The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 2:12-16, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”

It’s debatable, but there’s probably nothing more difficult to do than to obey! From the earliest days of childhood, obedience was taught to us all (in one manner or another).

“Did you do what I told you to do?” “What on earth have you done with the time?” “How long have you been in completing that simple task?” –and the list goes on and on. Still, it’s doubtful that as children it ever occurred for a single moment that behind all of these questions lay a measure of the will of God.

Obedience is often challenged by our own desires and the influence of those around us; yet, it remains a cornerstone of spiritual growth. It is through consistent and humble obedience that we reflect the light and character of Christ, even when it feels difficult or countercultural.

It is parental discipline (and discipline is not always punishment!) that teaches us to obey the LORD. And it does the same for our children when we discipline them with love.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom