The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 6:16-23, “There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.
20 My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
21 Bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.”

Why would Solomon, author of the words above, speak so solemnly, yet forthrightly, to his sons? Could it be that he had experienced some or all of those things of which He warns them, and knew the pitfalls that lay ahead? Undoubtedly, he had experienced them all.

Strangely enough, youths are often warned by their parents. Yet, how would their parents know to warn them of such things? Youths are so focused on things of their delight, that they often have no time to give to thoughts of their parents’ youthful days.

Both the youth and the parents have serious responsibilities. If the proper
love and concern exists between them, trust will work in both directions, the vicissitudes of life will be mutually beneficial.

Such relationships, however, are simply not acquired in the moment of need. Mutual loving trust must be developed over a lifetime. A parent gains
the respect of a child over years of loving fellowship. Now, as the children move into adulthood, they assume the responsibilities of practical teachers.
Their children will become what their parents have taught them.

Parents who have loved and committed their lives to Jesus Christ, will mirror and teach His Life to their children. Thus, the values cited by Solomon in the
verses above, will demonstrate their value in the generations that follow.

Where are you in the matter of teaching others? Often, more is caught than taught. Thus, the influence of the true Christ-like believer never dies. Is that
the value of your life? I most heartily trust that it is!

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