Watchtower Comments 8/20/2023

These are always tough lessons to comment on because we shouldn’t be commenting in such a way that tells Elders what they should. So we have to kind of stretch the paragraph to work around it — apply it to ourselves as non-Elders, or maybe phrase it as “We appreciate how they…”. Just somehow phrase it in a way that isn’t saying “Elders should be doing this.”

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Or 10, this works in a couple of places

Ps 119:112 is directing our attention to be “resolved to obey your regulations at all times, down to the last.” Even Elders are being given direction and instruction from those above them, just as we’re getting our instructions from them. Obedience begets obedience.

Even though what happens inside Elders’ Meetings is private, the attitudes they present in there often trickle down to the congregation. When congregations receive letters from the Branch or from Headquarters and view them as mere “suggestions” that can be disregarded with weak excuses, the congregation tends to view instruction from the Elders as mere suggestions, and we make excuses so as not to follow the directions given.

It’s a reminder even to us, that if I’m obedient to the Elders, it sets the example for my family to be obedient, even when it’s hard — maybe even especially when it’s hard. Or if I’m out in Service, my obedience makes it easier for the entire car group to be obedient.

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The example of the Hospital Liaison Committee is a good one because they are often addressing time-sensitive situations. Medical issues can’t be managed with better budgeting. It then triggers in our minds all the other issues Elders may have to deal with that are time-sensitive. We likely can all think of times when we’ve had to make a phone call saying “I need an Elder and it has to be tonight.” That’s just the reality of living in Satan’s system. So we very much appreciate how Jehovah steps in and supplies to them the strength and endurance they need, so that we can get the assistance we need.