The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 2:18-21, “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps…”

Years ago, while witnessing to a man I had never met, he startled me by saying, “I’m not a Christian, but if I were to commit to anything, it would be to Christianity, because there’s no better life to be lived than that of a Christian.”

Maybe that man had read Simon Peter’s words, as in our verses above. The words servants and submissive clearly indicate that there is someone in authority over us. We’ve all had an experience like that, starting with our parents. We’re always hopeful that those who rule over us are good and gentle. Still, we are to respect all authority, even when it is unreasonable, because God wills us to be compliant.

We demonstrate patience in suffering when we are justly punished, but when we are patient when unjustly punished, the LORD is greatly pleased. Why? because that was His demeanor when He was unjustly punished. This now is our calling to be Christ-like and follow His steps, His manner, His example.

Someone once asked, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” That very thing is occurring today throughout the world! Parliament Member, Päivi Räsänen, in Finland is now being officially harassed for simply reciting verses of Scripture. Don’t ever say, “It can’t happen here!” It is happening! Our ultimate safety is only in following Jesus’ example. Think seriously about it; and then follow Him!

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