Example of Jehovah and of Jesus

The Watchtower, 2000

Honor Those Taking the Lead

Congregation elders are appointed by holy spirit, yet they are still imperfect and make mistakes.  (Psalm 130:3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Acts 20:28; James 3:2)  As a result, some in the congregation  may feel dissatisfied with the elders.  How should we react when we feel that something in the congregation is not handled just right, or at least as it seems?  Note the contrast between the first-century false teachers and angels:  "Darling, self-willed, they [false teachers] do not tremble at glorious ones but speak abusively, whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, not doing so out of respect for Jehovah."  ( 2 Peter 2:10-13)  While the false teachers spoke abusively of  "glorious ones"-elders who were given authority in the first-century Christian congregation-the angels did not speak abusively of the false teachers who  causing disunity among the brothers.  The angels, being in a superior position, and having a keener sense of justice than humans, were aware of what was taking place in the congregation. Yet, "out of respect for Jehovah," they left the judgment to God. -Hebrews 2:6, 7; Jude 9.

Even if something is not handled just the way it should be, should we not have faith in Jesus Christ as the living Head of the Christian congregation?  Should we not respect his way of handling the situation and recognize his ability to control matters?   Really, 'who are we to be judging our neighbor?"  (James 4:12; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Colossians 1:18)  Why not bring your concerns before Jehovah in your prayers?

Because of human imperfection, difficulties or problems arise.  there may even be times when an elder errs, causing some to be disturbed.  Our acting hastily under such circumstances will not change the situation. It may only serve to aggravate the problem.  Those having spiritual discernment will wait on Jehovah to set things straight and administer whatever discipline needed on  his own time and way. -2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 12:7-11.

What if you feel distressed over some matter?  Rather than talking to others in the congregation, why not respectfully approach the elders for help?  Without being critical, explain how you have been affected.  Always have "fellow feeling" for them, and maintain respect as you confide in them.  (1 Peter 3:8)  Do not resort to sarcasm, but trust in their Christian maturity.  Appreciate any Scriptural encouragement that they may kindly offer.  And if it appears that other corrective measures are needed, have confidence that Jehovah will guide the elders to do what is good and right. -Galatians 6:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:13. 

However, there is yet another aspect to consider with regard to honoring and respecting those who are in authority.  Should not those who are put in a position of authority respect the ones who are placed in their care?  Let us examine that in the next article.

Next time: "ALL YOU ARE BROTHERS"a

The Watchtower, 2000

Do You Show Respect?

Do you show respect for those in authority?  Christians are commanded to "render to all their dues, . . .to him who calls for respect, such respect,"  Indeed, our subjection to the subjection  to the "superior authorities" includes not just that we pay our taxes but that we respect  the authorities by our conduct and speech.  (Romans 13:1-7)   Faced with government officials who may be harsh, how do we react? In Chiapas State, Mexico, the authorities in one community had taken over the farmland belonging to 57 families of Jehovah's Witnesses because these Christians did not participate in certain religious festivals.  At the meetings that were held to resolve the matter, the Witnesses, clean and neatly dressed, always spoke with dignity and respect.  Over a year later, the decision was rendered in their favor.  Their attitude won the respect of some observers  to the extent they too wanted to become Jehovah's Witnesses!

How can you show respect for God-given authority in the family?  After discussing Jesus' example in suffering evil, the apostle Peter said: "In like manner, you wives be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through  the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect."  (1 Peter 3:1, 2; Ephesians 5:22-24)  Peter here emphasized the importance of a wife's being in subjection to her husband with 'deep respect," even though some husbands may do little to deserve such respect. A wife's respect may win the heart of her unbelieving husband.  (It also says that the husband should not mistreat/abuse   their wives and their wives should not mistreat/abuse   their husbands. It works both ways)

In the context of these scriptures, Peter draws our attention to the example of Sarah whose husband, Abraham, was an outstanding example of faith.  (Romans 4:16, 17; Galatians 3:6-9; 1 Peter 3:6) Should wives with believing husband give them any less respect than wives with unbelieving mates give theirs?  What if you do not agree with your husband on some matter?  Jesus gave some advice that can be applied in a general way here:  "If someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles"  (Matthew 5:41) Do you respect your husband by going along with is wishes? If this seems too difficult, share your feelings about the matter with him. Do not assume that he knows how you feel.  (they cannot read your mind like you think they can)  But when you make your wishes known to hm, do so in a respectful manner.  The Bible admonishes us:  "Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one." -Colossians 4:6) 

How about your children? God's Word commands:  "Children, be obedient to the Lord, for this is righteousness:  'Honor/respect  your    father and your mother;" which is the first command with a promise."  (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Notice that being obedient to your parents is considered synonymous with 'honoring/respecting your father and your mother.' The Greek word rendered "honor " carries the meaning to "prize" or "fix a valuation upon."   Thus, being obedient requires more than begrudgingly following the parental rules that may seem unreasonable to you.  God asks you to esteem your parents highly and value their guidance. -Proverbs 15:5. (remember they don't owe you, you own them)

If your parents do something that tends to diminish your respect for them, what then?  Try to see matters from their point of view.  Have they not "caused your birth" and provided for you? (Proverbs 23:22)  Are they not motivated by love for you?  (Hebrews 12:7-11) Speak respectfully to your parents, explaining in a spirit of mildness how you feel. Even if they respond in a way that you do not like, refrain from speaking disrespectfully to them. (Proverbs 24:29)  Remember how David maintained  his respect for Saul even when the king strayed from following God's counsel. Ask Jehovah to help you to deal with your feelings. "Before him pour out your heart," said David.  "God is a refuge for us." -Psalm 62:8; Lamentations 3:25-27.

Next time: Honor Those Taking the Lead

The Watchtower, 2000

Respect Despite Imperfection

There are many examples in the Bible of those who honored individuals in authority, (of course, because they were true Christians and deserved it) even when these misused or abused their authority.  David was one such fine example.  King Saul, under whom he served, became jealous of David's achievements and sought to kill him.  ( 1 Samuel 18:8-12; 19:9-11; 23:26)  Still, though having opportunities to kill Saul, David said:  "It is unthinkable, on my part, to thrust my hand out against the anointed of Jehovah!"  (1 Samuel 24:3-6; 26:7-13)  David knew that Saul was in the wrong, but he left it up to Jehovah to judge him.  (1 Samuel 24:12, 15; 26:22-24)   He did not speak abusively of or to Saul.

Was David distressed while he was being mistreated?  "There are . . .tyrants that do seek my soul," David cried out to Jehovah:  "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God . . .Strong ones make an attack on me, for no revolt on my part, nor any sin on my part, O Jehovah.  Though there is no error, they run and get themselves ready. Do rouse yourself at my calling and see."  (Psalm 59:1-4)  Have you  ever felt the same way-that you had done no wrong to a person in authority, yet he kept giving you a hard time?  David did not fail to show respect to Saul.  Upon Saul's death, instead of exulting in joy, David composed a dirge:  "Saul and Jonathan, the lovable ones and the pleasant ones during their life. . . Swifter than the eagles they were mightier than the lions they were.  You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul."  (2 Samuel 1:23, 24)  What  fine example of genuine respect for the anointed of Jehovah, even though David had been wronged by Saul!

In the Christian era, we also find outstanding examples of those honoring God-given authorities.   (Here on earth. There can't  be any God-given, it is people given, because we are all imperfect humans, those of us who are true Christians  are still imperfect. We just strive to do better towards God and do what he expects of us. But we are not all without sin.)  Take, for instance, Paul.  He showed respect for the decisions of the first-century governing body of the Christian congregation.  During Pauls' last visit to Jerusalem, the governing body counseled him to cleanse himself ceremonially to show others that he harbored no animosity toward the Mosaic Law.  Paul could have reasoned:  "Those brothers previously instructed  me to leave Jerusalem when my life was threatened.  Now they want me to demonstrate in public that I respect the Mosaic law. I've already written a letter to the Galatians advising them  to keep free from observing the Law. If I go to the temple, other may misunderstand my action, thinking that I am compromising with those of the circumcised class.'  However, Paul evidently  did not reason that way.  Since no compromise of Christian principles was involve, he respected  and complied with the counsel of the first-century governing body.  The immediate result was that Paul had to be rescued from a Jewish mob, and he subsequently spent two years in prison.  In the long term, God's will was done.  Paul witnessed before high officials in Caesarea and then was taken at government expense to Rome to witness before Caesar himself. - Acts 9:26-30; 21:2-20-26; 23:11; 24:27; Galatians 2:12; 4:9, 10.

Next time:  Do You Show Respect!

The Watchtower, 2000

Disprespect Leads to Disapproval

From the history of King David, we can see how Jehovah views those who look down on God-given authority.  When David had the ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, his wife Michal "got to see King David leaping and dancing around before Jehovah; and she began to despise him in her heart."  Michal should have recognized David as not only the family head, but also the king of the land.  However, she voiced her feelings in sarcasm:  "How glorious the king of Israel made himself today when he uncovered himself today to the eyes of the slave girls of his servants, just as one of the empty-headed men uncovers himself out right!"  A result of this was that Michal never produced children. -2 Samuel 6:14-23. (David was a Christian, so he deserved to be king and have authority, some others abuse authority)

An outrageous example of not respecting God-appointed theocratic leadership was that of Korah. As a Kohathite, what a privilege he enjoyed serving Jehovah at the tabernacle!  Still, he found fault with Moses and Aaron, God's anointed leaders of the Israelites.  Korah banded together with other chieftains of Israel and brazenly told Moses and Aaron: "The whole assembly are all of them holy and Jehovah is in their midst. Why, then, should you lift yourselves up above the congregation of Jehovah?" How did Jehovah view the attitude of Korah and his supporters?  God viewed their action as dishonoring Jehovah himself.  After seeing all those on their side swallowed up in the earth, Korah and the 250 chieftains were destroyed by fire from Jehovah. -Numbers 16:1-3, 28-35.

In the first-century Christian congregation, there were those who disregarded theocratic authority.  The "superfine apostles" in the Corinthians congregation had a disrespectful attitude toward Paul.  They criticized his speaking ability, saying: "His presence in person is weak and his speech is contemptible."  (2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:5)  Whether Paul was an outstanding speaker or not, he deserved respect as an apostle.  But was Paul's speech really contemptible?  His public discourses recorded in the Bible give evidence of how convincing a speaker he was.  Why, as a result of how convincing a  brief discussion with Herod Agrippa II, an "expert on all . . . the controversies among Jews,"  Paul brought the king to the point of saying:  "In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian!"  (Acts 13:15-43; 17:22-34; 26:1-28)  Yet, the superfine  apostles in Corinth accused him of being contemptible in his speech!  How did Jehovah view their attitude?  In a message for the overseers of the Ephesian congregation, Jesus Christ spoke favorably of the ones who refused to be drawn away by those 'who said they were apostles, but they were not.' -Revelation 2:2.

Next time: Respect Despite Imperfection

The Watchtower, 2000

RESPECT THE ONES GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER YOU

"THE kids have all the rights.  There's no respect for parents," bemoans a mother.  "Question Authority" says  a bumper sticker.  Those are but two reflections of a situation that prevails today, as you must know.  A general lack of respect for parents, teachers, employers, and government officials is common all over the world.  (I have a slightly different opinion about who deserves respect. You have to earn it. I have had  one or two employers in my work experience that actually deserved respect-at least mine; and has for the government, they do not deserve any. All they do is lie and deceive. You see, I am a realist and have been since I was  a very young girl.)

Some may just shrug their shoulders and say, 'Well, those in positions of authority don't merit my respect.'  At times, that may be hard to deny.  We are faced with a steady flow of news about corrupt government officials, greedy employers, incompetent teachers, and abusive parents.  (the part about corrupt government is on the mark, also employers and abusive parents. The teachers I can deal with. There aren't many employers who have respect for their employees either, been there.) Happily a few Christians view those in authority in the congregation in that same light.  (because we actually see the  real truth and don't have our heads stuck in the ground, like people who don't want to see  the truth)  -Matthew 24:45-47.

As Christians, we have "compelling reason" for respecting those exercising secular authority. The apostle Paul admonished Christians to "be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God;  The  existing authorities stand placed in their  relative positions by God." (1 Peter 2:13-15)  Yeah,  but God  did not want or expect  them to be  the corrupt, liars, greedy, abusive etc. people,   that they are today. He expected them to be able to actually run things the way they were suppose to be-didn't happen-still not happening  and won't, not in this wicked system of things-world.)  Paul also showed a valid reason for obeying the authorities in the family: "You wives be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming to the Lord.  (this is correct)  You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord." (also correct)  (Colossians 3:18, 20) Congregation elders are worthy of our honor (not honor, but  respect  yes.   only God should be honored and it says in the Bible that we are not suppose to take titles, such as reverend, pastor, etc.)  because 'the holy spirit has appointed them overseers, ( would say it was more like some imperfect sinful people who appointed them) to shepherd the congregation of God.'  (Acts 20:28) it is out of respect for Jehovah that  we respect human authorities.  Naturally honoring Jehovah's authority always comes first in our lives.  Acts 5:29.  (There is a difference between honor and respect and with the exception of Jehovah, honor should not be used here.)

With Jehovah's supreme authority in mind, let us consider examples of some who did not respect those in authority and of some who did.

Next time: Disrespect Leads to Disapproval

The Watchtower, 2000

(Growing up, I was brought up to believe that respect should be earned, not just taken for granted My mother was a bible school teacher. Yes, children should have respect for their parents, as they gave them life and are the parent and are the ones that should do the disciplining of them.  That should be automatic. Although it also depends on  if the parents are abusive-I mean beating a child. I don't mean spanking them a couple times on the rear end. I mean outright beating them with their fists etc. There is a difference and some parents either don't know the difference or they don't care. But this is why there are so many teenagers who are running all over their parents.  As for abusive husbands, God did not intend on the  wives or husbands to get treated in that fashion by their male or female spouses.  Be in subjection, yes.  Abused, No.  Been there too. )

The Rescue Work Continues

Geographically, this small group of  Jehovah's Witnesses on Robinson Crusoe live very far from the rest of their spiritual brothers and sisters.  Yet, they do not feel abandoned, as did the Scotsman Selkirk. By means of the constant flow of theocratic literature and conventions that are sent to them from the Watchtower Society's Chile branch three times a year, and the yearly visit of the circuit overseer, they maintain close contact with Jehovah's organization.  So they continue to be an active part of  'the entire association of brothers in the world.' -1 Peter 5:9

Next time: HONOR THE ONES GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER YOU

The Watchtower, 2000

Strengthening Those Who Have Been Rescued

Once a year a traveling overseer visits the island.  What is it like to visit a handful of Witnesses on  a remote island?  One circuit overseer describes his first visit to Robinson Crusoe:   "This trip was a  dream come true.  It started at 7:00 a.m.  when we left Valparaiso to drive to Santiago's Cerrillos Airport.  We boarded a small seven-passenger plane. After a flight of 2 hours and 45 minutes, we saw in the distance a mountain peak that rose above the clouds. As we got closer the island came into view-an impressive rock-mass in the middle of the ocean.  It seemed to be floating in a watery expanse, like a ship lost at sea. 

After landing, a boat took us to the village.  Here and there, rocky masses protruding from the sea form small islets that serve as resting places for Juan Fernandez fur seals.  The fur seals are a protected species because their numbers have been greatly diminished.  Suddenly, something flew alongside the boat before disappearing again in the sea.  It was  a flying fish, whose pleated fins resemble wings.  It seemed to enjoy leaping out of the water to catch insects.  Of course sometimes the catcher also gets caught; his leaps may draw the attention of other predators who are also ready to swallow him as he makes his splashdown.

"Finally, we arrived at the village of San Juan Bautista  (St.John the Baptist).  There were quite a few islander standing on the dock, either waiting for their visitors or just curious about who might be arriving this time.  We were impressed by a beautiful panorama-the majestic  and jagged mountain called El Yunque (The Anvil), carpeted as if with dark-green velvet,   and   in the  background,m a clear blue sky bordered by masses of white clouds.

"We soon noticed a group of our Christians sister and their children waiting for us on the dock. It was vacation time, so the group was larger than normal.  After exchanging warm greetings, we were taken to the attractive cabin that we would call our home for a week.

"It was a very special week, and we realized that it would pass by quickly.  We needed to make good use of our time.  That very day, right after lunch, we visited a bible student who was soon to become our spiritual sister and part of God's spiritual paradise.  She was beaming with joy but was also a bit nervous.  her long-awaited goal of baptism was nearing.  We considered some necessary information with her so that she could quality as a publisher of the good news.  the next day she participated in the preaching work for the first  time.  The third day, we began to consider the requirements for baptism with her. Before the week ended, she was baptized.

"The meetings held during the week were well-supported, with a maximum attendance of 14.  Each day there were arrangements for field service, return visits, Bible studies, and shepherding calls.  What an encouragement for the sisters who carry out their activity by themselves all year long?"

It has been more difficult for men on the island to respond to the truth, perhaps  because of the strenuous demands of their secular work.  The main work is catching lobsters, which calls for much dedication .  Prejudice also plays role in the negative reaction of many.  Nevertheless, it is hoped that more islanders, both men and women, will respond in the future.  

Until now, ten individuals have been rescued on the island by coming to know the truth and Jehovah God's purposes.  Some of them have since left the island for various reasons.  But whether they remain or  not, their spiritual rescue has proved to be much more significant than Alexander Selkirk's  rescue.  They now enjoy a spiritual paradise wherever they may live.  The sisters who still live on the island and their children enjoy garden like surrounds, but even more than that, they have the prospect of living when the entire earth will be a true paradise in every sense of the word.

Next time:The Rescue Work Continues

The Watchtower, 2000

A Spiritual Recue

Such a spiritual rescue work began about 1979.  A woman who was studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses in Santiago, Chile, moved to the island and started to teach others what she had learned. Sometime later a congregation elder who was visiting the island for secular reasons was surprised to find a small group of Bible students progressing spiritually with the help of that woman.  By the time the elder visited the island again three months later, this isolated Bible teacher and two  of her students were ready to be baptized, so the elder presided over their baptism. Later, on of these newly baptized Christians got married and, together with her husband, continued searching for others who needed spiritual rescue.  Her husband took the lead in building a modest Kingdom Hall, which continue to serve the small group on the island.  In time, for economical reasons, they left Robinson Crusoe and moved to a  congregation in central Chile, where they continue actively serving Jehovah.

Little by little, the small group on the island continued to grow as others were rescued from false religion.  However, since students must move to the mainland for their high school education, the group was reduced to two baptized sisters and one young girl. The group during the vacation period when some mothers return to the island.  This serves to rejuvenate the three isolated Christians who remain there all year long.  As a result of hard work of these sisters, Jehovah's Witnesses are well-known on Robinson Crusoe. True, some islanders have taken a stand against their work and try to pressure others to reject the Kingdom message. Nevertheless, seeds of Bible truth planted in sincere hearts continue to sprout.

Next time: Strengthening Those Who Have Been Rescued

The Watchtower, 2000

RESCUE ON ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND

ROBINSON CRUSOE is one of the three island in the Pacific Ocean that make up the archipelago called the Juan Fernandez, about 400 miles off the coast of Chile."  The 36-square mile island got that name from a famous 18th-century novel entitled Robinson Crusoe, written by the English author Daniel Defoe.  The novel apparently was loosely based on the adventures of a Scotsman, Alexander Selkirk, who lived alone on the island for some four years. 

A wooden sign on the island states in part:  "At this site, day after day for more than four years, the Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk anxiously searched the horizon for the rescue boat that would free him for this isolation."  Eventually, Selkirk was rescued and taken back to his homeland, to a world that no longer satisfied him after he had lived in his own little paradise.  He reportedly  later said:  "Oh, my beloved island!  I wish I had never left thee!"

With the passing of time, the island came to be used as a penal colony, inhabited by some who had committed  "crimes of faith"  against the Catholic Church. What a change from the paradisaical island that Selkirk once knew!  Present-day residents of the island, however, enjoy a peaceful serenity unknown in many parts of  the world.  The laid-back life-style, which is typical of many island cultures, makes it easy to start conversations with just about anyone.

Officially, Robinson Crusoe has about 500 inhabitants, but during most of the year, about 400 people occupy the island.  In part, the reason is that some mothers and their children live on the Chilean mainland during the vacation months to spend time with the rest of the family.

In spite of the beautiful garden like surroundings on Robinson Crusoe, some islanders feel a spiritual void, and are searching for answers.  Others have felt as if they needed to be spiritually rescued.

Next time: A Spiritual Rescue

The Watchtower, 2000