WEBVTT

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Welcome, dear brothers and sisters,

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to our update!

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We’d like to begin with a brief report

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about some of the disasters

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that have continued to affect
our brothers recently.

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In September, our brothers in Greece

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faced heavy rain and severe flooding.

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In October, our brothers in Mexico

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dealt with a Category 5 hurricane,

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which caused widespread damage.

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And in November,

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our brothers in the Philippines

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experienced a magnitude 6.7 earthquake.

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Sadly, as a result of the earthquake,

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one of our dear sisters died

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and ten brothers and sisters were injured.

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We continue to pray for those affected

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by the many disasters
happening around the world.

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But we thank all of you

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for your support and prayers.

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Some of you
are working hard with disaster relief.

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And many more of you
are making generous donations,

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which allow us to provide the necessities

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for our brothers and sisters

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and to rebuild their homes and Kingdom Halls.

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We’re so grateful for your help!

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On behalf of the Governing Body,

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we say thank you!

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But now, for the rest of our update,

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let’s discuss the theme

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“We Recommend Ourselves
as God’s Ministers.”

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This is based on 2 Corinthians 6:4,

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where the apostle Paul said:

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“In every way we recommend ourselves

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as God’s ministers.”

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What does that mean?

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The study note on this verse says:

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“The Greek verb rendered
‘we recommend ourselves

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“‘conveys the idea

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we prove [or] (show) ourselves to be.’”

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But how do we show ourselves

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to be ministers of the true God?

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One important way is by our appearance.

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We all want to reflect well

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on the God we love and worship.

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How do we do that?

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By following Bible principles.

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For example, consider the principle

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recorded at 1 Timothy 2:9, 10:

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“Likewise, the women should adorn themselves

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“in appropriate dress,

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“with modesty and soundness of mind,

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“not with styles of hair braiding and gold

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“or pearls or very expensive clothing,

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“but in the way that is proper for women

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“for women professing devotion to God,

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namely, through good works.”

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Although that counsel is directed

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to Christian women,

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the principle applies equally
to men and women.

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So one way all of us

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can “recommend ourselves as God’s ministers”

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is by making sure that our appearance

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is appropriate and modest,

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reflecting soundness of mind.

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But does that mean
that all of Jehovah’s Witnesses

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make the same choices?

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Should we wear a uniform

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or adopt a single form

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of appropriate dress and grooming?

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Of course not.

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There are well over eight million

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of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide,

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and we have a wide range of cultures.

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Jehovah has drawn these millions of people,

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and he loves variety!

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But now we ask:

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What about the wearing of a beard?

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Is that an appropriate choice
for a brother to make?

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To help us answer that question,

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let’s watch the following video,

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which reviews the history of beards

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among Jehovah’s people.

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In patriarchal times,

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it was customary for men to wear beards.

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This practice continued among the Israelites.

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An Israelite man would shave

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only when he was humiliated or grieving.

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For example, when the king of Ammon

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humiliated David’s servants

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by shaving their beards,

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David protected their dignity

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by telling them:

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“Stay in Jericho until your beards grow back,

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and then return.”

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Centuries later,

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the prophet Ezekiel shaved his beard

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and his head to symbolize

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the great distress and grief

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that would soon afflict Jerusalem.

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What about Jesus?

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Did he too, as an Israelite, wear a beard?

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For some years,

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based on the conclusions

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of certain archaeologists,

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our publications most often portrayed Jesus

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as clean-shaven.

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But in 1968, <i>The Watchtower</i>

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considered more reliable evidence

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from both historical sources

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and the Scriptures.

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None of the four Gospels indicate

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that Jesus’ appearance

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stood out as different.

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He did what was customary

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 among Jewish men at that time:

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He wore a beard.

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Our videos and artwork

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in our publications ever since

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have consistently portrayed Jesus

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with a well-groomed beard.

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By the time the Christian congregation

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was established,

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the Romans had adopted

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the practice of shaving.

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Were Jewish Christians

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then expected to shave,

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or were Gentile Christians

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expected to grow beards

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in order to blend in

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with their Jewish brothers?

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Evidently not.

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Since the Scriptures

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neither command true worshippers

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to grow a beard

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nor command them to shave,

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this was a matter of personal decision.

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In the late 19th and early 20th centuries,

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beards were common

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even among the Bible students,

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as seen in these photos of pilgrim brothers

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who traveled for the organization.

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Brother Russell too wore a beard.

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One newspaper editor called him

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a “well-groomed minister.”

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He said: “It had never occurred to me

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“he was any different

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“from thousands of other preachers . . .

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“His soft, white, flowing beard is . . .

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“the beard of a patriarch, a father.

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It gives you confidence.”

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Soon after World War I,

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shaving enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.

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In 1919,

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when this photo of the pilgrims was taken,

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most did not have a beard.

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Therefore, although our publications

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said little about the subject at the time,

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very few brothers grew beards.

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Starting in the 1960’s, in many lands,

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beards became associated with those

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who were rebelling

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against established authority.

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Where that was the case, most men

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—both Witnesses and non-Witnesses—

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chose to shave.

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Because of the negative connotations

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associated with wearing a beard,

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most brothers who wore a beard

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did not serve as ministerial servants, 

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elders, or in other appointed positions.

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With the passing of time, in some lands,

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beards became more common

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and were not associated with rebellion.

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In those places, some brothers with beards

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were appointed

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as ministerial servants and elders.

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In recent times, the wearing of a beard

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has become common in many more lands.

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So how should we view a brother

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who chooses to grow a beard today?

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The video ended with an intriguing question:

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How should we view a brother

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who chooses to grow a beard today?

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The Governing Body has asked me to read 

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the following announcement:

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“A number of branch offices around the world

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“have written to us indicating

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“that there continue to be questions

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“about whether or not it is proper

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“for a brother in an appointed position
to wear a beard.

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“After prayerful consideration,

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“the Governing Body has concluded

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“that there is a need to clarify this matter.

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“The Governing Body does not have an issue

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“with brothers wearing beards.

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“Why not?

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“Because the Scriptures
do not condemn the wearing of beards.

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“Furthermore, as time has passed,

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“we have noted that in many lands,

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“it is acceptable for men
who hold responsible positions

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“in business and government to wear beards.

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“Thus, whether a brother wears a beard

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“is a personal decision.

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“A brother’s qualifications

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“to serve as an elder
or ministerial servant

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“are based on his spirituality,

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“not on whether he chooses to wear a beard.

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“This direction also applies

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“to special full-time servants at Bethel

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“and those in the field,
including special pioneers,

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“missionaries, and circuit overseers.

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“In harmony with Romans 14:4,

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“neither the elders nor any other Christian

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“should feel compelled to judge a brother

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“who chooses to wear a beard.

00:11:05.810 --> 00:11:07.938 line:90% position:50% align:center
“We trust that these comments

00:11:07.938 --> 00:11:10.857 line:90% position:50% align:center
“will help us to remain on guard

00:11:10.857 --> 00:11:15.278 line:90% position:50% align:center
“against anything that might cause division

00:11:15.278 --> 00:11:18.323 line:90% position:50% align:center
among Jehovah’s people”

00:11:18.323 --> 00:11:21.660 line:90% position:50% align:center
—end of the announcement
from the Governing Body.

00:11:23.912 --> 00:11:28.917 line:90% position:50% align:center
This direction, however,
may raise some questions.

00:11:29.918 --> 00:11:32.295 line:90% position:50% align:center
For example, here’s one:

00:11:32.295 --> 00:11:37.259 line:90% position:50% align:center
Why is the Governing Body
providing this direction at this time?

00:11:38.426 --> 00:11:41.763 line:90% position:50% align:center
Well, as recorded at 1 Corinthians 7:31,

00:11:41.763 --> 00:11:44.432 line:90% position:50% align:center
the apostle Paul was inspired to write:

00:11:45.433 --> 00:11:49.479 line:90% position:50% align:center
“The scene of this world is changing.”

00:11:50.855 --> 00:11:55.318 line:90% position:50% align:center
The study note on that verse shows
that Paul may have been alluding 

00:11:55.318 --> 00:11:59.990 line:90% position:50% align:center
to the way that scenes change swiftly

00:11:59.990 --> 00:12:01.992 line:90% position:50% align:center
in a theater,

00:12:01.992 --> 00:12:06.997 line:90% position:50% align:center
with actors passing quickly
on and off the stage.

00:12:08.498 --> 00:12:13.503 line:90% position:50% align:center
In keeping with the principle
of Paul’s inspired statement,

00:12:13.503 --> 00:12:17.591 line:90% position:50% align:center
grooming styles have changed over the years.

00:12:17.591 --> 00:12:20.510 line:90% position:50% align:center
For example, more and more, beards

00:12:20.510 --> 00:12:24.347 line:90% position:50% align:center
are worn by men in responsible positions

00:12:24.347 --> 00:12:28.768 line:90% position:50% align:center
who project a respectable appearance.

00:12:30.020 --> 00:12:32.564 line:90% position:50% align:center
Here’s another question:

00:12:32.564 --> 00:12:35.150 line:90% position:50% align:center
How should we view a brother

00:12:35.150 --> 00:12:37.944 line:90% position:50% align:center
who decides to grow a beard?

00:12:39.029 --> 00:12:42.407 line:90% position:50% align:center
Well, we should apply Jesus’ counsel

00:12:42.407 --> 00:12:45.160 line:90% position:50% align:center
found at John 7:24:

00:12:45.160 --> 00:12:50.165 line:90% position:50% align:center
“Stop judging by the outward appearance.”

00:12:51.291 --> 00:12:53.335 line:90% position:50% align:center
As we saw in the video,

00:12:53.335 --> 00:12:56.838 line:90% position:50% align:center
grooming styles have changed over time.

00:12:58.048 --> 00:13:00.550 line:90% position:50% align:center
Not all of such changes are bad.

00:13:01.551 --> 00:13:03.845 line:90% position:50% align:center
To illustrate: None of us

00:13:03.845 --> 00:13:06.556 line:90% position:50% align:center
would likely choose
to dress and groom ourselves

00:13:06.556 --> 00:13:09.893 line:90% position:50% align:center
as people did in Bible times

00:13:09.893 --> 00:13:14.648 line:90% position:50% align:center
nor even as people did a century ago.

00:13:15.649 --> 00:13:19.569 line:90% position:50% align:center
In fact, most choose to follow the styles

00:13:19.569 --> 00:13:22.530 line:90% position:50% align:center
that are prevalent now,

00:13:22.530 --> 00:13:25.241 line:90% position:50% align:center
not those from decades past.

00:13:25.992 --> 00:13:29.329 line:90% position:50% align:center
Generally speaking, it’s not bad or wrong

00:13:29.329 --> 00:13:31.331 line:90% position:50% align:center
to dress and groom ourselves

00:13:31.331 --> 00:13:35.377 line:90% position:50% align:center
as people in our community commonly do

00:13:35.377 --> 00:13:39.297 line:90% position:50% align:center
as long as that style

00:13:39.297 --> 00:13:42.884 line:90% position:50% align:center
does not violate Bible principles.

00:13:43.677 --> 00:13:45.720 line:90% position:50% align:center
We always want to be sure

00:13:45.720 --> 00:13:48.348 line:90% position:50% align:center
that our appearance

00:13:48.348 --> 00:13:50.767 line:90% position:50% align:center
reflects cleanliness,

00:13:50.767 --> 00:13:55.105 line:90% position:50% align:center
modesty, and soundness of mind.

00:13:56.064 --> 00:13:58.483 line:90% position:50% align:center
Here’s another question:

00:13:58.483 --> 00:14:01.528 line:90% position:50% align:center
How can we promote unity

00:14:01.528 --> 00:14:03.655 line:90% position:50% align:center
in light of this direction?

00:14:05.281 --> 00:14:08.201 line:90% position:50% align:center
Well, after viewing this program,

00:14:08.201 --> 00:14:11.079 line:90% position:50% align:center
some might have to contend

00:14:11.079 --> 00:14:14.332 line:90% position:50% align:center
with strong feelings.

00:14:14.332 --> 00:14:17.335 line:90% position:50% align:center
For example, some might feel

00:14:17.335 --> 00:14:20.505 line:90% position:50% align:center
as though they’ve been vindicated,

00:14:20.505 --> 00:14:22.590 line:90% position:50% align:center
saying, in effect:

00:14:22.590 --> 00:14:27.220 line:90% position:50% align:center
“This is what I’ve been saying
for a long time.

00:14:28.012 --> 00:14:33.017 line:90% position:50% align:center
This proves that I was right all along!”

00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:38.773 line:90% position:50% align:center
Others might feel disappointed,

00:14:38.773 --> 00:14:40.775 line:90% position:50% align:center
saying, in effect:

00:14:40.775 --> 00:14:45.113 line:90% position:50% align:center
“I supported the policy
about grooming for all those years.

00:14:45.989 --> 00:14:48.700 line:90% position:50% align:center
Now I feel let down!”

00:14:50.076 --> 00:14:52.871 line:90% position:50% align:center
But is either reaction appropriate?

00:14:53.663 --> 00:14:55.540 line:90% position:50% align:center
Not really.

00:14:55.540 --> 00:14:57.667 line:90% position:50% align:center
Note what the apostle Paul

00:14:57.667 --> 00:14:59.919 line:90% position:50% align:center
was inspired to write

00:14:59.919 --> 00:15:03.214 line:90% position:50% align:center
at 1 Corinthians chapter 1

00:15:03.214 --> 00:15:05.216 line:90% position:50% align:center
and verse number 10:

00:15:06.342 --> 00:15:09.429 line:90% position:50% align:center
“Now I urge you, brothers,

00:15:09.429 --> 00:15:12.682 line:90% position:50% align:center
“through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

00:15:12.682 --> 00:15:17.312 line:90% position:50% align:center
“that you should all speak in agreement

00:15:17.312 --> 00:15:22.233 line:90% position:50% align:center
“and that there should be
no divisions among you,

00:15:22.233 --> 00:15:26.362 line:90% position:50% align:center
“but that you may be completely united

00:15:26.362 --> 00:15:30.658 line:90% position:50% align:center
in the same mind
and in the same line of thought.”

00:15:32.535 --> 00:15:35.413 line:90% position:50% align:center
How does that principle apply here?

00:15:36.414 --> 00:15:40.043 line:90% position:50% align:center
Well, if we’ve been promoting

00:15:40.043 --> 00:15:45.006 line:90% position:50% align:center
our own opinion on this subject,

00:15:45.006 --> 00:15:49.344 line:90% position:50% align:center
contradicting the guidance
from the organization,

00:15:49.344 --> 00:15:51.554 line:90% position:50% align:center
have we been promoting unity?

00:15:52.514 --> 00:15:56.309 line:90% position:50% align:center
Have we helped the brotherhood
to be “completely united . . .

00:15:56.309 --> 00:15:58.603 line:90% position:50% align:center
in the same line of thought”?

00:15:59.771 --> 00:16:02.232 line:90% position:50% align:center
Clearly not.

00:16:02.232 --> 00:16:04.651 line:90% position:50% align:center
Any who’ve done so

00:16:04.651 --> 00:16:08.530 line:90% position:50% align:center
need to adjust their thinking and attitude.

00:16:09.614 --> 00:16:11.658 line:90% position:50% align:center
On the other hand,

00:16:11.658 --> 00:16:15.620 line:90% position:50% align:center
if we’ve loyally supported
the organization’s direction

00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:17.789 line:90% position:50% align:center
over the years,

00:16:17.789 --> 00:16:20.166 line:90% position:50% align:center
do we have any Scriptural reason

00:16:20.166 --> 00:16:22.585 line:90% position:50% align:center
to regret our course?

00:16:23.127 --> 00:16:25.129 line:90% position:50% align:center
Certainly not!

00:16:25.129 --> 00:16:29.467 line:90% position:50% align:center
Jehovah values our loyal service;

00:16:29.467 --> 00:16:32.846 line:90% position:50% align:center
he also appreciates our humble willingness

00:16:32.846 --> 00:16:35.890 line:90% position:50% align:center
to be obedient and submissive

00:16:35.890 --> 00:16:40.478 line:90% position:50% align:center
to the direction we receive
from God’s organization.

00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:44.774 line:90% position:50% align:center
Back in the first century C.E.,

00:16:44.774 --> 00:16:49.404 line:90% position:50% align:center
some Christians allowed
the issue of circumcision

00:16:49.404 --> 00:16:51.990 line:90% position:50% align:center
to cause division.

00:16:52.699 --> 00:16:57.620 line:90% position:50% align:center
But the holy spirit
directed the governing body

00:16:57.620 --> 00:17:01.082 line:90% position:50% align:center
to resolve that issue and promote unity.

00:17:01.916 --> 00:17:04.961 line:90% position:50% align:center
Similarly, the Governing Body today

00:17:04.961 --> 00:17:07.630 line:90% position:50% align:center
is striving to promote unity.

00:17:08.631 --> 00:17:13.136 line:90% position:50% align:center
We would never want the matter of beards

00:17:13.136 --> 00:17:16.639 line:90% position:50% align:center
to cause division among us.

00:17:17.891 --> 00:17:19.934 line:90% position:50% align:center
All of us need to remember

00:17:19.934 --> 00:17:23.062 line:90% position:50% align:center
that the earthly part
of Jehovah’s organization

00:17:23.062 --> 00:17:24.939 line:90% position:50% align:center
is always striving

00:17:24.939 --> 00:17:28.526 line:90% position:50% align:center
to reflect the heavenly part

00:17:28.526 --> 00:17:31.321 line:90% position:50% align:center
—to keep up with it, as it were.

00:17:31.321 --> 00:17:33.323 line:90% position:50% align:center
Remember how fast

00:17:33.323 --> 00:17:37.535 line:90% position:50% align:center
the chariot in Ezekiel’s vision moved?

00:17:37.535 --> 00:17:40.204 line:90% position:50% align:center
Like “flashes of lightning.”

00:17:41.706 --> 00:17:46.377 line:90% position:50% align:center
Any who seek to run ahead of that chariot,

00:17:46.377 --> 00:17:50.340 line:90% position:50% align:center
trying to force change prematurely,

00:17:50.340 --> 00:17:53.551 line:90% position:50% align:center
or who lag behind,

00:17:53.551 --> 00:17:56.721 line:90% position:50% align:center
hesitating to support changes

00:17:56.721 --> 00:17:59.474 line:90% position:50% align:center
that have come from the faithful slave,

00:17:59.474 --> 00:18:04.395 line:90% position:50% align:center
are not keeping pace
with Jehovah’s organization.

00:18:06.314 --> 00:18:10.985 line:90% position:50% align:center
In conclusion, are we not grateful

00:18:10.985 --> 00:18:14.739 line:90% position:50% align:center
for this balanced direction regarding beards?

00:18:15.490 --> 00:18:18.242 line:90% position:50% align:center
Jehovah has dignified us.

00:18:18.242 --> 00:18:20.828 line:90% position:50% align:center
He allows each brother the freedom

00:18:20.828 --> 00:18:25.625 line:90% position:50% align:center
to choose whether or not
he will wear a beard.

00:18:26.834 --> 00:18:29.837 line:90% position:50% align:center
We’re confident that all of you

00:18:29.837 --> 00:18:32.715 line:90% position:50% align:center
are determined to keep pace,

00:18:32.715 --> 00:18:35.468 line:90% position:50% align:center
adjust your views as needed,

00:18:35.468 --> 00:18:40.181 line:90% position:50% align:center
and continue to serve Jehovah loyally,

00:18:40.181 --> 00:18:43.518 line:90% position:50% align:center
promoting love and unity

00:18:43.518 --> 00:18:47.271 line:90% position:50% align:center
among your brothers and sisters.

00:18:48.398 --> 00:18:53.111 line:90% position:50% align:center
From the World Headquarters
of Jehovah’s Witnesses,

00:18:53.111 --> 00:18:56.990 line:90% position:50% align:center
this is JW Broadcasting®.