Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
You put those who claim to be apostles to the test (Rev. 2: 2).
The anointed do not expect others to treat them in a special way (Philippians 2: 2, 3). They also know that when Jehovah anointed them, he didn't let the whole world know about it. So an anointed Christian is not surprised if other people at first have a hard time believing that God has chosen him. After all, the Bible teaches that we should not immediately believe anyone who claims to have received a special responsibility from God. Also, because they don't want to draw attention to themselves, anointed ones don't say they are when they first meet someone. And, of course, they never claim to be anointed (1 Cor. 4: 7, 8). The anointed do not relate solely to other anointed ones, as if they were members of an exclusive club. They also do not try to communicate with other anointed ones to discuss their heavenly call or to form private Bible study groups (Gal. 1: 15-17). If they did that, they would not help to unite the congregation. In fact, they would go against the holy spirit, for it fosters peace and unity among God's people (Rom. 16:17, 18). w20.01 28 pars. 6, 7.
Why should we be careful how we treat the anointed? (See also note).
How should we treat anointed brothers and sisters? It is wrong to admire too much someone, even an anointed one, a brother of Christ (Matt. 23: 8-12). When speaking of elders, the Bible says, "They imitate their faith," but it does not say that we become followers of some human being (Heb. 13: 7). True, it also says that some Christians are "worthy of double honor." But it is not because they are anointed, but because they “lead the congregation well” and “work hard speaking and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17). If we give too much praise or attention to the anointed, we could make them uncomfortable * or, worse still, make the fact of being anointed go to their heads (Rom. 12: 3). And is it true that we do not want to contribute to an anointed one making such a serious mistake? (Luke 17: 2).
How can we show respect to the anointed?
How can we show respect to those Jehovah has anointed? To begin with, we will not ask you how you received the heavenly call. It is a very personal matter that we do not have to know (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:11). Nor will we assume that your spouse, parents, or other family members are also anointed. The heavenly call is not inherited; it is received from God (1 Thess. 2:12). Also, we will not ask questions that may make others feel bad. For example, we will never ask the wife of an anointed one how it feels to think about living forever on Earth without her husband. At the end of the day, we are convinced that in the new world Jehovah will satisfy the desire of all living beings (Ps. 145: 16).
Why should we not admire personalities?
On the other hand, when we don't treat the anointed as if they are more important than others, we protect ourselves. How? According to the Bible, some anointed ones could become unfaithful (Matt. 25: 10-12; 2 Pet. 2:20, 21). But if we are one of those who do not “admire personalities,” we will never be followers of men, even if they are anointed, well known, or have served Jehovah for many years (Jud. 16, note). Thus, if they become unfaithful or leave the congregation, we will not lose faith or abandon Jehovah.
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