The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 3:10-16, “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.
11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.
12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!”

Christianity is not a featherbed religion! In one of Paul’s most illustrious statements, he exalted “work” as a meaningful engagement for a believer’s life! He admonished believers in his Letter to the Hebrews, saying,

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so
as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12so that you
will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and
patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:11-12).

Oh, but Paul! It’s hard to undertake the ministry as you have described it! There are many who will not believe! There are scoffers, who ridicule and laugh at us for advocating the very principles that were set forth by the One who was crucified for introducing them.

Paul’s response held fast: Obey the instructions I’ve given! Don’t allow fatigue to invade your mortal body! Obey this directive! If others don’t obey, don’t let them eat! Don’t allow yourself to associate in any way with those who disobey the teaching! They will thereby be put to shame! At the same time, remember: they are not your enemies. They just need to be shamed into doing what has been ordered by the LORD God!

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