The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Exodus 18:21-23, “”Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who
fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over
them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.
22 “Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they
will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So, it will be easier
for you, and they will bear the burden with you.
23 “If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and
all these people also will go to their place in peace.”

Were we to apply these wise words of Jethro to Moses today, we would do well to find
even a few “able men who fear God, men of truth…those who hate dishonest gain.” Were
we, by chance, to find some, they are to “fear God,” be “men of truth,” men who “hate dishonest gain,” and men who were capable of leading thousands.”

There are, of course, those who pretend to be what they are not. When Constantine of
ancient Rome died, there was a herd of harsh family and servants, who vied for the
possessions, title, and even leadership of the nation. Even at a Church dinner, some will
feign passing up the most desirable piece of chocolate cake — until no one is looking!

True honesty emerges from humility. But when the “name of the game” is “snatch & grab,”
we look in vain for an honest player. Jethro was right, to be sure. He evidently had never
played with the “big boys.” In the LORD’s realm, they are called “truthful, honest men,”
and they were ultimately elevated to leadership among the LORD’s people.

There are numerous individuals today, who want to be leaders. There are fewer, however,
who are qualified to be such. Leadership comes from His appointment, not from contest.
Those who self-qualify are seldom truly able. Those who are prayerful, then lead through
spiritual prayerfulness. And it is through that prayerfulness that the LORD demonstrates
those He wants to lead.

Be willing to be a good and close follower of Jesus. The closer you are to Him, the more
qualified you become for wider and deeper leadership. Some are seeking leaders they can
follow; and they will always be found in the “spiritual dependency” group.

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