The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 3:6-9, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,
8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;
9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.”

These words of the Apostle Paul may seem a bit harsh. But, if we are to influence others (intentionally or otherwise), there are some principles we must follow. Note first, that Paul is speaking on behalf of our LORD Jesus Christ. He initiates this area of his letter with a warning to stay away from unruly, undisciplined believers! Yes, believers! We are to follow the leadership of Christ Jesus and keep aloof from those who claim affiliation, but do not exemplify Jesus.

I remember clearly from my childhood a pastor of our church, who always managed to ask for “more” of whatever was being provided for others. I clearly recall –and that has been more than 70 years—hearing him ask a store owner the price of an item on the store’s shelf. When the owner quoted him the price, he responded, “How much would it cost the LORD?” The store owner looked the pastor squarely in the eye and said, “I didn’t know the LORD was buying it!” Yes, all of that could be called “fun”, but the pastor failed to notice that some of us kids were there and saw his pattern as one that should never be followed.

Some pastors, teachers, and missionaries could be conceivably be “first in line”; however, that is the LORD’s business as to how or where He places them. Paul emphasized that he himself labored for the food he ate. He steadfastly refused to lean on the work of others. Paul sought to exemplify Christ. That is precisely his teaching for us.

When we labor in preaching or teaching –whatever we do — we are to do it as unto Him. Christ is to receive the glory! He is always to be first. If He is, He will be glorified! And we will be happy that He is!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom