Sepie93

Dear brother, You really gave me some food for thought and I really thank you for that. Your post is a beautiful one, very encouraging and thoughtful. So, thank you. I can really relate to the struggles you described in your post. For me, it sometimes feels like whatever I try to do in my service for Jehovah, I'm always 0-2 behind. This way of thinking is hard to deal with, and it undermines the strong relationship Jehovah wants to have with us. I have to say that a certain scripture really helped me. Maybe I may share it here. It is in Isaiah 55. It is a chapter we use a lot in the ministry to prove that what Jehovah says is true and is always accomplished. Whatever humans may do, Jehovah's will will be accomplished. So, turn your attention to verses 6 and 7. "Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near. Let the wicked man leave his way And the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way." These words are so beautiful for a heart that is hurt by past mistakes. It is soothing. But a heart that is hurt might say easily: "Yes, I know this is true. But in my situation, with all the details I vividly remember..... I don't know if I can believe Jehovah will see me like this." When we read verse 8, we will recognize it from use in the ministry. But I hope you can see the connection between verses 7 and 8. Jehovah says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, And your ways are not my ways,” declares Jehovah. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts." Do you see the word that connects 7 and 8? The word "for"? It is Jehovah who is giving us reasons why you really have to believe what He just said about returning and that He will forgive!! [/i]. He urges us to accept that His ways are better than a sinful path and that His forgiveness will be there! It is like Jehovah saying to us: "My friend, I will forgive you. So, please, even though your thoughts say something else, my thoughts are greater than yours. My ways of handling the situation are better than you can understand. You see the rain? It will not go back until it does what I wanted it to do. In the same way are my words of forgiveness for you in verse 7! It will not return to me until it did with you as I please. Please accept that fact." This was a turning point for me in how I see myself. It really helps me to understand that Jehovah is greater than I am, even when my thoughts are about myself and my past. He have to do our best to see ourselves as Jehovah sees us, because His thoughts are greater than ours[emoji3590][emoji3590] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I think the brothers are just trying to get us prepared for situations that are likely to occur in the last days. Don't forget many people (including some friends) live their lifes as if nothing will ever happen. They feel secure in this world. So, a video like this is a very good reminder for all to not "settle" in this world, because things can change quickly. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Good question. The brother is indeed from a majority Muslim country and was religiously very involved in Islam. Although it's true the Quran does not say anything about the beard, the Hadiths do. The hadith are the sayings and actions of Mohammad, as narrated by various people. Muslims are to follow the most "authentic" Hadiths. One of these says, quote: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Cut the mustache short and let the beard grow." [sahih al-Bukhari 5893] Sahih al-Bukhari is considered one of the most authentic. So, due to these hadiths, many Muslims grow beards for religious reasons. And the more extreme ones will shave their mustage, but grow a beard. This style is still a HUGE no-no for brothers. At least... if you don't wanna look like ISIS and scare people away[emoji28] (One time, I was in a supermarket with a brother from a country where extremism was very common. We entered like normal. Then we saw some guys standing there. This brother took my arm and pushed me out of the shop, urging me to come after him. So I was a little confused and asked: "What's up!?" He answered: "Did you not see his mustage?" "No". He said: "This is the extreme style." This poor brother was just being afraid and obviously traumatized) Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I understand what you mean. Actually, in my culture (Dutch), we are very, very opinionated about almost everything. As Dutch, we HATE the phares: "You must do......". So naturally, it feels so wrong to me when the FDS says "choose," but the BOE says: well, in this particular congregation, we do it in this way. But I'm learning that as long as there are no direct Bible principles in place, I remain quiet. Because in these cases, it is of no real importance, actually. The only importance is my individual responsibility to do my best to support unity in the congregation by supporting the elders while keeping the instructions of the FDS clear in mind. (BTW.. this is how I really want to react.. but it's still a work in progress[emoji28]🫣) Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I think I understand what you mean. There is indeed a difference between disliking something and someone stumbling. If someone dislikes something, that might be personal taste. But when someone gets stumbled and you get aware of it, and I'm talking about dedicated brothers here, then Christian love should still motivate us to adapt. Honestly, it would be quite hypocritical to adapt to help the field, but refuse it for brothers. ( I'm not saying you assumed that, though). That is the whole point of 1 Corinthians chapter 8. If Acts 10 was to be applied to these kinds of situations, why did Paul give another, more loving way? Actually, Acts chapter 10 is about a potential problem that could hinder Jehovah's purpose from being done: accepting Gentiles into the Christian congregation. So, it's clear why Jehovah said this. These updates, though, are situations where you have people just dislike it, but there might also be a potential point where people get stumbled, like the situation in 1 Corinthians 8. When you get confronted with that, instead of demanding these friends to "grow up" spiritually and get more "knowledge," we should adapt as Paul urges us to do. Romans 14:19-21 So, then, let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that build one another up. Stop tearing down the work of God just for the sake of food. True, all things are clean, but it is detrimental for a man to eat when it will cause stumbling. It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

These kinds of topics really remind me of what Paul wrote about eating meat offered to idols. - the instructions were clear: Christians could eat it. - many accepted it and ate. - some, I assume: a small minority, had heartfelt problems with it. The advice? 1 Corinthians 8:9 "But keep watching that your right to choose does not somehow become a stumbling block to those who are weak." This principle is really, really big, because it applies to so many and different areas of life[emoji3590] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Thanks for asking. The first two are not hypotheses but real-life encounters I had. 1. In the field I served, many viewed growing a beard as inappropriate. Why? Because it might be linked to the religion the majority of these people came from. In this religion, the beard can be viewed as a religious symbol. That's why some had strong feelings about it when brothers grew a beard. Now, we have clear instructions from the GB. But, even after the update, if I know that brothers will be really stumbled in my congregation, why would I not love them enough to just shave? That principal is still there. The update did not annul this Bible principle. 2. In the Netherlands is a region, the majority being very conservative Christians. Make-up is viewed by many as an expression of worldly thinking. Sisters are asked to dress more conservative when going there and to not wear make-up. Why? Christian love motivates us to put our personal preferences aside and adapt in order to not stumble anyone. Also, in the field where I served, there are many things that we adapt to which are considered "personal" choices: skirts far beyond the knee, no shoulders visible for sisters, no signs of affection between husband and wife during meetings, no Bibles put on the ground before you, even the way brothers sit is a point of consideration due to cultural differences. Christian love motivates us to adapt. 3. This point I have no experience with personally. But this thread showed that there are BOE who decided for the benefit of their respective congregations that wearing a tie in these meetings is asked. Again, Christian love is still a principle higher than this update. So when these BOE came together and decided this, Christian love should motivate us to adapt. IMO, there is a huge difference between someone just being offended by something and someone struggling with the danger of stumbling about a certain subject. In the cases 1 en 2 above, the persons did not necessarily get offended. But they would be hurt, spiritually shaken, and confused. This is something else as just being offended. And of course we can not make every single one happy. Everyone has the personal responsibility to grow spiritually and see if they are too sensitive about a certain subject. But we can't force these changes in feelings and perception in our friends. That's not our responsibility. So why not just love them and adapt when we can? Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I was thinking about the instructions the elders give in regard to this new arrangement and this thread.. and I have to say that I can understand both sides here.. Although I did say in an earlier post that I hate it to be micromanaged, I have to come forward and say that I also recognize and deeply respect the authority the elders have in Sheperding and taking care of the congregation. Although the GB gave this new instruction, it does not mean that all other principles in the Bible are all of a sudden erased. We still don't want to stumble or hurt others. An example: with the beard update, it was clearly said that a brother can choose. But that does not mean at all costs. In my congregation, there is a brother whom I know has difficulty with brothers having beards due to his background. Now, this brother really tried to apply the instruction and really worked on his feelings. So after a chat with him, I decided that I could wear a beard with a clear conscience. But would it be Christ-like to wear a beard and stumble this brother? No. The apostle Paul was clear about things that might stumble someone, and to avoid thinking like: "because I have the right, this brothers has to adapt, and I just don't care." As a BOE, they know the sheep well. It might be true that the GB gave a certain instruction. But this instruction did not cover all the details. What if, in a particular congregation, brothers and sisters really stumble when a brother does not wear a tie for less than 7 minutes while conducting the meeting? What if in this congregation friends chat with each other more about the tie-less conductor instead of the spiritual food provided at this meeting? It wouldn't be Christ-like, nor loving to just push and push and be insensitive to their feelings. As appointed brothers, we want to serve the friends. In other words, we want to put our own interest aside in order to be there for the friends. Maybe these brothers are wrong in their feelings, but that doesn't annul our personal responsibility to still take their stance and feelings into consideration. Given this information, it would be loving, maybe even necessary for a BOE to request this less-than-7-minutes-tie-meeting of the servants conducting it. It might very well be a way of serving your friends in the congregation. It's the same with beards. If my beard stumbles someone, Christian love should motivate me to shave. If a sisters' make-up stumbles someone or a group, Christian love should motivate her to go without. If in a congregation people are sensitive to a just less than 7 minutes field service meeting without a tie, Christian love should still motivate us to just wear it. I think if we focus more on what the needs of others are and less of what our individual rights might be, we are more useful in every way. And let Jehovah and Jesus take care of situations within congregations that need to change[emoji3590] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

It's true that the instructions need to be followed. But that is also the case for elders themselves, of course. Even with the most simple instructions, some elders or BOE still tend to find ways to complicate it. It's not that I'm complaining, and I know that even in these cases, it's 100% with the best of intentions. Some aren't even aware of this. An example: when the beard update was published, an elder (not in my congregation) said: nice update, but(!) in our field, it's still not acceptable to wear a beard... what?[emoji28] It's totally fine when this brother, or even a group of brothers, feels this way. But it will not annul the update we received as a worldwide brotherhood, including the ones within "their" congregations. Maybe it's due to the Dutch culture, but I for sure would at least ask the details about such a claim[emoji28] This is what I love about these recent updates. The GB is actually telling us to use our individual sound mind as Christians and Bible based conscience. And they trust the brothers and sisters in this. Personally, I always get a little itchy when I feel I'm being micromanaged. Especially when I ask details and the reaction is along the lines of: because we (elders) said so. In this regard, I really love the decision our BOE made. They said: well, the GB was clear. Having a part in the program in congregation meetings: (the Dutch translation of the announcement): wear a suit/tie or dress. We will not add anything else to what the brothers said. (In Dutch, we don't really use the word "meetings" for field service meetings. We call it differently. So, at least for the Dutch, the announcement was only speaking about meetings as a congregation[emoji28]) Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I've heard from brothers from the branch here: don't expect any further instructions from the branch when it comes to the announcement about clothes. The update said it all. So... I think that's the only thing we will get haha[emoji28] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Yesterday, I spoke with some elders in my congregation, and it was a very good conversation about the recent changes. We have been so used in the organization to have certain "black and white" reasoning, "allowed - not allowed," etc. But with this update, the GB is really saying: brothers and sisters, use your own conscience and sound reasoning. The elders were also very, very careful when we spoke about "correcting" brothers about their clothes. One said: am I posting my personal opinion about what I think is casual or not? My opinion is not more important or even true than the opinion of a brother or sister in the congregation. Of course, there are boundaries, but we as elders have to be even more careful now not to put our own opinion on the friends, because we were used to think in a certain way. I really loved to taste the humility of these brothers[emoji3590] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

1089 Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

What I really appreciate about this update is the way we see the difference between the texts in 1st Corinthians and 2 John. Honestly, I always thought and understood it this way from my personal study. So, to see it "in print" right now is an affirmation for me how diligent the brothers are to follow Biblical instruction and are not "conservative" when it comes to their own views. They follow Jehovahs time to clear things up. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

1088 Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

May I ask what you consider "worldly"? Just curious[emoji6] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Yes.. so.. they need some special care. Using gloves while handling these is not a bad idea[emoji1787] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Hahah that's really nice! How did you dry them good enough to use them? Once I tried to dry some Aji Charipitas (Orgininally from Peru) using the oven, but it didn't work out[emoji28] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I also love them, but the ones I'm trying to grow now are a little too much for me also haha.. But we have some friends from Sri Lanka in my congregation, so I hope I can make them happy with it[emoji16] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

Hi friends! I hope this is the right place, but I'm growing some hot peppers this year[emoji16] I'm trying to grow Carolina Reapers and Trinidad Scorpions. Does anyone here have some experience with growing hot peppers?[emoji892] if so, what are your tips and tricks? Today, one little Carolina Reaper sprouted. This in itself is a huge accomplishment. Now, trying to keep it alive[emoji1787] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I'm amazed.. Because in my hall NO brother decided to grow a beard. There were already a few with a beard, but I really thought that it would be more of a hype.. but no..[emoji2371] So, I've decided to give it a try.. If it's nothing, its easy to get rid of[emoji1787] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

I thought the same thing. Also, the humility and trust these friends need to have in Jehovah's arrangement. I mean, just imagine. There is a recommendation for a certain thing and this particular subject is put down by the GB. Then, still, you have to preach our current understanding when talking to people. So, it requires a whole lot of trust in Jehovah's arrangement and the FDS Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

1085 Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

As a Dutch person myself, its funny to see the Dutch language influence there[emoji1787] Even though we don't use "kil" anymore, the other words are still recognizable. For example: Schuyl = (ver)schuil = hidden Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

It is all about priorities and focus. Ofcourse we need work, we need education. Those are basic things we simply need and are not bad. But, when we dedicated our lives to Jehovah, we said to Him: Your will is now the most important thing in my life. That will be my focus. Not a career, not work, not money, not "a good living" etc. So when we allow material things or persuits to influence our spirituality, influence our relationship with God, or badly influence spiritual activities which Jehovah requires from us, it's something wrong. Because we loose the focus Jehovah wants us to have. And ofcourse Jehovah wants us to enjoy life now. But I don't actually see how work, career, higher education etc. adds to our real enjoyment in life. How do you feel about the scripture and reasoning of paragraph 16? Verstuurd vanaf mijn ELE-L29 met Tapatalk

True, but this is also a local thing. Ofcourse wearing denim for the tour itself might be weird, But this same brochure also "forbids" denim pants when visiting friends who serve at Bethel. I'm close to the branch and many, many bethelites in the Netherlands wear denim pants in free time. Also when visiting friends at Bethel, casual denim clothes are not a problem. One time, when I came from work, I visited my friend at Bethel, and asked him: but can I come? I'm wearing a denim pants. He started laughing and told me in a sarcastic way: if your conscious bothers you.... I will not prevent you from changing[emoji23]..... But I will not change! [emoji23] Here, denim pants are not considered weird or too casual. Depending on the color or style, it's actually considered quite formal. Verstuurd vanaf mijn ELE-L29 met Tapatalk