2025 GB Update #5 - Putting to rest issues on “Higher” Education

[Eejay]

11 minutes ago, Bryan said:

No one could be deleted simply for pursuing higher education.

Or certainly should not have been.....

 

I like the fact we have now changed the term from "higher" to "additional", which removes the "snootiness" element and incorporates both "further" and "higher" education into one bracket.

 

All areas of education can move from "basic" (foundational knowledge) to "additional" (development of insight, in depth understanding, and refinement of skills). We do this within our own spiritual educational program, moving from the basic knowledge provided in the "Enjoy Life" course which enables a person to qualify for baptism and then on to the "additional" learning provided in the regular meeetings and then developed further through pioneer service schools, SKE, Gilead, Kingdom Ministry Schools etc. and even practical training for those volunteering for theocratic construction projects. These arrangements provide "additional" education to  individuals, qualifying them for a range of activities. The very concept of making progress in education is scripturally based in Paul's discussion at Heb.5:11-6:3. Also the requirement for elders to be "qualified" to teach.

 

15 hours ago, trottigy said:

Does the pursuit of higher education interfere with regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities?

 

The important aspect here is contained in the words  "regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities"

It is not only education that could be a factor in this regard. Entertainment, sport, employment, the daily affairs of life, and a host of other things could all contribute to an interference with "regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities".

Physical sickness, or some other issue could be a factor which might call for understanding and support. But if such external problems were not a factor, the basic problem could lie in the heart of the individual and their appreciation for spiritual things (Comp.Heb.12:16). That is what would require a review of qualifications in respect of an elder. And that review would be with the objective of re-orienting his focus and/or priorities. It may well require relieving them of their privilege of service for a while if they are unable to serve as "examples to the flock" (1Pet.5:3). They might even see a need to take that action themselves.

So the actual participation in "additional" education would not be the cause for review, rather, it would be the reason for their lack of "regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities".

[Ostria]

On 8/23/2025 at 8:24 AM, Tortuga said:

Please mention that to anyone that assumes California isn't as spiritually minded as the rest of Jehovah's organization. 

Please tell me you're talking about Witnesses in California themselves and not the state of California.... Because when i think of california, spirtually minded is jot the first thing i think of

[Krusso]

Omg… I am on vacation and I was trying to read all the comments before posting and due to lack of time to finish every time I come back there are more comments. Is this a record? Between the announcement and the number of comments on only one thread? 🤣 my two cents comments are: I am glad that we dropped the expression high education. Now it is only additional education and it is a matter for personal decision. And to be clear although it discouraged it was never a prohibition. I finished law school in the nineties. In Brazil almost all my old friends are college educated with bachelor’s degrees. In Rio ( a big town) it was never a big issue as long as you kept your spiritual routine. I moved to US and I am in the N Y metropolitan area. My CEO has an Ivy League education. So when I read some comments about how in certain congregations some were discriminated because of their choices in education, I feel like I am hearing things from another religion. Anyway the GB clarification has been my belief for decades. I always raised my eye brows when I heard from the platform strong opposing views against what was called high education. I never said anything in order no to cause division but in my mind I was like humm this is not strongly based on the scriptures and has room for a change. And it did indeed changed. I think that the time was right. Because some people understand that discouragement means prohibition. Now it is over for good. Keep your spiritual routine and Jehovah first and go do whatever makes you happy: architecture engineering computer science electrical trade or any other trade. Try to avoid cleaning windows. You might find it hard to pay the bills 😊

[blanchard]

19 hours ago, Dustparticle said:

Might add on some chocolate in me too.

Sorry but I don't understand the signification of this words. Can you explain for me ? Sorry but I am ... french and my english is poor

[Dustparticle]

42 minutes ago, blanchard said:

Sorry but I don't understand the signification of this words. Can you explain for me ? Sorry but I am ... french and my english is poor

 

Sorry my brother. I was kidding around that I'm part chocolate.

[Tortuga]

13 minutes ago, Dustparticle said:

 

Sorry my brother. I was kidding around that I'm part chocolate.

[Esined]

On 8/22/2025 at 8:05 AM, Buckeye said:

Sure wish I had been allowed to go to college. I mean this is such a change. The circuit overseer told me if I went to college how disappointed Jehovah would be in me.  Now parents should be encouraging us to go to college. I’m 45 now and it’s too late.  It’s so frustrating to me at times when these changes happen 

I hope this isn’t piling on because I haven’t read the whole thread. This is not a change or an update—it is ensuring that everyone has the same understanding of what’s been published for many years now, that it’s a personal decision, and not making rules. Thank goodness.

 

When you say “allowed,” what do you mean? Your parents? The CO can give counsel, but it’s on us to have a personal relationship with Jehovah and prayerfully make decisions about our lives. As adults even in the organization we are “allowed” to do anything—what we choose to do is a different story. I hate to sound harsh like this, but you are 45 years old. So many people go to college in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. You can still go if it’s the right decision for you, your circumstances and your relationship with Jehovah.

[sheseeksthesunshine]

1 hour ago, Krusso said:

Anyway the GB clarification has been my belief for decades. I always raised my eye brows when I heard from the platform strong opposing views against what was called high education

 

Love your comment sis... and everyone else's on this subject. Mixed reviews everywhere!!!

 

Just a reminder that it was only 10 years ago (Jan 2015 broadcast) when Brother Anthony Morris spoke very strongly about higher education. He said the cautions were universal, not just cultural or tied to one land: “We realize educational systems vary from place to place… however, it is the potential for spiritual harm that has moved us to provide the cautions we have shared in the past.”

 

He went on to say, “The better the university, the greater the danger,” and even compared higher education to “living in a house on fire - even if you get out, your clothes will still smell like smoke.” Then he concluded that “a faithful Christian would not pursue it.”

 

In that same broadcast, Brother Philip Brumley (from the Legal Department) was interviewed, and he reinforced that this counsel was global in scope.

 

That’s why it isn’t fair to say it was just “overzealous elders” being strict - they were reflecting what the Governing Body itself was saying at the time. For those of us who lived through it, the whiplash we feel now is very real. We’re not crazy or misremembering - the tone has genuinely shifted.

 

Now, with the 2025 update, I love that it’s expressed as “additional education is a personal decision.” That feels balanced, thoughtful, and loving. It puts the responsibility back on conscience and prayer instead of stigma, which is such a healthy change.

 

It is interesting though that the 2015 video has since been deleted. Some acknowledgment of what was said back then would go a long way in reassuring those of us who remember it clearly. And yes, maybe we could even use a “clarification on the clarification on the clarification” (I think that’s where we’re at by now 😅).

 

At the end of the day, though, we love the Governing Body. We can forgive overcorrections, because the motive has always been to protect us. And I’m grateful Jehovah has guided things this far -  he will keep doing so. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[ucastrobr]

On 8/22/2025 at 11:09 AM, Andrey said:

So beards and pants, already discussed. Toasts and the ritual at a feast, when people knock their glasses against each other to express greeting, friendship, unity or raise the festive mood, already discussed. Higher education, already discussed. All that remains is tattoos, piercings (jewelry) and hairstyles — to discuss. Maybe something else?

 

“I have become all things to people of all sorts, so that I might by all possible means save some.”—1 Corinthians 9:22

 

The bible is clear about it. 

Levicutus 19:28  “‘You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves. I am Jehovah.

 

One thing is someone had tatoo before learning the Bible. Jehovah don't take consideration his(her) past. 

[Jwanon]

13 minutes ago, ucastrobr said:

The bible is clear about it. 

Levicutus 19:28  “‘You must not make cuts in your flesh for a dead person, and you must not make tattoo markings on yourselves. I am Jehovah

 

Do you wear clothes made of mixed fabric? The same chapter you quoted from is clear about it. 

 

"Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material."

 

If in your opinion it is a sin for Christians to get tattoos, I don't think it's relevant to quote from the Mosaic Law to prove it

[Lance]

We are not under the law of Moses …but some sober thought should go into reason or desire to fit in…

For every tattoo shop there is there are also Medical places popping up to remove them.

 

That been said .. YPA Book

 

Like all fads, tattoos may lose their appeal over time. Really, is there any garment—whether a pair of jeans, a shirt, a dress, or a pair of shoes—that you love so much that you would commit to wearing it for the rest of your life? Of course not! Styles, cuts, and colors change. Unlike a piece of clothing, however, tattoos are hard to shed. Besides, what is “cool” to you when you are 16 might not be very appealing when you are 30.

Edited 3 hours ago by Lance

[ucastrobr]

5 minutes ago, Jwanon said:

 

Do you wear clothes made of mixed fabric? The same chapter you quoted from is clear about it. 

 

"Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material."

 

If in your opinion it is a sin for Christians to get tattoos, I don't think it's relevant to quote from the Mosaic Law to prove it

However, we do not undear the Mosaic Law.
We respect the  majority part of the law. 
For instance, don't murder, don't commit adultery, and don't covet your neighbor.
We don't imagine if Jesus lived today, he would get a tatto. 

Even science and medicine explains about tattoos are too agressive to our body, that's the motive Jehovah didn't allow Jews have tatoo. You damage you immune system. 

 

 

 

[Tortuga]

13 minutes ago, Lance said:

We are not under the law of Moses …but some sober thought should go into reason or desire to fit in…

For every tattoo shop there is there are also Medical places popping up to remove them.

 

That been said .. YPA Book

 

Like all fads, tattoos may lose their appeal over time. Really, is there any garment—whether a pair of jeans, a shirt, a dress, or a pair of shoes—that you love so much that you would commit to wearing it for the rest of your life? Of course not! Styles, cuts, and colors change. Unlike a piece of clothing, however, tattoos are hard to shed. Besides, what is “cool” to you when you are 16 might not be very appealing when you are 30.

Especially if that tattoo of a Bulldog is starting to look like a Shar Pei...

[Jwanon]

17 minutes ago, ucastrobr said:

We don't imagine if Jesus lived today, he would get a tatto. 

Even science and medicine explains about tattoos are too agressive to our body, that's the motive Jehovah didn't allow Jews have tatoo. You damage you immune system. 

 

 

These are practical reasons not to get a tattoo, not doctrinal reasons 

[dljbsp]

Tattoo Statistics

 

• 4–6 weeks on average to heal after getting a tattoo.

• 32% of U.S. adults have at least one tattoo.

• 1 in 4 later regret the decision.

• Removal can drag out anywhere from 3 months to 2 years.

 

And honestly—just the fact that you have to heal from it is enough for me to know I don’t want one.

 

[obed]

This new update on higher education might prove to be a real test for some, at least from where I come from in Ghana. When I completed high school, the general climate was that higher education is unwise and in many congregations, those who pursued it were seen as unspiritual. Elders were deleted for allowing their children to go to the University. You couldn't serve as a MS if you were in university. Some witnesses who were already in school literally quit. And many who had the opportunity to go turned it down. At that time I was very confused. The situation in Ghana is such that to gain secular employment, you need to pursue further education. I "wasted" many years trying to find a way around and not pursue university education while doing some courses to help me get a teaching job. It still didn't work out. Finally, I decided to go to the University. By then many of my mates who were witnesses and had gone to the University had completed and were working and here I am still dependent on my parents. Well, I'm not saying Jehovah hasn't been providing for me, he has but human as I am, sometimes it's depressing to think that I am at an age that I should be caring for my parents and siblings but then it's the other way round. And now, many years later, the tone on higher education has changed. It's easy to conclude that the organization has made "life difficult". I pray for those that quit school back then that when they see this new update, they will look at the many good things Jehovah has done for us and not give room for resentments. It's a real test.

[trottigy]

1 hour ago, sheseeksthesunshine said:

 

Love your comment sis... and everyone else's on this subject. Mixed reviews everywhere!!!

 

Just a reminder that it was only 10 years ago (Jan 2015 broadcast) when Brother Anthony Morris spoke very strongly about higher education. He said the cautions were universal, not just cultural or tied to one land: “We realize educational systems vary from place to place… however, it is the potential for spiritual harm that has moved us to provide the cautions we have shared in the past.”

 

 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

🙏🏼

 

 

Some of us probably remember that. But, let's not make this a discussion about brother Morris. Those broadcasts and updates are approved by the entire governing body. They are not the opinions of one person. Yes, in the past higher education, especially at a university, was very frowned upon. It's still not a good idea to live in a dorm at a university. Most universities are co-ed and even those that aren't are not going to help you flee from sexual immorality that is rampant in these facilities.

 

The scripture state we need to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor 6;18) not run towards it and live in it. That's not brother Morris's opinion, that's Jehovah's.

 

Let's appreciate the change and not attack the past while remembering the Bible principles all these decisions are based on and follow them.

Edited 1 hour ago by trottigy

[Cool Cat]

On 8/22/2025 at 6:56 PM, Buckeye said:

And I’m sorry to sound so negative, but it’s infuriating being told university and beards and clinking glasses was always ok and it’s my elders who were over zealous.  I’m sure in a few years people will tell me birthday parties were always ok and say it was just my elders who were adding rules. It was hard to be different in school and realizing it was all just my elders making up rules is very very hard to hear for me. And the way people dismiss it is frustrating. 

Bro sorry to say this but you need to relax.

University:-

While in general serious warnings are given about going to university due to the dangers that poses and still does. There have been many  articles about learning a trade so that you can work part time and pioneer. The promoted choice has always been to find a job that can facilitate full time service. Jesus said seek first the kingdom and everything else will be added to you. In other words Jehovah will care for your needs.
 

Did you learn a trade and pioneer? If you did then that was time well spent you can be happy and feel blessed. If you didn’t then that can still be a worthwhile goal. I do not even have a trade. In fact I am in what is considered quite a low payed Job in care work, however we get by. Jehovah cares for us and we are happy.

 

When you speak to many of the pioneer brothers they are windowcleaners earning £30 - £75 per hour close to what you can get if you go to university and study something. Or they are electricians, cleaners, carers, postmen or something else that facilitates their full time service. Their life is simple free from worrying about money because they know Jehovah takes care of that part.

 

Now I can understand if you didn’t go into the full time service and you rejected a scholarship then that would be a bit depressing. I know a circuit couple who gave up their degrees in civil engineering to pursue the truth. They don’t regret it at all as Jehovah cared for them just like he said he would.

 

Yes we are now free to pursue some kind of higher education. I wouldn’t mind being a paramedic or a doctor but thinking about it it won’t be very useful in the new system. Maybe I will train to be an engineer that would be put to good use. I am happy I have the option but have absolutely no regrets about keeping my life simple and serving Jehovah full time.

 

Beards

Beards needed an update. You had some people in some countries fine with them while other parts of the world they were frowned upon. While in many countries including the UK you could have a beard, be appointed etc. Many elders were stuck in the past with them and needed lifting out of that mindset so the governing body did something about it.
 

It’s only really been the past 5-10 years that beards have become normal. I remember 18 years ago when I had a beard outside of the truth here in the UK I used to get people take pictures of me because it was so abnormal to have a beard. It was the correct time to free the beards in the organization any earlier it would of put people off of the truth and detracted from the message.

 

Clinking of glasses

I knew ages ago the custom of clinking glasses to say hello to someone over a beer after not seeing them for ages was okay. I even did it a few times with my father in law when I used to visit him in Manchester. He wasn’t in the truth but I could see the principals then.

 

The organization is big on principals. Like was said in the last governing body update a parent holds its child’s hand up to a certain point but there comes a time when you need to let go of the hand and let the child make decisions for themselves based on principals.
 

The dangers are still there with higher education, beards don’t really stand out as different anymore and clinking glasses is recognised as a simple greeting. These clarifications should not shake our faith, they should build our faith that we are part of a religion that doesn’t get stuck and immovable on certain matters. 
 

We need to be careful that these changes don’t shake are faith. There will be more changes ahead probably a lot bigger than these so we need to brace ourselves. The main focus of the organization has been to preach the good news and keep our worship clean. The reason we have had to change a few things is because we were maybe too passionate about making sure we do these things in the right way. 🤗😉

[TJ86]

2 hours ago, Jwanon said:

 

Do you wear clothes made of mixed fabric? The same chapter you quoted from is clear about it. 

 

"Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material."

 

If in your opinion it is a sin for Christians to get tattoos, I don't think it's relevant to quote from the Mosaic Law to prove it

 

Regarding the issue of tattoos: It is interesting to think that although the law is not in force for Christians, the principles behind the Mosaic law remain valid for Christians. Something interesting was written by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:8, which says...

Now we know that the Law is good if it is applied correctly.

The study note says…

 

the Law is fine if one applies it properly: (…) Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, and they exercise faith in Christ’s ransom as the means of salvation. (Ga 2:15, 16) Still, the Mosaic Law is useful to Christians, provided they apply its principles “properly” (lit., “lawfully”). (…)  Above all, it reveals Jehovah’s thinking on matters.—Ex 22:21; Le 19:15, 18; Ro 7:12.

 

*** g78 6/22 p. 28 How Can Law Be ‘Handled Lawfully’? ***
Of what use, then, is the Law? How is it ‘handled lawfully’? For one thing, a study of it helps because it “has a shadow of the good things to come.” (Heb. 10:1) Furthermore, by studying God’s laws and his dealings with Israel under the Law, we can get God’s viewpoint on matters—how he feels about certain things. We get guidelines. But we cannot, as Christians, go back to the Law except to apply its principles.
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=101978450&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=14

 

 

As good students of the Bible, we clearly know that the Mosaic law no longer applies, but the principles behind each law continue.

So, when we read Leviticus 19:28, what principle comes to mind?

 

The Bible mentions tattoos just once, at Leviticus 19:28, which says: “You must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves.” God gave this command to the nation of Israel, thus setting them apart from the neighboring peoples who marked their skin with the names or symbols of their gods. (Deuteronomy 14:2) While the Law given to Israel is not binding on Christians, the principle underpinning this law is worth serious consideration. - https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-say-about-tattoos/#:~:text=The%20Bible%20mentions,worth%20serious%20consideration.

 

 

Principle

 

Romans12 Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies+ as a living sacrifice, holy+ and acceptable to God,+ a sacred service with your power of reason.+
 

The Bible shows that our body is not just ours. It belongs to God because He created us and bought us with Jesus’ sacrifice. So, if we want to please Jehovah, we need to ask: will what I do with my body honor or dishonor God?

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.

 

But what about the texts in Leviticus 19:19? (…) and you must not wear a garment made with two sorts of thread mixed together.?

 

Although this law does not apply to Christians, what is the principle behind this guidance? See what the reference says in this text.

 

*** w21.12 p. 6 par. 16 “You Must Be Holy” ***
16 To become holy, we must be willing to stand out as different. That can be a challenge. Sometimes schoolmates, business associates, unbelieving relatives, and others may pressure us to get involved in activities that would interfere with our worship. When they do, we have an important decision to make. What can help us make the right choice? Consider an interesting principle found at Leviticus 19:19, which says in part: “You must not wear a garment made with two sorts of thread mixed together.” That law helped to distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations. Today, we do not object to garments of mixed materials, such as cotton and polyester or wool and rayon. But we do object to being like people whose beliefs and practices conflict with Bible teachings, even if these individuals are schoolmates, business associates, or relatives. Of course, we have natural affection for our relatives, and we show love for our neighbors. Yet, when it comes to important aspects of life, we are willing to be separate as Jehovah’s people. Recall that being set aside for God is part of being holy. That is vital if we are striving to become holy.—2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Pet. 4:3, 4.
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2021680&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=25

 

When studying the Mosaic Law, we must understand the principles behind it. We do not follow the Mosaic law, but the principles are eternal!

[sheseeksthesunshine]

33 minutes ago, trottigy said:

broadcasts and updates are approved by the entire governing body. They are not the opinions of one person.

 

Not sure of the read the rest of my post was read.....but this is pretty much what I said. Also important to "hear out the matter" 🥰 🤣

 

No one is attacking dear Brother Morris. He is a treasure. And he certainly wasn’t being singled out. The 2015 broadcast was raised because the cautions on higher education were given collectively by the Governing Body (obviously) and loving Elders who applied that counsel weren’t “overzealous,” or going rogue..... they were simply doing what was asked of them - what jehovah's FDS were cautioning strongly against. That was the point in response to the numerous comments reflecting there was never any direction against higher education....no it wasn't a "rule" but we were strongly advised as a matter of faith not to consider it.

 

As I already said: “At the end of the day, we love the Governing Body. We can forgive overcorrections, because the motive has always been to protect us.”

 

The point isn’t to attack the past, but to avoid rewriting it. Facts are facts, and owning them actually strengthens trust.

 

Now that it’s been clarified, I’m glad we can all move forward with gratitude, balance, and unity -  even if it sometimes feels like we’re asking for a clarification on the clarification on the clarification 😅

[Shawnster]

Just as with the pages of the Watchtower, the monthly broadcasts and updates are how the Slave directs us today. The Slave never slips in personal opinion or commentary in any broadcast. All the videos are approved by the Governing Body before being released for our viewing. Everything said in the broadcast, just like Watchtower, is coming from the Governing Body. None of it is personal opinion. 

 

Do Governing Body members have personal opinions on topics? Yes, definitely. That should be clear by how quickly some grew beards after that particular update. However, they keep their personal opinions to themselves. What they share publicly is always in harmony with the Governing Body's direction. 

Edited 56 minutes ago by trottigy

[dljbsp]

9 minutes ago, TJ86 said:

Principle

Other one hit wonders of bible principle, mentioned just once, but we use them so often.

 

Principle	Mentioned In	Why It’s Still Applied
Eye for an eye	Exodus 21:24	Sets the Biblical standard for fair, proportionate justice
Day-year principle	Ezekiel prophecy	Guides prophetic interpretation in line with God’s symbolic ways
Gamaliel’s principle	Acts 5:38–39	Offers discernment: wait and see if something is truly from God

[trottigy]

11 minutes ago, sheseeksthesunshine said:

 

Not sure of the read the rest of my post was read.....but this is pretty much what I said. Also important to "hear out the matter" 🥰 🤣

 

No one is attacking dear Brother Morris. He is a treasure. And he certainly wasn’t being singled out. The 2015 broadcast was raised because the cautions on higher education were given collectively by the Governing Body (obviously) and loving Elders who applied that counsel weren’t “overzealous,” or going rogue..... they were simply doing what was asked of them - what jehovah's FDS were cautioning strongly against. That was the point in response to the numerous comments reflecting there was never any direction against higher education....no it wasn't a "rule" but we were strongly advised as a matter of faith not to consider it.

 

As I already said: “At the end of the day, we love the Governing Body. We can forgive overcorrections, because the motive has always been to protect us.”

 

The point isn’t to attack the past, but to avoid rewriting it. Facts are facts, and owning them actually strengthens trust.

 

Now that it’s been clarified, I’m glad we can all move forward with gratitude, balance, and unity -  even if it sometimes feels like we’re asking for a clarification on the clarification on the clarification 😅

 

To be fair, you haven't seen the posts I have deleted that have attacked him specifically. As yours wasn't deleted, I felt it was just fine. Thank you for the facts, reminders and encouragement to move forward.

 

However , I did feel a global reminder to everyone else on the forum who might reply - please leave specific people out of the equation. 

 

In fact and to assist the moderators, I'll turn on the "review every post before they become public" option. But honestly, I think everything that can be said about this has been said.

Edited 53 minutes ago by trottigy

[Shawnster]

52 minutes ago, obed said:

This new update on higher education might prove to be a real test for some, at least from where I come from in Ghana... 

 

This new update also appears to be a test for some in the United States who are now adults and past the age when most typically pursue further or advanced education. 

 

Sometimes Jehovah changes his requirements and expects his followers to adjust. 

 

(Acts 10:15) “Stop calling defiled the things God has cleansed.”

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=nwtsty&srctype=wol&bible=44010015&srcid=share

[YayaMichelle]

12 minutes ago, TJ86 said:

 

Regarding the issue of tattoos: It is interesting to think that although the law is not in force for Christians, the principles behind the Mosaic law remain valid for Christians. Something interesting was written by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:8, which says...

Now we know that the Law is good if it is applied correctly.

The study note says…

 

the Law is fine if one applies it properly: (…) Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, and they exercise faith in Christ’s ransom as the means of salvation. (Ga 2:15, 16) Still, the Mosaic Law is useful to Christians, provided they apply its principles “properly” (lit., “lawfully”). (…)  Above all, it reveals Jehovah’s thinking on matters.—Ex 22:21; Le 19:15, 18; Ro 7:12.

 

*** g78 6/22 p. 28 How Can Law Be ‘Handled Lawfully’? ***
Of what use, then, is the Law? How is it ‘handled lawfully’? For one thing, a study of it helps because it “has a shadow of the good things to come.” (Heb. 10:1) Furthermore, by studying God’s laws and his dealings with Israel under the Law, we can get God’s viewpoint on matters—how he feels about certain things. We get guidelines. But we cannot, as Christians, go back to the Law except to apply its principles.
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=101978450&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=14

 

 

As good students of the Bible, we clearly know that the Mosaic law no longer applies, but the principles behind each law continue.

So, when we read Leviticus 19:28, what principle comes to mind?

 

The Bible mentions tattoos just once, at Leviticus 19:28, which says: “You must not put tattoo marking upon yourselves.” God gave this command to the nation of Israel, thus setting them apart from the neighboring peoples who marked their skin with the names or symbols of their gods. (Deuteronomy 14:2) While the Law given to Israel is not binding on Christians, the principle underpinning this law is worth serious consideration. - https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-say-about-tattoos/#:~:text=The%20Bible%20mentions,worth%20serious%20consideration.

 

 

Principle

 

Romans12 Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies+ as a living sacrifice, holy+ and acceptable to God,+ a sacred service with your power of reason.+
 

The Bible shows that our body is not just ours. It belongs to God because He created us and bought us with Jesus’ sacrifice. So, if we want to please Jehovah, we need to ask: will what I do with my body honor or dishonor God?

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.

 

But what about the texts in Leviticus 19:19? (…) and you must not wear a garment made with two sorts of thread mixed together.?

 

Although this law does not apply to Christians, what is the principle behind this guidance? See what the reference says in this text.

 

*** w21.12 p. 6 par. 16 “You Must Be Holy” ***
16 To become holy, we must be willing to stand out as different. That can be a challenge. Sometimes schoolmates, business associates, unbelieving relatives, and others may pressure us to get involved in activities that would interfere with our worship. When they do, we have an important decision to make. What can help us make the right choice? Consider an interesting principle found at Leviticus 19:19, which says in part: “You must not wear a garment made with two sorts of thread mixed together.” That law helped to distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations. Today, we do not object to garments of mixed materials, such as cotton and polyester or wool and rayon. But we do object to being like people whose beliefs and practices conflict with Bible teachings, even if these individuals are schoolmates, business associates, or relatives. Of course, we have natural affection for our relatives, and we show love for our neighbors. Yet, when it comes to important aspects of life, we are willing to be separate as Jehovah’s people. Recall that being set aside for God is part of being holy. That is vital if we are striving to become holy.—2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Pet. 4:3, 4.
https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2021680&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=25

 

When studying the Mosaic Law, we must understand the principles behind it. We do not follow the Mosaic law, but the principles are eternal!

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