The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 3:1-5, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.

For men will be (1) lovers of self, (2) lovers of money, (3) boastful, (4) arrogant, (5) revilers, (6) disobedient to parents, (7) ungrateful, (8) unholy, (9) unloving, )10) irreconcilable, (11) malicious gossips, (12) without self-control, (13) brutal, (14) haters of good, (15) treacherous, (16) reckless, (17) conceited, (18) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (19) holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these.”

Talk about difficult times! Look at the territory Paul covers in five, short verses! I have inserted numbers in the verses above in order to emphasize the 19 things that Paul says constitute “difficult times.” It would take a considerable time to disect and explain the nuances of everything that is wrapped up in the evils Paul lists; but note that “love of self” heads the list.

The exaltation of self is what caused the love and warmth of the Garden of Eden to be turned into a sinful mess. And everything went downhill from there, as man grasped what he wanted in deference to what God had created for him. Then, to make sure that everyone noticed, man arrogantly boasted of what he possessed and reviled those who were less fortuante than he.

The children of disobedient parents became disobedient themselves. Is that any surprise? They then became ungrateful for everything they received and possessed and turned it all into unholy living. Love for others was eliminated completely. Only self reigned! Men refused to reconcile with others over disputes, and gossiped evil about them instead. Despite man’s emphasis on himself, there was no self-control. Brute force wrapped in extreme hatred was exercised against everyone, especially those who wanted to do good. Times were trecherous as men continued to act recklessly. They were conceited beyond belief and only wanted to party. Was there no good to be found anywhere? Virtually none. At times some tried to appear godly, but there was no true godliness in them.

Paul sternly warned: AVOID SUCH MEN AS THESE! And that warning is still valid for today. Evil always produces evil. Just one rotten apple will bring to ruin the rest in the barrel. Turn away from those who do evil. Surrender your life completely to the LORD! He alone is the Hope for our world! He alone can change the difficult into the delightful.

We love you through our daily prayers,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”