The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 3:1-5, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.

2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well.

4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.

5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!”

James begins this chapter with a stern and valuable caution! Believe me, I am paying close attention, too. But why would he say that to teachers? Because teachers have a proclivity to behave as if they know what they’re saying. If they don’t know what they’re saying, why are they in a position that says that they do? Further, those who listen to teachers,

accept that the teachers know what they are saying, whether or not they do. So, if the teacher misinterprets what he teaches, his listeners will never come to rightly understand the subject. Being a teacher is a huge responsibility!

James further emphasizes that none are perfect, even if they are teachers. Thus, they must submit to discipline. He then uses several illustrations from practical, everyday life. Bits are placed in horses’ mouths to force them to obey their riders. Ships have rudders that guide them when strong winds would carry them off course. The human tongue is very small when compared to other body parts, but it’s often boastful and causes difficulties like small fires cause in forests.

The tongue is controlled by the mind; and the mind is controlled by the Spirit. I’ve always been a “talker!” My mother said that I talked before I walked. I honestly believe that it is the LORD’s gift –but it must be under the Holy Spirit’s control or it can be my greatest curse! There is a time and an opportunity for everything. Just as I completed writing that last underscored line, my watch signaled me that it was time to “breathe.” Since I was talking about submission, I stopped and did a breathing exercise. I don’t know what my watch knows about my breathing, but if I cannot submit to little mechanical things, I will never learn to submit to the Voice of my LORD. Take a tip from a talker: Don’t talk too much! Listen to the Holy Spirit! If you’re not prepared for a task, don’t undertake it! Get prepared! Share only what you know. Be cautious as to whom you listen! Check everything out with the Spirit of the LORD Jesus Christ. He makes NO mistakes!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(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.”