What Makes Jehovah’s Witnesses Different? - By Dandy Ahuruonye © 2015

If we pay rapt attention to the prevalent diversities in a typical workplace, neighbourhood, or organisation, we will notice that there are various kinds of people. We see people from all sorts of backgrounds, interests, and convictions.

For example, in one office, there is a body-builder, fitness enthusiast, train spotter, vintage car owner, cyclist, author, football fan, tie collector, artist, fashion designer, amateur writer, a Sikh, and a Jehovah's Witness. 

 

From the backgrounds mentioned, we can see that each person can inspire enough interest in any observer to spark a lengthy conversation, or topic for discussion.

Let's assume that we decided to talk about the Train Spotter. We could quiet easily write a large book on this hobby, so this hobby should be fascinating enough for people who are not in the know to ask questions or do a research to find out what it is like to be a Train Spotter.

What about our colleague the Vintage Car Owner; has anyone ever ventured into the complex world of vintage vehicles? This hobby is made up of a web of all kinds of cars.

The same goes for our friend, who is a Sikh, his religion intrigues many around the world due to its complicated list of Dos and don'ts that makes some other conventional religious convictions look like child's play.

 The Football Fan can also cause raised eye brows. Many fans have stirred controversy due to their unwavering support and promotion of their preferred team. Some fans are happy to fight, maim, or even kill to protect the interest and image of their beloved sports team.

The body-builder rushes out of the office after work because he does not want to arrive late for his work-out session in the local gym. He goes there five evenings a week, at times to the neglect of his wife and children. This fella is so deep into acquiring bigger and stronger muscles that his hobby is often classed as a religion by some observers.

 Let's look at our neighbour the Fitness Enthusiast. She is married and has four little kids. For three evenings each week, she leaves the domestics for her long-suffering husband to care for; and darts off to her beloved fitness centre. She is almost obsessed with keeping fit, and nothing will stand in her way.

Just imagine that you decided to talk about her dedication to this interest; you'll probably go on for a whole day as there is so much to talk about. Also, she would be happy to discuss this hobby which is one of the most important things in her life.

WHY JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ARE, AND ARE NOT DIFFERENT

That brings us then to our main topic - what makes Jehovah's Witnesses different from these other people?

On an interactive level, the Witness should not be different, or treated differently from his colleagues and neighbours.

If we are willing to be tolerant enough not to criticise the Sikh, or ostracise the Football Fan, why then do many people view Jehovah's Witnesses with suspicion?

Why are they not respected and/or accepted just like everyone else?

These other people pursue certain interests and hobbies simply because they view them as very important. So they invest lots of time and money in their effort to realise their ambitions.

 

No one will persecute the Plane Spotter because his pastime is regarded by some as weird.

Yes, the Witnesses knock on doors on Saturday mornings, and some find this offensive. Some regard it as intrusion.

Still, these peace-loving preachers of the Good News have persisted in propagating their Bible-based beliefs because they view it as a commission or assignment.

They did not choose to waive the Saturday morning lay-in just to pursue an interest.

They did not spend their car fuel simply to pursue some form of social entertainment.

And they did not brace the terrible weather to search for a listening ear just because they had nothing else to do.

Every dedicated Jehovah's Witness loves his neighbour.

That explains why he is willing to risk prejudice, arrest, beatings, and imprisonment (as has happened in some lands) to share his faith.

He is convinced that the message he bears will put his neighbour in line for life in a paradise earth if this neighbour accepted the message and come to worship Jehovah.

The Witness loves those around him so much that he is not willing to hide or hoard this beautiful prospect.

Therefore it is surprising why many are against these kind people. Perhaps the reason is embedded in the remarks of Christ at John 15:20 “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”

Yes, they should be treated with tolerance just like everyone else.

If anything, they should actually be respected a bit more due to the reasons behind their decision to pursue a Bible education work.

Their colleagues and neighbours pursue certain hobbies for well know reasons; but Jehovah's Witnesses pursue their activities because of the pure love (A.ga'pe) they have for their fellowman.