James 3:1, Does It Apply To All Elders?

[TheCook]

I have a question that came into my mind after the last podcast, dated 09/14 I think:
<blockquote>
Not many of YOU should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment. (James 3:1)[/b]
</blockquote>You mentioned, Watchman, that you believe these "teachers" are in fact the elders in the JW congregations. My question is this: Do you believe this applies to ALL elders, or just the anointed ones?

Thank you!

[TheCook]

I&#39;m sorry for this shameless own-post-bump, but I would really like Watchman&#39;s - or anybody&#39;s - opinion on this.

Thanks!

[watchman]

Hi Cook

It applies to all elders that&#39;s because all elders are teachers in the congregation. If they are not teachers then they are not really qualified to be elders. The teachers in the congregations will receive a heavier judgment regardless of whether they are anointed or not. And they will receive a heavier judgment due to the fact that they have taught falsehoods to Jehovah&#39;s sheep. Granted, they have done so unwittingly. But in keeping with the principle of accountability that Christ laid down at Luke 12:48 -- "Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him; and the one whom people put in charge of much, they will demand more than usual of him." -- elders will be made to give an account by the congregation; that will be their judgment.

It is like the CEO&#39;s of these bankrupt companies. The buck stops with them. When the company goes under they are held responsible and usually hit the streets in disgrace. Of course, the Governing Body and the behind-the-scenes board of directors of the Watchtower Society will bear the heaviest judgment.

watchman

[TheCook]

Thank you for your reply, much appreciated!

[FutureMan]

Hi Cook

It applies to all elders that&#39;s because all elders are teachers in the congregation. If they are not teachers then they are not really qualified to be elders. The teachers in the congregations will receive a heavier judgment regardless of whether they are anointed or not. And they will receive a heavier judgment due to the fact that they have taught falsehoods to Jehovah&#39;s sheep. Granted, they have done so unwittingly. But in keeping with the principle of accountability that Christ laid down at Luke 12:48 -- "Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him; and the one whom people put in charge of much, they will demand more than usual of him." -- elders will be made to give an account by the congregation; that will be their judgment.

It is like the CEO&#39;s of these bankrupt companies. The buck stops with them. When the company goes under they are held responsible and usually hit the streets in disgrace. Of course, the Governing Body and the behind-the-scenes board of directors of the Watchtower Society will bear the heaviest judgment.

watchman[/b]

Hello there Watchman on this point I agree with you whole-heartedly.
That is my understanding of this scripture as well.

From FutureMan