The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 1:15-18, “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;

16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.”

For a long time, this passage bothered me. Oh, I believed it! That was not the problem. Paul identifies two kinds of preachers: one type is preaching Christ for their own benefit; the other is preaching Him for His glory.

Of course, I was troubled that some preachers were in the ministry for their own benefit. Their motives were not pure. But, what that kind of preacher, pastor or evangelist or teacher –whatever his motive, it was none of my business.

What really bothered me was the fact that Paul say that whatever the preachers motives – good or bad – he rejoiced that Christ was proclaimed. How could anyone with pure motives not care that some were just in the ministry to “feather their own nest’ –to pad their own bankroll? Should we care? Does it truly matter?

Yes, we should want all preachers and teachers of the Word to be sincere and honest in the whole of their ministries. Those who are not sincere will one day stand before God and give an account of their ministries.

But, the LORD’s Word, the Gospel, the Truth that is biblical, carries the power of its own accomplishment.

Remember when we reminded you that “The Word of God is not bound” (2 Tim. 2:9)? Remember, too, what Isaiah wrote in 55:11,

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Remember these two verses when you’re sharing your faith in Christ with someone. It’s a good idea to memorize both verses and have them “on hand.” The opportunities to share Jesus with others often comes without warning.

A man stopped me in Walmart the other day to tell me that 1) he was a veteran, and 2) that he was growing some rare watermellons at his home. As I patiently listened, I was thinking, “How to I segue into Christ in this one-way conversation?” Finally, I said, “Well the good LORD has certainly blessed you with some of His good fruit, hasn’t He?” That was all I got to say. He left when his part of the conversation was completed. Did what I said do any good? I don’t know. But, sometimes people think back on what has been said to them. In such situations, we have to leave the results to the LORD.

So now that verse in Philippians doesn’t bother me. I’ve joined Paul in leaving the results of the Gospel to the LORD Himself. We all have to do that. But, that doesn’t mean we’re excused from the “battle.” Oh, no! We are responsible to speak up and to shut up –both under the command and control of the LORD Jesus Christ.

Just be read for both and listen to the Holy Spirit, who issues the command.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Valarie, one of my two precious daughters-in-law is going to the Mayo Clinic for evaluation concerning a physical

problem she has had for several months. Our family has been praying for her almost from the onset of the illness.

Now, I am asking you to join us in praying for her. It does not-at-all appear to be life-threatening; still, it inhibits

her ability to attend to the many responsibilities she has. Thank you for praying with us.

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.”