The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 4:1-5, “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”

Some of my best friends are lawyers. Still, none of them would avoid or deny the validity of Paul’s words
here in First Corinthians. The Apostle Paul could well be called an attorney, as he was a “servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God.” I could and do easily speak of him as an attorney because he is
defending himself in the passage cited above.

It is Paul’s initial defense when he states that “stewards” (?????????, managers of households) must “be
found trustworthy.” One of the initial facets of any legal investigation commences with the oath. It is voiced
to God in the presence of those gathered for the proceedings; and it is acclaimed to be true by the one
voicing it.

I have to wonder how many of us (and I consciously include myself) could say as Paul has said, “I am
conscious of nothing against myself…” We have all sinned against the LORD! He is aware of our guilt, but
allows us the opportunity to confess and be absolved of all guilt. It is the LORD’s Court! He has all authority
to do as He wills. And being Who He is, we can rest assured of fairness and order in His Court.

Yet, all may not be well with us as we stand before Him. Paul warns us that the LORD will both “bring to light
the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts…” Why is often the principle
question. Why did you do it? Why have you not confessed your wrong? Why were you under the impression
you could escape condemnation by simply being silent? Were you not aware that “the ways of a man are
before the eyes of the LORD, and (that) He watches all his paths” (Prov. 5:21)?

The Bible says, man’s “…own iniquities will capture the wicked, and he will be held with the cords of his sin
(Prov. 5:22). Don’t allow this condemnation be said of you! Trust the LORD Jesus Christ as you Savior
today! Confess all your sins to Him! Commit your life totally to Him! He is our only Savior and LORD!

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