The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 3:17-21, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has

even to subject all things to Himself.”

Trying to lead by example has some built-in problems. First, and perhaps foremost, is the presumption that the “example” contains every component necessary for what it proposes, and that the person demonstrating the example is fully competent to do so, as well.

Paul is competent! The pattern he sets before the Philippian Christians and us is second only to that of our LORD Jesus Himself.

Paul’s instruction is always to beware of those who pretend to be Christ’s followers, but have a hidden agenda that draws people to

themselves instead of to Christ. Such pretenders are indeed “enemies of the cross of Christ.” The focus of these “pretenders” is upon themselves. They love the things of this world and the praise of their followers. True Christians, however, view themselves as citizens of Heaven and subjects of the LORD. They are looking “up,” in expectation of Christ’s soon return.

Setting aside the desirable things of Earth, the LORD’s true people are eagerly awaiting His Return! For at that moment, our bodies will be transformed “into conformity with the body of His glory.” The power of the LORD –identical with His power in Creation—will subject all things to Himself. At that point, even Paul’s instruction, although spiritually ordered and directly from God, will pale in comparison with the exaltation of the supreme example of Christ and the incomparable glory before which each and every one of us will fall.

Seeing that all of these things shall come to pass, and seeing that the world around us suggests that they are coming rapidly, does it not give us a clarion call to the work He has designed for us to do? The Scriptures teach that what we sow is what we shall reap. We

have a choice: work now for what wealth there is here, or work now for the wealth there is There. What is most important to you?

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.”