The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 9:25-27, “And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to

receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

27 but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be

disqualified.”

I’ve always liked sports. Something tells me that Paul did, too. But, whether he “liked” them or not, he understood the

underlying principles of sports-preparedness. A good motto for all sports is “self-control in all things.” Basketball is now

“in season,” and you don’t have to watch any game very long to see who has practiced and who has not.

Virtually all sports, too, require excellence in both offence and a defense. Making a score is one thing; but defending your goal is just as important. I watched a heavyweight boxing match this week and observed that boxers don’t only need to hit their opponents, they also need to keep their opponents from hitting them. It takes skill and courage, either way.

As believers, we are always engaged in spiritual struggles that demand self-control. And self-control is not just when we’re engaged in a spiritual battle; we have to be self-controlled all the time. We have to be on offence, but without being offensive. We have to be on defense, but without appearing defensive. How on Earth can we accomplish all of this?

We have to observe the verse I omitted; namely verse 23. “And I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” If our purpose is to glorify the LORD, then we simply live-out the Gospel Message in front those who have yet to believe. That’s the “offensive” part. When those who do not know Christ Jesus as their Savior attack our right to witness or the witness itself, we must revert to the “defensive” part. That’s where we smile lovingly and trust Christ to give us the words of defense. Hint: the words of defense are found in the Bible. When we read, we qualify ourselves to be in the “game.” Yet, it’s not a game; it’s far more serious than a sports contest. The spiritual battle in which we engage has eternal consequences. So, prepare well and you will do well. Oh, by the way, the reward itself is imperishable!

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.”