Why have a Discussion Board?

[admin]

Proverbs 18:1 makes very clear a fact about humans.

One isolating himself will seek [his own] selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth.

When a person removes himself from contact with others, there is little to occupy the thoughts other than personal interests. Depending on the nature of the person and the philosophical bent of mind, the person will eventually begin to make a false assumption on a certain matter and from then on, the consequential thought patterns will grow and continue from the original false premise into something that is either stupid or dangerous, both to himself or others eventually. There will be a break with common sense and reality.

I have noticed over the years, many persons that leave an organized religion, disassociate themselves from further involvement with any spiritual or religious discussions and form their own concept as to who God is and what this or that means. It goes deeper and further than just maintaining a balance of reading the Bible and attempting to live life as a follower of Christs example. These individuals come to form a self made image of God and somehow manage to twist and contort scripture to fit their own wisdom and personal desires. They end up making themselves the arbiter of Gods word and begin to feel that God reveals himself to them in the Spirit and before you know it, gently remove themselves from common sense and the real wisdom that comes from above.

It is hard to tell someone that they are in the grip of a mild mental impairment and require realignment to bring them back into contact with the Bible, Gods word and HOW information and wisdom and insight is received.

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

It takes much more than our own thoughts and self inclined favouritism to understand the Bible.

Anyhow, the counsel is there for those that can get themselves out the way of themselves.

As we say in Ireland, You cant help the helpless.

[sidgi]

while your words were pointed, and obviously directed at an individual, rather than the members of this board in general, there are a few things that everyone could benefit from. The "getting yourself out of the way" comment, is one in particular.

Often we hold beliefs that seem reasonable, and we hold on to them because they seem self evident. We have taken them for granted for years, and they form the basis for our outlook in general. They are so much of our basis for understanding so many things, that we never question them. We take the stance; "Everyone believes this, why should I question it"? It is so much of our background or upbringing, that we often never even think of correcting it. They so much fit the premise of our overall belief system, we wouldn't even think of questioning the correctness of them. But is that the course recommended by the bible?

The principals contained in some verses, if applied in an overall way, not just concerning the actual circumstances of their occurrence, can be very beneficial. Let's look at just a few of them, To see what else might be learned.

(John 3:3) . . .“Most truly I say to you, Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

if someone is born again, isn't that a wiping of the slate clean, and starting all over again? Why would anyone value any of their old thoughts to the point of carrying them through to this re-birth, no matter how basic, no matter how accepted by all around them?

(Hebrews 2:1) . . .That is why it is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us, that we may never drift away.

(Romans 12:1-2) 12 Consequently I entreat YOU by the compassions of God, brothers, to present YOUR bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with YOUR power of reason. 2 And quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making YOUR mind over, that YOU may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(2 Corinthians 10:5) . . .For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God; and we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ;

This is just a few scriptures, and each one is tested according to their reaction to these, and to many others as they try and understand the bible's message, and apply it in their lives. When you read these things, do you take them for granted, or do you truly try and understand them from God's point of view, instead of your own. It is prideful to hold on to your own thoughts, in the face of greater wisdom. Even in things seemingly unimportant.

The individual addressed in the previous post wasn't content to just hold on to some minor understandings, about the way things should be understood. He was having grandiose thoughts about how he could understand spiritual things in a way unburdened by intense study, and long hours of thought and talking with others, to get differing points of view. Sure, we are all judged in the end by our selves, but the bibles message is that wisdom is with the multitude of counselors. John's message is to test the inspired expressions to see if they originate with God, isn't that true even if that inspiration arises within ourselves?

(Jeremiah 17:9) 9 “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?

sidgi

[admin]

Thanks for the response.

I examined myself hard on my bed for a couple of nights and finally came to a realization regarding being an ex JW that can affect some of us, and also where my concerns lay and why.

Letting go of the network that has surrounded us over a long period of life is not easy. The JWs embraced and intertwined itself into our very lives like a family. Our reasons for leaving vary from person to person and in the end, it is a wrench to leave or  be disfellowshipped and lose the friendship of all the people we have known.

However, for those that left, and for those that left for the "right" reasons, (not that any reason for leaving where falseness is taught is a wrong reason) and by that I mean those that still are inclined to "find" Jehovah and serve him regardless, it is a whole new world of heartache and loneliness out here.

Once done where is a person to go? The reality is that all churches teach falseness regarding the scriptures therefore to a large extent, we ARE alone.

What I have found over the time Ive been studying, is that I DID spend vast amounts of time alone, just me and the scriptures. My intent in studying was firstly to make sure I had it correct in my reasoning for NOT going back to the Jws and secondly to see if I could find if there was a way to worship Jehovah as an individual who was truly alone.

The "comfort" I drew from the scriptures was the knowledge that what I had done, was motivated sincerely by the disquiet I had internally over differentials between the assertions of the governing body and what the scriptures really said. Once I accepted the disparity, I had to choose.

I spent time reconsidering whole sections of the Bible as to whether or not what I took from the Jws was in harmony with reality. In the main, excepting anything to do with dates, self applied prophetic explanations pertaining to the governing body, the rest was pretty much ok. The teachings, morals and principles I had were in harmony with the Bible....

I asked night after night in prayer for understanding....for direction. For years.

My personal life at this time also took a downturn, the recession took care of my business, my health took a beating and my circumstances changed 180 degrees. At one time I faced total misery as to the future. I recall praying and saying, "well I came this far Jehovah, I still dont know the answers but if this is it.. Ive done the best I can and will try to continue whatever happens." Within the hour of being faced with the blank wall of no where to go... the problem was resolved. My Father in the heavens allowed me to be tested and then stepped in to ease the situation.

I was also blessed with individuals in my life to discuss things with regarding the Bible and spiritual matters. My prayers for enlightenment have been answered by these associations, because the Bible and Gods purpose and thoughts are the things discussed. I dont always agree or accept some of the conclusions reached with regard to understandings of some of the scriptures....but the lack of is minor and certainly never a lack of acceptance of the overall message or theme. It is more that it doesnt "quite" seem correct in my mind, but is always on the right lines of thought but not yet completed or seen in the same way as others.

So when faced with individuals who prefer to seek their own counsel and thinking, and in effect decline to share in "discussions" but will take individuals and feed them knowledge of their thinking.. and describe it as Spirit led in dreams and earnest prayer, I have to question their grasp of the Bible and secondly their grasp on reality. They forget we are on the same side, or really.. they dont want to listen.

So, I realize, that i have unconsciously attributed to these people, a diagnosis of mild religious mania, and a distancing from them in spiritual association. Maybe one day...they will see the wisdom of Jehovahs words about association.

Jesus said the association of two or more had his presence.... not one.

Additional thought: I wish to state CLEARLY here that in associating with others, I am NOT taking the high ground that "my knowledge" or "our knowledge" is in any way superior to anyone else, just that the Bible based ensuing discussions will allow for food for thought. Sometimes our basis for thinking a certain way is not grounded in a clear understanding of scripture. Its happened to me many times and Im grateful for the re alignment of understanding.