The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

II Timothy 2:21-26, “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

Immedidately preceeding these few verses the Apostle Paul said, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Paul then likens the church to “a large house” with furniture and utensils for various uses. Some in the church have uses that are different from others, while some things are virtually useless.

Some usless things –especially sins!– can be expunged from our lives. We will do better when we are better. Youthful lusts want to hang around. We should not allow them to reside within us in any manner. We should –and can—pursue all things that are righteous –things like faith, love, and peace.

Further, if we possess and maintain pure things, we will discover that the LORD will bless us along with those who fellowship and reside with us in the church! How are we able to teach others the Word of God if we have not learned how to live by it ourselves?

So re-read verses 24 and 25 above! Then ask the LORD to enable you to be and do what He wills for your life and work. The exigencies He wills for you will grow, perhaps even to your surprise; and without question to the surprise and amazement of others! What a great life we all have before us! LORD, help us to just believe it!

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