User talk:Cobaltbluetony/JW organization discussion

In response to comment Tommstein 23:22, 12 January 2006 (UTC):


 * To be one of Jehovah's Witnesses, you acknowledge that this chain of command is what you will follow, even if and when you disagree with it, for the sake of unity and devotion to what you believe is essentially the only organization God is dealing with. This is part of the definition of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Disagreements can take place within well-defined boundaries for the purposes of determining the best direction to go, not necesarily to come to a mutally agreeable resolution.  For very tricky situations, what elders are looking for is the devotion and loyalty to, and humility before, God.  Even if it seemed clear that the particular elders in the room were not looking to gain spiritual direction from God, that they might be looking for other interests (and any primary goal not directly related to pure worship of God would make derilect in their duties), this does not excuse a dedicated, baptized brother or sister to usurp the position of authority, to speak arrogantly or condescendingly, disrespectfully, use violent tones, or any other major or minor infraction of honorable Christian behavior.  This conduct comes directly from the Scriptures, and is not some man-made rule.  If you can make a convincing argument through scripture, respectfully and honorably, showing exactly how you feel you are conducting yourself, and are prayerfully waiting on God to provide an answer, then you stand a much MUCH smaller chance of receiving any public diciplinary action.  Being willing to submit to your spiritual brothers demonstrates a sincere desire on your part as one of Jehovah's Witnesses to cultivate the fruitages of the holy spirit 'with all mildness and long-suffering'.  Witnesses seek to resolve disputes as discretely and as peacfully as possible, even when "rank-and"file" members or those with authority bahave improperly.  If one of Jehovah's Witnesses does persist in beliefs that are significant and part of our fundamental definition, and especially if this one persists in disrespectful, dishonorable, or otherwise unChristian behavior, that one really is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses at heart, and is really just waiting (maybe even daring) for the organization to make it official.  If that is their sincerest position and wish, elders are bound to oblige them.