The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:15-19, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

When was the last time you sat in judgment over someone else? Easy, isn’t it? We can pick out their faults with no trouble at all. We can even be correct in what we say about them; but when was the last time we looked in the mirror? That’s exactly what Peter is insisting that we do.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall;
Is there more or is that all?

“I’ve never murdered anyone,” you say. Yet the Scriptures tell us that when we wish others dead, or hate them passionately, we have in effect murdered them in our hearts. Judgment, Peter says, starts with us as Christians. Furthermore, if it is difficult for us to surrender our evil intentions in order to be saved, how much more difficult it is for the “godless man and the sinner?”

Never be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. Such suffering actually glorifies the LORD. Trust Him with everything, including your eternal soul. For as you do things correctly, your faithfulness reflects His faithfulness; and that challenges others to do what is right. As a clean house speaks well of those living there, so a clean life reflects the presence of the LORD.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Please continue to pray for the Ukrainians. And in keeping with the teaching
above, pray for the salvation of Mr. Putin, too. There are many true believers in both countries; pray that they all will trust the LORD in this time of tragedy.

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