The Path to Paradise?

[Witness]

The path in the drawing below, which supposedly represents the path to “paradise”, appears to allow for “new light”, or “adjustments” (a more favored word lately), indicated by the sharp turns along the way. The eye of the individual may be looking straight ahead toward the end of the valley, but the path that lies before him will determinedly lead the person in other directions, diverting his focus away from the valley’s end.  (Job 23:11; Prov 14:12; 2 Cor 6:3; Phil 4:8) 

How wearisome for the traveler to obediently remain on a path that defies all scriptural understanding of what following in the footsteps of Jesus means for us; a narrow, straight path which does not deviate from the Word of God, the teachings of Christ. (Ps 16:11;119:105; Mark 1:3; John 8:12; 10:27; Matt 7:13-14;  John 14:6) 

When hiking a nature trail, we may stop at a switchback to catch our breath and enjoy a sip of water before going forward on the journey.  On more developed paths, a bench may be found, providing a time for reflection, nourishment, and rest.  One can also choose at that point to turn around if the path seems too dangerous or strenuous to continue.  Anyone walking the organization’s “path” could and should take advantage of these moments of “adjustments”, and reflect on the governing leaders’ doctrine, as indicated in my mind by those sharp turns in the illustration.  One seeking to please God, would reason on whether the adjustments are true or false; whether these leaders continue to base their teachings on the “empty philosophy” of men, or on the Word of God. (Prov 11:3; Matt 15:7-9; Acts 17:11; Col 2:8,22; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:19-21; 2 Tim 3:16) 

Through earnest prayers to know truth, many of us have been granted eyes that see and ears that hear the truth in God’s Word. (Isa 42:16) We can perceive a lie spoken by the governing leaders when we hear it.  We realize that the organization’s ‘way to paradise’ boldly and deceptively challenges the teachings of Jesus Christ.  (Prov 4:10-15,25-27; 10:17; John 8:31; Matt 24:24,25; 2 Pet 2:1-3; Heb 3:7-11) 

We have chosen to step off this confusing trail that leads one only further down the endless path of darkness and death; and we have accepted the light of refinement through the spirit of Christ, showing us the way to eternal life and authentic peace (Prov 3:6; 4:18-22; 22:5; Ps 1:1-2,6; John 8:12; Acts 26:18; 1 Cor 14:33; Eph 5:8-9; Rev 3:18) 

 

Our lives are totally dependent upon God's spirit (Ps. 104:29; Rev 4:11). 

Many who claim to be of God, have forgotten this.
They do not realize, that without God's spirit, they are dead.
To awaken from this lukewarm condition, is to see the truth.
For some, this "awakening to truth" will vindicate the life they chose. 
For others, it will expose their shameful nakedness.
(Rev 20:12,13;6:8; Dan 12:2; John 5:26-29; Matt 25:46; Ezek 37:11-12)

"Eye Salve" - Humility, Repentance

 

2 Tim 2:15 – “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker having no need to be ashamed, guiding the word of truth along a straight path.” 

One of the Wt. study magazines clarifies the Greek word orthotomeō as meaning, “to cut a path in a straight direction”.  It uses the example of a farmer plowing a straight furrow across a field. 

The magazine states,  “A crooked row would certainly prove to be an embarrassment to a seasoned farmer. To be ‘a workman with nothing to be ashamed of,’ Timothy was reminded that no deviation from the true teachings of God’s Word would be allowed.”  (03/11/15, p. 10-11)

It explains that Timothy’s “personal views” would have no part in shaping his teachings; and “worldly philosophy” would have no part in directing the minds of “honest hearted individuals” today.  (Ps 17:4; 119:35; Prov 2:10-15; Isa 2:43; 2 Tim 4:2-4; Col 2:4,8) 

Are any of these good points put into practice by the organization?  The list “Beliefs Clarified” gives insight to only a selection of “adjustments” that have been made over the organization’s history.  Each one incorporates the empty deceit of men – ideas not sourced in the spirit of Christ.  If these teachings were blessed by Holy Spirit, if they held true to God’s Word, would there have been a list to begin with? (Ezek 13:9; Jer 23:16; Matt 7:15-20; 1 John 4:1) 

Yet, millions of JWs seem pleased with it, viewing it as evidence of the blessing of “new light”.  (Isa 5:20; Jer 5:30-31;Isa 8:19-22; 50:10-11; Rev 22:14-15) 

They willingly and obediently remain dedicated to the “way” that accommodates future doctrine of men, sure to be revealed at the next crook in the path.  (Deut 32:5; Isa 59:9-10; Isa 48:17-18;Jer 6:16; 2 Thess 2:12) 

Do the teachers who falsely promise peace to one who obeys the “delusions of their own mind”, experience any embarrassment for their inability to lead JWs on a straight path of truth?  (Jer 6:10,13-15; 14:13-15; Micah 2:11; Ps 52:7; Isa 44:20; 47:10; 1 Thess 5:3) 

 “As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,
so wisdom is for a person of understanding.”  Prov 10:23 

 “My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
¹¹ Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.

¹² Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
¹³ who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
¹⁴ who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
¹⁵ whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways.”  Prov 2:1-15