TLDR;
This article discusses the importance of seeking spiritual help from congregation elders when needed, highlighting that Jehovah values his sheep and has appointed elders to care for them. It addresses when and why one should approach the elders, and how they provide assistance. The article emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of trust in Jehovah and that elders offer guidance, prayer, and Scriptural counsel to support those who are spiritually weak or have committed serious sins.
- Jehovah’s sheep are precious, and elders are assigned to care for them.
- Seeking help from elders is essential for spiritual well-being.
- Elders provide support through prayer, Scriptural guidance, and counsel.
- Confession and repentance are necessary for receiving God’s mercy.
- Hiding sins can harm oneself and the congregation.
Introduction: Jehovah’s Care Through Elders
Jehovah values his sheep and has assigned congregation elders to care for them, ensuring they are treated tenderly and protected from spiritual dangers. He shows special interest in those who are suffering spiritually and wants individuals to seek help when needed, in addition to praying to God, by requesting assistance from the elders, who serve as "shepherds and teachers". The article aims to increase appreciation for this arrangement, emphasizing its potential to save lives by examining when and why to ask for help, and how elders assist.
When Should We “Call the Elders”?
James 5:14-16, 19-20 refers to spiritual sickness, advising those who are spiritually ailing to call the elders, similar to how one would visit a doctor for physical sickness. Approaching the elders involves describing one's situation and acting on the Scriptural counsel received. It is wise to seek help before spiritual health deteriorates significantly, requiring honesty in self-assessment, comparing current enthusiasm for worship with past experiences, and evaluating one's joy in Bible reading, meeting attendance, and zeal for ministry.
Identifying Spiritual Weakness and Serious Sins
The arrangement in James chapter 5 encourages approaching the elders when spiritual health is suffering. Those who have committed a serious sin that could lead to removal from the congregation should seek help to repair their relationship with Jehovah, displaying "works that befit repentance". Elders also assist those who are spiritually weak, such as those struggling against wrong desires or facing challenges from past addictions or immoral lifestyles, offering practical counsel and assurance of pleasing Jehovah.
Addressing Concerns and Resolving Problems
Not every concern about spiritual health requires approaching the elders. For minor offenses, such as hurtful words, individuals can apply Jesus’ counsel to make peace and cultivate qualities like mildness and patience. However, if the problem persists, elders can provide assistance, similar to how Paul requested help for Euodia and Syntyche in Philippians.
Why Should We Call the Elders?
Faith and courage are needed to ask for help when facing serious sins or personal weaknesses, and shame should not be a deterrent. Seeking help demonstrates trust in Jehovah's arrangement for maintaining spiritual health and acknowledges the need for divine assistance. Confessing and abandoning sins leads to God's mercy, as highlighted in Proverbs 28:13.
Consequences of Hiding Sins
Hiding sins can worsen one's situation, leading to spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering, as seen with King David. Like a physical ailment, a spiritual problem intensifies without care. Hiding serious sins can also affect the congregation by hindering the flow of God’s spirit and threatening peace. Individuals should urge others who have committed serious sins to speak to the elders, as concealing another's sin makes one equally guilty.
How Do the Elders Help Us?
Elders support the spiritually weak by asking discerning questions to understand their thoughts and feelings, encouraging openness and honesty. They listen carefully and avoid hasty conclusions before offering counsel, recognizing that shepherding takes time and complex issues require more than one discussion.
The Role of Prayer and Scriptural Guidance
Elders strive to alleviate guilt and offer prayers that can have a powerful effect. They apply the "oil" of God's Word to soothe and comfort, helping to restore one's relationship with Jehovah. Scriptural guidance strengthens resolve to do what is right, providing direction and assurance.
Readjustment and Empathy
According to Galatians 6:1, elders "try to readjust" those who have taken "a false step" in a spirit of mildness, akin to setting a dislocated bone. They focus on healing spiritual illness without causing additional pain and recognize their own imperfections, striving to be empathetic rather than judgmental.
Trusting the Elders and Seeking Consistent Counsel
Individuals can trust their congregation elders, who are trained to maintain confidentiality, base counsel on the Bible, and help carry burdens. While elders have varying personalities and experiences, individuals should avoid "shopping" for advice that aligns with their desires, and elders may consult with one another for guidance.
Our Personal Responsibility
While elders provide oversight, individuals have a personal responsibility to live a life of godly devotion and will be accountable to God for their actions. Elders guide attention to God's Word, enabling individuals to train their "powers of discernment" and make wise decisions.
Conclusion: Benefiting from Jehovah’s Provision
Being Jehovah’s sheep is a precious privilege, with Jesus as the "fine shepherd" who paid the ransom for everlasting life. Jehovah has fulfilled his promise to provide shepherds who feed with knowledge and insight through the elders in the Christian congregation. Individuals should not hesitate to seek their help when spiritually weak or sick, fully benefiting from this provision.