The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

3 John 1:12, “Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.”

In our last letter, we mentioned John’s furor over Diotrephes’ actions toward those in the church who opposed him. Especially, was his vitriol aimed at John himself. You will recall that the name Diotrephes means “cherished by Zeus.” Coupled with his actions and evil words, it is, therefore, doubtful that Diotrephes himself was a truly born-again believer in Jesus Christ, although he was a self-appointed leader in the Church.

It was Shakespeare who said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by another name would smell as sweet.” While this quotation comes from a secular writer many centuries later than the Apostle John, it’s proven value comes in the examination of the name Demetrius. His name, too, comes from the Greek goddess Demeter, goddess of agriculture. Thus, it clearly demonstrates that one may have a heritage of ungodliness, yet in time, come to faith in Christ as the true LORD and Savior.

The salient question is not the meaning of your ancestral name, but whether your life depicts the love and likeness of our LORD Jesus Christ. Remember the lyrics of Jason Upton’s song…

We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
And together we will spread the news
That God is in our land

And they’ll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
By our love.

“Demetrius possessed a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself.” Go thou and do likewise.

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.”