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

[Daniel244]

13 minutes ago, trottigy said:

 

Yes, they should be shown compassion and empathy. 

 

Side note, had they gone to college and were still in the same situation, they still should be shown compassion and empathy, yes? 

 

Also, is it fair to say the only reason why they're in a situation where they're hurting is because they didn't take a scholarship decades ago? Is there a way to know for certain that if they had they would not be in the same situation today and instead they would be doing fantastic? Is it possible some health issues or as Ecclesiastes say " unexpected events" is a part of the issue? 

 

We can't blame every financial problem that we've ever experienced over our lifetime on the fact that we did or didn't go to college. Way too many people didn't go and are doing just fine.

 

You might find it interesting to note, there's actually a logical fallacy called "Scapegoating". This is when a person unfairly blames or deflects responsibility from actual causes. Another logical fallacy is called "externalization of blame" - NOT taking ownership of your own issues. Both are really easy to do, people do them all the time.

That people tend to blame others for their problems in life is endless, ask Adam. But is it not loving to show empathy and compassion to those suffering when they come to you to try to understand? Why shouldn’t we show them love, understanding, lend an ear, at least let them vent? Jesus himself always listened first, even when people were mistaken. It is really puzzling for me my brother.

[rocket]

I see this Thread as one that separates the Physical man from the Spiritual man.  The Physical man thinks of only what he can get or is missing from this system of things.  The Spiritual man only thinks of what he can do to Sanctify Jehovah's Name no matter the sacrifice.  What he can do to further Kingdom interests.  Jesus did not have a bed to sleep on, yet he lived his life without one sin just to give us miserable sinners eternal life for those who are willing to make the sacrifice.  Jesus did what his father ask him to do putting his own will aside. If we get into the New World with only the shirt on our back will we be complaining about what we left behind or grateful for Jehovah's mercy.

 

When I was young the GB liked it if only the husband worked and that was common in every Cong. I was in.  That changed when that was no longer feasible for a family to support itself on one income. Not so different now with higher learning.

 

I've been called "hard" before and I suppose I am but some people's comments really get under my skin.

[trottigy]

6 minutes ago, Daniel244 said:

That people tend to blame others for their problems in life is endless, ask Adam. But is it not loving to show empathy and compassion to those suffering when they come to you to try to understand? Why shouldn’t we show them love, understanding, lend an ear, at least let them vent? Jesus himself always listened first, even when people were mistaken. It is really puzzling for me my brother.

 

That was my point. We should show compassion and love regardless of whether they went to a university or not. Why do we even need to mention whether they went or not? 

[Daniel244]

4 minutes ago, trottigy said:

 

That was my point. We should show compassion and love regardless of whether they went to a university or not. Why do we even need to mention whether they went or not? 

My only reason for mentioning education is because for many, that specific counsel shaped life changing decisions and that's the current topic of conversation. To offer empathy, we sometimes need to recognize what they themselves identify as the source of their struggle, that way our love is understanding of their lived reality.

[Daniel244]

15 minutes ago, rocket said:

I see this Thread as one that separates the Physical man from the Spiritual man.  The Physical man thinks of only what he can get or is missing from this system of things.  The Spiritual man only thinks of what he can do to Sanctify Jehovah's Name no matter the sacrifice.  What he can do to further Kingdom interests.  Jesus did not have a bed to sleep on, yet he lived his life without one sin just to give us miserable sinners eternal life for those who are willing to make the sacrifice.  Jesus did what his father ask him to do putting his own will aside. If we get into the New World with only the shirt on our back will we be complaining about what we left behind or grateful for Jehovah's mercy.

 

When I was young the GB liked it if only the husband worked and that was common in every Cong. I was in.  That changed when that was no longer feasible for a family to support itself on one income. Not so different now with higher learning.

 

I've been called "hard" before and I suppose I am but some people's comments really get under my skin.

I don’t know you, my brother, but I sincerely hope that if someone comes to you struggling with this issue, compassion shines through. Personally this change didn’t affect me much, since I chose to go to college, it was hard at the time due to the severe pressure I went thru, but  I remain good friends with those elders and hold no resentment against them. I’m grateful I stayed the course, it allows me to support myself, my family and also care for my mother, who has pioneered faithfully for 30 years and now depends on my income.
 

Still, I think of Paul’s words at Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” For me, that means when brothers feel sorrow over choices, in my opinion the Christlike response is compassion, not dismissal. Otherwise it can sound as if we’re telling them simply not to cry about it.

 

But that's just me.

[Lance]

As mentioned Adam was into the “Blame Game”.

When someone’s caught in the blame game—constantly pointing fingers or deflecting responsibility—it’s like trying to drive with the parking brake on. It might feel like movement, but it’s mostly friction and noise.

We can avoid that ourselves and assist others who have fallen into Satans dirty little stinking parking brake trap.

 

People stuck in the blame game often feel powerless, believing life happens to them rather than through them.

The good news? People can move forward—but it starts with dropping the shield of blame and picking up the mirror of self-reflection. 
Jehovah has given us so many tools and even the power beyond what is normal. Especially when hard pressed.

 

2 Cor 4:7

7 However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.

8 We are hard-pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out;

[trottigy]

To me, that's an issue with a lot of people ... many don't take personal responsibility for where they are. They look for others to blame and stop there. I don't know these individuals and I wish them the best. Knowing that Jehovah blesses those who are obedient to the ones taking the lead and who put the Kingdom interests first, I have a difficulty in believing that their not taking a scholarship decades ago is the primary reason why they're in this situation they're in. 

 

Whatever the cause, I hope they find the help they need now.

Edited 11 hours ago by trottigy

[Sepie93]

I think it is very appropriate to reconsider what was said at the 2023 update, number 8. It was the update about beards. Brothers Lett said, from 13.55:

Here’s another question: How can we promote unity in light of this direction? Well, after viewing this program, some might have to contend with strong feelings.
For example, some might feel as though they’ve been vindicated, saying, in effect: “This is what I’ve been saying for a long time.
This proves that I was right all along!” Others might feel disappointed, saying, in effect: “I supported the policy about grooming for all those years.
Now I feel let down!” But is either reaction appropriate? Not really.
Note what the apostle Paul was inspired to write at 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and verse number 10: “Now I urge you, brothers, “through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, “that you should all speak in agreement “and that there should be no divisions among you, “but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” How does that principle apply here? Well, if we’ve been promoting our own opinion on this subject, contradicting the guidance from the organization, have we been promoting unity? Have we helped the brotherhood to be “completely united in the same line of thought”? Clearly not.
Any who’ve done so need to adjust their thinking and attitude.
On the other hand, if we’ve loyally supported the organization’s direction over the years, do we have any Scriptural reason to regret our course? Certainly not! Jehovah values our loyal service; he also appreciates our humble willingness to be obedient and submissive to the direction we receive from God’s organization.
Back in the first century C.E., some Christians allowed the issue of circumcision to cause division.
But the holy spirit directed the governing body to resolve that issue and promote unity.

His words are clear. And i think we should apply this counsel now again. And at the same time, support the ones who might have struggles with it, ofcourse.

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[bvr]

[OW90]

1 hour ago, rocket said:

I see this Thread as one that separates the Physical man from the Spiritual man.  The Physical man thinks of only what he can get or is missing from this system of things.  The Spiritual man only thinks of what he can do to Sanctify Jehovah's Name no matter the sacrifice.  What he can do to further Kingdom interests.  Jesus did not have a bed to sleep on, yet he lived his life without one sin just to give us miserable sinners eternal life for those who are willing to make the sacrifice.  Jesus did what his father ask him to do putting his own will aside. If we get into the New World with only the shirt on our back will we be complaining about what we left behind or grateful for Jehovah's mercy.

 

When I was young the GB liked it if only the husband worked and that was common in every Cong. I was in.  That changed when that was no longer feasible for a family to support itself on one income. Not so different now with higher learning.

 

I've been called "hard" before and I suppose I am but some people's comments really get under my skin.

Comments like this is why many don't talk about what they've been through. This is why many of us just say we're fine when people ask how we're doing. It's pointless talking to people who'll respond to you this way. It doesn't help at all. But, honestly, it is what it is.

 

Thankfully, a lot of friends here understand what their fellow brothers and sisters went through, and are gracious enough to give commendation and encouragement. Now personally, it's up to me to see that as help from Jehovah and move forward in a positive way. If i stay down, that's on me. At the end of the day, we're all accountable to Jehovah.

 

 

 

 

 

[rocket]

2 hours ago, Daniel244 said:

I don’t know you, my brother, but I sincerely hope that if someone comes to you struggling with this issue, compassion shines through. Personally this change didn’t affect me much, since I chose to go to college, it was hard at the time due to the severe pressure I went thru, but  I remain good friends with those elders and hold no resentment against them. I’m grateful I stayed the course, it allows me to support myself, my family and also care for my mother, who has pioneered faithfully for 30 years and now depends on my income.
 

Still, I think of Paul’s words at Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” For me, that means when brothers feel sorrow over choices, in my opinion the Christlike response is compassion, not dismissal. Otherwise it can sound as if we’re telling them simply not to cry about it.

 

But that's just me.

 

Yes I show compassion to those struggling. In the last one and half years we've spent $13,000 dollars to help a brother get on his feet. We paid his auto expenses and medical expenses, bought his food and a place to stay. When he got on his feet how did he show his appreciation?  He walked away from Jehovah and married a worldly woman.  Then complained that we weren't supporting him. Do I regret helping ones in the Cong. no not a bit but there are those who just complain about everything, it's someone else's fault that they don't have a good paying job.  I had to compete in the workplace like everyone else and get by at times with as little as $50 a month with 3 children to feed. I did whatever it took to help myself.

[BLEmom]

I guess I’m a little confused by the “woe is me” feelings some seem to have because they followed previous guidance. Why be sad?  Jehovah had the whole nation of Israel, not just the ones who failed to listen, trudge through the wilderness for 40 years. Should the ones who didn’t deserve it have been bitter about it?  Did the Bible record the complaints of Caleb that the people didn’t listen to him?  Nope. He followed the direction to keep walking and got on with it and he was blessed for it. 
 

We should feel happy we followed the direction at the time. Be happy you kept up with the camp every time the cloud moved. 
 

Do some feel that they were not blessed by Jehovah in other areas of life?  Surely, the many examples we have of ones who chose to put the kingdom first and forgo university should help us realize Jehovah blesses all those who serve him, regardless of education level. 
 

Do you feel that university would solve all your financial and work problems over the years?  There is no guarantee of that. Remember, we can long for a path not chosen but we don’t know the full scope of what that different choice would have brought us. You dream of the benefits of the alternate path but you don’t know the trials that would have come. 
 

Perhaps some research on not looking back is in order. 

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402012206

 

SACRIFICES WE MADE IN THE PAST

11. How do some feel about the sacrifices they made in the past?

11 Sadly, some think of the sacrifices they made in the past and wish that they had not made them. Perhaps you had opportunities to get higher education, to become famous, or to have a lot of money, but you decided not to go after these things. Many brothers and sisters had well-paying jobs. For example, they may have had a business, or they may have been famous musicians, professors at universities, or successful athletes. But they have left those jobs behind. Now time has passed, and the end has not yet arrived. Do you keep imagining what might have happened if you had not made those sacrifices?

 

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019520?q=looking+back&p=par

 

Consider another lesson we can learn from Paul. Some may have given up a potentially lucrative career in order to pursue Kingdom interests. If so, can we forget the things behind by refusing to look back longingly at material opportunities we might have missed? (Num. 11:4-6; Eccl. 7:10

 

 

 

Now that there is some clarification on additional education, you can be happy the cloud moved again. Maybe it’s a spot in the wilderness you like better than the last one. But don’t get too comfortable.  There may be spots we are taken to that get uncomfortable again. There are many pit stops on the road to the promised land. Enjoy the journey and you will have a lovely, positive story to share to the resurrected. 
 

 

[Ludwika]

2 minutes ago, BLEmom said:

Be happy you kept up with the camp every time the cloud moved. 

A very nice analogy! 🥰

[Amygdala]

3 hours ago, rocket said:

In the last one and half years we've spent $13,000 dollars to help a brother get on his feet

 

Wow. It is amazing how some of you brothers are willing to go to help out your brother in need, and I think it shows how big you ( and many who help their brothers out) your heart is. Amazing what you and our brother Antonio have done (and continue!) to be there for others. Honestly, I think many wouldn’t be so quick to give that kind of financial support not just because they don‘t want to but can‘t, and no one should be judged how much or how little one supports their fellow brother in need. But the worst is to turn our backs completely away by not even showing a word of support.

 

Sometimes our brothers become downhearted because of circumstances, sometimes because of an economic downturn, or loss of job, sometimes from past sins or mistakes, or sometimes making decisions that didn‘t turn out right for them. But regardless of the reason, we can support our brother at the very least when they are down to help them build resilience, faith and trust in Jehovah because the past can‘t be changed. That includes listening, even to wild talk. Yet as many have you written, we have reasons to re-focus and never forget how good and never short Jehovah‘s hand is. He is there to help, including through the comfort that comes from our very own brothers.

 

Resilience is another factor, and is not something automatic, it needs to be built. Many of us today have built it because of learning some hard lessons in life and having to endure horrible situations. But somehow, and with the help of Jehovah, we got through it and survived. Jehovah has never stopped being there for us, and will continue to be there if we put all of our worries to him first.

 

For some of you who can support your brother more in a material way, it is like paying directly to Jehovah himself, who promises to bless that. Prov.19:17 Such actions are truly a reflection of Jehovah.

 

But if a brother, due to limitations cannot help out physically or materially, then all of us can at the very least help our brother out with kind, upbuilding words or even small gestures (well done brother Jerry!) so that the person doesn‘t become too downhearted because of their circumstances. Whether it be from a natural disaster, loss of a loved one, loss of income, emotional pain, or other things that brings great distress. We would never just tell someone that their feelings are not valid, or that somehow they are to blame for their own mistakes, or deserved…because that would be reminiscent to the false comforters of Job.

 

True, we all need to be readjusted at times, but we have to be careful that we don’t become judgmental at the same time. When we seek first the kingdom, it is never in vain. When we turn to Jehovah for help, he will never disappoint. He will carry us through thick and thin, and he manifests that through one another, including helping us get to that place where we can get the right perspective to endure. - Isaiah 41:10

[Krusso]

In the topic of blame, my mother became a special pioneer when she was 16 years old. At that time some brothers encouraged not even finishing mandatory education because the end was near. She met my father who also did not finish the equivalent of high school and was a special pioneer. They let full time ministry when she got pregnant with me. They struggled a lot financially. I grew up poor in a developing country. She never blamed the organization. She regretted not finishing high school and took responsibility for her decision . She felt that her life financially speaking would be better and most likely it would if she had at least finished high school. But she also would not have met my father and had the family she has today. Our life becomes the result of all decisions we make not only the ones concerning education. She always encouraged us to go to the university in the 80’s because she always thought the way we now collectively think due to her personal bible study and her life experience. I also think that high education in itself does not guarantee anything. Financial security depends on other factors such as what are the skills you learned in the degree you chose, the job market, the university you went, your personal traits and abilities and personality, the economy where you live. In the end we will have the basic needs covered with Jehovah’s help and this is not the real life we will live, right?