Why the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses FEARS the Internet!

Why? They want total, 100% Information control!

The Internet represents freedom of information. When Witnesses read anything other than the propaganda the Watchtower puts out, they can see truthful gaping holes and rapidly changing theology. In other words, the Governing Body has learned that almost every time any Witness begins to cross-examine the organization, their speed of departure is directly proportionate to their personal honesty towards the facts of history.

Background:

To understand why the Governing body literally fears the Internet, you must go back a few years prior to the Internet.
We have posted this page since 1996 and predicted the crackdown on Jw's would come regarding the internet. Well the time is past for in November 1999, the "Kingdom Ministry" publication came down very hard against Jehovah's Witnesses using the internet and email. Click here to view this incredible document. We just laugh in pity when JW's try to claim they are free to surf the net... Sure... as long they don't get caught! Starting in about September 1990 many websites run by Jw's were forced by the governing body to "cease and desist" their on line presence. They were told, "Hey, you got the official website what more do you need? Open your mouth and get fed like the rest of the sheep. You are not a feeder but one who gets fed!"

If Witnesses are:

forbidden to read the Bible alone.

forbidden to read a personal letter from a non-JW friend with a Bible verse in it.

forbidden to think for themselves when it comes to religion but must blindly accept anything the "organization" teaches.

Is it any surprise that Witnesses are likewise forbidden from visiting any religious website other than the JW official one at: "watchtower.org"?

The watchtower wants 100% information control. The Internet is a serious threat to the organization.

Information control: An informed Witness, is soon to be an Ex-WITNESS!!!

INFORMATION CONTROL #1:

Witnesses forbidden to study the Bible ALONE:

1910 "If the 6 volumes of 'Scripture Studies' are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes- 'The Bible' in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself...Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible itself, but we see also that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' ... after he has read them for 10 years-if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone...out experience shows that within 2 years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he has merely read the 'S.S.' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years." (Watchtower, Sept 15, 1910)

1951 But if each of us were left to himself just because he has a copy of the Bible and were to direct his movements independently as he thought he understood the Word, what? It is likely, or possible, that there would be a great deal of confusion or working in competition among us. Hence, besides individually possessing God's Word, we need a theocratic organization. Yes, besides having God's spirit of illumination, a Christian needs Jehovah's theocratic organization in order to understand the Bible. (Watchtower; June 15, 1951; p. 375)
1957 "The world is full of Bibles, which Book contains the commandments of God. Why, then, do the people not know which way to go? ... "God has not arranged for [His] Word to speak independently or to shine life-giving truths by itself. It is through his organization God provides this light." (Watchtower, May 1, 1957, pg. 274)
1967 "The Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind." (Watchtower, Oct 1, 1967, pg. 587)
1965 "He does not impart his holy spirit and understanding and appreciation of his Word apart from his visible organization." (Watchtower, July 1, 1965, pg. 391)
1981 "We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization.'" (Watchtower, February 15, 1981, p.19)
1981 They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago,... (Watchtower; Aug. 15, 1981; p. 29)
1994 Channel to understanding the Bible... All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave. (Watchtower; Oct. 1, 1994; p. 8)
Non-Witnesses please understand that Witnesses do not believe the Bible, they believe the watchtower. Don't waste your time studying the Bible with them. They only believe what the organization prints.

INFORMATION CONTROL #2:

The Inspired Watchtower is the TRUE Witness Bible!

1936 "The Lord has graciously provided for the publication of his message in the form of books, that the people many be informed of the truth....those books do not contain the opinion of any man." (Riches, 1936, p. 384, 385)

1937 "The Watchtower is issued twice each month and brings to its readers the current report which the Lord, in the exercise of his loving-kindness, manifests in the unfolding of his prophecies to those who are devoted to him....the Watchtower being the means the Lord is pleased to use to transmit his message of truth to the people, it is a real comfort to the remnant and the other sheep of the Lord to have this given to the regularly twice each month." (1937 Yearbook, p. 82)
1938 "Jehovah provides the machinery, the printing presses, and all material for the purpose of preparing his fiery message that must be poured out or scattered upon 'Christendom', and this is done by his 'faithful servant' class." (Watchtower May 1, 1938 p 143)
1939 "It should be expected that the Lord would have a means of communicating to his people on the earth, and he has clearly shown that the magazine called The Watchtower is used for that purpose." (1939 Yearbook Of Jehovah's Witnesses, P 85)
1940 Court's Question to Franz: "Who subsequently became the Editor of the magazine, the main editor of the 'Watch Tower' magazine?" Franz's Answer: "Jehovah God." (Fred W. Franz on the witness stand under oath, New York King's County Clerks' Court Record, 1940, vol. II, p 795)
1942 Christ Jesus has caused the understanding of the prophetic dramas and pictures to be clear and set forth in the Watchtower publications. (Watchtower, Dec. 15, 1942 p. 376)
1959 "The evidence of the holy spirit in the quality and content of the writings published by the Watchtower Society should be the thing that satisfies, that convinces, together with a comparison of these things with the inspired Word of God, the Holy Scriptures." (Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1959, p. 607-608)
Non-Witnesses please understand that to a Witness the Watchtower literally replaces the Bible as a source of faith and doctrine. They will strongly deny this, but Witnesses know in their hearts it is true as the above quotes prove beyond any question.

INFORMATION CONTROL #3:

JW's forbidden from reading non-JW materials:

Jehovah's Witnesses are officially forbidden from reading any non-JW religious information. In other words, JW's reading this right now literally risk getting disfellowshipped if they get caught! All non-JW religious material, regardless of the source is called, "apostate material" and quite forbidden to even possess. When you give them a tract at the door, they are not permitted to read it and must throw it out immediately.

"Have No Dealings With Apostates, ... For example, what will you do if you receive a letter or some literature, open it, and see right away that it is from an apostate? Will curiosity cause you to read it, just to see what he has to say? You may even reason: `It won't affect me; I'm too strong in the truth. And besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.' In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt." (Watchtower, March 15, 1986 p12)
Non-Witnesses please understand why giving tracts to JW's at the door is a waste of time! They are forbidden to even read it!

INFORMATION CONTROL #4:

Fear of lending any credibility to any non-JW religious organization, book or author.

The Organization is afraid of giving ANY influence away in their bibliographic information. For example, the organization wrote a book supporting young earth creation (God created the earth 49,000 years ago as opposed to a 4 billion year evolutionary process) called, "Creation or Evolution". Although the bibliography is extensive, it never gives credit or reference to any "creation science" book, writer or organization, in spite of the fact that the Watchtower writers relied HEAVILY upon these "creation science" books, writers and organizations to write their book. They did quote many humanist secular books and magazines, but NONE from any "creation science" sources. Now the reason is simple, Life Magazine, being humanist and "of the world" does not pose any threat to the Organization's monopoly of "religious information" control. But "creation science" books, writers and organizations are almost exclusively manned by people of conservative, fundamentalist religious Bible believing views. This posses a great threat to the organization and that, quite simply, is why they never give any credit to such organizations, even though they in fact used such sources as a PRIMARY RESOURCE of information.

INFORMATION CONTROL #5:

Organization is God's inspired prophet in whom is only source of salvation

1936 "... there is but one place of safety, and that is to be in and to abide in the organization of Jehovah God." (Riches; 1936; p. 101)

1938 The Lord Jesus Christ as the head of Jehovah's organization Zion has a visible part of his organization on the earth, which represents the Lord and acts under the direct supervision of the Lord Jesus Christ... "The Society" acts by through its duty constituted servants; recognizing the great fact that God hath set the members in the body as it pleaseth him(1Cor.12:18), which he does by and through his Chief Officer, Christ Jesus. It must be conceded by all who love the Lord that the Lord has perfected and directs his own organization. (Watchtower, June 1, 1938 p. 169-170)

1938 "So Jehovah's visible organization under Christ is a channel for bringing the divine interpretation of his word to his devoted people." (Watchtower, June 1, 1938, p. 169)

1939 We acknowledge as the visible organization of Jehovah on earth the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, and recognize the Society as the Channel or instrument through which Jehovah and Christ Jesus give instruction and meat in due season to the household of faith. (Watchtower, April 15, 1939 p. 125)

1954 "They are passed to the Holy Spirit who invisibly communicates with Jehovah's Witnesses and the publicity department" (F. W. Franz, Vice-President of the Watchtower Society, Scottish Daily Express, Nov. 24, 1954)

1967 "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect." (Watchtower, October 1, 1967, p. 591)
1967 "We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his word and channel of communication." (Watchtower, October 1, 1967, p. 591)
1972 "That they [Jehovah's Witness] must adhere absolutely to the decisions and scriptural understandings of the Society because God has given it this authority over his people." (Watchtower, May 1, 1972, p. 272)
1973 "Consider too, the fact that Jehovah's organization alone in all the earth is directed by God's holy spirit or active force." (Watchtower, July 1, 1973, page 402)
1973 Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book. (Watchtower; July 1, 1973; p. 402)
1983 To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it. (Watchtower; Feb. 15, 1983; p. 12)
1983 "Jesus Christ identified a first requirement when he said in prayer to his Father: 'This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you... Many have found the second requirement more difficult. It is to obey God's laws, yes, to conform one's life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible...A third requirement is that we be associated with God's channel, his organization...To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it...The fourth requirement is connected with loyalty. God requires that prospective subjects of his kingdom support his government by loyally advocating his kingdom rule to others..." (four requirements for salvation as taught by the Watchtower magazine of Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12. One of them deals with the Watchtower organization.)

INFORMATION CONTROL #6:

Witnesses forbidden to think for themselves:

1911 "Rather we should seek for dependent Bible study, rather than for independent Bible study." (Watchtower, Sept 15, 1911, pg. 4885)

1951 But if each of us were left to himself just because he has a copy of the Bible and were to direct his movements independently as he thought he understood the Word, what? It is likely, or possible, that there would be a great deal of confusion or working in competition among us. Hence, besides individually possessing God's Word, we need a theocratic organization. Yes, besides having God's spirit of illumination, a Christian needs Jehovah's theocratic organization in order to understand the Bible. (The Watchtower; 6/15/1951; pp. 375)

1957 The world is full of Bibles, which Book contains the commandments of God. Why, then, do the people not know which way to go? Because they do not also have the teaching or law of the mother, which is light. Jehovah God has provided his holy written Word for all mankind and it contains all the information that is needed for men in taking a course leading to life. But God has not arranged for that Word to speak independently or to shine forth life-giving truths by itself. His Word says: "Light is sown for the righteous." (Ps. 97:11) It is through his organization that God provides this light that the proverb says is the teaching or law of the mother. If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother. (The Watchtower; 5/1/1957; pp. 274)

1967 Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind. (The Watchtower; 10/1/1967; pp. 587)

1972 Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book. (The Watchtower; 7/1/1973; pp. 402)

1981 No matter where we may live on earth, God's Word continues to serve as a light to our path and a lamp to our roadway as to our conduct and beliefs. (Ps. 119:105) But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave," made up of spirit anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do. (The Watchtower; 12/1/1981; pp. 27)

1983 "Avoid independent thinking...questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 pg. 22)
1983 "Fight against independent thinking." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 pg. 27 )

1990 We have the opportunity to show love for our brothers who take the lead in the congregation or in connection with Jehovah's visible organization worldwide. This includes being loyal to "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) Let us face the fact that no matter how much Bible reading we have done, we would never have learned the truth on our own. (The Watchtower; 12/1/1990; pp. 19)

In other words, just blindly accept what ever the Watchtower reaches.
Non-Witnesses please understand that Witnesses are in fact quite programmed when they come to your door. They are not independent thinkers. The organization does all their thinking for them. You will notice that if you get them off their much rehearsed front door speech, into one of the many topics they have no instructions from the organization, they are totally lost and usually just walk away defeated.

INFORMATION CONTROL #7:

Witnesses Told To Stay Away from Internet as a source of information:

"connecting a computer to an electronic bulletin board can open the way to serious spiritual dangers. Just as an unscrupulous individual can place on a bulletin board a virus-a program designed to corrupt and destroy computer files-apostates, clergymen, and persons seeking to corrupt others morally or otherwise can freely place their poisonous ideas on bulletin boards. Unless a bulletin board, even one labeled "JW Only," is properly supervised, with its use being limited to those who are mature, faithful servants of Jehovah, it could expose Christian users to "bad associations." (1 Cor. 15:33) The Society has received reports that such so-called private networks have been used not only to speculate regarding spiritual matters but also to give bad advice, spread gossip and false information, plant negative ideas, raise questions and doubts that subvert the faith of some, and disseminate private interpretations of Scripture. On the surface, some information may appear to be Interesting and informative, and yet it may be laced with poisonous elements. Christians look to "the faithful and discreet slave" for timely spiritual food and for clarifications." (Watchtower, August 1, 1993, p17)
Witnesses forbidden to surf the Internet at any website unless Headquarters specifically endorses it!
In other words, If you are a Jehovah's Witness and are reading this right not, you risk disfellowship!

November 1999: Kingdom Ministry: Internet Use

USE OF THE INTERNET - BE ALERT TO THE DANGERS

Jehovah's people enjoy wholesome association with one another. They enjoy sharing experiences from the field ministry and appreciate hearing about events that occur in connection with Jehovah's Witnesses and the Kingdom work around the globe. They like to be informed about anything outstanding that may happen to our brothers, such as a crisis or a natural disaster, and they want to know if there is something they can do to help. Such interest shows the unity of the brotherhood, proving that we do indeed love one another. -John 13: 34,35;
Today, we hear about world events quickly. Radio and television broadcasts give live coverage of events in full detail to audiences all over the globe. The telephone also makes it possible to communicate immediately with people around the world. In communications a recent phenomenon that is taking the world by storm is the Internet. -See Awake! July 22, 1997.
The invention of the telephone opened the way to fast personal communication world-wide. Although the telephone is very useful, caution is needed in the way it is employed, as it can be a tool for improper association or activities, and overuse of the telephone can be expensive. Television and radio have potential in the field of education. Sadly, though, much of the programming is morally corrupt, and attention to it is a waste of time. Wisdom dictates that we be very selective in the use of television and radio.
The Internet enables one to communicate inexpensively with millions of others throughout the world, and it opens the door to vast amounts of information. (Awake! Jan 8, 1998) The indiscriminate use of the Internet, however, can expose a person to great spiritual danger and moral dangers. How is this so?
Many are concerned about readily available information that shows how to build weapons, including bombs. Industry complains about the amount of time workers waste using the internet. Much has been stated in our publications about the obvious spiritual dangers encountered on the Internet. Numerous Web Sites present violent and pornographic material that is entirely unsuitable for Christians. (Ps 119: 37) In addition to these dangers, there is a more insidious danger that Jehovah's Witnesses in particular need to be on guard against. What is this danger?
Would you invite a stranger into your home without first finding out who he is? What if there was no way to find out? Would you allow such a stranger to be alone with your children? This is an indisputable possibility on the Internet.
Electronic mail can be sent to and received from people you do not know. The same is true when you converse electronically in a forum or in a chat room. Participants may at times claim to be Jehovah's Witnesses, but often they are not. Someone may claim to a youth when he or she is not. Or a person may even falsely claim to be of a certain gender.
Information passed on to you may come in the form of experiences or comments about our beliefs. This information is passed on to others who, in turn pass it on to still others. The information is generally not verifiable and may be untrue. The comments may be a cover for spreading apostate reasoning. -2 Thess 2: 1-3;
With this danger in mind, if you use the Internet, ask yourself: 'What do I use it for? Is there a possibility that I could be harmed spiritually by how I am using it? Could I be contributing to the spiritual injury of others?
WEB SITES OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES: Consider, for example, some Internet sites set up by individuals who claim to be Jehovah's Witnesses. They invite you to visit their web sites to read experiences posted by others who claim to be Witnesses. You are encouraged to share you thoughts and views about the Society's literature. Some give recommendations about presentations that could be used in the field ministry. These site offer chat rooms for individuals to connect to, allowing live communication with others, similar to talking on the telephone. They often point you to other sites where you can have online association with Jehovah's Witnesses around the world. But can you tell for certain that these contacts have not been planted by apostates?
Having association via the Internet may not be consistent with the recommendation found at Eph 5: 15-17. The apostle Paul wrote: Keep strict watch that how YOU walk is not as unwise but as wise [persons], buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is."
The Christian congregation is the theocratic means through which we are fed spiritually by "the faithful and discreet slave" (Matt 24: 45-47) Within God's organization, we find direction and protection to keep us separate from the world as well as motivation to keep busy in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor 15: 58) The Psalmist indicated that he experienced joy and a feeling of security among God's congregated people. (Ps 27: 4,5; Ps 55: 14; Ps 122:1) The congregation also provides spiritual support and assistance for those associated with it. Therein, you can find a group of loving, concerned, and caring friends - people you personally know they are ready and willing to help and comfort others in time of distress. (2 Cor 7: 5-7) Congregation members are protected by the Scriptural provision for disfellowshipping those who sin unrepentantly or who promote apostate thinking. ( 1 Cor 5: 9-13; Titus 3: 10,11) Can we expect to find these same loving arrangements when associating with others via the Internet?
It has become apparent that the opposite is true. Some Web sites are clearly vehicles for apostate propaganda. (Ahem, H20) Such Web sites may claim otherwise, and those who sponsor a site may give a detailed explanation to affirm that they truly are Jehovah's Witnesses. They may even request information from you in order to verify 'you' are one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah wants you to exercise discernment. Why? Because he knows that it will safeguard you from various dangers. Pr 2: 10-19 opens by saying: "When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you from what? From such things as "the bad way" those leaving upright paths, and people who are immoral and devious in their general course.
When we go to the Kingdom Hall, there is no question that we are with our brothers. We know them. No one requires authentication of this because the brotherly love manifested make it obvious. We are not personally required to provide credentials to prove that we are one of Jehovah's Witnesses. It is here that we find true interchange of encouragement that Paul spoke about at Heb 10: 24,25; Web sites that encourage on-line association cannot be depended on to provide this. Having in mind the words of Ps 26: 4,5; can alert us to dangers that could easily be encountered when using Web sites on the Internet.
There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users. Often, children and teenagers are easy targets of crime and exploitation in this environment. Children are trusting, curious, and anxious to explore the relatively new world of cyberspace. Parents therefore need to supervise their children and give them sound Scriptural guidance about using the Internet, just as they would guide them in their choice of music or movies. 1 Cor 15: 33.
Sadly, some who were once our brothers and sisters have had to be disfellowshipped because of association that started be meeting worldly individuals in chat rooms on the Internet and eventually led to immorality. In shocked disbelief, elders have written that some actually left their husbands or wives to pursue a relationship that began on the Internet. (2 Tim 3: 6) Other individual have disowned the truth because of believing information provided by apostates. (1 Tim 4: 1,2;) Given these very serious dangers, does it not seem reasonable to be cautious about becoming involved in chat sessions on the Internet? Certainly, exercising the wisdom, knowledge, thinking ability, and discernment spoken of at Pr 2: 10-10 should safeguard us in this.

Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscrete brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to creates such Web sites, "Our Kingdom Ministry" November 1997, page 3, stated: "There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah's Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site (www.watchtower.org) presents accurate information for any who want it"
STUDY AIDS via the INTERNET? Some have felt they are rendering a service to the brothers by posting researched information in connection with various theocratic activities. For example, a person may do research based on a public talk outline and then post this, thinking that such information will benefit those who need to prepare the same outline. Others will post all the Scriptures for an upcoming Watchtower study or provide source material for the Theocratic Ministry School or the Congregation Book study. Some may offer suggestions for field ministry presentations. Are such really helpful?
The publications provided by Jehovah's organization stimulate our minds with up-building thoughts and train us "to distinguish both right and wrong" (Heb 5: 14) Can we say that this is achieved if others do our research for us?
The Beroeans were spoken of as "more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica" Why? Because "they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things where so" (Acts 17: 11) Although Paul and Silas preached to them, they could not make the truth their own without becoming personally involved.
Using another person's research for a talk or for other meeting preparation really defeats the purpose of personal study. Is it not your desire to build up your own personal faith in God's Word? Based on personal conviction, you can then make public expression of your faith-in your talks, in comments at the meetings, and in the field ministry. (Rom 10: 10) Using another person's research does not fit the description given at Pr 2: 4,5; to personally "keep seeking and searching for the very knowledge of God as for his treasures".
For example, when looking up scriptures in your own copy of the Bible, you can briefly review the context of each scripture. You can "trace all things with accuracy" as did Luke when he wrote his Gospel. (Luke 1: 3) The extra effort will also help you to be skillful in looking up scriptures in the ministry and when giving talks. Many have stated that they are impressed with Jehovah's Witnesses because they know how to use their Bibles. The only way that this can apply to us is if we make it a practice personally to look up scriptures in our own Bibles.
USING OUR TIME WISELY: Another consideration in this regard has to do with the amount of time spent creating, reading, and responding to information posted on the Internet. Ps 90: 12, encourages us to pray: "Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in" Paul stated: "The time left is reduced" (1 Cor 7: 29) And further: "Really, then, as long as we have time favourable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith" Gal 6: 10;
Such counsel highlights the need for us to be judicious in the use of our time. How much more profitable it is to spend time reading God's Word! (Ps 1: 1,2;) That is the best association we can have. (2 Tim 3: 16,17) Parents, are you teaching your children the value of using their time wisely in Kingdom pursuits? (Ecc 12: 1) Time spent in personal and family Bible study, meeting attendance, and field ministry far outweighs time spent browsing the Internet, expecting to gain benefits.
In this regard, it is the course of wisdom to focus our attention on spiritual matters and on those things relevant and essential to our lives as Christians. This calls for the making of well- considered choices respecting the information that merits our time and thoughts. As Christians, that which is relevant to our lives is summed up by Christ, who said: "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU." (Matt 6: 33) Are you not happiest when your life is filled with Kingdom pursuits rather than any other activity?
INTERNET E-MAIL: Although sharing personal experiences or thoughts among family members or friends who live far apart is appropriate, is it really loving to pass these on to others who may not know your family or friends? Or should these be posted on a Web page for just anyone to read? Are these personal messages to be copied and sent indiscriminately to people whom you may or may not know? Likewise, if you receive from others that were clearly not intended for you, is it loving to pass them on to still to others?
What if the experience you pass on is not accurate? Would this not be sharing in perpetuating an untruth? (Pr 12: 19; Pr 21: 28; Pr 30: 8; Col 3: 9) Certainly, keeping strict watch that how[we] walk is not as unwise but as wise persons" would move us to consider this. (Eph 5: 15) How happy we are that the 'Yearbook' the Watchtower' and Awake! are filled with verifiable experiences that encourage us and motivate us to keep walking in "the way"! Isa 30: 20,21;
There is also another danger: The apostle Paul said concerning some: "They also learn to be unoccupied, gadding about to the houses; yes, not only unoccupied, but also gossipers and meddlers in other people affairs talking of things they ought not" (1 Tim 5: 13) This agues against spending time and effort passing on frivolous information to our brothers.
Think, too, of the amount of time that it takes to keep up with a large quantity of E-Mail. Interestingly, the book Data Smog stated: "As one spends more and more time online, e-mail quickly changes from being a stimulating novelty to a time-consuming burden with dozens of messages to read and answer every day from colleagues, friends, family, ... and unsolicited sales pitches" Further, it states: "Many electronic glutizens have picked up the very bad habit of forwarding every entertaining nugget they receive jokes, urban myths, electronic chain letters, and more - to everyone on their electronic address book".
This has been evident in the E-mail circulated among many of the brothers - such items as jokes or humorous stories on our beliefs; illustrations from various talks heard at assemblies, conventions, or at the Kingdom Hall; experiences from the field ministry; and so forth - things that seem innocent enough. Most routinely forward such E-mail without checking the source, making it difficult to know who really is the originator, which ought to make one wonder if the information is really true. Pr 22: 20,21;
Such often - frivolous messages are not the kind of healthful words that Paul had in mind when he wrote to Timothy, saying: "Keep holding 'the pattern of healthful words' that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 1: 13) The "pure language" of Scriptural truth has "the pattern of healthful words" based mainly on the Bible's theme of the vindication of Jehovah's Sovereignty by means of the Kingdom. (Zeph 3: 9) We should make every effort to devote all our available time and energy to support this vindication of Jehovah's Sovereignty.
Since we are deep in the time of the end of this system of things, this is not time to let our guard down. The Bible warns us "Keep YOUR senses, be watchful. YOUR adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour [someone]". (1 Pet 5: 8) It further states: "Put on the complete suit of armor from God that YOU may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil; (Eph 6 11
If misused, the Internet can be a means by which Satan overreaches those who are seduced by its power. Although it may have limited usefulness, there is danger if it is not viewed with caution. Parents especially need to be concerned about their children's use of the Internet.
Keeping a balanced view of the Internet is a protection. We appreciate the timely reminder by Paul: Let .. those making use of the world [be] as those not using it to the full; for the scene of the world is changing" (1 Cor 7: 29-31) Having these things in mind will help keep us and our families from becoming distracted by all the world has to offer, including what is available on the Internet.
It is imperative that we stay close to our brothers in the congregation and use the remaining time wisely, thus making ourselves available for the advancing Kingdom interests. As this system nears its finish, let us "no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds" but let us "go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is" Eph 4: 17; Eph 5: 17;

We speak the truth in Love...

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