Tuesday, June 4 The wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet.​—Rev. 19:20.

[Áine]

Tuesday, June 4

The wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet.—Rev. 19:20.

 

While still alive, both the wild beast and the false prophet were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulfur. So while they are still functioning, these political enemies of God will be destroyed forever. What does this mean for us? As Christians, we must be loyal to God and his Kingdom. (John 18:36) We need to remain neutral with regard to this world’s political affairs. Such neutrality can be extremely difficult, though, because the world’s governments demand our full support, both in word and in deed. Those who succumb to their pressure receive the mark of the wild beast. (Rev. 13:16, 17) Any who receive that mark, however, will incur Jehovah’s disapproval and lose out on everlasting life. (Rev. 14:9, 10; 20:4) How important it is for each one of us to maintain strict neutrality, no matter what pressure is put on us to do otherwise! w22.05 10-11 ¶12-13

[BLEmom]

Neutrality Reminders-Nice article that has many ways to stay neutral.  Even making sure we are not attached to material things!

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016288

 

When Peace and Security is declared, how will the majority react?  
Another study article points out:

 

In the near future, God’s opposers will in some sense declare: “Peace and security!” (1 Thess. 5:3) Demon-inspired propaganda will fill the earth, misleading most. (Rev. 16:13, 14) What about us? We will not be fooled if we “make sure of [or, “test”] all things.” (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:21; see study notes.) The Greek word rendered “make sure of” was used in connection with testing precious metals. Thus, we need to test what we hear or what we read to determine whether it is genuine. 

 

That sentence I bolded stood out to me today. 

How important now to strengthen our neutrality!  Listening to the news it’s one political battle after another, especially this year!  But it’s going to get so much worse when the earth is full of demon inspired propaganda!  
So easy to start thinking one way is better than another. We cannot in mind or heart in anyway support the beast, receive its mark and lose out on life. 

[DancesWithWife]

I liked the use of the words "maintain strict" when it comes to our neutrality. I was thinking of a car with a manual transmission, if the car has it's parking/emergency brake engaged the car won't roll if used correctly even on an incline. The same is true of our being strict with our neutral position to this worlds affairs. Other synonyms for strict are:  exacting,rigorous,scrupulous,stern,stringent,tough.

 

We have to maintain our "spiritual brake" when it comes to neutrality to avoid getting Jehovah's disapproval.