The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 15:1-6, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.”
4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

How well I remember “Sugar Kane!” She was an elderly member of our church and taught us kids what being a Christian was all about. One day in class, she commenced by saying, “Now today, we’re all going to do just as we please.” Wow! There were a lot of us who were thinking what a great day this was going to be! (Yes, I was one of those…)

But, those words had not completed her thought. “Now today, we’re all going to do just as we please, so long as we please to do right.” Gurrr, we all thought. Why did she go and mess things up when we were headed for a really good time? Yes, we knew why. In a sense, she was speaking of the weaknesses of those of us who were wanting only to please ourselves.

The Apostle Paul points out that even Christ Jesus “did not please Himself.” As He went went to the Cross, He was pleasing His Father. How often do we undertake things to please other people? How are we to know what pleases others? or what pleases God?

The Apostle Paul clearly indicates that the Scriptures (Paul’s “Scriptures” were the books of the Old Testament) were “written for our insturction” and for the encouragement of others. What kind of encouragement? Encouragement to agree with others “according to Christ Jesus” (vv. 5-6).

Sometimes in team sports there are those “hot shots,” who try to impress others with
their personal athletic ability, but end up causing the team to lose the game. Sugar Kane knew the ultiment cost if we didn’t all work together. It’s just a factor of life. That’s why Christ wants us to work together with others. Is that what you are doing? Are you
sharing Jesus with others? Are you praying for others? Christianity is more than a sport; but together we will do as He pleases: working together and sharing Him with others. Still, the time is short.

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