# **Legalism

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Posted by Kent [KENT] on October 26, 1999 at 03:20:29 {c/rgKhj4NcOJikFWJ7tMBSwZlMEBKg}:

In Reply to: *Legalism posted by Janey on October 26, 1999 at 00:41:50:

# Here's a few other details The Watchtower has decided upon:

*** w96 9/15 31 Back to Dust-How? ***
Those who decide in favor of scattering the ashes will need to pay attention to the law of the land. It would also be appropriate for them to take into account the feelings of the bereaved and others. Servants of Jehovah will do well to be careful that exercising their Scriptural freedom in this regard does not bring reproach upon the good name Christians bear. This is especially important in lands where cremation and the scattering of ashes are legally permissible but not yet fully accepted in the community. Of course, a Christian will stay away from any rites or customs based on the belief in the immortality of the human soul.

*** w93 1/1 31 Questions From Readers ***
God’s people should not be oblivious of ecological matters. Jehovah required his ancient people to take steps to dispose of wastes, steps that had ecological as well as sanitary import. (Deuteronomy 23:9-14) And since we know his view of those who are ruining the earth, we certainly should not ignore things that we can do to keep the environment clean. We can reflect this in proper disposal of garbage or wastes, especially toxic substances. We conscientiously cooperate with recycling efforts, having added reason to do so if these are mandated by Caesar. (Romans 13:1, 5) And some individuals draw satisfaction from taking additional steps, such as choosing to use biodegradable products rather than ones that would add to the mountains of refuse on land and under the seas.
The extent to which a Christian will go in this direction, however, is a personal matter unless required by law. It is plain from the news media that imperfect humans easily fall into the trap of being extremists.

*** w75 4/15 255 Questions from Readers ***
ó Do Jehovah’s witnesses feel that it is proper to consult a psychiatrist?
Whether a Christian will consult a psychiatrist, or any other doctor, is a matter for personal decision. However, true Christians have deep faith in the Bible’s power to give helpful guidance. They realize that the Creator knows more about man—including the human mind—than any human does. Thus, Jehovah’s witnesses view any method of treatment in the light of the “wisdom from above.”—Jas. 3:17.

*** w74 4/1 219 Persecuted Christians-"A Theatrical Spectacle to the World" ***
Therefore, now, while there is relative calm in most of the world, is the time to work hard at developing “the mind of Christ” and to let it control in every aspect of one’s life. Work at making yourself the kind of person that God would approve at any time.
27 It is not wise to develop and dwell on dark, morbid fears regarding future trials. Nor is it sensible to skewer oneself with thoughts about what perverse things the enemy might someday do to God’s people. Rather, a Christian will prove his loyalty to God day by day.

*** w67 8/15 511 Questions from Readers ***
If a Christian is firmly resolved to obey God’s law on blood, it is difficult to see how he could simply be passive about the matter. The extent to which a Christian will resist the administration of a blood transfusion in his case or in the case of a dependent is something for that person to decide and his congregation to examine.

*** w67 9/15 576 Questions from Readers ***
ó What is the Scriptural view of the use of birthstones?—M. O., U.S.A.
Whether a Christian will wear a ring with a certain gem in it is a matter for personal decision. Bible principles can aid one to make a wise decision. The Bible admonishes us: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Prov. 4:23) So, in making this decision, the Christian ought to examine his heart to see what his motive is. Is it simply that the gem that appeals to one happens also to be a so-called birthstone? Or is one, somehow, affected by the superstitious view that certain persons have attached to them?

*** w66 2/1 94 What Is a Christian's Responsibility to the Needy and the Sick? ***
Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Tim. 5:4, 8) A Christian will fulfill his responsibility to provide for needy relatives, whether by doing so personally or in cooperation with other relatives or by aiding them to make use of governmental assistance available to them.

*** w65 1/15 60 Weddings of Worldly Acquaintances ***
However, in regard to a wedding, in most countries it is basically a civil ceremony, although often conducted by a clergyman. The clergyman who legalizes the marriage receives his authority to marry people from the State. In view of this, a Christian may reason that there is no direct Scriptural command prohibiting him from attending and participating, regardless of whether the wedding is in the building of a false religious organization or not. This is correct; however, there are other factors that a Christian will want to consider.

*** w65 1/15 61 Weddings of Worldly Acquaintances ***
A Christian will, therefore, want to consider carefully the advisability of participating in such a function. He certainly does not want to do anything that will endanger his relationship with Jehovah God. So he will have to decide: Is sharing in a wedding under the supervision of a false religious organization in keeping with God’s command to “flee from idolatry”?

*** w64 10/15 639-40 Questions from Readers ***
ó Is it proper for a Christian to have a hobby of magical tricks simply for his amusement?
It may be that a person has a hobby of performing tricks that have nothing to do with real magic or demonism. It may be that one simply employs sleight-of-hand tricks or those involving illusions. So if one were merely showing how adroit a person may be with his hands, with no pretense of any magic, there may be no objection to such entertainment. However, whether a Christian will be involved in things of this nature or not is something that should be thoughtfully considered. One might start out performing simple tricks, but this could lead into practices that, knowingly or unwittingly, mimic the magical arts. One might duplicate by trickery real magical feats that are performed by demons, such as levitation, moving objects mysteriously, ectoplasmic materializations, and so forth. Such could lead into involvement with wicked spirit forces because it is playing at what the demons actually do.

*** w64 11/15 682-3 Employment and Your Conscience ***
The Society does not endorse any of the modern medical uses of blood, such as the uses of blood in connection with inoculations. Inoculation is, however, a virtually unavoidable circumstance in some segments of society, and so we leave it up to the conscience of the individual to determine whether to submit to inoculation with a serum containing blood fractions for the purpose of building up antibodies to fight against disease. If a person did this, he may derive comfort under the circumstances from the fact that he is not directly eating blood, which is expressly forbidden in God’s Word. It is not used for food or to replace lost blood. Here the Christian must make his own decision based on conscience. Therefore, whether a Christian will submit to inoculation with a serum, or whether doctors or nurses who are Christians will administer such, is for personal decision. Christians in the medical profession are individually responsible for employment decisions. They must bear the consequences of decisions made, in keeping with the principle at Galatians 6:5. Some doctors who are Jehovah’s witnesses have administered blood transfusions to persons of the world upon request. However, they do not do so in the case of one of Jehovah’s dedicated witnesses. In harmony with Deuteronomy 14:21, the administering of blood upon request to worldly persons is left to the Christian doctor’s own conscience. This is similar to the situation facing a Christian butcher or grocer who must decide whether he can conscientiously sell blood sausage to a worldly person.

*** w64 12/1 708 Efficiency with Consideration ***
That safe peak is the tempo of production at which the worker can continue indefinitely without undue physical or mental strain.
Thus, while a Christian will work hard to keep waste at a minimum and guard against slothfulness, he knows that he cannot produce perfection out of imperfection. The hard-driving, demanding boss may be extolled in the business world, but he is disapproved by God’s Word for his lack of consideration.

*** w62 11/15 703 Questions from Readers ***
ó Is there any manner in which the sexual act might be carried on between a husband and wife that would be considered unclean in Jehovah’s eyes?
There is, of course, nothing unclean about copulation, the natural way for the sexual connection to be performed by a husband and wife as ordained by our Creator. Sexual union affords those joined in wedlock the opportunity to express deep love and affection toward each other. That it should be not only the means of procreation but also a means of allaying passion and a source of satisfaction and delight is not out of harmony with God’s Word. But as to just what is acceptable in the way of tokens of affection, this is a matter to be worked out by each married couple.—Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 7:9; Prov. 5:15-19.
Nevertheless, even in these intimate affairs of life Christians apply Biblical principles. They realize that in this, as in other matters of life, the fruitage of God’s spirit must be cultivated and demonstrated, and this includes self-control. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Hence, a Christian will not give free rein to unbridled passion. He will realize that authority over the body of one’s mate does not allow a married person to indulge in practices that are both distressing to one’s mate and unclean before God. (1 Cor. 7:3-5) Authority over the body of a marriage mate is circumscribed by Scriptural principles, and so Christians united in wedlock will seek to apply these, and in this way they will work together and bring true happiness to each other. (Eph. 5:25-33; 1 Pet. 3:7-9) To their spiritual welfare and great benefit, they will remember and apply the words of Christ at Matthew 7:12: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.”
There are definite organs, male and female, for sexual intercourse. Their intended purpose and proper use are very apparent. It is only in this proper and God-ordained way that these organs should be used. Departures from the proper and natural use of these organs in order to satisfy the craving for unnatural intimacy with sex organs, or in order to excite animal passions, is unclean. It is degrading, as shown at Romans 1:21-32. It is a perversion and is unhealthy. Such actions are in reality an idolizing of sex organs, and they do not constitute a means of dignifying marriage. They do not make the marriage bed honorable. (Heb. 13:4) Certainly a Christian would avoid such uncleanness of the flesh, one of the works of the flesh, and would want to be no part of such perversion.—Gal. 5:19.

*** w60 11/1 671 What Does Halloween Mean to You? ***
Although Halloween poses as a Christian holiday, it is exposed as a pagan feast. It has not borne the fruit of pure Christianity but is a night when one fears for the safety of his property and possessions. Christians are looking to live in a new world wherein “righteousness is to dwell.” They are endeavoring to live now as they hope to live then, in that new world. Pagan feasts such as Halloween will not be observed then; that means a Christian will not celebrate them now.

*** w58 10/1 601 Self-Examination Vital to Fight Materialism ***
18 A Christian will pursue godly devotion and not materialism. Only by being aware of this satanic philosophy can he fight it successfully. He must be convinced that it is better to be in Jehovah’s organization than anywhere else. He should want to do nothing that would jeopardize his chances for life in the new world.

*** w56 6/15 370 Fighters for Truth ***
Furthermore, a well-trained regiment of soldiers has a pride in its achievements; and while a Christian will not get swelled up with personal pride, he should have a good spirit and delight in working with his brothers.

*** w54 10/1 597-8 Christians Live the Truth ***
22 Even in court under oath circumstances arose in totalitarian countries, such as under Hitler’s rule, where the brothers were faced with two evil alternative courses. One course was to tell everything one knew and incriminate and expose brothers to persecution and punishment and also bring sentence upon oneself. The other course was to refuse to answer questions while on the witness stand and be held for contempt of court. In similar circumstances today it is up to the individual to choose whether he wants to answer or not. Refusal means punishment. He can choose to stay silent and go to prison or speak and multiply his punishment or place his brothers in danger. He has no choice on lying but he does on refusing to answer, remembering that he must pay the penalty that Caesar imposes, which may be years of imprisonment. A Christian will not lie under oath,

*** w51 8/15 510 Questions from Readers ***
And certainly a Christian will never use “social pressure” as worldlings do to get others to drink, nor will he drink himself when he is in the presence of a weak one that would be stumbled or offended thereby.

*** g96 6/8 9 Finding the Ideal Solution ***
God’s people should not be oblivious of ecological matters. Jehovah required his ancient people to take steps to dispose of wastes, steps that had ecological as well as sanitary import. (Deuteronomy 23:9-14) And since we know his view of those who are ruining the earth, we certainly should not ignore things that we can do to keep the environment clean. . . . The extent to which a Christian will go in this direction, however, is a personal matter unless required by law. . . . Imperfect humans easily fall into the trap of being extremists.

*** g96 9/22 27 Tinnitus-A Noise to Live With? ***
A Christian will want to be sure that such therapy does not violate Bible principles. See, for example, the articles on autogenic training in the February 22, 1984, issue of Awake!

*** g96 11/22 12-14 'It's Only Temporary!'-My Life With Kidney Disease ***
Whether a Christian will accept a transplant or not is a personal decision.—See The Watchtower of March 15, 1980, page 31.
For more information about performing major surgery without blood, see How Can Blood Save Your Life?, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., pages 16-17.
Whether a Christian will accept EPO or not is a personal decision.—See The Watchtower of October 1, 1994, page 31.

*** g79 9/8 27 What Will a Christian Do When Deprived of His Rights? ***
While we would hope that the police would handle such a matter, we know that in this life we will never receive complete justice. Hence, as Paul said, a Christian will not vengefully take the matter into his own hands, but will leave it with Jehovah, trusting in him for a just outcome.

*** g77 4/22 28 Coffee, Tea, and Christians ***
For from the Biblical standpoint, whether a Christian will drink coffee or tea in moderation is a personal matter.

*** g74 9/8 28 Is Hypnotism for Christians? ***
Whether a Christian will consult a doctor who at times uses hypnosis in treating others must be decided personally. (Gal. 6:5) But a true Christian would not permit it to be employed in his own case. Why? Because hypnotism is not for Christians.

*** w97 4/15 24 Weddings That Honor Jehovah ***
Should some decide to use a tent for reasons of space or weather, this is a personal matter.

*** w96 1/15 6 They Assembled as Joyful Praisers ***
Another talk, “Guard Against Snares of the Devil,” warned Christians against exposing themselves to demonic influences. In the field of treatment for sickness, Christians need to be watchful of techniques, such as hypnotism, that savor of the occult. Otherwise, what individuals do to take care of their physical health is a personal matter.

*** w93 1/1 31 Questions From Readers ***
And some individuals draw satisfaction from taking additional steps, such as choosing to use biodegradable products rather than ones that would add to the mountains of refuse on land and under the seas.
The extent to which a Christian will go in this direction, however, is a personal matter unless required by law.

*** w89 6/15 29 Questions From Readers ***
If they agree to practice birth control, their choice of contraceptives is also a personal matter.
*** w89 6/15 29 Questions From Readers ***
If they agree to practice birth control, their choice of contraceptives is also a personal matter. However, they ought to consider—in accord with their understanding of the Bible and their conscience—whether using a certain method would show respect for the sanctity of life.

*** w88 3/1 26 Responsible Childbearing in This Time of the End ***
13 Today, childbearing is not specifically a part of the work Jehovah has committed to his people. Nevertheless, it is still a privilege that he grants to married people if they desire it.

*** w85 5/1 31 Questions From Readers ***
Above all, a couple should keep a clear conscience before Jehovah and toward their fellow Christians. If a couple is thinking of sterilization as a form of birth control, they still should consider any effect their actions may have on others. Though married couples do not usually publicize their decision about birth control, if it became widely known that a couple had resorted to voluntary sterilization, would the congregation be greatly upset and lose respect for them? (1 Timothy 3:2, 12, 13) These are factors to consider very seriously, even in this private and personal matter. In the final analysis, Paul’s statement is appropriate: “To his own master [Jehovah] he stands or falls.”—Romans 14:4, 10-12.

*** w84 1/15 17 Christian Modesty-Proof of Wisdom ***
Even in such a personal matter as picking your partner for life, you will be wise if you modestly give due regard to your parents’ judgment, since they love you and have your best interest at heart.

*** w84 11/15 14 Do You Appreciate Your Inheritance? ***
Some have even taken a more extreme measure—no TV at all in the home! That is a personal matter. But they certainly are not spiritually impoverished because of not having a television set.

*** w82 2/1 29 "Born Again"-Man's Part and God's Part ***
However, a person’s being “born again” is a personal matter between God and each Christian.

*** w82 7/15 24 Benefiting From Your God-given Conscience ***
Even though an individual feels it is a ‘personal matter of conscience,’ if it damages others it can lead to his receiving Jehovah’s adverse judgment. This shows how deceptive it can be to think ‘if it is up to my conscience, it is all right.’

*** w81 9/15 11 She Found the Source of Increased Joy ***
Sylvia would tell you that becoming a pioneer was one of several major decisions. Another involved the personal matter of marriage. She is single and does not feel that she is worse off for it.

*** w74 4/1 223 Questions from Readers ***
ó Since Jehovah’s witnesses regard smoking as contrary to Christian practice, do they prevent others from smoking when these come to their homes or business establishments?—U.S.A.
Whatever individual Witnesses decide to do in this regard is a personal matter governed by their Bible-trained conscience.

*** w74 8/15 483 Homosexuality-Is the Bible's View Reasonable? ***
ARE you a homosexual? If so, you may feel that you are the object of much unfair discrimination and that you suffer unjustly because of what you consider to be a personal matter—the choice of sex partners. The world at large, in your opinion, may be very narrow in its outlook on homosexuality.

*** w73 2/1 71 Are You Living for What You Can Get Out of Life Now? ***
While drinking is a personal matter as long as one does not become intoxicated, yet there is the possibility that alcohol will become a psychological crutch on which to lean, a seeming necessity one cannot do without.

*** w73 3/15 190 Questions from Readers ***
ó What is the attitude of Jehovah’s Witnesses toward jury duty?—U.S.A.
Jehovah’s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience.

*** w64 11/15 681 Employment and Your Conscience ***
. It is also a personal matter as to whether another Christian will sell blood items to worldly persons in a drugstore or will spread blood fertilizer on the field of a worldly employer at his request.

*** w62 7/1 413 How Should Christians View Dancing? ***
While one’s choice of entertainment is a personal matter, a mature Christian will never insist on his “rights” in this respect when it disturbs the conscience of a fellow Christian or when it may be a cause for stumbling new ones.

*** w59 4/15 255 Why Jehovah's Witnesses Are Different ***
As to choice of entertainment, Jehovah’s witnesses believe that this is purely a personal matter, but they do believe that the Christian, in choosing, should be guided by Bible principles.

*** w55 6/1 351 Questions from Readers ***
If it is a personal matter be willing to make concessions, even beyond the point you think reasonable and fair, to gain unity with your brother. If it involves the congregation or the service work, perhaps the brother you disagree with being a servant, theocratically recognize the organization and co-operate with him. If you think his error is very serious you might discuss it with the congregation committee, and after that even with the circuit servant if you consider it necessary, but always in the presence of the brother you are accusing. If you still think the matter is not properly adjusted and that the work is being interfered with and you want to write the Society, do so, but supply the brother with a copy of your letter, and do not try to involve others by getting them to sign your complaint.

*** g97 7/22 8 Do You Really Need the Internet? ***
Do You Really Need the Internet?
SHOULD you use the Internet? Of course, this is a personal matter, one that you should weigh carefully. What factors might influence your decision?

*** g96 6/8 9 Finding the Ideal Solution ***
And since we know his view of those who are ruining the earth, we certainly should not ignore things that we can do to keep the environment clean. . . . The extent to which a Christian will go in this direction, however, is a personal matter unless required by law. . . . Imperfect humans easily fall into the trap of being extremists.

*** g93 2/22 8-9 Family Planning-The Christian Viewpoint ***
Does the Bible condemn birth control? No, it does not. The choice is left with the couple. If a married couple decides to practice birth control, their choice of contraceptives is a personal matter. However, the method of birth control a Christian couple chooses should be governed by a respect for the sanctity of life. Since the Bible indicates that a person’s life begins at conception, Christians would avoid contraceptive methods that abort, or end the life of, the developing child.—Psalm 139:16; compare Exodus 21:22, 23; Jeremiah 1:5.

*** g89 2/22 28 From Our Readers ***
Many things people do in seeking improved health are less than desirable. Some take medicines that have undesirable side effects, believing that the benefits outweigh the risks. Many view vaccines similarly. We consider vaccination to be a personal matter, though one must accept any legal consequence of his or her decision.

*** g89 8/22 30 From Our Readers ***
How much secular education one pursues is entirely a personal matter. But while not ignoring economic realities, Christian youths should weigh the possible unwholesome effect exposure to the university environment might have on their spirituality.

*** g88 9/22 5 Helping the Children Stay Alive! ***
Although a personal matter, some couples have thus learned to practice contraception and avoid having more children than they can properly care for.

*** g85 7/8 3 Accidents-"Why Me?" ***
Therefore, safety is accident prevention. Safety is obeying all safety rules. Safety is a personal matter.

*** g83 2/22 15 Yoga-Is It for You? ***
While choice of exercise and health regimens is a personal matter, a Christian would want to choose activities in life that please Jehovah God and shun those that would yoke him with religious ideas that are not compatible with worshiping Him.
*** g77 4/22 28 Coffee, Tea, and Christians ***
For from the Biblical standpoint, whether a Christian will drink coffee or tea in moderation is a personal matter.

*** g77 10/22 7-8 . . . But Are All Drugs Dangerous? ***
Hence, use of this drug is hardly just a “personal” matter.

*** g76 3/22 19 Keep a Balanced View of Animal Life ***
Of course, if a person preferred to avoid furs or animal skins, that would be a personal matter.

*** g76 5/22 31 Watching the World ***
Many problems can beset survivors when a person dies leaving a poorly drafted will or none at all. Whether to prepare a will is a personal matter.

*** g76 6/8 15 Should Those Who Worship God Be Vegetarians? ***
To the question, ‘Should worshipers of God be vegetarians?’ the answer must be that it is an individual, personal matter.

*** g76 8/8 28 Is Cremation Proper for Christians? ***
Definitely God’s Word does recommend that the body of a dead loved one be dealt with in a dignified, respectful way. But whether a family, for emotional, economic or other reasons, will have a deceased loved one cremated or not is a personal matter.

*** g75 12/8 24 You Can Improve Your Reading ***
At this point, you may be wondering whether to study a book on rapid reading. That is a personal matter.

*** g74 8/8 28 Is Artificial Insemination Acceptable to God? ***
Some Christian marriage mates who are unable to produce children have been told that this problem might be overcome if the husband provided sperm that could be administered to his wife artificially. If both husband and wife fully agree to have this done, that would be a personal matter, as God’s Word says nothing about it and a resulting offspring would be their own; it would not be a child of adultery. Nevertheless, they would have to resolve any personal questions of propriety as to the manner of acquiring the semen. Similarly, they would bear the responsibility if any medical or psychological difficulties resulted from the procedure.

*** g73 6/22 9 Reasons Why So Many Go Hungry ***
The size of one’s family is, of course, a personal matter.

*** g73 7/8 15 Infant Feeding-What Is the Best Method? ***
How parents choose to feed their young infant is a personal matter, but being informed on the subject can be of assistance to them in making a good choice.

*** km 5/96 4 1996 "Messengers of Godly Peace" District Convention ***
15 Although food service has been discontinued at our conventions, there is still considerable expense involved in renting the facility, providing parking, and caring for miscellaneous matters. Our voluntary donations care for these expenses. One sister with teenage children came to the convention with limited funds. However, she and the children still helped out with a small contribution. What each one decides to do in this regard is a personal matter, but we know you appreciate such reminders.—Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:7.

*** km 3/95 6 Bethel Service-More Volunteers Needed ***
A decision on secular education is a personal matter. Whatever a person decides, he should make sure that he is able to maintain his spiritual progress by continuing to focus on the principal work of Jehovah’s people, bearing witness to the truth.

*** km 5/95 5 1995 "Joyful Praisers" District Convention ***
Whether you decide to take pictures or record parts of the program with a camcorder or an audiocassette recorder is a personal matter.

*** km 8/95 5 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***
Worship of God is a personal matter and does not depend in any way on our relationship with others.

*** km 5/94 4 1994 "Godly Fear" District Convention ***
Some brothers record the program, using an audiocassette recorder or a video camera, for replay later at home. Whether one does this is a personal matter, but the experience of some is that once they return to their normal routine, there is little time to replay what has been recorded.

*** km 10/93 8 Give Attention to Interest Found ***
On the return visit, you may discern that the householder is reluctant to discuss his religion, feeling that it is a very personal matter.

*** km 5/81 4 1981 "Kingdom Loyalty" District Conventions ***
The insert in the May 1980 issue of Our Kingdom Service provided good direction on the matter of tipping. It is not against Christian principles to express appreciation in this way for personal services rendered by others. (Luke 10:7) Although this is a personal matter, to neglect doing so where it is expected may cast unfavorable reflections upon Jehovah’s people.

*** km 5/80 3 1980 "Divine Love" District Conventions ***
On this latter point, for example, although it is a personal matter based on circumstances, recognition of the custom of tipping certain hotel, motel and restaurant personnel can greatly affect our reputation with worldly ones who provide us with various services.

*** km 6/79 5 Young Men, Can You Accept This Special Privilege of Service? ***
Of course, one’s education is a personal matter on which he would have to decide. But to prepare oneself for Bethel service, a brother would want to gain experience in spiritual activities such as the auxiliary pioneer service or regular pioneer service.

*** km 1/76 8 Question Box ***
Arranging for temporary or permanent accommodations for travelers is a personal matter.

*** km 7/76 3 Be All Things to People of All Sorts ***
After all, the religion to which a person belongs is a personal matter, don’t you agree?

*** km 11/75 3 Who Really Is Irreprehensible? ***
The point is that all of us need to appreciate that our conduct is not merely a personal matter. What we do reflects on our family, the congregation, and the name of God. We ought to conduct ourselves in a way that brings credit to Jehovah and to his people.

*** km 10/73 8 Question Box ***
If a member of a congregation wants to hold a “garage sale,” that is something of a personal nature and for him to decide. What he does with such proceeds thereafter would also be a personal matter. However, it is never appropriate for anyone to make such sale a congregation matter or indicate in any way that the congregation is involved.

*** km 11/73 8 Question Box ***
When it comes to the selection of someone to conduct a wedding or a funeral, this is a personal matter for the individuals or the family involved to determine.

*** fy 53 5 Train Your Child From Infancy ***
Responsible couples try to plan the size of their “household” so that they can ‘provide for those who are their own.’ Can they practice birth control in order to do this? That too is a personal decision, and if married couples do decide on this course, the choice of contraceptive is also a personal matter.

*** jv 173 13 Recognized by Our Conduct ***
This was needed because some among Jehovah’s Witnesses were adopting the view that as long as they were busy witnessing, a little laxness in sexual morality was just a personal matter. It is true that The Watchtower of March 1, 1935, had clearly stated that participation in the field ministry gave no license for immoral conduct. But not everyone took it to heart.

*** su 131 17 A Different Attitude Toward Obedience ***
There are people today who are like the Re'chabites. These are the Lord’s “other sheep.” Whether they will drink wine is not at issue today. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:23.) This is a personal matter as long as they do not become heavy drinkers or perhaps drunkards.

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